By Communications Department | Campus, Middle School, Primary School, Upper School

Dear Prairie Families,

Earlier this summer, I was scrolling my LinkedIn feed when I came across the updated bio of a recent Prairie graduate. While he shared numerous lessons learned during his time on campus, one in particular stood out – how, at Prairie, we share many more commonalities than we do differences.

This, I believe, is what makes our community so exceptional. It is a place where people of different backgrounds, beliefs, and upbringings come together not just because they want to pursue excellence, but because they want to do it together, in a place where everyone is known and valued, supported and challenged. From the stage to the courts to the classroom, the people of Prairie show up for one another – providing encouragement, offering help in times of adversity, and eagerly celebrating each other’s successes.

It was great to see so many families this summer at our Prairie Pool Party at the SC Johnson Aquatic Center, our Pints at Pets Night at the Petrified Springs Beer Garden, and our Family Fun Night here on campus last week. Coming together and building community is a way of life at Prairie, and I look forward to seeing all of you at numerous events, games, concerts, and shows this year.

In addition to welcoming you back for what I believe will be an exceptional year, I am eager to introduce you to the new faculty members who have joined us. This is a group characterized by great experience, skill, and energy, and I encourage you to join me in welcoming them to our community.

Sincerely,

Nat

Primary School

Kristine Beck, Primary School Art: Kristine joins us from Racine Unified School District where she served as an Art Specialist. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts with a minor in Cultural Anthropology from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. 

Rebecca Borchardt, 2nd Grade Teacher: Rebecca joins us with three years of experience at Collier County Academy in Naples, Florida. She holds a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts from Winona State University, as well as a K-6 Reading Endorsement Professional Certificate from the state of Florida. 

Maribel Ostergaard, 2nd Grade Educational Assistant: A current Prairie parent, Maribel joins us with over 20 years of experience in a variety of roles, including Signal Officer in the United States Army where she served from 1996 to 2012. She holds a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Texas at El Paso and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Tarleton State University. 

Victoria Seivert, 5th Grade Math/Science: Victoria joins us from EverGreen Academy. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Ecology from Brigham Young University and has expertise in a wide range of ecological principles, along with a generous amount of field work and volunteer experience. 

Joette Shannon, Kindergarten Educational Assistant: After retiring in June following 30 years in elementary education, Joette looks forward to stepping into an assistant role in the next phase of her career. She values Prairie professionally and personally, having two stellar alumni who went through our program. She holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from Aurora University.

Middle School

Emiko Chiappetta, Middle School Art: Emiko’s background includes teaching art at St. Joseph Academy and Southport Elementary School in Kenosha. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design from St. Norbert College and an MAT Certification from Cardinal Stritch University.

Amanda McCauley, 7th and 8th Grade Science: Amanda’s background includes experience as a STEM teacher at St. Catherine’s High School, Science Committee Chair at Siena Schools of Racine, and most recently as the Principal at St. Sebastian STEM Academy. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education with a minor in General Science from the University of Whitewater and a Master of Science in Education Leadership from Cardinal Stritch University. 

Will Starks, Middle School Physical Education: Will has experience teaching, coaching, and advising Primary and Middle School students at Hawken School, Cleveland’s leading independent school, where he was also a “lifer.”  He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Exercise Science from John Carroll University. He is also a member of our boys’ varsity basketball coaching staff.

Upper School

Ben Stout, Upper School French: Ben brings with him seven years of experience teaching every level of French to high school students. For the last four years, he has taught four levels of French at St. Louis Community College. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in French Studies from the University of Central Oklahoma and a Master’s in French Studies from Saint Louis University.

All School

Elisa Douglas, Welcome Desk Assistant: Elisa joins us from The Joint Chiropractic clinic in Oak Creek where she served as a Wellness Coordinator. She recently graduated from Carthage College, where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Communications, along with minors in Graphic Design and Political Science.

Chad Marek, Director of Facilities: Chad joins Prairie after serving as a Facilities Construction Manager at Johnson Financial Group. His project management includes supervising remodeling, major maintenance, and new builds. He has numerous certifications along with technical expertise in HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and on-site supervision and subcontractor relations. 

Paola Leal, Fitness Center Assistant Director and PE Teacher: A current Prairie parent, Paola served as a substitute teacher at Prairie last semester. She played professional volleyball as a middle-blocker in the Brazilian Professional Volleyball League and obtained her Physical Education Degree from Centro Universitário Campos De Andrade in Brazil.  

Bryce Sinnett, Speech Language Pathologist: Bryce joins us from Racine Unified School District where she served as a Speech and Language Pathologist for a variety of grades and locations. She has also worked at Mrs. Myers’ Playroom, where she conducted assessments and developed intervention plans for a variety of 3K-8th Grade students at local private schools. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication Science and Disorders and a Master of Science, both from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. 

Familiar Faces in New Places

  • Joy Aragones – STEM Lead Teacher
  • Corey Brandt – Director of Campus Safety
  • Jennifer Chiapete – Part-time Compass
  • Katie White – 4th Grade Lead Teacher
  • Deb Utley – 3rd Grade Lead Teacher
  • Ali Gasser – SRC Director and Two Sections of English
  • Jenny Cobb – Two Sections of English, Three Sections of MS STEM
  • Kim Leinweber – MS Learning Specialist and Co-teaching MS STEM
  • Will Yunker – PS Educational Assistant and Early Day Assistant
  • Kim Jensen – Kindergarten Lead Teacher 
  • Oliver Shircel – Assistant Director of Extended Day
  • Mackenzie Krupp – Dual Role PS Early Day Assistant/Director of Extended Day

On the Move

  • McKenzie Weaver – Years of Service: 11
  • Dana Handrow – Years of Service: 10
  • Henry Yunker – Years of Service: 2
  • Andrea Stolp – Years of Service: 2 
  • Alley Ekler – Years of Service: 1
  • Jesse Chehak – Years of Service: 1 
  • Samantha Johnson – Years of Service: 1