1950s
Corinne (Corky) Wick
BA 1952 – Speech Therapy
Corky lives in Oakland, California, where she remains active in her theater group, the Mothertongue Theater Collective. At 90, she continues to perform in the Bay Area, most recently in “Death and Other Jokes.”
Sally Frey
BS 1955 – Education
Sally earned her graduate degree from Bank Street College of Education and retired as a Head Start director in New York City. She now serves on the board of a Harlem-based day care center.
Joan M. Ogden Gelhaus
BA 1957 – Elementary Education
Joan began her teaching career in Northbrook, Illinois, before moving to Wisconsin, where she taught full-time until her children were born. She later taught part-time in several communities and led programs through her church. Hearing and vision loss in her 80s led her into retirement.
Susan Edgerton Sell
BS 1958 – Education
Susan lives in a retirement community and stays active in civic life through Democracy Matters and the League of Women Voters, registering voters and working at precinct locations on election night checking in returned ballots.
Dorothy Rebholz
BS 1959 – Physical Education
Dorothy taught physical education for five years at Greenfield High School and advised the water ballet club, the Aqua Fins, for 18 years. She now lives on Swan Lake near Portage, Wisconsin, and enjoys playing the organ and piano for church services. Her husband of 60 years, Warren, passed away in 2023.
1960s
Donna LaFrazia
BS 1960 – Occupational Therapy
Donna worked for Los Angeles County at Olive View Hospital, then took time off to raise four children and help her family establish an electronics manufacturing company in Portland, Oregon. She later worked as a pediatric therapist for Portland Public Schools before retiring. Donna maintains her connection to UW’s occupational therapy program by funding a scholarship for doctoral students.
Martha Lamm
BS 1960 – Curriculum and Instruction
Martha taught German and English for 37 years. Since retiring, she has enjoyed traveling to many amazing places around the world.
Marcia Rosenbaum
BS 1960 – Special Education
Marcia worked as a special education teacher and tutor before retiring.
Susan Hoaglund
BS 1960 – Occupational Therapy
Although Susan did not complete her OT internship, her studies inspired a long and fulfilling career teaching art and volunteering at the Milwaukee Public Museum for nearly five decades.
Carol A. Pinter
BS 1963 – Education
Carol began her career as a high school chemistry and physics teacher. She married and then later earned a master’s degree in educational psychology and a doctoral degree in psychology. She worked part-time in private practice from 1996 until she retired in March of 2025.
Mike Finch
BA 1963 – Education/Physical Education
Mike coached swimming for more than 50 years in Canada. Now semi-retired, he continues to offer private and small-group coaching sessions, using video feedback and a Lumalane pace-light system to help swimmers refine their technique, pacing, and “turn urgency.” He says it’s great fun being back on deck!
Bonnie Christopherson Harper-Lore
BS 1964 – Spanish/English
Bonnie co-authored and co-edited “Lessons Learned in Protecting and Restoring Biodiversity” (Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2025), a 647-page collaboration featuring contributions from 85 educators, scientists, and conservation leaders. The resource aims to inspire the next generation of conservationists.
Marilyn Fenrick Boelke
BA 1964 – Elementary Education
After teaching elementary grades for several years, Marilyn became a reading specialist for about 30 years, including 20 years as a Reading Recovery teacher. She describes the experience as “very rewarding,” helping countless first graders become confident readers.
Martha Westman
BS 1964 – Communication Disorders
Martha is retired and living in Salt Lake City.
Peggy Porter Glick
BS 1964 – Mathematics Education
After 13 years in Seattle, Peggy has moved back to Reno.
Donald H. Jones
MA 1965 – Curriculum and Instruction
Donald is a happily retired professor from the School of Education at SUNY College at Geneseo.
Gayle Mindes
MS 1965 – Counseling and Behavioral Disabilities
Gayle recently co-authored “Assessing Young Children” (6th ed., Brookes Publishing Co., 2026) with L.A. Jung.
Kenneth Petersen
BS 1966 – Mathematics Education
Ken taught mathematics at Monroe High School and Brodhead High School for many years before also teaching chemistry at Brodhead. He retired in 2016 and now lives in Greensboro, North Carolina, near his three grandchildren.
Ronald Smith
PhD 1966 – History and Physical Education
Ronald served as a professor at Penn State University for 28 years. Since retiring in 1996, he has authored five books, including “Walter Byers and the NCAA: Power, Amateurism, and Growing Controversy in Big-Time College Sport” (University of Tennessee Press, 2025). He is currently completing a book on the history of college athlete rights.
Barbara Goldman McCann
BS 1967 – Education
Barbara retired in 2002 after a 35-year career as an elementary teacher and high school guidance counselor. Married for 50 years and recently widowed, she has three children and five grandchildren. She lives in McLean, Virginia, and enjoys gardening, painting, learning languages, traveling, and spending time with family.
Barbara Steffin
BS 1969 – Communication Disorders
Barbara is retired.
Carl Anderson
MS 1969 – Audiovisual Education
Carl began his education career as an upper elementary teacher in West Allis, Wisconsin, and later in the Oconomowoc Public School District. After completing his graduate degree, he served as Neenah High School’s audiovisual director. He later became administrator of audiovisual productions for Aid Association for Lutherans (AAL) in Appleton, retiring in 1997. He now volunteers with Hospice in the Fox Valley, interviewing patients who wish to share their life stories.
Jeanellyn Schwarzenbach
BA 1969 – Education/Theater
Jeanellyn taught high school English and later taught communication courses at the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay, where she spent most of her career.
Jim Weingart
BA 1969 – History
Jim taught school in Cleveland, Ohio, and Denver, Colorado.
Marjorie Ferris
MA 1969 – History/English/American Institutions
Marjorie retired from teaching high school social studies and is currently working on a book about “The Federalist,” often mistakenly referred to as “The Federalist Papers.”
Susan Smith Blakely
BS 1969 – Elementary Education
Susan began her career as an elementary teacher before earning her JD in 1979. After a successful law career, she became a motivational speaker for law students and young lawyers and has delivered hundreds of talks nationwide and abroad. She is the author of five books in the “Best Friends at the Bar” series and continues to blog at www.bestfriendsatthebar.com.
1970s
Douglas Stewart
BS 1970 – History/Geography
Doug worked in education for more than 40 years, including 15 years supporting students with mental health challenges to earn their high school diplomas. More than 200 students have completed their education through his program.
Michael Kaplan
BS 1970 – History, School of Education
Michael continues to support graduate student research through the Kaplan Awards in the History of Social Justice and Jewish Civilization, which provide annual grants to recipients selected by the Department of History and the Center for Jewish Studies. He jokes that he “just writes the checks.” At age 78, he still enjoys skiing and hiking and will soon trek through the Olympic Mountains.
Bruce Szudy
BS 1971 – Political Science; MS 1974 – Education
Bruce taught primarily first grade for 43 years and spent another eight years as a substitute teacher. Now retired, he enjoys restoring his great-great-grandparents’ historic stone house and spending time with his children, grandchildren, and significant other.
James (Jim) Hein
MS 1971 – Education
Jim devoted his entire professional career to science education, beginning with high school teaching in central Illinois before settling in Wisconsin. Over more than 30 years, he taught in the Madison Metropolitan School District at both Memorial and West High Schools. After retiring early, Jim and his wife moved to Estes Park, Colorado, where they spent 20 years as seasonal park rangers at Rocky Mountain National Park.
