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5300 Alpine Drive NW, Ramsey, Minnesota 55303, United States
Northern Starz Staff
Co-Founder and Executive Director
Rachel Bohnsack
As Co-Founder and Executive Director of Northern Starz, Rachel has over 30 years of experience in financial management, communications, theater, human resources, and programming. Rachel completed her college education as a performing arts and music major, with a minor in communications. After raising her family, she pursued further education at Notre Dame University and NYU, focusing on nonprofit fund development and nonprofit administration. She is passionate about the performing arts and is dedicated to ensuring the inclusion of individuals who share her passion for the arts.
Co-Founder and Creative Director
Kyle Frederickson
Associate Director & Director of Disabilities Programming
Paula Anderson
Having always enjoyed theater since being a teenager, Paula returned to college as a nontraditional student after 25 years of working in public schools. She graduated from Anoka Ramsey Community College in the spring of 2017 with an Associate of Fine Arts in Theater. Paula works as a director, costume designer & stage manager around the Twin Cities, she is currently the resident costume designer at Anoka Middle School for the Arts. She is passionate about theater for all abilities and is excited to be the Associate Director of Penguin Programming for Northern Starz.
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Production Manager
Gabriella Rosen
Gabriella is a performer, improviser, and director with a lifelong passion for the arts. She graduated in May of 2026 from Illinois Wesleyan University with a BFA in acting and is happy to be back in the Twin Cities pursuing what she loves most. She had the wonderful opportunity of studying abroad in Ireland at the West End House School of Art in Killarney and the Gaiety School of Acting in Dublin during the summer of 2025, where she learned an incredible amount on the craft of theater and saw life changing performances. Whether performing on stage or directing behind the scenes, she strives to build a community within the arts and just create together. After many years away from Northern Starz, she is more estcatic to be back where her passion started, but as the Production Manager! Gabriella cannot wait for what this next chapter will bring!
Volunteer Coordinator
Jane Johnson
Bookkeeper
Kat Fritz
Board of Directors
Board President
Negin Emami-Simones
Negin Emami-Simones resides in Champlin with her husband of 12 years, their son, and daughter. With 15 years of experience as a behavior analyst and mental health practitioner, she recently joined her husband’s real estate team, blending her passion for helping people with her new venture. In 2023, while her daughter participated in her first theater production, Negin joined the Northern Starz Theater as a Board Member at Large. She is committed to supporting the theater’s mission of partnering with the community and families to provide innovative and diverse performing arts education in a welcoming, family-friendly environment. Negin values the theater’s focus on fostering creativity, cultural diversity, and community engagement. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, attending sporting events, and spending time with her loved ones.
Board Treasurer
Jackie Mjolhus
Jackie plays a vital role in maintaining transparency and accountability for the organization’s financial health. She assists with fundraising efforts, ensuring donations are properly managed and spent according to the organization’s mission. Jackie’s dedication and financial expertise help the organization thrive while staying fiscally responsible.
Members at Large
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Jen Golden - Secretary
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Megan Olsen
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Sarah Shidell
