B.S. - Elementary Education - UW-Madison M.S. - Educational Leadership and Curriculum Instruction
Mrs. Hartmann is in her eighth year as a principal, but second year here at SJV. She taught science, math and religion for eight years to students in grades 5-8 before getting her masters and becoming a principal. She has experience in both the public and parochial schools, but loves Catholic schools because they allow for the teachers and students to celebrate their faith each day, every day! Mrs. Hartmann is married to “Scooter” who is the Physical Education teacher at St. Dominic School in Brookfield. Their children are Collin and Jess who attend St. Dominic School. In her spare time, Ms. Hartmann loves to read murder mysteries, decorate her home and shop!
PERSONAL GOALS: To make SJV the best school it can be!
Certificate - Criminal Justice - UW-Madison B.A. - Psychology - UW-Madison M.S. - School Counseling - UW-Milwaukee
Mrs. Teri Kovars is entering her third year as school counselor at St. John Vianney. She visits every classroom, facilitates small groups, consults with teachers and parents, and provides case management to students. In previous years, Mrs. Kovars worked at St. Joan Antida High School and at a mental health clinic. Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, spending time with her husband, and coaching volleyball.
PERSONAL GOALS: To assist students in developing the life skills needed for success in the areas of education, careers, relationships, and emotional wellness.
B.S.E. - Elementary Education - UW-Whitewater Minor in Geography
Mrs. Peterson has a teaching degree and has taught grades one and 3K. She is a Girl Scout Leader and choir member at St. Jude the Apostle, her home parish. She is married to Shane and has two daughters, Kailey and Gabrielle. Kailey is a seventh grader at St. Jude and Gabi is a third grader here at St. John Vianney. In her spare time she loves to scrapbook, read, travel, and play board games. She has been school secretary since 2005.
PERSONAL GOALS: To always be friendly, helpful, and maintain a positive attitude.
“Mr. Larry” began at St. John Vianney in 2005. He is very proud of the changes and improvements recently made to the school building. He enjoys the great support given him by teachers, staff and parents. He enjoys interacting with students and parents. When he is not on his motorcycle, he enjoys volleyball, hunting, and stock car racing.
PERSONAL GOALS: To continue to keep the facility well maintained. To continue to make improvements. To ensure the safety of all people in the building.
Robert Schultz Maintenance A.A. - Police Science - MATC B.A. - History - UW-Milwaukee
“Mr. Bob” is the friendly maintenance man at school. Previously, he worked at Mother of Good Counsel Parish and lived at Holy Hill for five years while considering a vocation to the priesthood. He also worked for six years for a suburban police department before joining the Carmelites at Holy Hill. He came to St. John Vianney in 1998.
PERSONAL GOALS: To help create a safe and well maintained complex for parishioners and students.
B.S. - Elementary Education & Special Education - UW-Whitewater M.A. - Professional Development - Cardinal Stritch Early Childhood Degree
This is Nancy Arena’s 19th year of teaching at St. John Vianney. She has taught grades three, two, kindergarten, and preschool. She is now teaching the morning 4K program. Mrs. Arena and her husband are parish members. They have three adult daughters. She treasures time spent with her family and going on morning walks. Her hobbies are reading, genealogy, cooking, and sewing. Mrs. Arena is very excited about being a part of the 4K program. She feels that with the trend toward full-day kindergarten, this program will be a joyful stepping stone along the way.
Personal goals: The world is full of the wonders that God has created. It is her privilege to explore the world and language with the children; helping them to see that they are a part of everything around them. This knowledge fills them with the joy of learning and instills in them a desire to know more. She hopes to help each child discover a lifelong love of learning.
B.A. - Communication - UW-Madison Early Childhood I & II - WCTC
Since 2000, Mrs. Wollensak has worked in the kindergarten wrap-around program, the after care, the three-year-old preschool program, and 4K. She is the morning aide in Mrs. Arena’s room. She is married to Chuck. Mrs. Wollensak has two sons, Jake and Christopher and a daughter, Jessica, who attends is in High School.
