08/24/2026
Boozhoo!
Bezhigo binesi nindizhinikaaz. Maang nindoodem. Gaawaabaabiganikaag nindoonjiba. Mahnomen nindaa.
My name is Desiree Linden, and I am honored and excited to introduce myself as the new leader of Circle of Life Academy. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve our students, families, staff, and community and to be part of the continued growth and success of our tribal school.
Most recently, I served as the American Indian Education Director for Mahnomen Public School District, where I was part of the American Indian Education program for nine years. Throughout my career, I have developed a deep passion for American Indian Education and a strong commitment to creating educational experiences that recognize, honor, and celebrate the culture, language, history, and identity of our Indigenous students. I believe our students deserve an education that not only prepares them academically, but also helps them understand who they are, where they come from, and the strength and resiliency of their people.
I am an enrolled member of the White Earth Nation, and my connection to our community is at the heart of who I am as an educator and leader. I earned my Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from White Earth Tribal and Community College, my Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education Leadership with emphasis in Child Development from Rasmussen University, and my Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Minnesota State University Moorhead. In May, I completed my Specialist Degree from Minnesota State University Moorhead, earning Minnesota administrative licensure as a PreK–12 Principal, Superintendent, and Community Education Director.
While education has been a major part of my professional journey, serving and giving back to my community has always been equally important to me. During my nine years with the American Indian Education Program, I had the opportunity to work closely with students, families, tribal leaders, and community members. This included participating in monthly American Indian Parent Advisory Committee (AIPAC) meetings and monthly Johnson-O’Malley (JOM) meetings, where I was able to listen to families, learn from community members, and help advocate for the needs and educational success of our American Indian students.
Some of the most meaningful parts of my work in Mahnomen were the relationships I built with students. I had the privilege of serving as the advisor for the Mahnomen Schools Opichi Drum Group for six years and as the advisor for the Indigenous Youth Council for the past three years. These student groups gave me the opportunity to spend time with our young people outside of the traditional classroom setting. Through drumming, cultural activities, leadership opportunities, college visits, community events, and simply spending time together, these students helped me learn, navigate, appreciate, and truly enjoy working alongside our Indigenous youth. They taught me just as much as I hope I taught them, and the relationships I built with these students will always be an important part of my educational journey.
I have also been deeply involved in my community. I have served on the Mahnomen Tribal Community Council for the past eight years and currently serve as Chair this year. I have also been a member of the Wild Rice Day Committee for the past four years. These experiences have provided me with opportunities to work alongside community members, organizations, and leaders to create positive change and strengthen our community.
I have always believed that if we want to see change, we need to be willing to be part of that change. Rather than sitting back and talking about what needs to be different, I believe in stepping forward, getting involved, listening to others, and working together to find solutions. I carry that same philosophy into my work as an educator and leader.
Outside of my career and community involvement, I am a proud mom of seven children: Lilly (19), Bentley (16), Avery (14), Craig (13), Clayton (12), Tucker (11), and Clairity (10). Life is certainly busy, but I would not trade it for anything. My family keeps me grounded and reminds me every day of the importance of creating schools and communities where children feel supported, valued, and proud of who they are. In my free time, I enjoy reading, beading, spending time at our lake cabin, and, most of all, making memories with my family.
As I begin this next chapter of my educational journey, I am incredibly excited to become part of the Circle of Life Academy community. I look forward to getting to know our students and families, learning from our staff and community, and working together to build upon the strengths of our school.
I believe our children are our greatest investment, and they deserve leaders who believe in them, advocate for them, and create opportunities for them to succeed. My hope is that every student at Circle of Life Academy knows that they belong here, that their voice matters, that their culture and identity are strengths, and that they have a community behind them cheering them on.
I am looking forward to the journey ahead and to the relationships, learning, growth, and memories we will create together.
Miigwech, and I look forward to meeting you!
Desiree Linden
Circle of Life Academy
Principal/Superintendent/Community Education Director
