2020 Finalist Profiles

Emily Koscielniak (Kindergarten, Brookfield Elementary)
Emily is an outstanding Kindergarten teacher who has made an impact across the district as a literacy leader. In her classroom, she fosters a culture of kindness by rewarding and recognizing students who help each other and resolve conflicts. Her thoughtful work focuses on making sure every student in her class succeeds, and she brings enthusiasm and passion to her class every day.

Mike Marinello (Fifth Grade, Swanson Elementary)
Mike received strong support for his nomination by the parents in his classroom. He balances his kind, helpful approach with high expectations of all his students. He is a professional communicator and builds connections with each family as he strives to keep them up to date on academic progress. Mike is consistent in his approach and students experience daily success in both academics and life skills.

Heidi Rodich (Third Grade, Dixon Elementary)
Heidi is an amazing teacher who successfully creates inclusive classrooms every year. She is able to connect with each student at their level to assure everyone is learning and growing together. Described as cheerful and bright, her creative lessons, special incentives, and gentle and kind personality makes her classroom the happiest classroom you’ve ever seen.

Harry Rosa (Physical Education, Burleigh Elementary)
Harry has a very positive influence throughout Burleigh and would do anything for any student.  He runs intramurals, LEAP with Brookfield East High School, running club, musical, chess club, helps with the musical, and organizes the very popular Spooktacular Halloween-themed activities.  In his classroom, he provides feedback using video with students recording themselves. Absolutely everyone loves Harry, and you cannot replace that type of connectedness with students.

Lori Shinners (Second Grade, Tonawanda Elementary)
Lori is an exceptional teacher who maintains a level of energy that is unsurpassed. She has super high expectations for her students and they meet them without even knowing it. She has worked hard the last few years to integrate the new math curriculum and delivers it with joy, cheers, song, smiles and consistently achieves the very highest level of student engagement. She was described as, “the best I’ve seen in the business” and “one of the top educators I’ve worked with in my career.”

Shayla Estes (Science, Pilgrim Park)
Shayla is a constant, positive force who has embraced the model of co-teaching and co-serving. She is creative and always finds innovative ways to meet the needs of all learners in her classroom. She builds lasting relationships with both her students and her colleagues. She is a strong contributor to the culture and climate at PPMS; modeling her own willingness to grow and learn and find new solutions.

Stacy Klein (Social Studies, Pilgrim Park)
Stacy has a relentless approach to making sure her students are successful, always trying new and different ways to reach all of her students. She created a new club, Project Legacy, which allows students to become leaders in the student culture and climate at PPMS. Her positive, upbeat and warm attitude allows her to connect with students and build strong, trusting relationships, which inspires students to want to learn.

Nathan Knuth (Art, Wisconsin Hills)
Nathan is a gift to Wisconsin Hills Middle School!  The students adore him and the art program is thriving, due in large part to him and his passion for the art program.  He cares for kids and has emerged as a leader in the building and across the district!

Trish St. George (Math, Wisconsin Hills)
Trish uses AVID strategies regularly to engage students, and has stretched her technical acumen in the classroom.  She is a standing member of the Elmbrook Ed Camp, serves as Department Chair, and organizes events for our 8th graders. She is also recognized as a leader among her peers.

Mary Mann (World Languages - French, Brookfield Central)
The impact Mary has on those she teaches extends beyond academics. A student that nominated her for this award shared that because of her dedication to teaching she inspires her students by showing them what it truly means to love what you do. “Thanks to Madame, I want to pursue French beyond high school.” Mary builds meaningful relationships not only with her students but with her peers as well. Her passion for the French language and culture rubs off on all those who cross her path.

Mark Ritter (Math, Brookfield East)
Mark is described as a “legend.” He stretches kids beyond their self-perceived potential. He has an unparalleled sense of efficacy and empowers students in their ability to apply and execute math comprehension. He leaves a lasting impression on all of his students. Through his love of both teaching and math, he fosters an immense belief in his students that they can make a difference by developing and using their math skills as they create their academic and career path. Mark has an encouraging way of teaching. His students are excited about math! He can help push them through rigor and students further appreciate the excitement of math. Mark strives to be the very best for his students and his passion for math and his enthusiasm are evident.