PERSONAL GOALS: To give her heart to the children so they will open their minds to endless opportunities for learning.
Mrs. Averkamp began teaching afternoon 4k in 2004 at St. John Vianney School. Mrs. Averkamp enjoys teaching at SJV and is eager to get to know both you and your children. Mrs. Averkamp and her husband, Rob, have four school-age and high school children: Ben, Ellie, Jon, and Anna Jeanne. She and her family belong to St. Boniface Parish in Germantown where her children attend grade school. Mrs. Averkamp’s interests include water skiing, swimming, sports, and spending time with her family. She is looking forward to making new friends this year.
PERSONAL GOALS: To help the students develop a love of learning. To bring the joy of God into each child’s day and to help them grow in His ways.
Mrs. Suro has been with various programs at St. John Vianney School since 2000. She is the aide in the afternoon four year old kindergarten program with Mrs. Averkamp. Previously, she has helped in the three and four year old preschool programs. She is married, has three daughters, and is a parish member at SJV. Mrs. Suro’s hobbies are gardening and reading.
PERSONAL GOALS: To make this new 4K experience comfortable and enjoyable for her students. She wants the students to have a positive learning environment and be excited to come to school.
B.S. - Education - Cardinal Stritch Early Childhood Certification - Alverno College
This is Mrs. Andreucci’s fourth year at SJV. Prior to joining the SJV staff, she taught four-year-old kindergarten at Mother of Good Counsel for eight years, and second grade at St. Joseph’s-Wauwatosa, and St. James-Mukwonago. Mrs. Andreucci and her husband Tony have three children. Zach is a senior at La Crosse. Emily is a sophomore at UW-Whitewater and Becky attends high school in Menomonee Falls. Mrs. Andreucci’s interests include quilting, rug hooking, reading, and being involved with her children. She is looking forward to another fun year of learning in kindergarten.
PERSONAL GOALS: To provide my students with a positive and exciting learning environment that fosters a love of learning and helps each child develop to his/her potential.
Mrs. Knop has enjoyed teaching kindergarten at St. John Vianney since 2002. Before coming to SJV, Mrs. Knop taught at St. Rita Catholic School and Holy Family Catholic School in Rockford, IL. She and her husband, Scott, have three children. Brandon is a senior and Alissa is a freshman at Mukwonago High School, and Evan is in 7th grade at Park View Middle School. Mrs. Knop and her family are members of St. James Parish in Mukwonago. Mrs. Knop’s interests include reading, working out, watching her children play soccer, and shopping! She is looking forward to a great year of fun and learning in kindergarten.
PERSONAL GOALS: To help each child be successful in school and to love learning. She hopes to reach each child by differentiating her curriculum to meet the needs of each individual student. To help children to become confident and independent by incorporating many unique and fun challenges into each school day.
Mrs. McDonnell is excited about beginning a new school year and working as Mrs. Knop's K5 aide. She joined St. John Vianney School thee years ago as a fifth grade aide, and has worked with the kindergarten and primary grades for the past two years.. She taught preschool at Camp Minikani in Hubertus for four years prior to coming to SJV. Mrs. McDonnell and her husband Bill have three children who all attend St. Boniface School in Germantown. Mrs. McDonnell loves photography and spending time with her family.
PERSONAL GOALS: To help each child realize how special they are and to help them reach their full potential.
Mrs. Schumann has been Kindergarten Aide for Mrs. Andreucci since 2003. Previously, Mrs. Schumann was credit manager of an international manufacturing firm for 29 years. She and her husband, Al, have one daughter, Megan. Megan is a freshman at Drake University, studying actuarial science and accounting. The Schumann family resides in Sussex. Mrs. Schumann’s hobbies include reading, crafts, bicycling, and baking.
PERSONAL GOALS: To work closely with Mrs. Andreucci and parents to support the growth, learning, and development of God’s children in a positive Christian environment.
