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Michelle Mueller
Principal
Why do you love working at WCA?
I enjoy giving families another opportunity to provide a high quality education for their children.
If you had a warning label, what would yours say?
"It is, what it is"
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
San Diego, CA
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"[If you can't control it,] it is what it is." -Michelle Mueller
Lori Donaldson
Dean of Students ext. 2211
What is the name of your favorite family recipe?
Pannu Kakku (Finnish pancakes)
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
On the water somewhere. Ideally in a warm place when it is cold in Wisconsin and then a lake in the summer.
What motivates you to work hard?
Success in others.
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"Sometimes the strength within you is not a big fiery flame for all to see, it is just a tiny spark that whispers ever so softly, "You got this. Keep going." " ~Lori Donaldson
Winter Giese
Administrative Assistant ext: 2218
Why do you love working at WCA?
I like working for a team that wants to do everything they can to make a difference in students' lives. I also like the challenges that are presented in the ever-changing environment and finding the best respective solutions.
Do you collect anything? If so, what?
I used to collect anything to do with cats when I was a child - yes it was a little out of hand. Now, I try to collect a small souvenir from family camping trips.
What motivates you to work hard?
The desire to do the best work I can and to continuously improve myself. I always strive to be the best version of myself and that is how I want to present my work to others. I like impressing people and feeling like I am making a difference.
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"If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude" -Maya Angelou
Debra Dorn
Administrative Assistant ext: 2218
Why do you love working at WCA?
I enjoy working with the families and listening to the teachers building relationships with their students.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
Winona, MN because it is along the Mississippi River and it is a very beautiful location!
What is the name of your favorite family recipe?
Fried Chicken and Scallop Potatoes
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"A little progress everyday adds up to BIG results!"
-Satya Nani
Amelia Hock
School Pyschologist
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
Croatia
What motivates you to work hard?
Collaborating with a supportive team!
What instantly calms you?
Cooking
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"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you've imagined." ~Henry David Thoreau
Amy Wierschke
School Counselor ext: 2216
Why do you love working at WCA?
I enjoy working with students and their families together as a team. It makes the learning process fun, challenging and extremely rewarding. I also appreciate the WCA staff members who make our school a fun place to be.
What motivates you to work hard?
I work hard to make a difference in the world
What is one thing you will never do again?
Perm my hair!
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"What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us." -Henry S. Haskins
Alma Lopez-Lara
English Language Learner (ELL) Teacher ext: 2227
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
A place close to the beach.
What is the name of your favorite family recipe?
Pozole soup.
What is one thing you will never do again?
Skydiving!
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"The best way to predict your future is to create it." ~Abraham Lincoln
Melissa Plantiko
Spanish Teacher: 3-12 ext: 2206
Why do you love working at WCA?
Super nice people, ability to schedule my day as I please, love that each day is different, enjoy teaching in a non-traditional way, feel valued as a staff member, feel I am making a difference in the lives of my students.
What motivates you to work hard?
Success in others!
What is the name of your favorite family recipe?
Mom's Spaghetti
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"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." -Socrates
Carolyn Paine
Educational Technology: 6-12 ext: 2201
Why do you love working at WCA?
I have more quality time with my students, that are wanting additional help.
If you had a warning label, what would it say?
Throw me to the wolves and I will come back as the leader of the pack!
What is the name of your favorite family recipe?
Potica (a Slovakian pastry)
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"You must do the things you think you cannot do." Eleanor Roosevelt
Sammantha Kunhke
2nd Grade Teacher ext: 2207
Why do you love working at WCA?
The positive learning/working community.
If you had a warning label, what would yours say?
I am always early!
What activity instantly calms you?
Listening to music
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"Be the change you wish to see in the world" -Gandhi
Nicole Dutter
1st Grade Teacher ext: 2224
Why do you love working at WCA?
I'm excited to continue teaching virtually.
What is the name of your favorite family recipe?
Lefse (a Norwegian flatbread)
If you had a warning label, what would yours say?