Jan Rife Rosenberg
BS 1971 – Elementary Education
Jan taught elementary and junior high school in the Milwaukee Public Schools for seven years before taking time to raise her family. She later returned to teaching math and computer courses at a private school in Milwaukee for 10 years, then transitioned to work as a legal assistant for a solo attorney, a position she continues to hold part-time.
Lee Vander Velden
PhD 1971 – Kinesiology
Lee retired from the University of Maryland faculty in 2002.
Linda K. Johnsrud
BS 1971 – English Education
Linda began her career teaching high school English and later became executive vice president and provost of the University of Hawaii System. Now retired, she serves as an expert witness for the university.
Sharon C. Rogers Jackson
BS 1971 – Elementary Education (K–8 Lifetime Certificate)
Sharon began her career as an elementary teacher. In 1973, she and her husband became host and foster parents for the ABC program, supporting talented and gifted high school students from across the U.S. who attended top Wisconsin schools through programs modeled after those at Dartmouth and other Ivy League institutions. Sharon later earned her MS in educational psychology and taught in an open-enrollment school in Milwaukee.
Linda Low
BS 1972 – Natural Science
Linda began her career as a middle school science teacher in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. She later served as a guidance counselor and high school administrator in Whitefish Bay and Wauwatosa. Currently, she is the CFO of Surfton Place, a family real estate investment company in La Jolla, California.
Michael Baker
BS 1972 – English
Michael earned his master’s degree in library science from the University of Illinois and spent 43 years working in various positions with the Chicago Public Library. Now retired, he lives in Charleston, Illinois.
Robert Harrington
BS 1972 – Speech/Sociology
Robert spent four years working in student activities at three different colleges, five years teaching special education, and five years coordinating continuing education classes. He now teaches Tai Chi at a group home and a senior center.
Jan Norsetter
BS 1973 – Art Education
Jan’s artwork was featured at the Dane County Regional Airport in fall 2025. The show, held in collaboration with poet Donna Carnes, highlights their book “All About the Light,” which pairs original paintings and poetry to enrich the reader’s experience of both art forms.
Jean Klatte
BA 1973 – Education
Jean taught for 40 years in Burnsville, Minnesota, and earned her master’s degree in library science from Mankato State University. She retired in 2013 and spends her winters in Crescent Beach, Florida. She and her husband, Jerry, have two children and three “grandkitties.”
Leah Reichman
BS 1973 – Art
Leah continues her artistic career, painting in watercolor and designing jewelry. Her creations can be seen on Facebook at One of a Kind Jewelry Design. Since 2012, she has also worked for the federal government at the IRS offices in Kansas City, Missouri.
Terry Cotts
BS 1973 – Education
Terry began her career as an elementary school teacher, later becoming a reading specialist and then an early childhood special education teacher. She served 27 years in the Roane County, Tennessee, Head Start program before retiring.
William Hartje
BS 1973 – Communication Arts and Educational Psychology
Bill began teaching at Evansville High School in the fall of 1973, where he taught for 39 years before retiring from full-time teaching in 2012. He continues to substitute there — now marking his 52nd year in education!
Ann Lindberg
BS 1974 – Occupational Therapy
Ann studied fine arts until her junior year, when she switched her major to occupational therapy. She retired from her practice in 2021 and is now pursuing her love of art by starting a business in surface pattern design.
Chris Kocher
BS 1974 – Art Education
Chris taught art in public schools across Wisconsin, Maryland, and the Chicago area for 35 years. Retired since 2012, she has since moved to California to be near her grandchildren.
Christine Style
BS 1974 – Art
Christine retired as Professor Emerita of Art at UW–Green Bay in 2019 after 31 years of teaching printmaking and drawing. In 2025 she opened THE ART STUDIO De Pere, a gallery and studio space, and remains active in Wisconsin’s visual arts community.
Patrick Suprise
BS 1974 – English
Patrick began his career as an English teacher at Samuel Gompers Middle School. Today, he is owner and planner emeritus at Valley Financial Group.
Ruth Ticktin
BS 1974 – Education/Dance
Ruth has coordinated programs and taught English as a Second Language in Washington, D.C., and Maryland since 1977. A Madison and Chicago native, she writes poetry and prose and enjoys sharing stories through her writing. Her works include “Around & Around: Poetry Chapbook” (Bottlecap Press, 2024), “Was, Am, Going: Recollections in Poetry & Flash” (New Bay Books, 2022), “Psalms for Contemplation” (Poetica Publishing, 2020), and “What’s Ahead?” (Pro Lingua Learning, 2013). More of her work can be found at rticktindc.wixsite.com/ruth.
Ann Butenhoff Wicklund
BS 1975 – Communicative Disorders
Ann began her career providing speech therapy to preschool students in their rural Wisconsin homes and was instrumental in developing the early childhood special education program in Stillwater, Minnesota. She later returned to Wisconsin, serving as an SLP, principal, and drector of special education in the Wausau School District. Today, she is happily retired, volunteering, traveling with her husband of 41 years, and enjoying her five grandchildren.
Mark Weller
MS 1975 – Curriculum and Instruction
After retiring from a long career teaching choral music, Mark now serves as artistic director of the Hartford Community Chorus and its subgroup, “Vintage,” which specializes in choral arrangements from the Big Band era.
Scott Kelso
MS 1975 – Kinesiology/Psychology
Scott holds the Creech Eminent Scholar Chair in Science at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida, and is Global Chair (2024–2026) at the University of Bath, England. His recent book, co-authored with D.A. Engstrom, “The Squiggle Sense: Sixth Sense of the Complementary Nature and the Metastable Brain~Mind” (Springer Nature, 2024), explores the intersection of neuroscience and human experience.
Terrie Nolinske
BS 1975 – Occupational Therapy
Although Terrie began her career as an occupational therapist, she later transitioned into the museum field, where she held senior leadership positions at Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo and Tampa’s Museum of Science & Industry. Her work has focused on universal access initiatives. Terrie is the editor and contributor to the American Alliance of Museums’ upcoming “Toolkit on Developing Museum–Healthcare Partnerships,” to be published in November 2025.
Brad Holtman
BS 1976 – French/German Education
After eight years of teaching high school in Wisconsin, Brad joined Mansfield University of Pennsylvania, where he spent 27 years and achieved the rank of full professor. He taught a wide range of courses in German, French, English grammar, linguistics, and composition, as well as German culture in English and Italian. A lifelong musician, Brad has also performed professionally as a cellist. Now retired in Cleveland, he enjoys music and continues his love of languages.
David Miller
MS 1976 – Educational Psychology
David went on to earn his doctorate and served as a corporate training manager at a regional bank for 10 years. He also taught psychology as an adjunct at several institutions before retiring after 25 years as a counselor and psychology professor at Victor Valley College in Southern California.
Elizabeth Burmaster
MS 1976 – Music Education, Educational Leadership
Libby began as a music teacher and went on to serve as principal, superintendent, and later president of Frederick Community College. She remains active in community volunteer work.
