New teachers begin school year with quest to instill
While learning the skills, the students will also learn how it can be used in the future outside the school environment for the specific example they’re using in class.
Cadott
Jim Aerts
Coming in as the new fifth through 12th-grade band director at Cadott, Jim Aerts has a lot of experience under his belt, not just in the classroom, but on stage and off. Aerts has been part of more than 40 musical productions in various roles, mostly playing in, or conducting, the pit orchestra.
Aerts previously served as the band director at Lake Holcombe, to begin his career, so he’s no stranger to the small town feel of things.
“I am excited to be in Cadott, and I am looking forward to being a part of this great band program,” he said.
Eryn Bakken
Acting as a junior/senior high school social studies teacher, Eryn Bakken is not from the area, growing up in Wilmington, N.C., and graduating from high school in Columbus, Ohio, in 2012. She earned her degree from UW-Eau Claire in 2022, in broadfield social studies, with an emphasis in history.
“I’ve always seen myself as a teacher from when I was little,” said Bakken. “I love working with, and getting to know students, all the while talking about history.”
When she’s not in the classroom, Bakken likes spending time outside, with friends and family, reading and traveling. Inside the classroom, Bakken plans to have an interactive learning experience, where students are engaged in the content and having fun doing it.
“Helping students relate what they are learning into their lives is really important, so I like incorporating real-life examples or similarities,” she said.
Lexie Brown
As a fourth-grade teacher, Lexie Brown is from Hatley, graduating from D.C. Everest in 2016, and from UW-Eau Claire in 2020. Most of her family still lives in Hatley, but Brown’s boyfriend is currently finishing up pharmacy school at UW-Madison.
Brown was previously a fifth-grade teacher at Antigo, and spends her free time camping, hiking, traveling, reading, crafting, playing board games and watching movies.
“I wanted to be a teacher since my first year of school,” said Brown. “I loved all my teachers and wanted to have a positive impact on students’ lives, as my teachers did to me.”
Deb Delyea
Special education director – no questionnaire was returned.
Leona Drew
Coming back to her roots, 2012 Cadott graduate Leona Drew is ready to hit the 4K classroom, after graduating from UW-Stout in 2021. She and her husband make time for camping, kayaking, dancing and taking walks. Drew also became an aunt over the summer.
In order to get her students in a good mindset, Drew plans to do affirmations, every day.
“I have wanted to become a teacher for as long as I can remember,” she said. “I love being able to make a difference in a child’s life and help them grow to their full potential. I had some awesome teachers growing up and my mom works in schools, so that also inspired me. Teaching is my dream come true.”
Emily Drilling
Special education aide – no questionnaire was returned.
Hannah Hawkins
Growing up in Elk Mound, Hannah Hawkins is not far removed from her roots, with her first teaching job at Cadott, as a fifth-grade teacher. After completing high school in 2018, Hawkins attended UW-River Falls and UW-Eau Claire, where she loved playing intramural volleyball and badminton.
It’s no surprise, as in high school, Hawkins was an avid powerlifter. She also works at a dog training center, which she loves. Her family is also important to her, especially since her little sister is 12, and Hawkins likes being so close to home for her.
In her spare time, Hawkins likes reading, hiking, traveling, spending time with friends and paddleboarding.
As for the classroom, she hopes to connect and bond with her students, to make her classroom a safe place for students to grow in all aspects of their life.
“I have always had a passion for teaching,” said Hawkins. “When I was younger, I would make my dogs play school with me, frequently. As I got older, I realized I love working with children and want to be a positive role model, and make a difference in my students’ lives.”
Lauren Hedrington
As the new business teacher, Lauren Hedrington will work on future focus with her students, drawing on her background of marketing at Eau Claire North and Memorial, as well as Michicot, near Green Bay.
Growing up in the Eau Claire area, Hedrington has degrees in business administration, with a specialization in training and human resources development. In her spare time, she likes to watch documentaries and TED Talks, and hanging out with her three kids under 12 years, at their activities.
Hedrington also has a side gig of business service, helping entrepreneurs with bookkeeping, HR, advertising and marketing. It was clear from the start, that Hedrington was meant for the business education world.
“I asked for an overhead projector for Christmas in second grade,” said Hedrington. “I’ve always wanted to be a teacher. After trying a new class in high school, I fell in love with business and marketing.”