WARNING: WILL REPREATEDLY ASK IF SCHOLASTIC BOOK BOX WAS DELIVERED!
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"Life is tough, but so are you! "-Nicole Dutter
Lisa Graf-Miller
4K & Kindergarten Teacher ext: 2214
Why do you love working at WCA?
So many reasons! The staff is fun and I enjoy working with all of them. I also love talking and getting to know the students and families. I like the fact that we can help each student and family on an individual basis.
Do you collect anything? If so, what?
Not a real collection but Sunflower type items and objects.
What activity instantly calms you?
Playing with my dog!
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"Today is a good day to have a good day. Smile more, worry less, be the very best version of you, Do more of what makes you happy every day, be positive and regret nothing, be humble and work hard, everyday may not be good but there is something good about everyday, Laugh, love live, follow your dreams, believe in yourself and remember to be AWESOME!" -Lisa Graf-Miller
Megan Lisowe
4/5 SS/PE/Ed Tech & Reading Interventionist ext: 2212
Why do you love working at WCA?
It's a unique challenge every day and year. I like helping kids and families be successful.
What motivates you to work hard?
Expressions of gratitude or compliments!
If you had a warning label, what would yours say?
Contents under pressure!
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"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference."
-Robert Frost
Annabel Theder
3rd Grade Teacher ext: 2213
What is the name of your favorite family recipe?
Chicken enchilladas!
What activity instantly calms you?
Yoga
What will you never do again?
Eat buffalo heart (Native American Sundance)
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"Anything you are going through is preparing you for what you've asked for"
-Unknown
Kali Behnke
4th Grade Teacher ext: 2215
Why do you love working at WCA?
I love teaching virtual!
Do you collect anything? If so, what?
Mason Jars
What motivates you to work hard?
My children!
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"Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game" - Babe Ruth
Matthew Hohensee
5th Grade Teacher ext: 2208
Why do you love working at WCA?
I look forward to seeing the integration of learning and technology in my classroom!
Do you collect anything? If so, what?
Yes. Iron Man
If you had a warning label, what would yours say?
WARNING: Loud noise area. Risk of hearing loss. Ear protection required.
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"Education is not the learning of fact, rather it's the training the mind to think." - Albert Einstein
Debra Pauly-Verheyen
Paraprofessional ext: 2221
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
Home or Cottage, wherever my family is at!
What motivates you to work hard?
Appreciation from others!
If you had a warning label, what would yours say?
Very analytical and slow to answer when in deep thought.
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"In this life, we cannot always do great things. But we can do small things with great love." ~Mother Teresa
Lisa Britton
Math Teacher: 6 & 7 ext: 2217
Why do you love working at WCA?
I like what I do (teach) and I like who I work with.
What is the name of your favorite family recipe?
Pepperoni Rigatoni
What motivate you to work hard?
Diet Coke! :)
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"Happiness is not a goal; it is a by-product." -Eleanor Roosevelt
Jonathan Doden
Math Teacher: Algebra Readiness & Algebra 1 ext: 2210
Why do you love working at WCA?
The students, staff, and flexibility of the online format.
What is one thing you will never do again?
Go on the Skat ride at Bay Beach Amusement Park!
Do you collect anything? If so, what?
Sports cards!
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"Just Do It" -Nike
Jennifer Johnston
6th Grade Social Studies, Language Arts & Middle School Electives Teacher ext: 2219
Why do you love working at WCA?
This is a great place to learn and grow as a professional! I love the staff at WCA!
What activity instantly calms you?
Sitting in a hot tub!
If you had a warning label, what would it say?
WARNING -- friendly to a fault!
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"Life is 10 percent what happens and 90 percent how you react to it." -Charles Swindoll
Jane Reichardt
Language Arts Teacher: 7 & 8 ext: 2225
Why do you love working at WCA?
I’m excited to be part of this team and always look forward to meeting everyone each year!
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
By the beach!
What is one thing you will never do again?
Cut my hair short!