Dan Tess (World Languages - Latin, Brookfield Central)
Dan's knowledge of the subject matter he teaches is outstanding. He inspires his students by making Latin relevant in today's world. An example of his ‘thinking-outside-the-box’ teaching methods is his ability to translate popular phrases and pop songs into Latin which allows them to relate and have better comprehension of the language. You never know when you’ll hear your own private concert from Magister and his students when walking down the hallway past his classroom. His connection to his students is what draws them back each year to continue their Foreign language experience throughout their high school years.

Kellie Tutkowski (English, Brookfield East)
Kellie started the Equity Team at Brookfield East and has maintained the utmost level of professionalism with this heavy topic. As teachers, it becomes increasingly difficult to maintain non-academic duties throughout the year, but Kellie has managed to keep the Equity Team’s mission at the forefront. She is consistent with her approach and passion for this topic. Her positive attitude and professionalism continue to be admirable. The mission of the Equity Team is striving to improve student outcomes for each and every student regardless of race, culture, or background by promoting racial and multicultural inclusion and equity at Brookfield East High School through professional learning, student and family engagement, and curriculum development.

Stephanie Docter (Math, Wisconsin Hills)
Stephanie is all in on everything that we do at Elmbrook!  She co-plans, and works flawlessly with the TLS team engaging in coaching cycles. She is viewed in the building as ultra positive, and is always smiling and happy to be at Wisconsin Hills.  The kids adore her and enjoy being in her classroom.

Sara Lieske (Applied Technology, Pilgrim Park)
Sara is always striving to learn and incorporate new ideas in her classroom. She is constantly reflective, inclusive, and adaptive as she finds creative ways to meet the needs of her students to ensure they all have a great experience. Outside of the classroom, Sara runs the Girls Who Code club to help foster a love of coding in the students at Pilgrim Park.

Sally Losinske (Grade 4, Burleigh Elementary)
Sally has a very strong classroom community, supporting and encouraging all of her students to take part with respectful communication. She has developed an amazing connection with the students, and receives many positive comments from the parents. Sally’s energy is amazing and absolutely undeniable. Her passion about her work shines through, and she is doing what she is born to do.

Sarah Morales (Second Grade, Swanson Elementary)
Sarah is a bright, talented educator who was nominated by her entire PLC team. She has made strong personal connections with each child, and she works tirelessly to help her students succeed in their learning endeavors. She has taken extra professional development opportunities to learn new ways to meet the needs of her diverse learners. Sarah has worked collaboratively with the special education team members to ensure all students' needs are being met while holding each student to a high expectation each and every day.

Audrey Smith (Kindergarten, Tonawanda Elementary)
Audrey has had an outstanding year! She has shown an ability to see the good during the hard stuff and has provided guidance and support for a complex set of young learners. Dedicated heart and soul, she has fully thrown herself in and wrapped herself around her students to ensure continued learning is happening every day. She has an innovative mindset and consistently reflects on what is working well and what can be improved upon in her classroom. She has persevered through difficult situations, earned the trust of her parents, and is exactly what you want a new educator to be able to do.

Mary Barker (Speech/Language Pathologist, Tonawanda Elementary)
Mary’s influence is felt far beyond the Speech & Language role she fulfills. She is a giant in the building providing guidance in a gracious way. Her calming influence during stressful situations, her enthusiasm for teaching and learning and her expertise in child development has made her a pillar in the Tonawanda community. She treats everyone with respect and provides leadership with patience and grace. She is relied upon for her child development expertise and is simply known as the kid whisperer.

Danielle Hanson (Psychologist, Swanson Elementary)
Danielle is a key member of Swanson’s leadership team and continually goes above and beyond for both staff and students.  Her office is a revolving door as she advocates for students. Danielle is a great partner who can be counted on and provides tremendous value to the Swanson school community and consistently provides extraordinary guidance for staff, students and parents.

Heather Lemke (School Counselor, Brookfield Central)
Compassionate, empathetic, engaged, and patient are a few of the descriptors used to describe Heather Lemke. She is committed to supporting all of the students and families she serves. From students arriving new to BCHS requiring guidance, to those in greater need, her engagement is unwavering. A family who nominated Heather for this award stated, “She was a light in our most troubled times, and has impacted us at every turn.”