Julie Saecker Schneider
BS 1976 – Art
Julie began her career as a practicing artist. In 1981, she was invited to teach a course at Williams College, which launched her teaching career. She went on to teach at Williams, Northern Virginia Community College, and the University of Pennsylvania, where she served for 17 years on the faculty and as director of the undergraduate fine arts program. Now retired, she continues to paint and draw and enjoys life in Austin, Texas.
Sheila Tayrose
BS 1976 – Occupational Therapy
Sheila retired in 2019 and says she is enjoying “the time I have left above the earth instead of below.”
Craig Horswill
BS 1977 – Education/Natural Sciences
Craig spent his career in both academia and the corporate world, including research roles at Gatorade and faculty positions at Ball State and the University of Illinois Chicago. He retired in 2022 as a clinical associate professor.
Diane Hinke
BS 1977 – Elementary Education
Diane began her career in Monona, Wisconsin, as a fifth-grade teacher. In her third year, she met the love of her life, who relocated her to Fond du Lac, where they married and raised three children. They are now proud grandparents of seven. Diane went on to teach grades three through eight before retiring at age 61.
Holly Hughes Stoner
BA 1977 – Elementary Education
Holly began her career as a grade school teacher and later earned her master’s degree in special education. After many years in schools, she became a licensed marriage and family therapist. Today, she runs a private practice in Madison and co-directs a wellness nonprofit called Wellness Compass.
Jayne Reid Jackson
BS 1977 – Art
Jayne is an internationally recognized mezzotint artist and serves as director of the International Mezzotint Society. She recently received the SAGA Award for Outstanding Printmaking.
Joan Sidoff
BS 1977 – Occupational Therapy
Joan began her career as an occupational therapist before earning board certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics at Northwestern University. She served as an OT director at a hospital, later founded her own business, Sunshine Therapy Services, and eventually became corporate director of rehabilitation in home health. Joan is now enjoying retirement.
Christine Scotillo
MA 1978 – Dance
Christine began her career as a dance instructor at UW–River Falls before leaving academia to attend law school in St. Paul, Minnesota. After graduating, she practiced criminal and school law in the private sector and later served as executive director of Municipal Boundary Adjustments for the State of Minnesota. Christine is now retired in St. Paul.
Cristina Mondragón
BS 1978 – Secondary Education
After earning her bachelor’s degree, Cristina went on to law school and graduated in 1984. She continues to practice law today.
Mabel Smith Schumacher
PhD 1978 – Education
Mabel retired in 2001 and has since led major efforts to recognize and honor veterans. She was instrumental in having March 13 designated as K9 Veterans Day by the Wisconsin Legislature and coordinated the creation of a K9 Veterans Memorial, a WWII Memorial, and two community canine–human fountains and statues. Her contributions have earned her numerous honors, including the Making Fort Atkinson Special Award, the Assembly Hometown Hero Award, the National DAR Medal of Honor, and recognition from the Pentagon’s Sergeant Major Lavalle for her support of working K9s.
Shelly Dutch
BS 1978 – Education
Shelly founded the Recovery Foundation, Connections Counseling, and co-founded Horizon High School in Madison, all dedicated to supporting recovery and mental health for youth.
Marel Sitron
BS 1979 – Art
After graduating from UW–Madison, Marel earned her master’s degree in Creative Art Therapy at Hahnemann Medical College (now Drexel University) in Philadelphia. For 42 years she inspired children’s creativity through art, including 29 years as the art educator at Barcroft Elementary in Arlington, Virginia, where she plans to retire this June.
1980s
Barbara Seyda
BS 1980 – Fine Art
Barbara is collaborating with award-winning Polish filmmaker Olga Chajdas on “Blood Soup,” a screenplay interweaving the stories of five children in 1942 Warsaw. She’s also developing a hip-hop opera with female rap artist/composer Angel Haze, based on her Yale Drama Prize–winning script “Celia.” Her surreal memoir “Gaudy Sorrow” was recently published by Finishing Line Press.
Carol Sweigert (Ammel)
BS 1980 – Occupational Therapy
Carol built a successful career blending patient care, teaching, and leadership in neurorehabilitation. Now retired, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren and encouraging them to become future Badgers.
Jodee Plazek
BS 1980 – Physical Therapy
Jodee is winding down a rewarding 45-year career as a physical therapist. She describes her work as deeply satisfying and continues to look back fondly on her time at UW–Madison.
Jodi Marie Croy
BS 1980 – Physical Therapy
Jodi is now retired.
Paul Glancy
MS 1980 – Broad Field Social Studies
Now retired, Paul continues to teach courses on the Holocaust, the Arab–Israeli Conflict, and the Vietnam War at the University of Richmond and the LLI Institute affiliated with Virginia Commonwealth University. He also authored “Route ’68,” a book chronicling his hitchhiking trip across the country with a fellow Badger during the tumultuous summer of 1968.
Amy Paskin
BS 1981 – Art
Amy worked as an artist and art teacher in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Now retired, she creates textile art displayed in galleries and national quilt shows.
Elizabeth Fritz
MS 1981 – Education
Elizabeth began her career as a sixth-grade teacher before earning her master’s degree in special education and later obtaining her administrative certification. She served as a school principal for 26 years, retiring from the Madison Metropolitan School District in 2015. After retiring, Elizabeth spent five years with Concordia University as an adjunct professor and student teacher supervisor.
Kathleen Paris
PhD 1981 – Educational Administration
Kathleen began her career as a teacher and later became a consultant specializing in strategic planning. Her book “Gentle Comforts: For Women Grieving the Loss of a Beloved Life Companion” (ACTA, 2024) received praise from Kirkus Reviews.
Larry Weiss
MA 1981 – Curriculum and Instruction; PhD 1985 – Educational Leadership
Larry began his career teaching English, speech, and drama at Waunakee High School before moving on to teach public speaking and honors public speaking at UW–Madison, where he also resurrected the UW–Madison Speech & Debate Program after a 30-year hiatus. He later became a tenured professor at UW–Oshkosh and held leadership positions in Hartford, Wisconsin, and Buffalo, Minnesota. His final roles included serving as professor and dean for the School of Humanities in San Diego. Larry is now happily retired in Florida.
Sari Lewis
BS 1981 – Occupational Therapy
Sari created a superhero character named Mr. Vagus Nerve to help educate people about the importance of the vagus nerve and how to promote nervous system balance. Learn more at sarihands.com/mrvagusnerve.
Jane Clark Lindle
MS 1982 – Educational Administration
After a long and accomplished career in education, Janie earned her Kentucky Extension Master Gardener certification, leading her to serve as founding secretary of the Woodford County Extension Master Gardeners (WCEMG). She helped spearhead numerous community projects, including the Pollinator Garden at Huntertown Community Interpretive Park — recipient of the 2025 Search for Excellence Award from the Kentucky Extension Master Gardeners.
Stephen Langendorfer
PhD 1982 – Physical Education
Steve has served as a research scientist for five annual grants from the CDC to the American Red Cross, focusing on drowning prevention. For the past 24 years, he has taught Outdoor Adventure Education courses in the Adirondacks for SUNY–Cortland. A dedicated Masters swimmer, he captured fifth place at the 2024 U.S. Masters Nationals.
Boon Leng Wong
MSc 1983 – Education
After earning her graduate degree in TESOL from UW–Madison, Boon Leng returned to Singapore, where she taught economics and mentored new teachers as a senior educator until her retirement in 2019.