Through that love of hers, Hedrington plans to implement new skills, vocabulary and techniques for getting work done. While learning the skills, the students will also learn how it can be used in the future outside the school environment for the specific example they’re using in class.
“I’m excited to connect with local businesses to collaboratively train students for future community needs,” said Hedrington.
Sean Hurt
Serving as an elementary physical education teacher and assistant baseball coach, Bloomer native Sean Hurt graduated in 2017, before attending UW-Eau Claire.
In his spare time, Hurt plays baseball for the Bloomer Woodticks, and enjoys golf and going to the gym. But it’s in the classroom where that lifestyle will be put to good use.
Hurt looks forward to being able to teach students and give them the ability to live an active, healthy lifestyle in his class, through different sports and activities. He says he enjoys seeing students improve on skills, from year to year.
Elijah Hyde
In his first year teaching, Madison native Elijah Hyde is ready to begin his duties at Cadott, as a seventh and ninth-grade social studies teacher. Healthy bodies make for healthy minds, so Hyde has coached crossfit for five years, in Eau Claire. He also likes board games and video games, and Pokemon cards, as well as watching movies and television.
With a stint at Kansas University from 2015-16, Hyde then attended UW-Eau Claire and Viterbo University.
“I have always known I’ve wanted to teach and it was reinforced when I got to high school, and had an excellent AP world history teacher,” said Hyde. “From there, I began exploring the field.”
Stephen Kelly
Special education – no questionnaire was returned.
Russ Nelson
With 21 years of experience, Russ Nelson comes to Cadott as the seventh through 12th-grade counselor, after growing up in Washburn. Nelson has an MSE, MA and BS to his credit, and has spent time studying the impact of trauma in youth.
Outside of school hours, Nelson finds peace in the outdoors, hiking and nature walks near the water. He also enjoys cooking and grilling, and attending sporting events.
As a counselor, Nelson specializes in trauma sensitive practices, with a hope to build on the work already done and help make Cadott Schools a place where all are welcome and accepted, just as they are.
Nelson started as an English teacher to share his passion for writing and literature with future generations.
“Through teaching English, I loved learning students’ stories,” he said. “These stories led me to want to do more to help students to navigate the challenges they face, not only in school, but in life.”
Joyce Olson Acting as a speech/language educator, for preschool and early elementary, Joyce Olson comes from Eau Claire, where she graduated high school, then went on to UW-Eau Claire and UW-Superior. As a student in communication disorders, Olson became fascinated by how children learn language and all the glitches that can cause problems with development.
“Working with children means you go where the kids are – school,” said Olson. “I love seeing the progress they make, and how that increases their success in classroom curriculum and their social life.”
Olson also works her dog on obedience and training, and she and her husband spent the last two years, traveling the country, to visit their four sons and 10 grandchildren. “Working with individuals or small groups, gives the opportunity to know students as individuals,” said Olson, “their learning needs, as well as what they enjoy.”
Chris Telisak
High school social studies – no questionnaire was returned.
Kris Tolle
School counselor Kris Tolle is originally from Hudson, but attended UW-Stout and Marquette University. Tolle now lives in Eau Claire, with her husband and two dogs; the couple has three adult children.
Tolle likes writing, reading, day trips, exploring and delving into family history, so much so, that she self-published a book that is a compilation of letters exchanged between her great-aunt and great-uncle, during World War II.
After college, Tolle worked in residential treatment settings for children, which is where she discovered her desire to help the youth through counseling.
“It didn’t take me long to realize that I wanted to work with young people, to try to prevent the kinds of issues and behaviors that lead to the need for residential treatment,” said Tolle. “Working in education sounded like a good way to do that, so I went to graduate school to become a school counselor.”
Kerri Shakal
Paraprofessional – no questionnaire was returned.
Jason Weisner
Weight training – no questionnaire was returned.
Gabby Werthwein
As a first-grade teacher, Gabby Werthwein comes from Muscoda, graduating high school from Riverdale in 2018, before attending UW-Eau Claire. She now lives with her boyfriend and loves to travel, with a goal to visit all 50 states, as well as a love of going to the movie theater, going hammocking, and hanging out with family and friends.
Werthwein can’t wait to have fun and make memories with her students in her first year of teaching, with a safe and warming environment implemented in her classroom.
“I love the idea of being a positive influence in someone’s life,” she said. “I care about being able to help my students in any way that I can.”
Sarah Winchester
Special education – no questionnaire was returned.
