Mentoring Program Associate
Phone: 763-233-6333

As a Program Associate for BestPrep's eMentors, Dakota works to foster meaningful connections between high school students and working professionals. He believes that mentorship is one of the most crucial elements in paving a young person's path to success, and that by sharing ideas, experiences, and stories of both triumphs and failures, mentors and mentees encourage exponential growth in each other.

Before joining BestPrep, Dakota taught music to a variety of ages, including 5th-12th grade choir in Rockford, MN, and undergraduate vocal jazz students at the University of North Texas. He is also an active freelance musician, as he recently released his debut album of original jazz compositions, Switchgrass, and sings with the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers. Dakota's experience as a teacher and musician brings a spirit of creativity and collaboration to his work with BestPrep's students, teachers, and volunteers.

In his free time, Dakota enjoys supporting the vibrant Twin Cities arts scene, spending time with his partner, Carson, and exploring new restaurants and nature spots around Minnesota.