Districts welcome new faces in charge of classrooms for the 2021-22 school year

A new school year, means new faces, and not just from students, as local districts begin classes. While many familiar teachers return to impart their knowledge, new teachers also join the Cadott, Cornell and Lake Holcombe halls of learning.

Cadott

Lisa Balko

As the junior high interventionist, Boyd native Lisa Balko has almost a decade of experience under her belt. After graduating from Stanley-Boyd High School in 2008, Balko attended UW-River Falls, majoring in elementary education, with a minor in mathematics.

“I had a lot of great teachers growing up, and always loved going to school and learning,” said Balko. “I want to make a difference in my students’ lives and have a positive impact.”

She and her husband, Dave, have two sons, Hanley and Abel, as well as springer spaniel, Piper. In her spare time, Balko likes to spend moments with her family and friends, go for walks, check out local and state parks, and go shopping. This summer, Balko even cut and donated 9 inches of hair to be made into wigs for children with hair loss/cancer – her fourth time donating.

As for the classroom, Balko plans to really get to know her students and build positive relationships with them.

“I’m excited to be able to work with the children in this community.”

Kris Bertelsen

Coming to the district with 18 years of science in the middle/high school, Kris Bertelsen will act as a seventh-grade science teacher and blended learning supervisor. He’s also coached middle school track and archery in elementary, middle and high school.

Bertelsen grew up in Menomonie, attending UW-Eau Claire, where he received a bachelor’s in science, with a major in botany. He enjoys the outdoors, by gardening, hunting and fishing, and volunteers for Ducks Unlimited, raising funds for the conservation projects around the nation and in Wisconsin.

He and his wife, Jennifer, have two children, Aiden and Elizabeth. During school hours, Bertelsen enjoys watching kids have a “light bulb” moment, and seeing them grow academically and behaviorally, is rewarding for him.

“I look forward to using more cooperative learning, student engagement, activities in my classroom this year,” said Bertelsen.

Jessica Brown

In her job as the elementary counselor, Jessica Brown looks to support the whole student, by helping them build social-emotional skills and confronting barriers to academic success.

Earning a master’s of science at UW-Superior and a bachelor’s of arts from Northland College, Brown spent five years as an elementary counselor, before coming to Cadott.

In her free time, it’s canoeing, camping, hiking and reading that keeps Brown busy, along with her cat, Bones.

“I love my multi-faceted role, because every day, I have the chance to connect with kids in new ways,” said Brown. “Whether I am teaching a classroom school counseling lesson, leading small groups, or working with teachers and parents to support an individual student, I am empowering students to believe in themselves. I find that very rewarding.”

Erin Crank

Though she previously worked in college athletic administration, with roles including travel operations, event managing, developing and more, Erin Crank will now serve as Cadott’s athletic director and blended learning coordinator.

Originally from Galloway, N.J., Crank graduated from Absegami High School in 2005, then attended Villanova University, where she played women’s soccer and basketball.

It was there that Crank was inspired to pursue her career path. She’s since worked at seven universities across the country.

“I want to help create a great experience for students, on and off the field,” said Crank, “and foster an environment that helps them develop and reach their full potential.”

Crank is married to Brent Crank, 2000 Cadott graduate, and the couple have three children – Emmet, 6, Emerson, 3, and Tucker, 6 months. She enjoys spending time with family and friends outside of school.

Caroline Dobson

Growing up in Baldwin, and graduating from Baldwin-Woodville in 2017, fourth-grade teacher Caroline Dobson attended UW-Eau Claire, finishing in elementary education in December 2020, with a minor in math.

“I come from a family of teachers and was in teaching at a young age,” said Dobson. “I enjoy working with children and always loved learning.”

Dobson likes to paint, scrapbook, craft, hike, play tennis and sing, but her “super power” is remembering singers’ names and faces right away.

In the school setting, she plans to build strong connections and relationships, to create a safe and welcoming environment.

