Kingdom Builders Staff

We were put on this earth to serve God and grow His kingdom. There are some amazing people here at Kingdom Builders who have come together to bring this community a place for children to receive a Christ and service focused education.

Jon Ness

Jon Ness was an EBD teacher at JW Smith Elementary School for the past 30 years. He was also a principal at a small Christian school for two years. Mr. Ness has been married to Cindy for the past 30 years. They have 6 children ranging from 12 years old to 31. They have three grandchildren at this time. Cindy and Jon run an asphalt maintenance business and a residential rental business. The Ness' have done foster care for 20 years and specialize in taking in highly addicted infants. Mr. Ness will serve as Principal for Kingdom Builders and will consult with the board to offer ideas and direction. The Ness' have one child who is enrolled at KBCS.

Leah Bratlien

Leah grew up in the Bemidji area, attending Bemidji State and getting licensed in elementary education and art education (k-12). She worked in the school district for over 20 years as an art teacher, while also teaching small group math and reading classes (Leah did take a couple year break from the district and worked as an administrator at the Boys and Girls Club when it was first opening.) Leah has two children of her own and enjoys spending time with them, taking walks, and doing various 'artsy' projects.

Peter Coffin

Peter Coffin is a lifelong Bemidji resident and a 2020 graduate of Bemidji State University with both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English, specializing in World Literature and Composition. Having benefitted himself from attending a Christ-centered private school, Mr. Coffin can attest to the positive influence it has had in his own life. His goal every day is to provide to today’s generation what was given to him: quality individualized education in an atmosphere of encouragement, friendship, and faith.

Whenever he is not teaching Mr. Coffin is spending time with his ever-wise and supportive wife, Lynnea, who he has been married to since 2015, and their daughter Novella. Mr. Coffin also enjoys hiking, canoeing and amateur mountain climbing. He is working on visiting every state park in Minnesota and every national park in the United States, among other travels.

Dennis Peterson

Dennis is married to Nancy. They have two children and four grandchildren. He graduated from Bemidji High School in 1970 and Bemidji State University Cum Laude in 1979.

Dennis is a Vietnam veteran and has a lengthy work and teaching career. He has worked at Bemidji State University (Technology, Art, and Design), Deer River School District (grades 7-12), Waconia Public Schools (grades 7-12), Suburban Electric, CoreCraft Canoes, and Lindsey Rafter Factory in California. Some of Dennis's highlights include:

- 2009 Spirit of Discovery and Imagination Award from the state of Minnesota.

- 2009 OM/DI Coach of the Decade, Duluth Region

- 2002-2006 Judge for "Walt Disney Salutes the American Teacher" awards

- 2003 Inducted into BSU Outstanding Alumni

- 1999 Disney Mentor Teacher

- 1995 Inducted into the Bemidji State University Teacher Hall of Fame

- 1995/1990 Certificate of Commendation from Gov. Arne Carlson and Gov. Rudy Perpich

- 1993 Named a Christa McAuliffe Fellow for Educational Pioneering, Washington D.C.