New teachers begin school year with quest to instill valuable learning and life lessons to their students

 

By Ginna Young

As a new school year begins, new faces abound in the Cadott, Cornell and Lake Holcombe school districts, and not just in students. Joining the teaching staff from all walks of life, are educators determined to make a difference in the lives of youth.

Cadott Melissa Billen – Food Service

No questionnaire was returned.

Claire Bliemehl – 4K

First-year 4K teacher Claire Bliemehl comes from Waterford, graduating from Waterford Union High School in 2020, before earning an early childhood education degree from UW-Eau Claire.

“I chose to become a teacher, because I find great joy in watching children develop in various aspects of their lives,” she said. “Whether it’s mastering the skill of swinging on their own or learning to write their name, every achievement is incredibly meaningful. I’m grateful for the chance to support their growth and to share in their accomplishments.”

Outside of school, Bliehmel can be found spending time with friends and family, enjoying the outdoors, reading, cooking, or doing arts and crafts. Her family consists of four – her mom, dad and little sister – and don’t forget the pets!

Bliemehl really loves to travel, evidenced by the 28 states and two countries she’s already visited, when she’s not in the classroom, of course.

“I’m excited to create a calm and creative learning space in my classroom,” said Bliemehl. “I want kids to feel safe and free to express themselves, through play and activities. I can’t wait to explore their interests and incorporate them into our learning environment.”

Amber Boone – Administrative Assistant

Coming from Augusta, where she worked the last 13 years, Amber Boone joins the team as administrative assistants.

“It was very hard to say goodbye to my Augusta crew, but I am excited to be joining the Cadott team and can’t wait to meet all the students, families and staff,” said Boone. “I have a passion for helping people and learning new skills.”

When she’s not at work, Boone likes to spend time with her husband and three daughters, hiking, playing games and watching movies together. She also loves to travel and explore the outdoors, and indulge in hobbies of hanging out with friends, reading and doing puzzles.

“I also like to bake, and do so as often as I have time and people to bake for,” said Boone.

Kaitlyn Eyerly – Elementary Guidance Counselor

Guidance counselor Kaitlyn Eyerly has subbed in the Elk Mound Area School District, while working on her degree and has interned in Elk Mound, Stanley and in Cadott, which is only natural, since she’s from Cadott. Eyerly graduated with the Class of 2017, before attending UW-Stout for a BS in human development and family studies, and an MS in school counseling.

“I became a school counselor, because I know that every child can succeed, and I wanted to be one of the people to make school a safe and fun place to learn,” said Eyerly. “Growing up, I felt that our schools are the heart of our village. Now, as an adult, I’m passionate about bridging the gaps between families and our school, to build strong learners and an even stronger community.”

Outside of school, she loves the outdoors, camping and being on the water, as well as thrifting, and spending time with family and friends. She’s also planning a wedding next August, to her fiancé, and already shares a minischnauzer named Windsor.

“I plan to collaborate with students, staff and families to help students find their strengths, and learn to their fullest potential,” said Eyerly. “Everyone has knowledge and experience that adds value, and I love working together to find creative solutions.”

Jamie Grant – Administrative Assistant

Previously, Jamie Grant was a high school administrative assistant at Regis, before coming to Cadott. Originally, Grant is from Oak Creek, graduating in 1998.

At home, Grant and husband, Mike, have three children and a dog, named Cooper. The family has lived in Eau Claire, for about 10 years, after leaving Racine.

“We want students and staff to feel comfortable to come to the office, when needing help of any kind,” said Grant.

Chad Hagedorn – 4th Grade

In his 26th year, as an elementary teacher, Chad Hagedorn has been at Lincoln in Merrillan, for the past 22 years. Hagedorn is originally from Neillsville, graduating in 1993, before attending UW-Stevens Point, for a bachelor’s of science.

“I was influenced by some amazing teachers in my youth, that made school one of my favorite places to be,” said Hagedorn. “Then, as I grew up and developed a passion for sports, I knew I wanted to coach. Teaching was the ideal occupation to work with kids of all age levels and get involved with team sports.”