“I had many great teachers who inspired me for the better and I want to be that to these students.”

Kaylee Evergreen

Fall Creek native and UW-Eau Claire alumnus Kaylee Evergreen, comes to Cadott, with a degree in early childhood education and a minor in language arts. “I come from a family of teachers, so teaching was always on my radar,” she said, “but I truly fell in love with teaching, when I had the opportunity to volunteer in elementary classrooms.”

Evergreen and her wife, Mia, have been together four years, and have sons, Jaxson, 6, and Beckham, 6 months, as well as a labernese, Bella, and a cat, Riley. In Evergreen’s spare time, she likes to camp, cook, do art, refurbish and spend time with family.

In her school life, Evergreen wants to focus on building relationships among students and teachers, and bringing energy and excitement into the classroom.

Josh Hennes

No questionnaire was returned.

Cade Klusendorf

Elementary teacher Cade Klusendorf comes from Crystal Lake, Ill., and attended Marian University, for elementary middle education and played on the men’s soccer team. He was a three-year captain and First Team All-Wisconsin in his senior year.

Outside of school, he likes running, soccer and coffee, and while there is no significant other, Klusendorf has his parents and two brothers to spend time with. Inside the school, he plans to create interesting lessons and curriculum to help students love learning, and will teach foundational skills.

“My class will be engaging for all types of students,” said Klusendorf. “I really enjoy creating relationships with others.”

Ellen Stumpf

In teaching high school English and coaching forensics, Ellen Stumpf chose her profession, because she enjoyed school as a youth, especially reading and writing.

“I also have always enjoyed helping others, so education allows me to combine some of my biggest passions,” she said.

Stumpf grew up in Lake Mills, graduating there in 2013, then attended UW-Platteville for a bachelor’s degree. She also worked at the writing center on campus, helping students in all fields to refine their writing.

She also played tennis in high school and won conference in singles her senior year. Stumpf still likes playing games, watching Wisconsin sports, camping and hiking, as well as family time with her husband, Dan, and their toddler, Delilah, and black lab, Ana.

In the classroom, Stumpf wants to utilize music, podcasts and other non-traditional forms of literature to help students foster an appreciation of English. “I am really looking forward to getting students moving and collaborating with their peers,” she said.

Kent Vang

Kent Vang comes to Cadott as a junior/senior high school counselor, after long-term subbing at Chippewa Valley High School. Vang, a native of Eau Claire, has a bachelor’s in psychology and a minor in family-studies, from UW-Eau Claire, as well as his master’s in school counseling from UW-Stout.

Hobbies outside of school include walking, biking, disc golfing and fishing, and something a little higher off the ground.

“I’ve gone skydiving before and survived, even though heights is not for me,” said Vang.

In his role at the school, Vang wants to build positive relationships and help students deal with problems in their life – to be a resource for students to prepare for their future.

“I plan to meet students where they are at and meet the needs of students however that I can.”

Sarah Winchester

Graduating from Elk Mound in 2016, Sarah Winchester attended UW-Eau Claire for a degree in special education. With her position at Cadott, Winchester is excited to be part of a co-teaching model. After finishing college, Winchester and her boyfriend moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, with “some of the best hiking and skiing in the country” just 15 minutes away.

While there, Winchester worked in an elementary school made up of students who are Hispanic.

“Coming from a family of educators, education has always been held at high value to me,” she said. “After having numerous volunteer opportunities and jobs within the community, working with individuals with disabilities, my heart landed in the field of special education.”

On her personal time, Winchester shares two dogs with her boyfriend, and enjoys hiking, kayaking, basketball, volleyball and walking her dogs. She also likes listening to music and podcasts.

In school hours, Winchester wants to meet the students’ needs and collaborate with team members.

“A majority of the support that I will implement, will be within their regular education classroom, rather than the special education classroom,” she said.