This is Mrs. ALbright's fifth year st StJV. Previously, she taught first and second grades in a multi-grade classroom at Mary Queen of Martyrs in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Mrs. Albright is pursuing her Master’s Degree in Reading and Learning Disabilities at Cardinal Stritch University. Last year she obtained her license in Reading and this summer she finished her course work for her license in Learning Disabilities. She will be defending her thesis this winter. In her free time, she enjoys riding her bike and reading. PERSONAL GOALS: To help students discover the knowledge, creativity, and confidence within themselves. To foster a classroom where the students can pray, learn, and work together.
This is Mrs. William's second year at SJV. She has taught first grade for six years prior to coming to SJV. With her she brings her love and compassion for children and learning. Mrs. Williams and her husband, Brian, have one son named Anthony. Anthony started kindergarten this fall at St. Thomas Aquinas in Waterford. In her spare time, Mrs. Williams loves to read and spend time with her family.
PERSONAL GOALS: To instill in children a love for learning.
B.A. - Early Childhood Education - Mount Mary Minor in Social Studies
Ms. Baumann has been teaching 2nd grade at SJV since 2000. She taught second grade at St. Augustine School and then first grade at St. Gregory the Great. Ms. Baumann enjoys walking, reading, watching movies, and working in her yard. She especially loves spending time with her family.
PERSONAL GOALS: To provide an environment where students feel safe, confident, and respected. To provide a wide variety of opportunities for students to develop a life-long love of learning, using innovative instructional tools and lots of enthusiasm! To use various teaching techniques to reach every student’s learning style. To always keep an open mind so that she herself continues to learn.
Ms. Burant has taught 26 years in primary and intermediate grades. She has tutored elementary and special needs students and teaches computer class during the summer at St. John Vianney. Ms. Burant has taught second grade at SJV since 1993. Her hobbies are stitchery, sewing, and doll collecting. She enjoys her home, her yard, and her dog.
PERSONAL GOALS: To guide students in developing respect for themselves, their work and others. To help them appreciate their faith and their roles in the Christian community. To help them set goals, achieve those goals, and to be proud of their accomplishments.
Ms. Novy is beginning her 21st year at SJV. This is Ms. Novy's fifth year teaching third grade. She previously taught first grade for 17 years at both SJV and St. Peter and Paul School in Kiel, Wisconsin. She has also taught a remedial reading class for the Waukesha Summer School Program. Her hobbies include walking, biking, reading, cooking, gardening, and hiking. She enjoys her home, yard, and her cat, Hailey.
PERSONAL GOALS: To create a faith-filled classroom that is a happy, productive learning atmosphere for all her students.
This is Mrs. Okruhlica's 16th year at SJV. Included in her extra credits are recent courses in the teaching of physical science, how to grade and report for learning, and interactive SMART Board and differential reading. Mrs. Okruhlica enjoys quilting and sewing for herself and her family.
PERSONAL GOALS: To create a learning environment that develops all our talents and abilities while respecting each other on a daily basis.
This is Ms. Bremer's thirteenth year at SJV. Ms. Bremer taught both third and fourth grades at St. Anthony of Padua for eleven years. She has taught religious education at St. Joseph’s in Wauwatosa, her home parish, and has coordinated the preschool religious education program. She also has served on Parish Council. Ms. Bremer loves traveling, spending time with family and friends, and shopping.
PERSONAL GOALS: To provide an opportunity for all students to achieve their highest potential and help them feel that each one of them is truly a very special individual.
This is Mrs. Fischer's tenth year at SJV. She previously taught sixth grade at Mother of Good Counsel in Milwaukee and fifth grade in Watertown. Mrs. Fischer is awaiting approval for National Board Certification from the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards for excellence in teaching. This level of excellence is based on the teaching standards established by the Department of Public Instruction. This summer, she began her master’s degree at Marquette University in Educational Policy and Leadership with Principal Licensure. Mrs. Fischer is an alumna of SJV, class of 1987. She, her husband Scott, and their two daughters, Sarah and Elizabeth, are members of St. John Vianney Parish.
