Leadership

Senior Leaders

Mark Hansen, Ph.D.

Superintendent of Schools

hansenm@elmbrookschools.org

262.781.3030 x1123

Dr. Mark Hansen has served as Superintendent for the award-winning School District of Elmbrook since 2012. Mark has worked diligently towards his passion of creating systems and leaders that embrace the motto, “Every Student, Every Time, All the Time.” He enjoys watching teaching and learning occur in the classrooms each day and loves witnessing ‘lightbulb’ moments in students when they learn something new or innovatively master a difficult task.

Dr. Hansen earned his doctorate degree in Educational Leadership from Cardinal Stritch University in 2012. His dissertation took an in-depth look at how award-winning principals learn, grow, lead, and the commonalities in their professional development practices. Mark received his Bachelor’s of Science in History from UW-Whitewater in 1993 and completed his Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership at Marian University in 1997.

Prior to his current role, Dr. Hansen served as Chief Academic Officer for the Pewaukee School District; Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction at the School District of Waukesha; Principal of Waukesha South High School; Assistant Principal for Waukesha, Brown Deer, and Pewaukee districts; and as a Social Studies teacher for Pewaukee. Over his career, he has been known as an innovator and risk taker including the establishment of two charter schools that emphasize engineering and health care career preparation.

In 2006, Dr. Hansen was named Wisconsin High School Principal of the Year by the Association of Wisconsin School Administrators and was one of three finalists for National Principal of the Year by the National Association of Secondary School Principals. In 2018, Dr. Hansen completed his national superintendent certification through AASA. In 2021, he received the 2021 Advocate of the Year Award from the Waukesha County Business Alliance for demonstrating incredible dedication to making Waukesha County a vibrant community.

Mark and his wife have 2 boys together and his greatest joy is spending time with his family. He also enjoys making time for faith, fitness, and fun!

Kristin Sobocinski

Assistant Superintendent for Business Services

sobocink@elmbrookschools.org

262.781.3030 x1142

Kristin Sobocinski began as Assistant Superintendent for Business Services for Elmbrook Schools in July 2016. She directs a talented group of individuals that value the work they do and take pride in serving the Elmbrook schools. Kristin is responsible for a district budget of over $100 million dollars, and enjoys the diversity that each work day brings with it.

Kristin earned her Master’s Degree in Business Administration from University of Missouri- St. Louis in 2000 and a Business Manager Certification from UW-Whitewater in 2004. Kristin received her Bachelor’s Degree in Economics (1995) from the University of Wisconsin.

Prior to Elmbrook, Kristin served as the Director of Business Services for Grafton, Brown Deer, and Greenfield School Districts, giving her a collective 14 years of experience. She has also served as a Marketing Manager for several private businesses around the country.

Kristin has three very active children that occupy a lot of her spare time. When she is able, she enjoys exercise, going for runs, and a good book.

Chris Thompson

Chief Strategy Officer

thompsoc@elmbrookschools.org

262.781.3030 x1163

Chris Thompson has served as the Chief Strategy Officer for the Elmbrook Schools since 2005. He leads a team of talented staff in the areas of Technology, Transportation, Student Information and Communications, whose recent work includes COVID-19 planning and facilitation of the Facilities and Enrollment Task Force. Chris also guides the development of the District’s Strategy which is communicated through an annual Strategy Map.

Chris earned his Master’s Degree in Distance Education from the University of Maryland, University College in 2005. Chris received his Bachelor’s Degree from Georgetown University. He currently serves as an adjunct Professor at Milwaukee School of Engineering where he teaches an Operations and Continuous Improvement Course.

Prior to Elmbrook, Chris was the Director of Technology at Hartford Union High School for seven years as well as a track and cross country coach. He also worked in Finance and Technology Consulting giving him a diverse set of experiences that he leverages in his current role.

Chris and his wife have four children who add interest, excitement and energy to each and every day. With any spare time, Chris enjoys running and supporting his Hoyas.

Mike Sereno, Ed.D.

Assistant Superintendent for Teaching & Learning: Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment

serenom@elmbrookschools.org

262.781.3030 x1115

Dr. Mike Sereno has served as Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning: Curriculum, Instruction, & Assessment for Elmbrook Schools since 2019. He works to promote student-centered learning, inclusive practices, a rigorous and aligned curriculum, and high quality teacher and administrator leadership. He leads a talented teaching and learning team that drives change through deployment of best practices, cycles of continuous improvement, and supports school leaders, teachers, and staff as they make student dreams come true. Mike loves working with Elmbrook’s intellectually curious and passionate students, supportive community, and staff that are driven to provide students with authentic and meaningful learning experiences that develop their knowledge, skills, talents and passions.

Dr. Sereno earned his doctorate degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from Edgewood College in 2017. His dissertation was on The Impact of a Personalized Learning Framework on Student Achievement. Mike received his Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education and Teaching from the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh, and completed his Master’s in Educational Administration and Supervision in 2002 from the University of Wisconsin - Madison.

Prior to his role as Assistant Superintendent, Mike served in various leadership positions throughout Elmbrook since 2003 including Director of Secondary Education, Principal of Pilgrim Park Middle School, and Associate Principal of Brookfield Central. In addition to his Elmbrook experiences, Mike has served on the Association of Wisconsin School Administrators (AWSA)’s Professional Development Committee.

Mike and his wife have four daughters who keep their lives interesting. In his free time, he enjoys sports, outdoor activities, movies, and spending time with his family.

Tanya Fredrich, Ph.D.

Assistant Superintendent for Teaching & Learning: Student Services

fredrict@elmbrookschools.org

262.781.3030 x1188

Dr. Tanya Fredrich has served as Elmbrook’s Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning: Student Services since 2020. She leads a dedicated staff that strives to provide a high-quality education for all students and works tirelessly to advance classroom inclusivity, social-emotional learning, and develop long-range plans for systemic change.

Dr. Fredrich earned her doctorate degree in Leadership, Learning, and Service from Cardinal Stritch University in 2015. Her dissertation was on RTI Implementation in a Middle School Setting. Tanya received her Bachelor’s Degree in Communicative Disorders from the University of Wisconsin - Madison in 1999 and her Licensure in Learning Disabilities (1997) and Masters in Education (2001) from the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater.

Prior to her role as Assistant Superintendent, Tanya served in leadership positions for Elmbrook beginning in 2007 and created Elmbrook’s annual iSummit conference focused on classroom inclusion. In addition, Dr. Fredrich serves on a number of community committees including Parents United, Waukesha County Special Education Regional Directors Collaboration, DPI edTPA Work Group, Social-Emotional Learning for United States, Prevent Suicide Waukesha County Workgrop, and Wisconsin Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Her work has been recognized with the reception of Wisconsin Council of Administrators of Student Services Director of the Year Award (2013) and Elmbrook’s Excellence in Leadership Award (2016).

Directors