Heather Wojtczak

Although she is a familiar face in the Cadott School District, Heather Wojtczak is new at the position of fifth-grade teacher. Graduating from Waukesha, she and husband, Dean, have lived in Cadott, for more than 19 years, and seen their two sons graduate from the district.

Wojtczak says in her previous position with the school, as a paraprofessional, she got to be in the classroom working with the students and gave her time to invest in her own children as they grew up.

She also puts in many hours working at the local golf course, along with her husband and youngest son, who are also employed there. Wojtczak’s touch with flowers are needed at the course and wherever else something needs attention.

Wojtczak also gives violin lessons, but after 25 years, took a break to focus on her studies. She also likes to garden at home, bird watch, craft, read, spend time outdoors and fish.

With the start of a new school year, and a new chapter in her life, Wojtczak wants to encourage students in their strengths, help them grow in their areas of weakness and discover their passions.

“When my oldest son was a senior in high school, I saw a need for teachers in our district and decided the pursue the degree – and here I am, five years later,” said Wojtczak. “I am so grateful for the education my sons received through the Cadott School District and as a resident of the Cadott community, my desire is to serve my fellow neighbors through teaching. Today is a great day to be a Hornet.”

Cornell

Brett Dekan

New social studies teacher Brett Dekan is taking on more than a teaching role in his new district, as he also is an assistant coach for the varsity football team and the Student Council adviser.

Growing up in Altoona and graduating there in 2014, Dekan attended UW-Eau Claire. He likes to read, play games, is using Duolingo to learn High Valyrian and plans to marry his fiancé, Emily.

Dekan says it took a long time to figure out that he wanted to teach, but he’s always loved history. He said he likes helping people, and will use projects and simulations to instruct his students.

“My teachers had always told me, never be a teacher,” said Dekan. “It was my younger brother who made me realize that was the only reason I hadn’t done it sooner.”

Emily Krier

Coming to the district from where she taught at Colby, Mahtomedi, Minn., native Emily Krier plans to help her students discover a love of learning through through the exploration and manipulation of materials. She also was fortunate to work at Palo Alto, Calif., teaching preschool students in a year-round outdoor classroom.

“I believe that the best way to learn, is through real life experiences,” she said.

Volunteer work is a big part of her life since an early age at her church, so Krier brings that into her classroom. Graduating from UW-Eau Claire in 2020, with a unified early childhood degree and certificate in emotional behavior disorders, a top accomplishment of Krier was leading an educational research study.

“The study resulted in my first publication through ASHA, and presenting the research at the Division of Early Childhood and American Education Research Association,” said Krier.

In her spare moments, Krier loves diving into art projects, such as painting, ceramics, drawing and wood burning, playing guitar and ukulele, and exploring state parks with her family. Family members include her parents, two younger brothers, a hedgehog, named Gus, and Krier’s leopard gecko, Bucket.

“When I was younger, I wanted to grow up to be like my kindergarten teacher, Ms. Judy,” said Krier. “I will never forget the happy feeling I felt every time I would walk into my kindergarten classroom. She inspired me to follow my dreams and become a kindergarten teacher myself.”

Linda Koenig

No questionnaire was returned.

Danielle Mihalski

New agriculture education teacher Danielle Mihalski is ready to provide hands-on learning experiences for students, in her first year of teaching. A Pulaski High School graduate, Mihalski attended UW-River Falls for her bachelor’s of science. “From a young age, I knew I always wanted to be a teacher,” said Mihalski.

From making her six younger siblings play school with her to playing in the barn, in the river, riding on the tractor with her dad and tapping trees for maple syrup, Mihalski says agriculture was always there in what she did.

“That was my inspiration to pick the discipline that I went into,” she said.

When she’s not spending time with her family and Australian shepard, Echo, Mihalski loves to be outside and around animals, although she also loves hunting, downhill skiing, kayaking and hiking. Through her own passion of showing beef steers for six years at the Wisconsin State Fair, Mihalski hopes to instill that sense of wonder in her students.