Aimee Schneidewent (Psychologist, Brookfield East)
Aimee Schneidewent is outstanding in her work with Hope Squad. In a group effort with other outstanding staff and students at BCHS and BEHS, Aimee has helped lead the implementation of the Elmbrook Hope Squad, a school-based peer support program that promotes suicide prevention and awareness. Elmbrook’s Hope Squad is the first in the state of Wisconsin, and Aimee will be able to train other Districts so that surrounding communities can implement their own Hope Squads. Last May, the Hope Squad hosted a show with Wisconsin comedian Charlie Berens of The Manitowoc Minute and raised over $10,000 for its program and Milwaukee’s Near West Side charity. Aimee’s work to empower our students with the skills and resources necessary to support each other in times of need is second to none.

Tina Berna (Fab Lab Specialist, Brookfield Central)
The BCHS Fab Lab is an environment where students and staff are able to create solutions to problems or challenges using state-of-the-art equipment such as 3D printers. In Tina’s first year as the Fab Lab specialist she has navigated the technology with ease. She has built solid relationships with students and staff. Tina’s incredibly helpful manner allows all Fab Lab users to be creative as she encourages advanced, hands-on learning.

Frances Bridger (Office Manager, Brookfield East)
Frances Bridger is an asset and a leader within BEHS! She makes everything better. She is extremely organized and knowledgeable on a plethora of subjects; you can go to her with literally any question and she either knows the answer or will help you find it. She organizes countless events and is always on top of her game. She gives timely feedback on anything you need help on and always has a smile on her face. Folks cannot say enough good things about her. Her passion for spirit days brings fun into BEHS and she is continually involved in school activities outside of the regular work day. Frances brings a shining light and presence into the BEHS main office. She is competent, passionate, friendly, and knowledgeable and does her job with the utmost grace.

Lori Golomski (Total Employee Rewards, District Office)
All staff BENEFIT from Lori's Excellent Service! For nearly 40 years, Lori has provided exceptional service to the district. Is there anything Lori doesn't do? Most recently, Lori has helped implement a New EyeMed Vision Program, a thoughtful Benefits Survey, a highly attended Retirement for All Presentation and Financial Wellness Fair, a new Healthmates Program, Managers on the Move, School Leaders on the Move, an Orthopedic Incentive Program, and 1099 Tax Statements! And she is never caught without a smile on her face. Not only is she super helpful and knowledgeable about all of these things, but she is passionate about them. Lori helps take the overwhelming world of employee benefits and tactfully breaks it down for staff to easily comprehend. She is a leader and innovator in the benefits world.

Julie Johnson (Office Manager, Dixon Elementary)
Julie is the office manager at Dixon Elementary. Her strengths and generous spirit have never been more evident than they have this year. Dixon’s new principal began a few weeks before school started and she never missed a beat between helping her new administrator yet continuing her constant support of the teachers, students, and families at Dixon. Julie’s friendly smile and positive attitude is the first thing you will notice when you enter the school. She works by her motto, “anything to make the teachers’ life easier.” She is incredibly responsive and her consistent follow-through makes the school run smoothly. Her years of dedication are appreciated by everyone. “She takes care of it all. Julie is Dixon Elementary.”

George Zahn (Custodian, District Office)
George is a thoughtful, vigilant and insightful employee at the heart of the District Office. Since starting at the building, he has assisted in the downsizing of the current building and has been an instrumental part in helping the staff prepare for their move to the new location this summer. George’s dedication goes above and beyond his normal duties in maintenance and room setup, and he connects with all building staff thanks to his fun personality and willingness to help others.

Brookfield East Custodial Team
(Rich Boesel, Mike Esmond, Ben Ewert, Bert Fennig, Jason Fuchs, Crystal Gerard, Richard Geldon, John Grass, Caleb Hauser, Max Hauser, John Hoppe, Wan Jirakaroonpong, Rich Johnson, Andrew Koutecky, Tom Lemmer, Jim Melotik, Tim Nault, Steve Nestingen-Palm, Charlie Schalmo, Tony Sergio, Brian Smith, Mike Vandenbush, Tom Voumard)
The BEHS custodial team works tirelessly, everyday, to prepare the building for student and staff use. They take pride and care in their work as they strive to serve the BEHS with the high quality customer service they have come to enjoy. Whether it’s providing facility support for conference athletic events, late night student activities, regional conferences or the setup and support of two graduation ceremonies each task is handled with a smile. The work this team does has a positive impact on not only the staff and students of BEHS but the community.

