Hi, I’m Melissa Kroll and I have lived in Big Lake since 2000 and love remaining a part of this community where my husband and I can now raise our kids. I have worked in several forms of education since graduating college and currently work as a Para Educator at the middle school and with Kids Club/Hive Time. I love being active in Big Lake and volunteer my time to several organizations and events. Have you been to the Spooktakular Haunted Trail? Well then you may have passed me or my family dressed in one of those scary costumes! And it also means you been to my childhood home as the trail is hosted on my parents’ property. I consider being selected as a Face of Big Lake one of my best accomplishments and I hope you enjoy my story.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My husband, Chris, and I have been married for 13 years. We have 2 kids – Joshua who is 9 and Erica who is 7. Mine and Chris’ parents actually live in town and across the street from each other! Chris and I started dating when we were younger and had always grown up right across from each other. I am the oldest of 4 kids and we all live within a 4 mile radius of one another and our parents.
Q: How long have you lived and/or worked in Big Lake?
I was born in Brainerd and we moved to Big Lake in 2000. My family has been here ever since. Both my husband and I went to Big Lake Schools. Now our kids go there as well. My dad works at Liberty as a custodian and has been there over 25 years.
Q: Tell us about your current, past, or future career.
I received my BA in Education from Wisconsin Stout and began teaching at Heritage Montessori where I taught 1st through 5th grades at one time. I was there for 4 years and then moved to Lil’ Achievers/New Creations and was the Pre-K teacher for 7 years. I then took a role as a Para Educator at Big Lake Middle School and also with Kids Club/Hive Time. Going forward in my career, I want to remain in our school system. In addition to my career in our school system, I also am the Secretary of the Big Lake Women of Today and have been doing this for many years. I was in charge of organizing our Spudfest Parade for 13 years and still help our WOT President, Natalie, with the parade. As a member of Women of Today, I work on the Easter Egg Hunt, Back to School Supplies Fundraiser and providing donations from Women of Today to local organizations. I am proud to be the President of the Spooktakular event – which is held on my parents’ land! My entire family loves to be involved and always help with the Easter eggs, working Spooktacular to organize, and dress up as some of the haunted trail ghouls! Finally, I also enjoy my time volunteering as a Cross Walk Patrol for our Middle School.
Q: Have you ever had a nickname? What is it and why were you given it?
My nickname is Missy and my family still calls me this.
Q: What is your favorite TV Show, Movie, Book? (Please list as many as you’d like!)
For movies I like comedy, romance, and classics. One favorite is a Very Brady Christmas. For T.V. I really like Friends.
Q: If you could only eat one food/meal and have one beverage for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I would definitely choose pasta and wine.
Q: What are some of your favorite hobbies or pastimes?
Both Chris and I love to cook. Now our kids get involved and it becomes wonderful family time. We plan our meals together and spend time in the kitchen together cooking for the week. I love to be outside at bonfires. We have 3 firepits! In the summer we enjoy grilling over the fire. Fishing – both winter and summer – is also a big favorite.
Q: What is one thing on your bucket list?
I would like to travel more. It would be wonderful to get back to Australia. I went in the 5th grade with the People to People Ambassador Program for 3 weeks. We spent time along the whole coast and visited farms, hotels, and Olympic Stadium. I want to go back now as an adult.
Q: What would you buy/do if you won the lottery?
I would pay off everything, help my family out, travel and just experience things.
Q: If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
One challenge I have is to try and not please everyone. I want to help all the time but it isn’t always possible.
Q: Who has been a hero in your life?
My mom and dad. We do everything as a family. They taught me how to help other people and how that being together as a family is important.
Q: What is something even your family and friends may not know about you?
I am horrible with names! I will remember them the next day though.
Q: What is your proudest accomplishment?
My proudest accomplishments are being selected as a Face of Big Lake and receiving the Education Support Staff Nomination which is a Statewide Award.
Q: What are a few of your favorite businesses / restaurants in Big Lake?
The Buff, Pizza Factory, Lake Cafe, and Cambo Flare
Q: What is one of your favorite things about Big Lake?
The people! It is so nice going around town and recognizing people.
Q: What advice would you give to people living in Big Lake?
Get to know people and get involved in organizations. If you attend events and meetings, you will meet great people.
Q: Who is an interesting person in our community that you’ve met and deserves to be included in The Faces of Big Lake project?
Mel and Patti Borchert and Teresa Tonnelson
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