“It is my hope to take field trips, use the school forest and greenhouse, and get students outside as much as possible,” she said. “Allowing students to have these experiences prepares them to be career ready.”

Teagan Nelson

Greenwood native Teagan Nelson is ready to bring first-graders into a safe, comfortable and exciting place for them to learn. After high school, Nelson attended CVTC for early childhood education and UW-Stout for a bachelor’s degree, graduating in December 2020.

During her higher education, Nelson enjoyed learning sign language and once traveled to the Dominican Republic, for two weeks, to teach English to students in kindergarten through fourth grade.

“While growing up, I had several good teachers, but there were a couple of outstanding teachers that truly had a profound impact on my life and career choice,” said Nelson. “As a future educator, I aim to be one of those outstanding teachers.” Nelson says she enjoys facing new challenges, which could be why she runs marathons, as well as hiking and walking her German shorthaired pointer, Brew, who she shares with husband, Trevor.

In the classroom, Nelson plans to implement flexible seating arrangements for her students and will teach all learning styles to build strong relationships.

“Seeing the joy on a child’s face when they have the ‘ah-ha’ moment when you know they ‘get it,’ is so rewarding,” she said, “and seeing them grow from there, makes me excited to do it all over again and is part of what motivates me.”

Kayla Steinmetz

As a new middle/high school special education teacher and co-10th-grade class adviser, Chippewa Falls native Kayla Steinmetz’ main focus is to build positive relationships with her students. After attending CVTC in the liberal arts program, Steinmetz transferred to UW-Stout for a bachelor’s degree, finishing in 2017.

Outside of school, she has a passion for traveling and once a year, she gets in a road trip somewhere in the country, but she’s also been to Jamaica, Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Ireland. Back at home, she likes to kayak and hike, along with reading.

She’s also eagerly expecting her first child in December, with her partner. The couple also has a dog, named Zeke.

When it comes to the classroom, Steinmetz wants to make sure her students understand the subject matter.

“Academically, it’s important to me to find where each individual student is at, then focus on their next building block to success, whatever that may look like for them.”

Lake Holcombe

Karlie Antczak

Bruce native Karlie Antczak comes to Holcombe as the fifth-grade teacher, after graduating from UW-Stevens Point this year.

“I had a great experience growing up in school, and am passionate about helping children learn and grow,” she said.

With her sister also a teacher and inspiring Antczak to become one as well, the fifth-grade instructor wants students to have a safe place to come to every day, where they feel welcome and accepted.

Outside of the classroom, Antczak keeps active with boyfriend, Connor, and puppy, Reggie, and enjoys watching and playing sports, fishing, bow hunting, crafting and visiting Disney World.

“I’ve been to Disney World 10 times,” she said.

During school time, Antczak hopes to help her students take control of their own learning.

“A lot of movement and hands-on learning.”

Dwight Green

Beginning the school year as a middle/high school social studies teacher, Dwight Green is a first-year teacher, who intends to incorporate new technology to keep students interested. The Freedom native graduated from St. Norbert College this May, with a major in history education and a minor in psychology.

“I’ve always thought of teaching as a job you have a real impact with,” he said.

When he’s not in school, Green likes sports and the outdoors, and hanging out with family and friends. While in college, he even studied abroad in Rome, Italy, for a semester.

“I love learning and passing that knowledge onto the future generations,” said Green.

Morgan Milas

Growing up in Stanley and graduating from Thorp High School in 2015, Morgan Milas is well familiar with the area – and it helps that her husband, Jeff, is also a teacher at Lake Holcombe.

Milas finished her education at UW-Eau Claire in 2018, and will serve as the new business education teacher, as well as acting as the business coordinator of LH Products.

When not in school, Milas likes the outdoors and managing rental houses. She and her husband also have three dogs.

Milas sees herself as a new teacher with an industry background, rather than an education background, and plans to use her skills and life knowledge to help make adulthood easier for her students.