Q: Tell us about yourself.
A: Hi! I’m Annalise, and I grew up on a farm outside of Elkton, SD, alongside my four siblings in a small community of about 700 people. I’m a loud and proud Jackrabbit, earning both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from South Dakota State University. My husband, Tyler, and I moved to Fargo in 2018, and it’s been an adventure acclimating to all the green and yellow.
I’ve been a teacher for 11 years, with the last six at West Fargo Public Schools, working in Career & Technical Education at the high school level. My husband and I have two kids, Ronyn (6) and Lakyn (3), who keep us busy and laughing nonstop. As a family, we love going on walks and bike rides and exploring the many indoor playgrounds our community offers.
I’m an outgoing and social person who likes to think they’re funny—but only if you appreciate dry humor and witty comebacks. At the end of the day, I just want to make people laugh and ensure they feel valued and cared for.
When time allows, a few of my favorite things include true crime podcasts, golfing (FOOOOOORE), reading (give me a mystery or thriller, and I’m hooked), spending time with my friends—Rachel, Joey, Chandler, Phoebe, Monica, and Ross… and my real-life ones, too—attending sporting events and concerts, and seeking out new experiences and making memories with my family.
Q: Who are some people who have been influential in your journey?
A: My parents have been incredibly influential, and the older I get, the more I realize it. I’ve watched them navigate the highs and lows of life with resilience and grace, teaching me invaluable lessons about perspective, decision-making, and how different roles shape our experiences.
Another major influence has been my daughter, Lakyn. When we learned in March 2021 that she would have Down syndrome, it shifted my perspective both personally and professionally. She has influenced the way I view inclusion, advocacy, and opportunity, and she continues to inspire me every day.
Q: What drives you?
A: My kids, Ronyn and Lakyn. If there’s something I can be part of that has the potential to positively impact their future, I’m in. Whether it’s related to education, opportunities, or equitable experiences, I want them to grow up in a community and society that values their perspectives and accepts them for exactly who they are.