Brookfield Elementary Kindergarten Assistants Team
(Casey Aghjian, Flavia Lima, Rebecca Wrobbel, and Alison Ziebell)
The Brookfield Elementary Kindergarten Assistant Team has a profound collaboration each day with both teachers and students. The assistants are flexible, dedicated, and always willing and excited to lead. They take over the classes when needed and their support allows teachers to target and better meet the needs of all learners.

Food Service Leadership Team
(Cheryl Peil, Brittany Heaney, & Colleen Vickio; Central Office)
Cheryl, Brittany and Colleen run the largest restaurant operation in the City of Brookfield, serving over 3,300 students every day. Their experience and professionalism was on full display when we transitioned to virtual learning as they developed an entirely new model for food pickup and delivery for over 600 students. Their growth mindset, flexibility, and commitment to meeting the health and nutrition needs of all students is truly first-class.

Technology Team
(Dan Scott, Craig Sottile, Jeff Bigler, Jean Loepfe, Jake Peterson; Central Office)
The Technology team supports the needs of 8,600 students and staff and maintains 8,000 devices each year. When the decision was made to pursue virtual learning, the team went above and beyond to make sure every user had access to the software and hardware necessary to be successful. New processes for support and chromebook repair were established, and the team’s commitment to customer service has shown brightly.

Christine Birt (Brookfield Central / District)
Who is Christine Birt? She is a selfless magic maker who has gone above and beyond to make Elmbrook a better place for our children. Through the years her endless support has ranged from Theater Costume Seamstress, Elmbrook Parent Network and Leadership Council, PTO, District Libraries, WHMS “Run for the Hills”, Girl Scouts, Brookfield Lacrosse, girls hockey, chaperone and just about everything in between.

Jessica Hamel (Burleigh Elementary)
Jessica coordinated this year's 4th and 5th grade Burleigh musical and also serves on the school's PTO. Her work included coordinating choreography and costumes, leading 2-3 weekly practices, and ordering t-shirts for students. Jessica made the incredible amount of work she did look easy with her dedication and preparation!

Arvind Ramachandran (Wisconsin Hills)
In addition to the wildly successful FIRST Robotics team at Elmbrook, Arvind also started the FIRST Lego League with two wildly successful teams.  He volunteered to coach both teams and grew the program. Additionally, he is a strong proponent of educating the community on STEM initiatives and serving as one of the favorite mentors across the district for students.

Ken Seeman (Tonawanda Elementary)
Ken is a husband of a faculty member at Tonawanda. He generously gives of himself and his time by helping out in the phy ed classes. All of the students know him and LOVE him. He sees the big scope and contributes to the well being of the Tonawanda community. He never asks for anything in return, he just shares his time and talents with the students. Tonawanda is so thankful for his years of generosity.

Ivy & Linda Smith (Dixon Elementary)
Dixon Elementary is so grateful to Ivy Smith and Linda Smith for their years of volunteering at Dixon. They jointly coordinate the Nutcracker presentation each year, volunteering endless hours planning, organizing and working with the kids. This year they had 220 Dixon students in their production! This was their last year planning the event and Dixon is so thankful for all of their years of dedication and generosity of spirit they have shared with the students, parents and staff at Dixon.

Heather Brown (Teaching & Learning Specialist, Dixon Elementary)
Heather has been an amazing leader in our literacy efforts at Dixon during her time working in Elmbrook.  Heather's approachable leadership style, and her knowledge and expertise in literacy instruction make her a highly sought out coach and sounding board for her colleagues. Her can do attitude and desire to create the best opportunities for all staff and students were exemplified this fall when Heather took on additional leadership responsibilities to support her colleagues beyond her literacy leadership role. Staff at Dixon continue growing and developing in their own pedagogy thanks to the relationships Heather has developed and the credibility she has gained as a valuable resource supporting teaching and learning.

Emily Greiber (Director of Elementary Teaching & Learning, District Office)
This year, Emily has led the successful deployment of a new science curriculum and a renewed approach to literacy at the elementary level. She works collaboratively with school administrators and their leadership teams to deploy data-driven processes that are focused on continuous improvement. Emily utilizes her strong relationships to tackle difficult work, and is supportive and encouraging throughout.