When not in school, Hagedorn enjoys time outdoors, hunting, fishing, camping and hiking, and doesn’t forget to support the Packers and Badgers. He also spends time with his wife, Danielle, their two daughters, a small granddaughter and two high-energy dogs who keep the couple young.

Now that he’s in Cadott, Hagedorn wants to have an Iditarod tracking and outdoor day for his class, where the kids pick a topic to write about, then do research, before presenting their information.

“The Iditarod is a 1,000-mile dog race in Alaska, each year, and once the kids get a taste of it, it never leaves some of them,” said Hagedorn.

Brady Hetke – Elementary Physical Education Strength and Conditioning Coordinator

Holding many positions at other schools throughout the Chippewa Valley, including Bloomer (where he graduated from in 2016) and Altoona, Brady Hetke will assume the role of physical education teacher, as well as holding a weightlifting class at the high school.

“On top of teaching, I am also the district’s strength and conditioning coordinator,” he said.

Hetke’s also been a coach in football and wrestling.

After he finished high school, Hetke went on to UW-Barron, before enlisting in the Army. While serving – including a tour in Afghanistan, he earned a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology, with an emphasis in physical education.

“In one way or another, my whole life has revolved around helping others,” said Hetke,” whether it was working as a caregiver, protecting peace through military operations, or just as simple as being a mentor to younger students and athletes through coaching. It always occurred to me that with the passion of caring for others and my love of athletics, that being a physical educator was my role in God’s plan.”

He’s also an avid outdoorsman, who loves to chase big game and big fish. But, no matter what, his favorite time is with his wife, Anika, and their two small children.

Drawing on his life experiences, Hetke plans to bring a motivating teaching style that enhances student buy-in.

“With having students invested in my class, each student will learn life lessons that will go well beyond the school setting,” said Hetke. “I want my students to leave my class with the knowledge of how to be a compassionate, caring, team player. With teaching my students these morals, my hope is that they can be positive members of society, that ultimately make Cadott the great place it is.”

Shelly Kolpien – Custodian

No questionnaire was returned.

Riley Langfoss – High School History

Originally from Phillips, Riley Langfoss was at Ladysmith for five years, before coming to Cadott. He earned a degree from UW-La Crosse, which also left time to take part in photography and hike the bluffs in the area.

“My teachers in high school were a huge influence on me,” said Langfoss. “I really like working with other people and seeing students learn is one of the most gratifying feelings. The students are also an absolute blast and my favorite part of teaching.”

Outside of school, he likes to spend time with friends, play tennis and pickleball, swim, hike, play video games, watch movies and travel. He’s also an Eagle Scout, which is the highest rank awarded to a Boy Scout.

Recently married to his wife this summer, with two cats, Langfoss is planning for the school year, and his new students.

“I am a big fan of activities in the classroom, so I try to work in simulations and other activities, to help the history “come alive” while we are in the classroom,” he said.

Chelsi Lauer – Special Ed Program Paraeducator

Chelsi Lauer was a longterm substitute paraprofessional for the Cadott High School last year, and was also an education assistant with Level 4 Special Education School District (Intermediate School District 916-Little Canada, Minn.), with 10 years experience, working in an at-risk group home.

Lauer is from Stanley, graduating high school in 2008, before attending UWRiver Falls. She also gets to work with her brother, who is also part of the Cadott School District.

“I have always wanted to work with youth and those with higher needs have always been my niche, specifically since working in a group home since college,” she said. “After leaving the group home, I wanted to try and work with youth that need extra support, but are not in an outof- home placement.”

Lauer likes spending time with family – which includes her fiancé, Amanda, two bonus children and two dogs – playing card/board games, going for walks and watching Cadott sporting events.

In her program, Lauer plans for effective listening, trauma informed care and rapport building.

“A lot of our students can benefit from having someone be an active listener, and processing through emotions and thoughts without judgment,” she said. “When teachers/ support staff have a rapport with youth, they tend to learn better, and be willing to ask questions or clarification, and that is what I hope to be for our students.”

Cathleen Lein – Junior/Senior High School Paraprofessional

It’s a long way from Farmingdale, N.Y., but Cathleen Lein made her way to Cadott.