PERSONAL GOALS: To continue the tradition of exemplary education to all SJV students by fostering a love of learning, a passion for life, and an appreciation for all God’s gifts.
B.S. - Elementary Education - UW-LaCrosse Minor in Mathematics M.A. - Master of Education in Education - Cardinal Stritch
Mrs. Goss has taught fifth grade at St. John Vianney for 19 years. Previously she taught for seven years in Catholic schools. Mrs. Goss and her husband are members of SJV and have two daughters who attended SJV. Kelly, who is an attorney, lives with her husband Rob and son Vincent in Wauwatosa. Kerry is math teacher at Cudahy High School. Mrs. Goss enjoys cheering for all her favorite teams.
PERSONAL GOALS: To welcome, acknowledge, and accept each individual child in a Christian atmosphere of respect, spirituality, and responsibility.
B.S. – Elementary Education, UW-Stevens Point Minors in math and science M.A. – Educational Leadership, Marian College
Mrs. Blaha is thrilled to be teaching at Saint John Vianney this year. Following her graduation from UW-Stevens Point in 1991, she was a seventh grade teacher in the School District of Menomonee Falls. She taught in Menomonee Falls for seven years and during that time earned her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Marian College. For the past several years, Mrs. Blaha taught preschool, substitute taught in the School District of Elmbrook and at SJV, and taught an ACT prep class to high school juniors. Mrs. Blaha and her husband are parishioners of SJV, and their three children attend SJV. Mrs. Blaha enjoys running, camping, and spending time with family and friends.
Personal Goal: To foster a love of learning and inspire creative independent thinking in a faith-filled atmosphere, while maintaining high academic standards.
This is Mr. Demeter's third year at Sr. John Vianney. He teaches math, science, and religion to sixth grade students. He has lived in the Milwaukee area his entire life and has been educated in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee through high school. He has two brothers and one sister all living in the Milwaukee area. Mr. Demeter’s interests include coaching middle school basketball, golfing, and playing softball.
PERSONAL GOALS: To provide all students with the opportunity to reach their full potential academically, socially, and spiritually through a classroom based on high moral and intellectual standards.
B.A. - Education - Carroll College Minor in Social Studies
This is Mrs. Schroeder at St. John Vianney. She previously taught Language Arts and English as a Second Language at St. Anthony’s School in Milwaukee and at Dean School in Brown Deer. She is continuing her education at the University of LaCrosse, working toward a Masters of Science in social studies. She is married and has a eight year old son. Her family loves to hike, garden, and explore the world through travel.
PERSONAL GOALS: To facilitate and nurture a class where intellectual development and faith foster a connection with God, humanity, and nature.
Sharon Kaminski Seventh Grade Teacher Math, Literature and Religion
B.S. - Elementary Education - UW-Milwaukee Minor in Mathematics Graduate courses at Cardinal Stritch, Viterbo, Mount Mary, and Aurora
Mrs. Kaminski’s teaching career has always been in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. She teaches pre-algebra and algebra I to the junior high students at SJV. She also teaches religion to her homeroom. Her interests include reading, attending plays, and traveling. She has taught at SJV since 1989.
PERSONAL GOALS: To be sensitive to the needs of her students, provide an atmosphere where the students learn to respect and care for one another, and to instill a positive attitude that encourages them to be successful. To help her students grow spiritually and become stronger in their faith. To continue to refine the junior high math program, utilizing the standards set by the state of Wisconsin, with the final result being a solid background in math. To have many students complete algebra I so they are able to take geometry or honors math classes as freshmen in high school.
Sue Schmitt Seventh Grade Teacher Social Studies, Literature and Religion
B.S. - Marquette University M.A. - Aurora University
Mrs. Schmitt is in her 20th year of teaching junior high social studies at SJV. She also teaches religion and literature to her homeroom. She taught 11 ½ years at St. Robert’s School, Shorewood (6, 7, 8th grades). She also taught summer school at Marquette University High School for five years. Mrs. Schmitt’s main focus is her family. Besides her husband, Luigi, of 35 years, she has four grown children, tow sons-in-laws, and one gorgeous granddaughter, if she does say so herself! Mrs. Schmitt is always busy volunteering and enjoying life. She also likes tennis, walking, movies, reading, and vacations.