Cynthia Kukla
MFA 1983 – Art
After 32 years as an art professor, Cynthia is now a full professor emerita and continues to paint in her dream studio near Cincinnati, Ohio. She serves on the board of the Watercolor Honor Society of America and is represented by the Ed Dixon Gallery in Dayton.
Dennise Gackstetter
BS 1983 – Art Education
Dennise retired in 2024 after 25 years teaching in the Department of Art + Design at Utah State University. She continues to engage with her community as a teaching artist and enjoys the freedom of this new chapter.
Jeanette Heitman
BS 1983 – Communicative Disorders
Jeanette retired from a fulfilling career as a speech pathologist in 2024. She now applies her expertise as an outreach coordinator for the UW–Madison School of Medicine and Public Health.
Jeff Anderson
BA 1983 – Kinesiology
Jeff is emeritus professor of Respiratory Care at Boise State University. Though he officially retired in 2022, he continues teaching his favorite courses — Cardiopulmonary Anatomy and Physiology and Medical Terminology. He attributes his success to professors Jerome Dempsey and Herbert Howe at UW–Madison and remains deeply grateful for their mentorship.
John Pribyl
PhD 1983 – Counseling Psychology
John began his career as a family therapist and psychologist at Family Service of Milwaukee before moving to the Twin Cities, where he spent over 30 years working in mental health with children, adolescents, and families. Since retiring in 2016, he enjoys winters in warmer climates and time with family and friends.
Aura Mollick Hirschman
MS 1984 – Rehabilitation Counseling
Aura retired after more than 40 years of working with individuals with disabilities. Her career spanned client services, assistive technology, research, grant writing, and teaching.
Barbara Gruener
BS 1984 – English, Spanish minor
Barbara began as a high school English and Spanish teacher and later became a nationally known speaker on character education. She has authored three award-winning books, most recently “Knit Back Together” (2025).
John Vieth
BS 1984 – Secondary Education, Broad Field Social Studies
John is semi-retired after a long career as a Wisconsin state employee and now works part-time, averaging 16–17 hours per week.
Kristin Skarie
BS 1984 – Education, Adapted Physical Education
Kristin lives in Florida, where she devotes her time to family and her lifelong involvement with the Girl Scouts — a journey she began in 1967. She co-leads an elementary troop dedicated to building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. Kristin also rowed for UW–Madison from 1980 to 1982 and attended the 50th Anniversary of UW Women’s Rowing Reunion in 2022, calling it a privilege to have been part of such a meaningful movement.
Patricia Duren
BS 1984 – Art
Patricia worked as a graphic artist at UW–Madison before retiring in 2012. She continues her creative pursuits in pastel and oil painting. Her artwork can be viewed at patriciaduren.com.
Therese Morrical
BS 1984 – Physical Therapy
Therese has worked in physical therapy for 41 years, including 36 years specializing in pediatric physical therapy within school settings.
Cheryl Koss Mocadlo
BS 1985 – Secondary Education
After a successful career in corporate research and development and intellectual property management, Cheryl found her second calling as a Door County artist. Her work is featured at Plum Bottom Galleries and on her own website.
Donald Michael Jr.
MFA 1985 – Graphic Design/Computer Graphics
Don began his journey as a cancer survivor at UW Hospital and went on to a fulfilling career as an art and graphic design instructor. He currently serves as a digital literacy specialist and an Action Council member for the American Library Association’s Social Responsibility Roundtable. Don presents at conferences nationwide on digital literacy and equitable student technology funding.
Kevin Gasser
BS 1985 – Physical Education/Kinesiology
Kevin began his career as a middle school physical education teacher and high school coach. He now holds several positions at Missouri Valley College in Marshall, Missouri, including director of roster management–Athletics, academic advisor for Education and Exercise Science students, and adjunct instructor in the School of Education and Social Science.
Mary McCutcheon
MS 1985 – Exercise Physiology/Cardiac Rehabilitation
Mary began her career as an occupational therapist before earning her master’s degree in exercise physiology and cardiac rehabilitation at UW–Madison. After working briefly as an exercise physiologist, she returned to occupational therapy and completed a 30-year career in the Oshkosh School District. She now teaches Feldenkrais at her local YMCA and offers private sessions.
Sharon Robinson
BS 1985 – Education, Community Health
Sharon’s career in health education led her to earn an MS from the University of Central Florida and a BSN from Southeastern Louisiana University. A certified diabetes nurse educator for more than 28 years, she has worked in fitness programming, health fairs, school and pediatric nursing, and postpartum care. Sharon also volunteers at community and senior centers teaching diabetes and health classes and recently served medical missions to Peru (2024) and Honduras (2025).
Brad Peck
BS 1986 – English/Communication Arts; Educational Administration
Brad retired in 2020 after 33 years in education, including 25 years as principal of Wausau East High School. He now serves as midwest regional director at Engineering Tomorrow.
Claudia Smith-Cournoyer
BA 1986 – Education
After teaching in Arizona, Nevada, and four Wisconsin districts as an English, special education, and alternative education teacher and administrator (earning her UW–Milwaukee degree along the way), Claudia became director of a large early childcare and 4K center in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Recently, she returned to teaching, working with alternative education and at-risk middle and high school students. She writes: “Educators never stop learning nor teaching. Life is good. Proud to be a Madison alum.”
Hsiao-chin Hsieh
PhD 1987 – Educational Policy Studies
Hsiao-chin has taught at National Tsing Hua University in Taiwan since 1989. Her research focuses on the sociology of education, gender and education, and alternative education. As a senior professor, she has held numerous administrative positions at NTHU, including university librarian, vice president of student affairs, and director of the NTHU Heritage Museum.
Laurie Kleisinger
BA 1987 – Physical Education
After 20 years of coaching high school track and cross-country, Laurie launched a packaging company that helped develop and distribute specialized 50-pound food aid bags designed to preserve U.S. crops for shipment overseas. The bags maintained freshness through extreme conditions — from ship rides to donkey-cart deliveries — and proved resilient against pests and rough handling. Laurie describes the work as deeply gratifying, though she notes that with the end of U.S. food aid programs, there’s now a “huge hole in sales.”
Suzy Scudder
BS 1987 – Wildlife Ecology and Elementary Education
Suzy published a children’s counting book, “Count Upon Your Friends,” inspired by her work as a math interventionist. She also performs with her band, Barely a Band.
Timothy Leverence
BS 1987 – Education/Broad Field Social Studies
Timothy taught high school from 1991 to 2006 and coached several sports, including football and softball. A year after graduating from UW–Madison, he joined the Air National Guard as an aviator, flying part-time while teaching. In 2007, Timothy began flying full-time with the 115th Fighter Wing of the Wisconsin Air National Guard, where he served until his retirement in 2022. He now enjoys retirement and works part-time as a groundskeeper for the Milwaukee Brewers.
Michael Dorn
BS 1988 – Secondary Education, Mathematics
After 34 years in the classroom, Michael retired from teaching in 2023. Not quite ready to stop working, he joined WEA Member Benefits, where he now helps other teachers prepare for their own retirements.
Pam Mastalski Delfosse
BA 1988 – Education
Pam recently retired after 36 years as a leader in global education, including serving as world language and global education supervisor for the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.
