Faculty & Staff Directory

Nativida received her BA in Studio Art from Gustavus Adolphus College and earned her Elementary Education License from Augsburg College, which led to teaching positions with Minneapolis Public Schools across grades two through six. She later completed her K–12 Reading License at Hamline University. Guided by her belief that reading should be accessible to all learners, she trained in Orton Gillingham with Orton Gillingham Reading Specialists, earning certification C-OGRS-1. Building on this foundation, she now integrates with Structured Word Inquiry (SWI), a Science of Reading–aligned approach that helps students understand how English orthography is built on meaning, structure, and history.

Beyond teaching, Nativida finds joy in handwork—especially knitting and weaving—and in nurturing connections with family, friends, and the outdoors. One of her favorite guiding quotes is Robin Wall Kimmerer’s reminder that “all flourishing is mutual.” She also enjoys speaking Swedish and cherishes her family connections in Ecuador.