PERSONAL GOALS:Mrs. Schmitt always wants ot improve her computer skills, but more importantly, her main goal is to nurture her students to become good decision makers and grow in their knowledge, understanding, and respect for themselves and others. She wants her students to use their gifts to live the Gospel message.
Cindy Kolb Eighth Grade Teacher Science and Religion
B.S. - Broad Field Natural Science - UW-Oshkosh M.S. -Curriculum & Instruction - UW-Milwaukee M.B.A. - UW-Milwaukee
Mrs. Kolb has taught eighth grade physical science and seventh grade life science for the past 71/2 years. She also teaches eighth grade religion classes. In her free time she enjoys biking, motorcycling, traveling, and reading current science periodicals. Mrs. Kolb is married and has two children.
PERSONAL GOALS: To develop a classroom atmosphere of respect, responsibility, and spirituality where students appreciate each others talents and contributions. To help instill in all students a love of learning, a natural curiosity for science, an awareness of technology and its effect on society and a proficiency in utilizing the scientific method as a logical means to everyday problem solving.
B.S. - Jr. High Language Arts & Social Studies - UW-Milwaukee Secondary English 6-12 - UW-Milwaukee M.E. - Masters of Education in Education - Cardinal Stritch
Mrs. Schuenke’s many years of teaching high school English and middle school language arts/reading/literature have been enhanced by her Master of Education degree. At SJV, Mrs. Schuenke continues to integrate technology into the junior high curriculum. She and her husband enjoy their family: two daughters and sons-in law, son and new daughter in law, and grandchild. To relax and wind down, Mrs. Schuenke reads fiction, lifts weights, swims, and plays golf. She enjoys indoor plants, especially cacti, reading, tennis and riding her bike.
PERSONAL GOALS: To foster respect, kindness, responsibility, and spirituality among students through R.S.R.
B.A. - Art & Design - Southern Illinois University Post Baccalaureate Certification - Art Education K-12
Miss Leenhouts has been teaching art at SJV since 1990. Previously, she developed and taught hands on renewable energy –art-environmental education curriculum for the state of Montana. She has taught photography, art, environmental education, basketry and spinning at camps, nature centers, art centers, and schools. Miss Leenhouts enjoys canoeing, traveling, architecture, gardening, theater, visiting museums, and eating dinner with friends.
PERSONAL GOALS: To help our kids expand their imaginations, develop skills in the visual arts, and to genuinely enjoy the process of creating art.
B.A. - Fine Arts & Photography - U.W.-Milwaukee Post Baccalaureate Certification - Art Education K-12
Mrs. Arpin has taught art classes to children and adults at the Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, Wauwatosa Recreation Department, and other local art institutions for the past twelve years. She enjoys painting, gardening, and spending time with her family.
PERSONAL GOALS: To provide students with the skills and knowledge to express themselves through art.
Bachelor of Music - Instrumental - UW-Milwaukee General Music Certification in Vocal Music - UW-Milwaukee
Mrs. Lueneburg taught general and instrumental music in the Milwaukee Public Schools for ten years, general music at St. Anthony’s in Menomonee Falls for two years, and subbed in Elmbrook for two years. She has directed youth and adult vocal and handbell choirs for 24 years. Mrs. Lueneburg has been teaching privately and accompanying choirs and solos for 34 years. She has taught splitting her days between SJV and St. Dominic’s since 1999. She believes that playing an instrument provides students with the opportunity to express themselves and excel at an individual level, as well as in a group. Being involved in music not only strengthens the students personally, but also crosses over to other areas of education.
PERSONAL GOALS: To provide the students of SJV with the knowledge they need to succeed, along with helping them to cultivate the joy of being in music.