Donna Tatera Richter
BS 1989 – Kinesiology/Physical Education; Adapted Physical Education
After graduating from UW–Madison, Donna began her career as a high school physical education teacher, remaining at the same school for 32 years. Now retired, she continues to share her love of movement by teaching yoga for both adults and children.
Jim Augustine
BS 1989 – Psychology and Kinesiology
Jim began his career as a physical therapy assistant before returning to school to earn his master’s degree in secondary education. He now teaches high school social studies and continues to inspire students through his passion for education.
Kelli Tuttle
BS 1989 – Elementary Education
Kelli retired from the Madison Metropolitan School District in 2022 after a fulfilling teaching career. She continues to stay active in education by substitute teaching in Madison and Sun Prairie.
Michelle Torre
BS 1989 – Elementary Education
Michelle retired after 35 years of teaching in Madison and now enjoys travel, family, and community life.
Lorinda Cain-Bowles
BS 1989, MS 2007 – Elementary Education
Lorinda began her career as a classroom teacher in Minneapolis, spending seven years at Marcy Open School. After earning her master’s degree at UW–Madison, she worked as a reading and math specialist at Stoner Prairie Elementary. Following a brief retirement, Lorinda launched her own permitting company in Fort Myers, Florida.
1990s
Ronald Dentinger
BS 1990 – Communications/Secondary Education
Ron taught, coached, and served as an administrator in Texas public schools for 34 years. After retiring in 2023, he accepted a new teaching and administrative position at Loretto Academy, an all-girls Catholic high school in El Paso, Texas.
Sherry Hlavachek
MS 1990 – Education
Sherry retired after 21 years of teaching at Albrecht Elementary School in Brodhead, Wisconsin. She enjoys traveling with her family across Africa, Europe, Central America, and the Caribbean.
Dawn Ashenbrenner
BS 1991 – Physical Therapy
Dawn retired after a 34-year career in physical therapy. She occasionally fills in but now plans to travel the world.
Michelle Jensen
BS 1991 – Education
Michelle recently completed her term as president of the Wisconsin Association of School District Administrators (2024–25). She continues to serve as superintendent of the Deerfield Community School District, marking her 20th year in that role.
Didacus Jules
MEd 1992 – Curriculum and Instruction
After graduating, Didacus held several high-level international education roles, including director general of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States.
Kristin DeLorme
BS 1992 – Secondary Education/English
Kristin has spent more than three decades in education and now serves as library media technology specialist at Vel Phillips Memorial High School in Madison.
Lee Schedler
MA 1992 – Education
An award-winning teacher and reading specialist, Lee later founded Delectable Dilemmas — an award-winning food and puzzle tour based in Texas.
Liz Bradley Rupar
BS 1993 – Kinesiology
Liz serves as the health and fitness director at Touchmark at Mt. Bachelor Village in Bend, Oregon. She helps older adults stay active and continue participating in the physical activities they love.
John Ross
BS 1993 – Art
John works as a user experience visual designer for an international CAD software company, where he has been employed for the past 17 years.
Leslie Rogers
BS 1993 – Special Education
Leslie is an assistant professor at Montana State University, where she helped launch a new special education certificate program for pre-service teachers.
Tony Hjelle
BS 1993 – Education
Tony began as a fifth-grade teacher before earning his chiropractic degree. For 27 years, he built two successful clinics in Minnesota and now focuses on occupational health.
Michael Bartley
BS 1993 – Education, Broad Field Social Studies
Mike is in his 31st year teaching high school social studies and his 26th year in Watertown, Wisconsin. He lives in New Berlin with his wife, Erin, and their two sons.
Kris Pflaging
BS 1994 – Kinesiology
Kris taught in 22 different educational settings while moving with her military family. Now settled in Virginia, she integrates science concepts into her PE curriculum at a STEM-focused school.
Marlene Powell
MS 1994 – Education
Marlene taught for 28 years in Middleton, Wisconsin. Since 2007, she has served as president of the VFW Post 997 Auxiliary in Baraboo, where she continues to lead community service and veterans’ support initiatives.
Ruth Hammiller
PhD 1994 – Educational Administration
Ruth worked as a teacher, school psychologist, and director of special education and pupil services before retiring.
Eva Brooks
BA 1995 – Nursing
Eva began her career as an ICU nurse and now owns and operates her own medical aesthetics practice.
Rebecca Butler
PhD 1995 – Educational Technology
Becky is Distinguished Teaching Professor Emerita at Northern Illinois University and continues to mentor doctoral students.
Helene Weisz
BS 1996 – Elementary Education
After 20 years of teaching, Helene has owned a Mathnasium franchise for seven years and recently received the company’s Training Excellence Award.
Ian Chalgren
BFA 1996 – Art
After 25 years as a senior art director at American Family Insurance, Ian now works in book design and editing, contributing to major comic and art publications.
Margaret Banker
BS 1996 – Education/Secondary Education
Margaret has served Wisconsin public schools at every level — as a high school English teacher, library media specialist, principal, director of instruction, and superintendent. She currently leads the Spooner Area School District.
Todd Andres
BS 1996 – Occupational Therapy
Todd began his career as an occupational therapist in Janesville before developing industrial rehab programs in Mauston and Green Bay. He later transitioned into occupational health management and eventually founded his own occupational rehab and testing business in Green Bay. Now semi-retired in Antigo, Todd continues to practice occupational therapy and looks forward to full retirement at his lake home near Crandon.
Aaron Sadoff
BS 1997 – Education and History
Aaron was inaugurated as the 18th President of Marian University and recently published “MindCraft: The Art of Positive Thinking RIGHT NOW!”
Bharati Holtzman
MA 1997 – Curriculum and Instruction
Bharati began her career as a high school geography teacher in New Delhi, India. She later worked at several campuses within the University of Wisconsin System, including UW–Madison, where she served both undergraduate and graduate students. Today, Bharati is the co-founder and treasurer of a nonprofit organization that promotes wellbeing among children, youth, and adults, helping them actualize their career and life goals.
Jason Marcks
BS 1997 – Earth and Space Science
Jason began his career teaching high school science in Colorado before combining his passions for aviation and education. He served as executive director of space education initiatives and later became an airline captain with Delta Air Lines. Alongside his aviation career, Jason continues to teach comparative planetology, astronomy, and Earth science as an adjunct faculty member at multiple universities, sharing his expertise both in the classroom and in the cockpit.
Jolene Richter Wheeler
MS 1997 – Rehabilitation Psychology
Jolene began as a case manager for individuals with disabilities and now serves as president and CEO of a nonprofit organization.
Mikaela Vanderperren
BS 1997 – Education
Mikaela began her career teaching elementary education in El Paso, Texas. She later taught English Language Development and Spanish at the secondary level in Minnesota and Oregon. After 30 years in the classroom, she transitioned into administration and currently serves as a middle school assistant principal in Beaverton, Oregon.
Susan Custer
BS 1997 – Performance and Choreography, Dance
Susan began her career in the Madison area in 1991, teaching children’s ballet while completing her dance degree at UW–Madison. Her lifelong interest in movement and health led her to pursue additional studies in life sciences and wellness. In May 2025, she became a Certified Senior Fitness Specialist through the American Council on Exercise and now teaches a ballet-based fitness program for older adults, “I’m Possible Ballet,” through the Monona Parks and Recreation Department and Senior Center.