Cornell
Natalie Brown
Speech-language pathologist Natalie Brown comes to Cornell from Fall Creek, and has degrees from UW-Eau Claire and UW-River Falls. With her husband, Brown likes to walk their dog in her spare time, and go garage saling, spending time boating/fishing, hunting, reading and spending time outside.
Brown knew she didn’t want to be a K-12 teacher or a nurse, so she chose the happy medium of a speech-language pathologist.
“To me, it’s extremely important to make every speech and language session functional,” she said, “because it enhances children’s motivation within, and outside, of the therapy room.”
Emily Johnson
As the new K-12 art teacher, Emily Johnson’s hometown of Chippewa Falls, is just a hop, skip and a long jump from Cornell. After finishing high school in 2010, Johnson went to UW-Stout for graphic design.
She and her boyfriend have three cats, and Johnson spends as much time as possible at their camper at Crosby’s On the River. She also loves all things Disney and sparkly things. In the classroom, she plans to show her students new materials and techniques they haven’t seen before.
“I have always thought of teaching and when I was unhappy in my job, I tried it out and found that I really LOVED it, and in the art room, is where I am supposed to be,” said Johnson. “I really like to see what their brains come up with when challenged to be creative.”
Sam Pitsch
As a new middle school special education teacher, Sam Pitsch grew up not far from Cornell, graduating from McDonell in 2005, finishing a degree at UW-Eau Claire, in 2010. Outside of school, Pitsch likes to be with her family, including her husband, three children and their dog, in the outdoors. Inside the classroom, Pitsch plans to implement as much project-based learning as possible.
“I became a teacher, because I wanted to be like my third-grade teacher,” she said.
Tammy Raether-TammyE
As a Thorp native, Tammy Raether-TammyE is all too familiar with the challenges of small town living. Through her fifth-grade position at Cornell, she plans to build on strengths, celebrate accomplishments, teach the students to be good to each other and focus on the satisfaction that comes from learning.
Graduating from Thorp, in 1990, Raether-TammyE then attended UW-Eau Claire and St. Mary’s in Winona, Minn. She chose education as a profession, because she wants kids to feel empowered by their knowledge and skills, so they become confident young people. Then, the youth can have new opportunities to learn and grow in whatever their interests may be.
Raether-TammyE and her husband have three children, including a daughter who is now a sophomore at Cornell. During Raether-TammyE’s downtime, she likes cooking, baking, reading, gardening, being outdoors and spending time with her family.
She wanted to come to Cornell, because the staff is committed to the work they do and it’s her hope students in her class are motivated to learn, as a comfortable and positive place. “I have always enjoyed kids of all ages,” said Raether-TammyE. “I admire their energy, and their unique personalities and perspectives. They make me laugh and remind me to dream.”
Heather Reynolds
Paraprofessional – no questionnaire was returned.
Ben Tillotson-BenE
Social studies teacher Ben Tillotson-BenE is no stranger to the area, coming from Chippewa Falls, where he graduated in 2016. He then went on to graduate from the University of North Dakota, with a bachelor’s in science.
Tillotson-BenE grew up playing hockey and still plays, from time to time. He also enjoys building scenes with LEGOS and is a big fan of Star Wars, as well as board games.
Drawing on his love of games, he wants to implement various games, activities and discussions that will help students want to learn. Tillotson-BenE has a passion for history and desire to work with, and help, others.
“When I was in eighth grade, I got to help with a special-needs gym class and when I got to high school, part of the hockey program’s community service was to help coach the beginners and basically, teach them how to skate,” he said. “These two opportunities were a big part of my journey to becoming an educator.”
Nikki Viegut
New district administrative assistant Nikki Viegut grew up not far from Cornell, graduating from Gilman in 2003. She then went to CVTC to become a certified medical assistant.
“I was looking for a career change that better fit me and my family,” she said.
Along with her husband, children, dogs and horses, Viegut resides in Holcombe, and has coached youth teams. She also gardens and cans produce for the year, as well as riding and fishing.
“I plan to continue to encourage positive reinforcement for each child’s education and future,” said Viegut. “I will be a positive role model for them and help them with any obstacles they endure.”
Krista Zwiefelhofer
Krista Zwiefelhofer comes to the Cornell district as a 4K paraprofessional, after graduating from Bloomer, in 2008. In her spare time, Zwiefelhofer enjoys camping, hiking, kayaking and going for bike rides. She and her husband have two twin girls, and share a Cavapoo.
