The Foundation for Eden Prairie Schools is governed by an all volunteer Board of Directors including district staff, business professionals and community leaders. We are grateful for their dedication to our mission.
2024-2025 Board of Directors:
Liz Dayton – Chair
Liz is a former Eden Prairie Schools teacher who now works in gifted education with Intermediate District 287. She also works as an adjunct faculty member with St. Mary’s University and the College of St. Benedict/St. John’s University as a supervisor of student teachers. Liz has been a FEPS board member since 2018 and enjoys giving back to the school community through FEPS.
Marielle Lejcher – Vice Chair of the Board
Marielle Lejcher is proud to bring 20+ years professional experience and leadership in the medical device industry to an organization that is dedicated to supporting its students, teachers, parents, volunteers, and staff through exceptional programs and opportunities. Marielle grew up in Scottsdale, AZ but has called Eden Prairie home for over 15 years. She currently works as VP Regulatory Affairs and Quality for CovarsaDx and VP for ZoaDx, both clinical research organizations, and is also an Adjunct Professor at the University of St Thomas. Marielle has 3 students attending Eden Prairie schools and is passionate about community engagement and enhancing the legacy of excellence in Eden Prairie schools through FEPS.
Liz Lindner – Secretary
Liz Lindner has 3 students attending Eden Prairie Schools, and is part of the leadership team for both the Prairie View and Early Childhood PTOs. After several years as an elementary school teacher, Liz now works in children’s ministry for her childhood church.
John Estall – Treasurer
John Estall and his wife have lived in Eden Prairie for 35 years. They raised two children who received a great education from Eden Prairie Schools. They like to give back to the community by being a part of the Foundation for Eden Prairie Schools.
Amina Adeyemi – Director
Amina Adeyemi is a mum of 2 boys (an incoming 2nd grader and an incoming kindergartener). She is also an Attorney and owner of a home bakery, Veeyon Cakes in Eden Prairie.
Ben Anderson – Director
Ben Anderson has spent a lifetime in the Eden Prairie community – first as a student of EP schools (Class of ’94), and then as a band director at Central Middle School for more than 25 years. He oversees many of the co-curricular music ensembles, including the Jazz Band and Pep Band. He has also lead the CMS Symphonic Travel Band on multiple music tours to Chicago and Madison/Wisconsin Dells. Ben also plays drums in Bend in the River Big Band, Sticky Lifters, and several other local groups. When not teaching or playing music, Ben enjoys spending time with his family, fly fishing, camping, and visiting the US National Parks.
Charlie Crocker – Director
Charlie Crocker graduated from Eden Prairie Schools in 2010 where he was well-known as the Eagle mascot for three years while at EPHS. He benefited from the countless opportunities in Eden Prairie and quickly recognized how lucky we were to have elite public schools. With a passion for equity within the community (and an appetite for politics, thanks to the EPHS social studies department), Charlie graduated from Boston University with a degree in Political Science. He spent eight years working in Washington, D.C. for The Raben Group, a progressive public policy firm, before returning to the Twin Cities in 2020. He currently resides in the North Loop working at Media Bridge Advertising.
CJ Strehl – Director
CJ has been deeply involved in Eden Prairie Schools and the community for over a decade. As a finance professional, he provides analysis, expertise, and advice for businesses, non-profits, and school districts. He was elected and served from 2021-2025 on the Eden Prairie School Board and served as Treasurer from 2023-2025. He has been active in the community as a coach, scout master, and volunteer. He has four children: one graduate of EPHS and three current students at EPHS and CMS. He believes Eden Prairie and FEPS has provided his family an exceptional education and hopes to pay it forward through service and enthusiasm.
Stephanie Langhart – Director
With 20+ years in sales leadership and a passion for volunteerism, Steph is dedicated to empowering individuals and fostering team success. As Regional Vice President at Oracle, she’s built strong teams and helped clients achieve their goals. A Minnesota metro native, Steph is proud to live in Eden Prairie with their two children, who attend Prairie View Elementary. On the Foundation for Eden Prairie Schools Board, Steph brings leadership and a commitment to local education, driven by the belief that amplifying individual strengths creates lasting impact. Steph holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stout and an MBA from Hamline University.
Jody Ward-Rannow – Director
Jody has two children in Eden Prairie Schools: a daughter at CMS and a son at Eagle Heights. Jody is grateful for all that Eden Prairie Schools offers our students and families and looks for ways she can help contribute to our district’s mission. She has volunteered with the Eagle Heights PTO for several years and is a Co-Service Unit Manager for Eden Prairie Girl Scouts.
Dirk Tedmon – Director
Dirk Tedmon is an accomplished marketing and communications professional with a track record of success. As the Executive Director of Marketing and Communications for Eden Prairie Schools, he leads a team focused on delivering effective and equitable communication to students, caregivers, staff and community. He is an effective storyteller and strategic thinker with a keen eye for what could be rather than what is. Dirk also serves as the President of the Minnesota School Public Relations Association.
Dr. Robb Virgin – Director
Robb is the Executive Director of Learning & Innovation for Eden Prairie School District. In this role, he oversees the Departments of Learning, Teaching, and Curriculum; Special Services; Technology; Learning Analytics, Data, & Reporting; and Multilingual Learning. He was previously principal at Eden Prairie High School. Robb holds a PhD in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Minnesota—Twin Cities.