Laura Kakatsch
MS 1998 – Communicative Disorders
After earning her master’s degree, Laura returned to her hometown of Manitowoc, Wisconsin, where she began her career in the Manitowoc Public School District. Now in her 26th year as a speech-language pathologist, she continues to work with students ages 3 to 17 and says seeing their progress each year is both amazing and rewarding.
Amy Newell
MFA 1999 – Art
Amy was recently promoted to director of exhibitions at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Angela Zoellner Jimenez
BS 1999 – Secondary Education, Spanish
After 26 years of teaching high school Spanish, Angie joined the National Youth Advocate Program (NYAP) in January as lead educator. In September, she was promoted to assistant program director for La Jornada, a program that provides education and support for unaccompanied minors from Spanish-speaking countries.
Erin Schroeder
BS 1999 – Secondary Education/Math
Erin is a high school mathematics teacher and department chair at Waunakee High School. She received the 2023 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.
Nikki Riebau
BS 1999 – Occupational Therapy
Nikki spent much of her career working in skilled nursing facilities before relocating to the Oregon Coast 15 years ago to serve in a critical access hospital. Five years ago, she earned her certification in lymphedema therapy and is now one of only five certified lymphedema therapists along the entire Oregon Coast.
Zachary Zdrale
BS 1999 – Art (Graphic Design concentration)
Zack has maintained an active career as a nationally and internationally exhibiting oil painter since 2007. His next solo exhibition opens this fall at Gallery Victor in Chicago. In addition to his studio practice, Zack teaches full-time at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater.
2000s
Judith Perkins
ABD 2000 – Educational Leadership
Since leaving the Wisconsin School Board Association, Judith has owned Perkins Construction Inc. in Plymouth, Minnesota, and currently serves as mayor of Ceylon, Minnesota.
Kevin Kumashiro
MA 2000 – Educational Policy Studies
Kevin recently published an interactive report titled “School Times for End Times: A Brief History of U.S. Christian Nationalist Activism and Public Education,” which is freely accessible online at kevinkumashiro.com/schooltimes.
Emily Balsley
BFA 2001 – Art
Emily was selected by the Milwaukee Brewers as one of the artists for their 2025 Wisconsin Artist Series t-shirts. Her design was featured at the August 12 game, and she threw the ceremonial first pitch.
Luke Spielman
BS 2001 – Education, History/Social Studies
The Association of Wisconsin School Administrators (AWSA) has named Luke Spielman the 2025 Middle School Principal of the Year. He serves as principal of Park View Middle School in the Mukwonago Area School District, where he is recognized for his leadership and commitment to students and staff.
Dusty Herbig
MFA 2002 – Education/Graphics
Dusty curated the exhibition “Twenty Years of Lake Effect Editions” at the Warehouse Gallery at Syracuse University, where he has served as director and collaborative printmaker since 2006. His work has also been featured in the “Bradley International Print and Drawing Exhibition,” the “Atlanta Print Biennial,” and other national shows. This past summer, Dusty completed a residency at the Institute for Electronic Arts at Alfred University in New York, producing new editions and one-of-a-kind works.
Joel Amidon
BS 2002 – Curriculum and Instruction
Joel began his career teaching math at Sauk Prairie High School and is now a professor of teacher education at the University of Mississippi. He was recently inducted into the UW Rugby Club Hall of Fame.
Bari Toor
BS 2003 – Occupational Therapy
Bari began her career as a pediatric occupational therapist in New York City, where she developed an animal-assisted therapy program. She now works for Asbury Park Public Schools in New Jersey.
Holly Anne Burns
BFA 2003 – Fine Art and Liberal Studies
Holly earned an MPS in Design Management from Pratt Institute and now leads Burns Design Strategy in Madison. She recently published a children’s picture book, “Winnie Wonders.”
Karen Searles Connair
BFA 2003 – Dance
Karen began teaching in private dance programs while still in college and after graduation accepted a dance position in Texas public schools, where she was named State Dance Educator of the Year. Her passion for integrating technology into the arts led to published features in educational magazines and invitations to present professional development workshops. Karen later transitioned into the role of instructional technology specialist, where she earned Teacher of the Year honors. She continues to serve the dance community as a contractor and mentor.
Cara Brayer Olsen
BS 2004 – Occupational Therapy
Cara has worked as a pediatric occupational therapist in San Diego’s public schools for the past 18 years, supporting students in grades K–8.
Dustin Winter
BS 2004 – Dance/Instructional and Applied Technology
After graduating, Dustin worked with Detroit law firms producing demonstrative evidence. From 2007 to 2016, he served in the training department at Little Caesars Enterprises, developing instructional materials for stores worldwide. In 2017, he joined the Munters Corporation as a marketing specialist. Following the division’s 2025 acquisition by Grain and Protein Technologies, Dustin continues his marketing work with the new company.
Kat Stiennon
BS 2004 – Art
Kat is an internationally recognized dance photographer based in Madison.
Erin Narloch
BS 2005 – Art
Erin is Senior Director of Business Insight and Performance at History Factory, where she helps major brands tell their stories through historical archives.
Jeff Silber
MS 2006 – Special Education
After many years working as an autism therapist, Jeff founded his own practice, Autism Mediation LLC. Rather than providing direct therapy to children, he focuses on supporting families — offering hope and guidance as they navigate K–12 education systems and legal processes.
Mariluz Gonzalez-Guerrero
BS 2006 – Special Education
Mariluz began her career as a bilingual special education teacher in Chicago and now serves as a bilingual case manager.
Marcus Weaver-Hightower
PhD 2006 – Curriculum and Instruction
Marcus is professor and program leader for Foundations of Education at Virginia Tech and author of “How to Craft Autoethnography: A Practical-ish Guide.”
Wayne Au
PhD 2007 – Curriculum and Instruction
Wayne, dean and professor at the University of Washington Bothell, published two books in 2025: “Asian American Racialization and the Politics of U.S. Education” and “Race, Curriculum, and Educational Justice.”
Joanna Schreurs
BS 2007 – Art
Joanna joined O’Connor Connective as a Brand Consultant, helping organizations meet marketing and fundraising goals.
Kathryn Premo Mingione
BS 2007 – Elementary Education
Kathryn teaches at Monona Grove Nursery School (MGNS), a cooperative preschool founded in 1958 that emphasizes play-based, child-centered education in a screen-free environment. The program’s extended playtime fosters deep social connections and self-discovery, helping children build a strong foundation for lifelong learning. MGNS recently relocated after the sale of its former building and is currently raising funds to renovate its new space. Learn more at mgns.org.
David Wallace
MS 2007 – Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis
David leads an independent charter school near Eugene, Oregon, and is currently defending his EdD dissertation.
Lisa Pietrowiak
BS 2008 – Kinesiology
Lisa opened her own practice, True Fit Physical Therapy, LLC, focusing on personalized, whole-person care.
Ana Celia Baez
BS 2008 – Human Development and Family Studies; MS 2010 Counseling Psychology
Ana Celia is a bilingual school counselor and was named a 2025 Wisconsin Teacher of the Year.
Timothy Radke
BS 2008 – Rehabilitation Psychology and Special Education
Timothy serves as Director of Pupil Services for the Spooner Area School District. He is also completing his dissertation on Indigenous education policy at Northern Illinois University.