“I love working with children and I love helping others,” she said.

Lein graduated Farmingdale High School in 2007, and has four children, along with a dog. When not in school, she likes spending time with family and friends, taking her dog for walks, wineries, concerts, boating and side-by-side rides. “I plan to get to know each student I work with, like their interests/likes/dislikes, so they feel more comfortable with me,” said Lein.

Scout Lindquist – Junior High Language Arts

Coming from Hammond, and graduating from St. Croix Central High School in 2020, first-year teacher Scout Lindquist attended UW-Eau Claire, for secondary English education. She also danced for 13 years, growing up, which led to her becoming the dance coach at Cadott.

“I have always had a huge passion for helping people,” said Lindquist. “I applied for med school, and decided math and science weren’t for me, as I have always had a passion for English. I realized that I could combine my love for helping people and my love for English, by entering the world of teaching.”

Lindquist enjoys reading, going for walks, spending time with friends, watching Grey’s Anatomy and The Bachelorette. She’s also the oldest of three, with 17 years separating her younger sisters, and has a cat.

In the classroom, Lindquist wants her students to know her students are loved and valued in the community.

“I plan to build relationships early on with my students, in order to foster a strong classroom community, that will make everyone feel welcome and safe,” said Lindquist.

Lisa Lisiecki – 2nd Grade

Lisa Lisiecki worked at the Thorp Elementary School for 19 years, and graduated from Stanley-Boyd High School with the Class of 1988. She then went on to UW-Eau Claire, for a bachelor’s of science, although she initially pursued a career as a cosmetologist.

“I was driven to become a teacher by my desire to inspire and guide young minds, while supporting their academic and social growth,” said Lisiecki. “Observing my own children’s excitement and curiosity as they learned, fueled my passion. I wanted to create a safe, nurturing environment, where all students could experience that same sense of wonder and inspiration.”

Outside of school, she loves spending time with family; she’s also very crafty and enjoys creating a variety of things, from repurposing old pallets to making bracelets and designing digital materials. She and her husband, Corey, have two children and a dog.

Back in the classroom, her top priority is to establish a classroom environment where every student feels safe and valued.

“I am deeply committed to designing engaging lessons that encourage active participation and foster a genuine love of learning,” she said. “Additionally, I believe in celebrating our successes together, to reinforce a positive and motivating atmosphere.”

Dave Ludy – Junior/Senior High School Director of PLC

No questionnaire was returned.

Christi Machler – Junior/Senior High Principal

Christi Machler is no stranger to Cadott, as she grew up there, graduated from there in 1990, and served as a special education teacher. She’s also been with Regis and King Kamehameha III Elementary (Maui).

Machler attended UWMadison, with a BS; UWEau Claire; and Emporia State University, for a master’s in educational leadership. Influencing the decision to become an educator, her mother was a lecturer at UW-Eau Claire and her sister has a PhD in educational psychology, and is the dean at Stanislaus State.

“I spent 12 years, teaching on the islands of Molokai and Maui,” said Machler. “My school, King Kamehameha III, burned down in the Lahaina fire. My daughter graduated from Lahinaluna High School.”

Machler enjoys traveling, cheering on the Badgers, and spending time with family and friends, which includes her husband, two children and their dog.

“I plan to improve education opportunities for the students at Cadott High School and support a positive culture within the junior/senior high,” said Machler.

Dave Raley – Custodian

No questionnaire was returned.

Megan Tait – Occupational Therapy

Growing up in Stevens Point, Megan Tait graduated high school in 1998, then attended UW-Eau Claire, with a BA, and the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, for an MS.

“Both of my parents were in education and I always wanted…children with special needs grow to be as independent as possible,” she said.

Tait has coached the Miracle League of the Chippewa Valley, and likes photography, writing, reading, nature and, with husband, George, her kids sports/activities. They also have two dogs and a leopard gecko.

She also just opened a photography business, but in the classroom, plans to implement sensory strategies to help regulate students themselves, so they can be in the best position to learn.