Zwiefelhofer can boast of being runner-up as a national Michelle Look Alike Contest (Full House), when she was five years old.
“When my children were in 4K, I started volunteering in their classrooms,” she said. “I knew right away, this is what I wanted to do. I really enjoy working with the kids and helping them reach their milestones during the school year.”
Lake Holcombe
Rebecca Abbiehl
This year’s third grade will look different, as Rebecca Abbiehl comes to Lake Holcombe from Flambeau. Abbiehl grew up in Ladysmith, graduating there in 2009, before attending UW-Eau Claire for generals, then UW-Superior, for elementary education.
Along with her husband, Abbiehl likes reading, camping, snowmobiling, four-wheeling, and spending time with family and friends, as well as their three dogs on their small hobby farm.
When she saw how great a role model teachers can be for their students when she worked in special education, Abbiehl made the decision to go back to college for her elementary education degree.
“I’ve always loved working with kids and I want to make a difference in their lives,” said Abbiehl.
Danielle Clark
Speech-language pathologist Danielle Clark is new to the district, coming from Unity High School, with a master’s of science from UW-Eau Claire. When not in the classroom, she likes to read, garden, go for bike rides, and spend time with family and friends.
Clark enjoys working with kids and believes communication is important, as it opens opportunities and builds connections to enhance students’ quality of life.
“Research shows a child-centered therapy approach increases buy-in, motivation and positive outcomes, so I plan to incorporate student choice into therapy activities,” said Clark. “Plus, this way, it’s more fun for the students – and for me.”
Elaine Cornell
Custodial staff – no questionnaire was returned.
Garrett Dekan
As the new math intervention teacher, Garrett Dekan is an Altoona native, graduating from UW-Eau Claire in 2021. He likes to run while not in school, as well as playing tennis, reading, watching TV and playing video games.
Dekan also can juggle and make balloon animals, even though he doesn’t like clowns. In the classroom, he plans to follow more experienced colleagues’ lead, to make math fun. “I’ve always loved learning and I like helping people learn,” said Dekan. “Teaching has the potential to be a very fulfilling and impactful career.”
Beth Heinzen
Custodial staff – no questionnaire was returned.
Laura Rudeen
She’s originally from Hawkins, graduating from Ladysmith High School, with a BS in early elementary education at UW-Stout, but Lake Holcombe second-grade teacher Laura Rudeen is returning to the area from where she lived in British Columbia. Rudeen’s family includes her two daughters.
Sean Schmidt
In his first year teaching, Sean Schmidt enters Lake Holcombe as a history and social sciences teacher, as well as jumping into assistant coaching with the cross country team. He graduated from Wausau West in 2008, and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from UW-Stevens Point.
When not in the school setting, Schmidt likes running, gardening, writing stories and classical music. His love of classical music led him to compose a 30-minute symphony, when he was 20 years old.
To get kids interested in learning, Schmidt wants to introduce role-playing games and activities, that allow students to dive deeper into historical issues and events. “As a history teacher, I want to dispel a lot of the myths or misconceptions floating around society, about the past and historical events, which starts with education.”
Monique Westaby
Monique Westaby has returned full circle, acting as the fifth-grade teacher at Lake Holcombe, after serving as a paraprofessional the last few years. Westaby graduated from Lake Holcombe in 2006, receiving a bachelor’s in English literature from UW-Eau Claire in 2010. She’s now working on a master’s of arts in teaching from Western Governor’s University.
Like his mother before him, her son attends Lake Holcombe School, when they’re not taking care of their eight dogs and 11 chickens. Westaby likes to hunt, travel, fish and work on her photography.
They also raise Monarch butterflies, releasing more than 500 over the last several years, raising them at all stages, from egg to butterfly.
Westaby says she has an eccentric personality, and a love for reading and writing. As a child, Westaby wanted to be a teacher, but as she grew older, her interests shifted.
“After college graduation, I worked in the writing field, until I realized it wasn’t the right fit and opened a photography business,” she said.
During that time, Westaby took a part-time position with the district, where she re-discovered her passion she had for teaching as a child, remembering how much she enjoyed attending school.
“I want to bring that excitement I felt into the classroom, so students are engaged and looking forward to class, and learning each day,” she said. “If students are engaged and interested, everything else will fall into place.”
Kathy Yeager
Assistant bookkeeper – no questionnaire was returned.