William Adams
BS 2009 – Kinesiology
William joined Michigan State University as an assistant professor in the Department of Kinesiology, where he also serves as interim program director for the Master of Science in Athletic Training Program. This appointment follows 3.5 years as associate director of sports medicine research at the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee.
2010s
Audra Grosz
BS 2010 – Art
Audra opened the first women-owned tattoo shop in Madison before relocating to Viroqua, Wisconsin, where she now operates her own studio as a solo tattoo artist.
Dani Friedrich
PhD 2010 – Curriculum and Instruction
Dani was promoted to Professor of Curriculum at Teachers College, Columbia University. He recently co-authored “TV as Curriculum Studies: Putting Curriculum Theory to Work” with Dr. Jordan Corson. The book connects theories from UW–Madison scholars to portrayals of schooling on television between 1979 and 2020.
Greg Rankin
MS 2010 – Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis
Greg earned his EdD from Marymount University in Educational Leadership and Organizational Innovation. His dissertation, “Academic Advisor Perspectives on Advising First-Generation College Students: A Quantitative Study Comparing First- and Continuing-Generation Advisors,” explores how advisor identity impacts student success.
Allison Wojnar
MS 2011 – Rehabilitation Psychology
Allison serves as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) at Rogers Behavioral Health in Brown Deer, Wisconsin — the first BCBA role filled by Rogers nationwide. She also serves on the Wisconsin Chapter Board of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and hosts free educational talks on suicide prevention across the state.
Chris Medenwaldt
MS 2012 – Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis
With more than 30 years in Wisconsin education, Chris has served as a school counselor, coach, principal, and director of secondary education. He’s known for building innovative learning experiences that connect classrooms with local businesses — and for being a fierce competitor in pickup basketball games.
Colleen Timm
PhD 2012 – Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis
After 35 years in public education, Colleen retired in June 2025 from CESA 7 in Green Bay, where she served as Agency Administrator. Her career also included roles as superintendent, principal, and teacher. She now lives in Fort Myers, Florida, and continues her education work as executive director of Academic and Student Services for the School District of Lee County.
Julie Swartzloff
BS 2012 – K–12 Spanish Education
Julie was appointed assistant superintendent of human resources for East Aurora School District 131.
Leah Talus
BA 2012 – Elementary Education
Leah began her career as an elementary school teacher and went on to earn her master’s degree in special education. She is now taking time at home to raise her children before returning to the classroom.
Mary Pfeiffer
MS 2012 – Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis
Mary continues to stay connected to education but says there’s “nothing new to report right now.”
Rob DeMeuse
BS 2012 – Secondary Education, Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis
Rob taught high school social studies in Evansville, Wisconsin, before transitioning to educational research. He now serves as vice president of research at School Perceptions, an independent education research firm, where he’s entering his fifth year in the role.
Tanesha Jones
BS 2012 – Elementary Education
Tanesha began her career as a fifth-grade teacher and now serves as a principal in Oshkosh while pursuing her PhD in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis at UW–Madison.
Delphine Vakunta
MS 2013 – Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis
After beginning her career in higher education, Delphine transitioned to international humanitarian work with the United Nations in South Sudan, Somalia, Nigeria, and Haiti. She now serves as Senior Fragility & Resilience Officer at the African Development Bank Group in Côte d’Ivoire, overseeing engagement in fragile and conflict-affected regions across Africa.
Rachel Elliott
BS 2014 – Elementary Education
Rachel began as a kindergarten teacher and now serves as learning coordinator for her district’s special education programs.
Brent Mecikalski
BA 2015 – Elementary Education (Middle Childhood–Early Adolescence)
Brent began his career teaching fifth-grade math and science in Kaukauna, Wisconsin, before moving to Appleton, where he now teaches elementary STEM. He’s entering his tenth year of teaching and takes pride in preparing future Badgers for careers in technology and engineering.
Crystal Graff
BS 2015 – Kinesiology
Crystal completed her residency and fellowship training in 2025 and now works as a physician specializing in Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation, and Sports Medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago, Illinois.
Brianne Unger
MS 2016 – Curriculum and Instruction
Brianne continues her career as a second-grade teacher in the Madison Metropolitan School District.
Lucia Hodkiewicz
BA 2016 – Fine Arts
Lucia recently began working as communications coordinator for the Door County Land Trust, a conservation nonprofit. She creates illustrations, designs layouts for the quarterly magazine, writes press releases, and manages social media — combining art, writing, and stewardship in what she calls her “dream position.”
Luke Cimino
BA 2016 – Kinesiology/History
Luke is the founder of Amaru Esperanza, an international nonprofit that has supported communities in Colombia, Cambodia, and other countries through housing, child support, and education initiatives. He continues to uphold the Wisconsin tradition of service and global engagement.
Robin Sereno
MS 2016 – Counseling Psychology
Robin has dedicated her career to supporting vulnerable populations. After starting at Briarpatch Youth Services assisting homeless youth, she became Executive Director of the Tenant Resource Center, leading Dane County’s emergency rental assistance program and founding the Eviction Diversion and Defense Project. She now serves as Director of Day Treatment Services at Family Service Madison, focusing on adolescent mental health.
Russell Cannon
PhD 2017 – Educational Policy Studies
Russell is Senior Manager for Measurement, Learning, and Evaluation at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, overseeing AI-focused initiatives and cross-portfolio research to advance postsecondary success.
Woo-Jung Kim
BS 2017 – Secondary Education, Science Education
Woo-Jung began as a middle school science teacher and now serves as dean of international students at a college preparatory school in Los Angeles, where she advances global citizenship education.
Patrice Leverett
PhD 2018 – Educational Psychology, School Psychology
Patrice recently earned tenure at Loyola University Chicago, where she is now an associate professor. Her recent publication, “Community Cultural Wealth: Supporting Migrant Youth in Schools” (School Psychology Review, 2024), explores how schools can better support migrant students through cultural strengths.
Chukwuma Ekwelum
PhD 2019 – Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis
Chukwuma is the founder of the Legacy of Excellence Foundation (LEF), a youth-focused NGO based in Kigali, Rwanda. LEF recently piloted its Gaining Adequate Preparation Program (GAPP) for rural youth and plans to launch the Legacy of Excellence Academy (LEA) next year. Learn more at legacyrw.org.
Erika Gallagher
MS 2019 – Curriculum and Instruction, Secondary Education
Erika is entering her seventh year of teaching and fourth at Verona Area High School. She received the 2025 Wisconsin Council of Teachers of English Diversity and Inclusion Award and was named one of Madison365’s “Top 20 Most Influential Asian American Leaders in Wisconsin.” Her yearbook program also earned a 2025 Gold Program of Excellence Award.
Mouna Algahaithi
BS 2019 – Educational Policy Studies
Mouna launched her career in public media at PBS Wisconsin, where she served as an education engagement specialist for over seven years. Today, she is an engagement project manager with Fred Rogers Productions, continuing her mission to support children, families, and educators through educational media.
Tobin Shucha
PhD 2019 – Curriculum and Instruction
Tobin serves as assistant professor of music, director of bands and music education, and fine arts coordinator at Ripon College. He recently contributed a chapter, “A Member Worthy of Belonging: The Construction of the Self as Protagonist in Autobiographical Narrative,” to “Methodological Musings: Thinking With Narrative in Music Education Research” (Springer Nature, 2024).