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“Once you learn to read, you will be forever free”
-Frederick Douglass
Robert Pennewell
Science Teacher: 6-8 ext: 2209
Why do you love working at WCA?
I enjoy getting to the heart of academic issues that our families and students may have. This format allows to address these needs quickly.
What is an activity that instantly calms you?
Boating
What is the name of your favorite family recipe?
Vegetable Soup!
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"Those who dance must pay the piper!" -American Proverb
Jill Peachy
High School Science Teacher ext: 2204
Why do you love working at WCA?
Easy to connect with students. Ability to be creative & innovative in my lesson planning. Knowing the whole family rather than just the students.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
New Zealand
What motivates you to work hard?
Helping my students succeed!
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“Do or do not. There is no try." -Yoda
Benjamin Vander Logt
Social Studies Teacher: 7-8, High School World History & High School Psychology
ext: 2203
Why do you love working at WCA?
I really enjoy the flexibility that WCA allows for their students. Students are able to work with their classmates during live lessons while also getting one on one help almost any time throughout the school day. In addition, the school brings together a plethora of different students and caretakers from around the state. I love meeting new families from every corner of the state while making home room and curriculum based calls!
What is the name of your favorite family recipe?
Grandma's Chocolate Chip Cookies
What is one thing you will never do again?
Buy off brand ice cream!
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“Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” -Albus Dumbledore
Tiffany Bauman
High School Chemistry & Physical Science Teacher
ext: 82273
Why do you love working at WCA?
I like the flexibility it allows students during their day in order for them to achieve academic success during their busy lives and tailoring to be able to meet the needs of each student.
If you had a warning label, what would it say?
Only positive thoughts here!
What activity instantly calms you?
Working out!
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“If you fail, never give up because F.A.I.L. means First Attempt In Learning. End is not the end, in fact E.N.D. stands for Effort Never Dies. If you get no as an answer, remember N.O. means Next Opportunity"-Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Amy Crum
High School Business Education Teacher ext: 2205
Why do you love working at WCA?
Independence, flexibility, getting to know students in a different way.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
Key West
What motivates you to work hard?
Flexibility and respect!
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"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." -Dr. Seuss
Nickolas Giese
High School Math Teacher ext: 2220
Why do you love working at WCA?
I enjoy the friendly atmosphere and that everyone is willing to help each other, no matter if you are a new or old staff member!
What is the name of your favoirte family recipe?
Mock pizza!
If you had a warning label, what would it say?
Talkative!
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"The greatest teacher, failure is" - Yoda
Nathan Hazen
High School Social Studies Teacher
ext: 2202
Why do you love working at WCA?
Yes [all the reasons].
What is one thing you will never do again?
Stop at a diner in Indiana.
Do you collect anything? If so, what?
Sports Memorabillia!
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"Never say it can't be done because you're always interrupted by the one who just did it." -James Baldwin
Sarah Bauer
English Teacher: 9 & 11 ext: 2223
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
I am exactly where I want to be - all of my family is 10-minutes from my drive-way and I wouldn't want to leave any farther from them.
What motivates you to work hard?
Knowing that I am contributing to a team!
What activity instantly calms you?
Listening to music and talking to friends.
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“There are three ways to ultimate success: The first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind.” ~Mr. Rogers
Avery Leidall
English Teacher: 10 & 12 ext: 2222
What is the name of your favorite family recipe?
Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp
What motivates you to work hard?
Learning new things and new ways of doing things. I always want to better myself to become the best possible version of myself
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
Somewhere warm enough to avoid too much snow, but cool enough to avoid poisonous snakes
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"This day in your life was just the beginning of a longer story - the first pen stroke of something new. Tomorrow, the second." -Lin Manuel Miranda
Nicole Streck
High School Physical Education & Health ext: 82286
What motivates you to work hard?
Seeing success with students and people
What is one thing you will never do again?
Go to New York!
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
I love Wisconsin, but maybe Montana
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“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream." - Malala Yousafzai