Ginger Waegli – Elementary Paraprofessional

From Cadott, graduating there in 1993, Ginger Waegli finished UW-Stout with a degree in vocational rehabilitation for special education.

Waegli likes to spend time with her family of husband, Jeff, and their two kids.

“I want to be able to make a difference in someone’s life,” she said.

Alyese West – 4th Grade

Growing up in Bloomer and graduating there in 2004, Alyese West didn’t stray far from home, after earning a degree from UWEau Claire, as she went on to teach at Thorp for the last 14 years.

“I worked in a reading specialist’s classroom in high school, and loved watching students gain confidence and be successful in learning to read,” said West.

She and her husband, John, have two sons and a dog, and when not in the classroom, West enjoys biking, pickleball, boating, shopping and watching sporting events. She also likes to cook and try new recipes, and creating charcuterie boards.

“I hope to work with my students to build their confidence and love for reading,” said West. “I plan to give them the strategies and tools they need to become successful lifelong learners.”

Cornell Grace Grunseth – Middle/High School Social Studies

In her first year, Grace Grunseth doesn’t have far to go from home, as she grew up in Gilman, graduating from high school in 2020, before earning a degree from UW-River Falls.

“After graduating high school, I was given the opportunity to coach middle school girls basketball, as well as be a paraprofessional for the summer school program at the School District of Gilman,” she said. “Both of these experiences influenced me into joining the education field, as I found great joy in seeing students achieve their goals both in and out of the classroom.”

Outside of school, Grunseth’s hobbies and interests include reading, bear hunting, sand volleyball, coaching basketball, camping and watching movies, and spending time with her parents and sister.

“My family and I have a tradition where we go camping at Cornucopia every year, which is right off the coast of Lake Superior,” she said. “My great-great-grandparents started taking my grandpa to this small town when he was around 11 years old. We officially started camping there about 23 years ago, when I was eight months old.”

As a social studies teacher, she hopes to inspire students to become productive citizens in their own communities.

“The way I plan to implement this into my classroom, is by relating both present day and historical events to students’ personal lives,” said Grunseth. “For example, an activity I intend to introduce to one class, is a mock election, where students can see first-hand how an election is run and what steps they need to take in order to vote. There will be a multitude of activities, such as this one, that I plan to utilize, in a number of my classes to engage students in their learning.”

Kelleen LoMenzo – Art

Kelleen LoMenzo is not from the area, but enjoys the rural lifestyle of her hobby farm, filled with livestock, a garden, her husband and two kids. She’s a huge animal lover and takes in orphaned animals, or sick or injured ones.

“I struggled as a student growing up,” said LoMenzo. “It was difficult for me to find my place amongst all the academia. My sixth-grade art teacher believed in me and instilled optimism in myself I couldn’t find on my own.”

She continued to struggle until high school, until she realized from a math teacher that she needed lots of repetition and perseverance to succeed.

“I wanted to be like those two teachers...helping children who struggled in creative ways,” she said. “My social nature and deep empathy for others made teaching an enjoyable career.”

In addition to the daily art lessons, she’s created independent work stations in the room, called “Creation Stations.”

“These five separate areas are for students who have finished their work and would like to create independently on process-related content,” said LoMenzo. “Examples would be free draw, weaving, sewing and fiber arts, modeling clay sculpture and reading books on the current artist of study.”

Kylee Millin – 4K/Early Childhood

From Ladysmith, Kylee Millin graduated in 2020, then attended UW-Eau Claire, where her favorite classes revolved around inclusion and engaging all students in their academics.

“I have always enjoyed working with children and knew I wanted to be an elementary teacher since I was young,” she said. “I have always had a passion for helping children and I want to make a positive impact on their lives.”

When not in the classroom, Millin likes spending time with family and friends, walking with her dogs and traveling.

In the classroom, she wants to create an engaging environment, where students want to learn.

“I want to implement different ways for students to learn from the best of their abilities, while still reaching their academic potential,” she said. “I believe that when students are engaged in the curriculum, it helps them gain their desire to learn.”