2020s
Max Hautala
MFA 2020 – Art (Printmaking)
Max works at Western Washington University as marketing coordinator for the Viking Union, the university’s student union building, combining his creative background with strategic communications.
Bridget Hammett
BS 2020 – Special Education
Bridget recently celebrated her second work anniversary at Nate Berkus Associates in Chicago, where she serves as administrative assistant and social media manager.
Mary Smith
MS 2020 – Counseling Psychology
Mary is vice president and shareholder of Uplands Counseling Associates, an all-female-owned counseling practice led by UW–Madison graduates. With clinics in Dodgeville and Madison, the team carries forward the Wisconsin Idea by providing high-quality counseling services across the state.
Alexa Schnittka
BS 2021 – Education, Kinesiology
Alexa works as assistant general manager for the Chicago Union, the city’s professional ultimate frisbee team. She hopes to continue advancing in the field of sports management.
Brett Nachman
PhD 2021 – Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis
Brett, assistant professor of higher education at the University of Pittsburgh, received a Spencer Foundation Vision Grant ($75,000) as co-PI for Facilitating Autistic Student Transitions (FAST) — a planning study to support autistic individuals navigating systems beyond K–12 education.
James Beaver
BS 2021 – Health Promotion and Health Equity
James worked at the UW Lifesaving Station and as a substitute teacher in MMSD before moving into a full-time supervisor role at the Lifesaving Station.
Kacha Fischer
MS 2021 – Global Higher Education/Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis
Kacha has worked with UW–Madison’s International Student Services office for four years, planning events and programs that help international students build community and connect with the broader Madison area.
Madyson Forseth
BSE 2021 – Elementary Education
Madyson recently earned her Master of Arts in Education and is now in her fifth year of teaching pre-K, where she focuses on building strong social-emotional foundations and fostering a lifelong love of learning.
Shanshan Jiang-Brittan
PhD 2021 – Educational Policy Studies
Shanshan serves as editor and external relations specialist at the UC Berkeley Center for Studies in Higher Education.
Callie Youngquist
BS 2022 – Early Childhood Education
Callie relocated to Georgia, where she now teaches kindergarten.
Megan Girod
BS 2022 – Elementary Education
Megan is in her fourth year of teaching and her second year with the Waunakee Community School District — “Go Warriors!”
Amira Castillo
MA 2023 – Secondary Education, Social Studies
Amira teaches world history, gender studies, and civics at Madison West High School.
Andrew Pearson
PhD 2023 – Kinesiology
Andrew joined the University of Michigan as a clinical assistant professor in the School of Kinesiology, where he teaches undergraduate and graduate courses.
Jia Jia
MS 2023 – Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis
Jia began her PhD studies in Human Development and Family Studies at the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign in fall 2025, focusing on early childhood development.
Matthew Moran
BS 2023 – Art (Graphic Design) and Computer Science
Matt completed his first year at JSA+Partners, a Los Angeles–based communications firm, as their first full-time technical hire. He is leading development of a new industry-defining PR measurement tool set for public release in 2026.
Miranda Aalto
BFA 2023 – Art
After completing a two-year education fellowship at the Museum of Wisconsin Art, Miranda joined the museum full-time as teen programs coordinator.
Gabriel De Los Reyes
MS 2024 – Educational Psychology
Gabriel continues his career as a fourth-grade teacher, serving neurodivergent learners in an inclusive elementary classroom.
Hannah Glenn
PhD 2024 – Counseling Psychology
Hannah is a clinical assistant professor and director of training and professional development in UW–Madison’s Department of Counseling Psychology. A licensed psychologist and Health Service Psychologist, she completed a postdoctoral fellowship at University Health Services with an emphasis on training and supervision.
Joseph Rocco
MS 2024 – Curriculum and Instruction
Joe teaches English as a Second Language at Mann Carey Elementary School in Madison, Wisconsin, and continues his involvement in youth sports as a boys lacrosse coach.
Peiwen Zheng
PhD 2024 – Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis
Peiwen returned to China to begin her academic career as an assistant professor in the School of Education at the City University of Macau.
Rex Lau
MA 2024 – Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis
Rex joined Cathay Pacific’s ticketing department, applying his background in higher education leadership and policy to enhance customer engagement and organizational service.
Salimatou Diallo
BS 2024 – Health Promotion and Health Equity
Salimatou is pursuing her master’s degree in Public Health at UW–Madison.
Andrew Trampf
BS 2025 – Rehabilitation Psychology
Andrew is enrolled in UW–Madison’s Athletic Training program and serves as initiatives coordinator for Badger Supports, a peer mental health organization on campus.
Avery Simpson
BSE 2025 – Elementary Education (K–9), Educational Policy Certificate, ELA Minor
Avery earned her teaching license in May 2025 and began her graduate studies in Higher Education Leadership and Policy at the University of Texas at Austin. She also works as a graduate assistant for Basic Needs, advising undergraduate students who help peers access state benefits.
Aydın Kaan Şenel
MA 2025 – Educational Policy Studies
After graduating as a Fulbright Scholar, Kaan began his career as an education research specialist at the Turkish Education Association (TED), Turkey’s oldest education-focused NGO. He now applies his UW–Madison training to advance evidence-informed education policy in Turkey.
Bing Zhang
MS 2025 – Curriculum and Instruction
Bing began her career as a high school Chinese teacher and now serves as the only Chinese language instructor in the La Crosse School District, teaching across two schools.
Emma Cooper
BS 2025 – Health Promotion and Health Equity
Emma graduated in May and is off to Australia to live and work under a Work Holiday Visa.
Kailea Saplan
PhD 2025 – Curriculum and Instruction
Kailea’s doctoral research on learning in the arts inspired them to pursue their own artistic practice. They began a Master of Fine Arts program in Acting at the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) in Valencia, California, this fall.
Kate Westaby
PhD 2025 – Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis
Kate received the national Young Parent Achievement Award from the Healthy Teen Network. As founder and director of the Young Parent Collective, she advances equity for young parents through research, advocacy, and narrative-shifting. Under her leadership, the nonprofit has secured nearly $250,000 in grants to support young parent–led fellowships and initiatives.
Lauren Burke
BS 2025 – Kinesiology
Lauren began the Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate (E-OTD) program at the University of Illinois Chicago in August 2025.
Massendra Musial
MS 2025 – Counseling Psychology
Massendra, an LPC-IT at Anesis Center for Marriage and Family Therapy, works with clients of all ages and is passionate about serving underrepresented communities. She plans to open a private practice focused on accessible, culturally responsive mental health care.
McKenna Halverson
BS 2025 – Health Promotion and Health Equity
McKenna is a first-year doctoral student in the Occupational Therapy program at Rush University in Chicago.
Shannon Stege
MS 2025 – Special Education
Shannon recently began her career as a middle school special education teacher.
Tamara McLean
MFA 2025 – Art
Tamara, an interdisciplinary artist, joined the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point as assistant professor of Graphic Design. Her research explores intersections of design, paper, print, and packaging.
Wanying Sui
MS 2025 – Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
Christine (Wanying) began her career as a mental health specialist serving older adults in Dane County. She also advocates for individuals with disabilities, promoting accessible mental health care.