B.A. - Music Education, Luther College M.S. - Computer Science Education, Cardinal Stritch University
Mrs. Block has been teaching computer for 24 years, first at St. Joan of Arc School, then at St. Margaret Mary School, and now she is beginning at St. John Vianney School in 2007. She is married and has two grown children. Gretchen (living in England), and Paul (living in New York City). She has four grandchildren. Her hobbies are biking, flying stunt kites, reading, and sewing. This past summer she spent two weeks on a mission trip to Tanzania in Africa.
PERSONAL GOALS: To enable children to be creative in their work and to use technology as a tool to accomplish their tasks.
B.S. - Elementary Education - UW-Milwaukee MLS - Masters in Library and Information Science - UW-Milwaukee
Mrs. Weichart has taught at SJV since 2004. Previously she was the librarian and computer teacher at Hillel Academy for six years. She is married and has two sons ages 10 and 14. In her free time, Mrs. Weichart enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, reading, and volunteering for her church.
PERSONAL GOALS: To show children the wonderful world of books and literature. To strive to give students lifelong library skills and a love of literature.
B.M.E. - Music Education - UW-Eau Claire M.M. - Saxophone Performance - Northwestern University
New to SJV's staff in 2005, Mr. Ziegler teaches K5-8th grade music. Mr. Ziegler has two degrees in music; a Bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire, and a Master’s degree in saxophone performance from Northwestern University. Mr. Ziegler has performed many styles of music with a variety of groups, most recently performing with the Kenosha Symphony.
PERSONAL GOALS: To instill in students a desire to seek out music in their daily lives and to be an active participant, not only as a listener, but as a music maker.
B.S. - Physical Education - University of Mary M.S. - United States Sports Academy
Before coming to St. John Vianney, Mr. Jackson taught physical education for three years at Mother of Good Counsel. He also taught physical education and history at the Almont Public Schools in North Dakota for three years and conditioning classes at Carthage College for two years. Mr J began teaching at SJV in 1992. He likes coaching, sports, basketball, and jogging.
PERSONAL GOALS: To provide help, encouragement, and fitness for all of his students. To develop a spirit of cooperation and knowledge of safety in our students.
Ms. Elger began teaching Spanish at SJV in 2004. She attended college at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, where she received her B.A. with a double major in Spanish and Sociology. During her studies at UW-O, Ms. Elger spent three weeks studying in Costa Rica and Peru. After her graduation, she worked as a substitute teacher for a number of school districts around the Milwaukee area. She enjoys traveling, camping, fishing, and most other outdoor activities
PERSONAL GOALS: To share the importance of the Spanish language and the different cultures encompassed by this language with our students and their families. To show students that learning a new language is fun and exciting.
B.S. - Community Education - UW–Milwaukee B.S. - Elementary Education - UW–Madison M.S. - Curriculum & Instruction with Reading Emphasis - UW–Madison
Mrs. Grzeszczak is excited to be a part of the community at St. John Vianney School in 2007. She comes to us from Queen of Apostles Catholic School in Pewaukee. She was a Title I Teacher, teaching reading, math, writing, and study skills to the students in grades one through eight.
PERSONAL GOALS: To provide help, encouragement, and fitness for all of his students. To develop a spirit of cooperation and knowledge of safety in our students.
M.S. - Viola - Academy of Music, Warsaw, Poland B.A. - Music Education - Instrumental Emphasis. To complete January 2008 from Carroll College.
Ms. Gesiorek was a violin and viola teacher for three years at Alverno College in the Community Arts Department and for ten years at Carroll College Project Create. She started the String Program at SJV in 1991. Her teaching includes St. Dominic School and private students as well. She loves playing her viola and violin and performing in the chamber groups. She likes working in the garden, attending concerts and plays, reading, and making jewelry.
PERSONAL GOALS: Her constant goal is to help her students develop real love for music and enjoyment in playing their instruments. She hopes to achieve this by teaching them good practicing habits and technical skills, so they will accomplish all of their own musical goals.
1755 N Calhoun Rd | Brookfield, WI 53005 | (262) 796-3940 www.stjohnv.org