Mykayla Sygulla – Psychologist

Growing up in Whitehall, graduating there in 2013, Mykayla Sygulla went on to UW-Eau Claire, for a bachelor’s, then to UW-Stout, for a master’s, before attending UW-Eau Claire once more, for a certificate for director of special education, then UWLa Crosse, another master’s.

“My parents are both educators and significantly influenced my desire to be an educator,” she said. “Growing up, witnessing their devotion to their students, both personally and academically, inspired me to have a similar impact. I chose counseling, psychology and special education, because I have a particular passion and interest in helping students to overcome barriers, and reach their full potential as learners and individuals.”

She also has a special tie to the area.

“My dad, Mike Beighley, is a 1989 Cornell Alumnus,” said Sygulla. “I am grateful to have the opportunity to be a part of this district and community, which has been my second home my whole life.”

Outside of education, she and her husband, and three daughters, enjoy Wisconsin sports, especially Badgers and Packers football, and Badgers basketball, as well as attending UW-Platteville basketball games, to watch her brother play. They also love visiting supper clubs throughout Wisconsin, with a goal to visit 100 different ones.

“My focus as a school psychologist, is to support student growth, by helping to develop systems and plans, that respond to the individual skills and needs of students,” she said, “and to maximize student learning, by reducing barriers both inside and outside of the classroom.”

Lake Holcombe Liberty Belter – Nurse

No questionnaire was returned.

Lisa Leasum – SEL Specialist

Originally from Gilman, Lisa Leasum graduated from Kaukauna High School in 1987, before earning a master’s of science administration from the University of Madison-Milwaukee, and a accalaureate of education from UW-Oshkosh.

“I always wanted to make a positive impact in a student’s educational career,” she said.

Leasum and her husband, Vince, enjoy learning new things, such as tiling their kitchen backsplash for the letter T.

In the classroom, Leasum plans to provide a variety of activities that appeal to the diverse learners at Lake Holcombe School, to support social and emotional well-being.

Lynda Lucinda – Psychologist

No questionnaire was returned.

Benjamin Miles – IT Director

No questionnaire was returned.

Anna Reedy – Food Service

No questionnaire was returned.

Elizabeth Slack – Speech-Language Pathologist

No questionnaire was returned.

Allison Spindler – Middle School Math

Growing up in Marshfield, graduating there and teaching there for a couple years, Allison Spindler decided to go into education after working with children at daycares, after-school programs and summer camps. She attended UW-Stevens Point for that reason.

“I have always loved kids, but seeing the difference a teacher can make on a student’s life, is the main reason,” she said. “I want to make learning fun and not something that students dread.”

Outside of school, she has a cat and a dog, and enjoys being on the lake, baking, spending time with family and friends, and going to Packer games – her family even has season tickets.

When in school, Spindler wants to implement student choice in certain activities.

“Allowing students to pick between options will positively impact the learning environment,” she said. “I hope that students will take skills with them from my classroom to the high school, while also being able to have fun while learning.”

Matt Stewart – History

Before joining Lake Holcombe School, Matt Stewart served as a social studies teacher at Abbotsford, where he had the opportunity to cultivate a deep interest in history among students and contribute to the school’s academic environment, but is excited to take on the role of teaching multiple levels of social studies.

“In addition to my teaching duties, I am looking forward to engaging with students outside the classroom,” he said, adding that he’s assisting with middle school football and is the head coach for varsity girls basketball.

Stewart is from Colby – known for its cheese – but it’s also a small town know for its values and sense of community. He continued his education at UW-Eau Claire, finishing in 2023, with a degree.

“My passion for social studies has been a driving force in my life, inspiring me to become a teacher,” said Stewart. “I believe that understanding history is crucial for shaping informed and engaged citizens. I chose education, because it allows me to share this passion with students and help them discover the importance of history in their own lives.

Outside the classroom, he cherishes time with his fiancé, Megan, and their energetic puppy. He also relishes new experiences and challenges.

Stewart also plays the guitar and has a growing collection of hot sauces from around the world.

“These interests reflect my love for creativity and exploration, both of which I bring into my teaching approach,” he said. “In my classroom, I aim to make history come alive for my students.”