Dr. Hala Asamarai, Ed.D.
Executive Director

Dr. Hala Asamarai joined Lionsgate, as the Executive Director, in Spring 2023. She brings 18 years of experience in education with over 12 years of leadership experience in schools of both urban and suburban settings. In addition to holding a Tier 4 Teaching License in 9-12 Life Science, and a K-12 Principal Administrative License, she also earned a Masters of Arts in Teaching from Hamline University, and an Education Doctorate, from Argosy University, in Instructional Leadership with a focus on Education Technology. Dr. Asamarai comes to us with experience as a middle and high school teacher of Life Science, Math, and English Language Arts, a Dean of students in a middle school, a Principal of an elementary and middle school, a founder of a Saturday School, and an Instructional Specialist- coaching and observing teachers to help them grow and develop. She is also a formerly elected public official, having served on the Columbia Heights School Board as well as the Global Academy and Global ABC boards. In addition to being bilingual, Dr. Asamarai also has extensive experience in equity work and Restorative Practices. In her free time, she likes spending time with her family and cats, and photographing nature. She also enjoys spending evenings knitting, crocheting, and updating her TikTok with more tutorials on those pursuits. Finally, she is looking forward to our first blizzard so she can drive her truck “Stella” around in the snow.

Ryan Rehnstrand, M. Ed.
Director of Student Services

Mr. Rehnstrand joined Lionsgate Academy as the Director of Special Education in 2016 and became the Director of Student Services in 2018. Prior to joining LGA, Ryan was the Assistant Director of Special Education at Mid-State Education District for six years. Ryan worked with the Pierz, Onamia, Royalton, Upsala, and Swanville School Districts. From 2000-2010, Ryan was an EB/D teacher and head swim coach for the Buffalo/Hanover/Montrose School District. Ryan received his bachelors in Elementary Education from Moorhead State University, his Master’s in Special Education from St. Cloud State University, and his Principal and Director’s license from St. Mary’s University.

James “Andy” Saunders, B.S.
Director of Technology

James “Andy” Saunders is the Technology Director of Lionsgate Academy.  Andy joined the staff of Lionsgate Academy in 2015, after relocating to the Minneapolis area from Pittsburgh, PA.  A native of Houston, TX, Andy served in the Navy before gaining information technology experience in the private sector.  A Certified ITIL professional, he holds a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology and Management from  Point Park University as well a certification in management practices from the University of Minnesota.

Brandy Schwab, M.A.
Principal, Lionsgate Shoreview

Brandy Schwab grew up in a small town in the Western Slope of Colorado. She holds a teaching certificate in social studies from Minnesota State University-Moorhead and a master of arts degree in gifted, creative, and talented education from the University of St. Thomas. Mrs. Schwab has been with Lionsgate Academy for 10 years, serving as a social studies teacher, academic director, assistant director, and principal. She also served on the Lionsgate board of directors for three years. Mrs. Schwab is not only passionate about working with young people, she is dedicated and committed to the organization, vision and mission of the school. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, enjoying country living, reading, swimming, movies and crafting.

Rachel Boyack, M.A.
Principal, Lionsgate Minnetonka

Rachel Boyack grew up on a dairy farm west of the metro area and attended Southwest Minnesota State University where she received a history degree. She taught in rural southwestern Minnesota and South Dakota for four years before returning to the Twin Cities. Mrs. Boyack started at Lionsgate Academy in the fall of 2009 as social studies inclusion teacher/case manager, took on the role of special education coordinator in 2012, then became principal at the Minnetonka campus in 2017. Mrs. Boyack received her Master of Arts in special education at Bethel University and her administrative licensure through St. Cloud State University. She enjoys spending time with her husband, two daughters and two dogs.

Jessica Bjorkman, BCBA-D, Ph.D.
AIM Site Director, North St. Paul

Dr. Bjorkman joined Lionsgate Academy in the fall of 2014 as the school’s first Board Certified Behavior Analyst. In the fall of 2015, she became the first Special Programs Supervisor supporting the resource rooms and in early 2016 joined the North St. Paul team as the building’s Site Director. Prior to Lionsgate Academy, Dr. Bjorkman worked for a special education cooperative for 5 years and also worked privately with families whose children needed behavioral support in the home and community settings. Dr. Bjorkman grew up in St. Cloud Minnesota and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis from St. Cloud State University. In 2008, she defended her dissertation at the University of Minnesota earning her Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Psychology/Special Education. Currently she is working on earning her principal and director of special education licenses through St. Mary’s University.