Sarah Leatherman (Associate Principal, Wisconsin Hills)
WHMS Principal Matt Schroeder refers to the hiring of Sarah Leatherman as “the best thing I have done for students and staff since I started at WHMS.”  Ironically, it was one of the first decisions he had to make. She is a relationship builder, brave, smart, and funny. Staff/students alike respect her leadership style. She has also navigated challenging situations flawlessly, and has had a profound impact on school climate and culture.

Kathryn Ryan (Teaching & Learning Specialist, Brookfield East)
Kathryn is a teaching and learning specialist who leverages her relationships with her colleagues to move teachers forward at Brookfield East. Kathryn helps to facilitate leadership team meetings, mentors the library team, coaches teachers, and teaches English! Her knowledge of literacy and instructional best practices makes her an invaluable asset to all staff across the school.

Kelly Hakow (Special Education Assistant, Pilgrim Park)
Kelly provides caring and compassionate support to all students she works with. She brings a positive attitude and collaborative approach to her work while engaging students in targeted reading interventions, all while working in a graduate program to earn her reading teacher license. Kelly is knowledgeable, patient and skilled in delivering instruction and she has had a significant impact on students' success this year at PPMS.

DaShawn May (Special Education Assistant, Swanson Elementary)
It’s hard to believe that DaShawn is a first year special education assistant. He is a natural teacher who uses his instincts for teaching and helping kids. His calming influence on students has allowed him to make a strong connection with each of them. He helps his students grow socially, emotionally, and academically as a direct result of the time, effort and support he pours into his interactions.

Ginger Rodeman (Special Education Assistant, Wisconsin Hills)
Ginger works with some students with very special needs and has helped them make such positive transformations!  She has grown so much both personally and professionally and it has been really neat to see the way the students she works with are impacted by her extraordinary work.

Kanchi Senthilmurugan (Special Education Paraprofessional, Brookfield Elementary)
Kanchi is an invaluable asset to Brookfield Elementary. Over the past two years, she has taught herself Braille in order to help a visually imparied student learn to read and write.  As a result, this student has thrived academically and socially during his time at Brookfield Elementary. Kanchi builds relationships with students through conversation, humor and understanding, always with a smile on her face.

Kim Zahn (Special Education Assistant, Fairview South)
Kim is an amazing support to students in the classroom, Fairview South School, and the District. The great care she places on students extends beyond the school day as she insures continuity between school - home through strong communication with families. Kim has a unique ability to understand exactly what level of support each student needs, all while nurturing student independence. Kim’s peers seek and trust her advice because she has an abundance of great ideas and strategies that she is always willing to share. Kim is the ‘per-zahn-ification’ of excellence!

Ben Farley (Head Football Coach, Brookfield East)
Ben Farley leads a program that prides itself on hard work, high character, and student-athlete leadership. Coach Farley helps provide awesome opportunities for students of all ages and skill levels. Fall of 2019 was the second time in Coach Farley's four seasons as head coach that he has led his team to a state championship. The football program contributes so much to the culture of our school and we can't thank Coach Farley enough for his boundless efforts.

Dan Pronley (Blackbox Theater Manager, Brookfield Central)
Dan leads by example. He takes his talents and skills and shares them with students for the benefit of all. His enthusiasm is infectious and his inclusion of all interested students keeps them consistently engaged. He has built community, facilitated growth, created pathways for leadership and has single handedly breathed life into the Black Box Theater at BCHS. His fundraising efforts and interaction with the community has opened up additional opportunities for kids in the performing arts. Additionally, Dan has instituted an Elmbrook Summer Theater program that is open to middle and high school students throughout the District. This program builds self-esteem while strengthening skills in acting, production and all aspects of technical theater.

Stacy Stewart (Forensics, Pilgrim Park)
As the new lead PPMS Forensics Coach, Stacy assumed the impossible task of following in the footsteps of a forensics giant. Thanks to her ability to build relationships with all students and her creative approach to teaching and learning, Stacy has been able to continue the success of the program. The only thing that stopped Stacy and her team of forensicators was COVID-19, which ended their season just before the state competition.

