On May 9-10, UW–Madison and the School of Education will celebrate its latest cohort of talented graduates with 2025 Spring Commencement celebrations. Ahead of this big weekend, we reached out to a few of our graduating students to learn more about their accomplishments, time at UW–Madison, and future plans.

Kiria-Leah Johnen will be earning an undergraduate degree from the School of Education’s Elementary Education program, with minors in Social Studies and Early Childhood Education.

Johnen had always dreamed of becoming a teacher but was pregnant after high school and uncertain about her future.

“I had no idea how I could balance going to school and being a single, teen mom,” she says. “I reached out to (School of Education Student Success and Support Manager) Amy Shannon about a month after finding out I was pregnant. She graciously walked me through all my options and how this could become possible. … Without Amy’s support I definitely wouldn’t have taken the leap to continue my education. I am so thankful we crossed paths.”

Johnen will be graduating with a 3.9 GPA and her daughter, Ariella, is now 3 years old.

“I am incredibly proud to say that Ariella and I made it!” says Johnen.

To learn more about Johnen and her journey, read on:

Where are you from, and what brought you to UW–Madison? 

I am from Tomah, Wisconsin. I knew before I found out I was pregnant that I was going to go to UW–Madison for school because my dad lives close by and he graduated from UW–Madison’s Law School. He seemed super excited for me to go to Madison and I wanted to make him proud. After talking with Amy and learning about other supports, I realized it would be possible.

Can you share more about your meeting with Amy Shannon and the support you received en route to earning your degree?

I felt uncomfortable living in a dorm being pregnant at 18 and Amy told me I could find my own dorm room with my own bathroom. She brought up the idea of online classes and helped me navigate all of the course options, putting together a plan for me to continue school online for my freshman year. I was due in February 2022, and I took courses that spring. I only did eight credits, and all of my professors were super understanding when I told them my due date. It was definitely hard to manage school the first few weeks after having my daughter, Ariella, but looking back I am so thankful that I still took credits because otherwise I wouldn’t have been able to graduate on time. 

As the spring semester came to an end, I felt nervous thinking about the following year. I knew how expensive childcare was and felt overwhelmed with the thought of being in school, not working, and somehow paying childcare that was $437 a week. On top of that — I was scared to go to school in person, with people my age who I assumed would judge me for having a child so young. Amy connected me with the Office of Child Care and Family Resources (OCCFR) and Family Housing in Eagle Heights. I felt nervous as I applied to get on the waitlist for daycare and housing, but somehow it all fell into place, and I was able to move into Eagle Heights in September 2022 and Ariella could go to daycare at Eagle’s Wing!

My first semester of in-person classes felt extremely overwhelming and scary, especially meeting new people and eventually sharing that I was a mom. I felt scared to let people in and scared to be judged, so I kind of kept to myself. As I entered the Elementary Education program, I found myself feeling like I belonged. Everyone loved children and was excited to hear that I am a mom and see pictures of Ariella. I made friends who are supportive of my situation, and this made a huge difference in my life. I enjoyed all of my courses — especially the courses for my Early Childhood Education certificate, because I found that a lot of the information I was learning was directly related to my experience as a mom.

In September of 2023, I started working a couple hours a month for OCCFR as their student employee. Ariella is now 3 years old, and I am student-teaching in a kindergarten classroom at Van Hise Elementary in Madison.

What was your most meaningful experience at UW–Madison? 

My most meaningful experience at UW–Madison was in (Assistant Teaching Professor) Kerry Kretchmar’s classes. She taught Curriculum and Instruction 318, which was a literacy course required in the Elementary Education program. There were numerous instances that Ariella was sick or daycare was closed on days that I had her class. Kerry was always super welcoming, allowed me to Zoom in with Ariella, and even let Ariella come to class with me. I felt so seen and really appreciated that she let Ariella come so that I wouldn’t miss out on attendance points. Additionally, Kerry taught Curriculum and Instruction 663, which was one of my Early Childhood classes. I asked her for parenting advice a couple times and she was always so kind, compassionate, and reassured me that I am doing a good job and doing the best I can. She truly has made such an impact on my college experience and I am so grateful to have had her as my professor. 

What’s next for you? What are your plans for the future?

I am currently applying for early childhood education positions in the Madison area, including roles in daycare, 4K, and kindergarten settings. I’m excited to begin this next chapter and hope to continue growing as an educator — collaborating with a team, supporting young learners, and fostering inclusive, nurturing classroom communities.

Thinking about the principle of the Wisconsin Idea, how will you use what you have learned at UW–Madison to influence other people’s lives or positively impact our world?

I will use what I’ve learned at UW–Madison to create positive learning environments where every child feels a strong sense of belonging. My teaching will emphasize the importance of culturally responsive practices, and appreciating each child’s unique identities and cultures. I want children to see themselves in the curriculum, books we read, and the classroom itself, which will enhance their engagement and foster confidence. 

Additionally, I know how difficult it can be being a young, single parent. I want to inspire other young parents to continue their education if they have the desire. Oftentimes young parents are told it can’t be done or it’s too hard, but I want people to know that with the right support — which UW–Madison definitely has through the OCCFR, family housing, and wonderful people like Amy Shannon and Kerry Kretchmar — it is possible!