Dr. Reinhard Zaiser (Latin & Chess Club, Swanson Elementary)
Dr. Zaiser is a chess master and is eager to teach students at Swanson Elementary the intricacies of the game.  Whether students are just learning the basics of the game or interested in perfecting their Nizmo-Indian Defense, all skill sets are welcome.  He is a fabulous teacher and students perform really well at tournaments. In order to remain engaged with students during virtual learning, Dr. Zaiser, sent home practice activities so students can continue to hone their skills.

Stacey Buerosse (Burleigh Elementary)
Stacey started at the beginning of the school year in special education supporting grade 1 for a staff member who had an unexpected need for long-term absence.  Stacey embraced the job, doing all that was asked of her and then come. She quickly got to know the students, called all parents, collaborated with the team, and prepared lesson materials.  Her attitude along pushes her to the top! She figured everything out on the go and retained a positive attitude the whole time.

Julie Coombs (Brookfield Elementary)
Julie Coombs is a kind, thoughtful, and responsive substitute that is loved and trusted among the teaching staff at Brookfield Elementary. Her warm personality allows her to build a quick and meaningful rapport with all students, and she propels classroom learning forward during her time in the classroom.

Anna Hessner (Pilgrim Park)
Anna has handled substitute teaching with grace and stamina and consistently produces meaningful learning opportunities for all students in her classes. She came to Pilgrim Park as a long-term substitute straight out of college and students have frequently requested to have her back. She brings life into each classroom she works in and her dedication extends far beyond her assigned duties.

Marc Hughes
Brookfield East Class of 1979
Marc Hughes is a beloved Social Studies Teacher at Pilgrim Park Middle School and has taught in Elmbrook for 20 years, beginning at Burleigh Elementary in 2000. He enjoys seeing the difference he is making in education when students show an interest in the history they're learning. Click here to read the full alumni spotlight profile on Marc.

Chrissy Pappas
Brookfield Central Class of 2013
Chrissy Pappas is an English Language Teacher at Burleigh Elementary and one of the coordinators of Elmbrook’s HeritageFest, a cultural celebration that regularly attracts over 1,000 participants. Shortly after starting in 2018, she created a new program called Culture Grams at Burleigh where students and their families shared their culture with the school through videos and slideshows. Click here to read the full alumni spotlight profile on Chrissy.

Concurrency
In 2019-20, the LAUNCH program opened its new office on the second floor of Concurrency’s office in Bishop Woods Office Park. The offices provide our students and those in partnering districts a professional atmosphere and setting that enhances more than 300 experiences that our students received this year. In addition to the space, our students have been able to observe Concurrency employees work and interact, and are able to develop their own work skills based on their observations. Our partnership with Concurrency would not have been possible without the support of President James Savage, and we look forward to all the ways our students will benefit in the years to come!

Soerens Ford
Soerens Ford, led by Brookfield Central graduate Stephanie Soerens Borowski, is a community influencer and has been an outstanding partner of the Elmbrook Schools. In 2020, Soerens’ contributions include participation on the Elmbrook Education Foundation Board, providing vehicles to the District for the July 4th parade, raising $20,000 for the Brookfield Central Booster Club through Ford's Drive 4 Ur School program, and sponsorship of this Fall’s Brookfield Elementary Fun Run. Soerens’ active participation in our community has benefited the District for generations and we are extremely grateful to Stephanie and Soerens Ford for its support of our students and staff!

ProHealth
ProHealth Care has been a platinum sponsor of LAUNCH since the inception of the program. This year, ProHealth Care made significant financial and material investments in support of the new Healthcare Innovation Lab at Brookfield East. In addition, the organization sponsored 14 projects for students and provided several guest speakers to support the new Medicine and Healthcare strand. Thank you to Peter Bacon and ProHealth Care for its support of LAUNCH this year!

SPX Transformer Solutions
SPX Transformer Solutions is one of the largest U.S. manufacturers of power transformers and service solutions. A team of engineers from SPX worked with 150 third graders from Burleigh on various STEM projects throughout this school year. In addition, SPX is a sponsor of the District’s FEMADE organization, which strives to educate and mentor young females on STEM subjects through hands-on learning workshops, question and answer panels with women professionals, and industry tours. In addition, this organization allows females to start building networks that can give them the support and confidence to achieve their dreams. Thank you to Meredith Johnson, Ashley Miller, and the entire SPX team for their support!