Teachers and Staff

Head Administrator
Mrs. Carla Koepp

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As one of the founders of Lake Country Academy , I have been active in developing and supporting the growth of a Direct Instruction, Core Knowledge and Core Virtue school. Education is about helping children realize their potential. The assets of LCA provide the opportunity to reach this goal. I have spent nine years developing a world-class school at LCA. It has been a labor of love. I bring to the table 16 years of administrative experience in private, parochial and public environments and 8 years as an educator at the high school and elementary levels. I obtained my undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and my administrative degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I have had extensive training and professional development in Direct Instruction and Core Knowledge. My initial training took place in Baltimore. I work with a staff that is devoted to academic excellence and students and families take ownership in the educational goals and objectives that are the foundation of LCA. LCA prides themselves on the accomplishments of our students. The product that flows out of the school on a daily basis exemplifies our world-class status. The strong levels in academics not to mention the leadership skills and independent work habits our students develop are a direct reflection on the three components of LCA – Direct Instruction, Core Knowledge and Core Virtues. As LCA moves into a new phase as a charter school with the Sheboygan Area School District we have opened up a doorway of opportunity to a wider range of students and families. Lake Country Academy will continue to be a leader in education in the Sheboygan County and will continue to promote academic excellence.

4K Teacher
Mrs. Michelle Wagner

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I am a graduate from St. Norbert College with a major in Elementary Education and a minor in Early Childhood Education. Following graduation, I worked for three years at Random Lake Elementary School as a special education assistant, substitute teacher, and summer school teacher. I also worked at the Sheboygan Child Care Center, teaching two- and three-year-old children for a year before starting at Lake Country Academy in September 2001. Although I am currently teaching two half-day Pre-Kindergarten classes, I started at LCA teaching Kindergarten and Music. In 2002 we added Pre-K, so I taught Kindergarten in the morning and Pre-K and Music in the afternoon.  In addition to teaching, this year I am involved in the district wellness committee, which allows me to lead wellness activities at our school.  A colleague and I started an Eco Club this year to help the middle school students get involved in learning how to help the environment.  In the past I have also assisted with Forensics, Spelling Bee, and other committees.

No matter what I teach at LCA, I am always amazed by how much the students remember. I love watching the children get excited about learning, and parents often tell me that they were doing something at home when their children were reminded of something they learned at school.  The parents are often impressed with the knowledge their children take home at all grade levels.  I am thankful for all of the LCA staff members I work with.  They are very supportive and helpful.  The parents I work with are also very supportive and generous with their time.  I love our curriculum, which includes Core Virtues.  When I am not teaching I enjoy reading, exercising, and spending quiet nights at home with my husband and our dog, but I have less time to relax since I am currently earning my Masters degree.

5K Teacher
Ms. Teresa Bell

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My career began with Lake Country Academy in 2005 when I was hired as the all-say Kindergarten teacher.  I am a 1997 graduate of Concordia University Irvine, Ca with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Elementary Education.  I am currently working towards a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Development through Concordia University, Mequon.  Here at LCA, I have worked with the Math team to help develop and design the Math curriculum.  In addition, I have worked with the Early Childhood team to develop and design a Pre-K testing and evaluation process.  Academically, by the end of their Kindergarten year, my students can not only read a two-page story, but can write a five sentence paragraph.  Along with reading and writing, they gain a plethora of knowledge about the seven continents; the animals, people, and land and a basic understanding of magnets, plant and animal life, and their own bodies.  What can be expected of Kindergartners upon graduating from my class is not simply academic, but virtues such as respect, responsibility, and honesty are role-modeled and taught. 

1st Grade Teacher
Miss Amy Carriveau

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Hello, my name is Amy Carriveau and I am the first grade teacher here at Lake Country Academy . I was a substitute teacher in the Roseville Area School District in Minnesota for two years after graduating with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education K-6 from Northwestern College in Saint Paul Minnesota . Later, I decided to move back home to Sheboygan and found temporary employment as a four and five year old kindergarten teacher at Knowledge Learning Corporation.

In my spare time I like to sing, write books for children, read and write poetry, play piano, garden, and spend good quality time outdoors. A random hobby of mine is collecting squirrels! I just adore them! I also enjoy teaching Sunday school on the weekends and being a camp counselor at Camp Victory during the summer months.

2nd Grade Teacher and Primary Team Leader
Mrs. Ruth Van Der Puy

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I began my career at LCA at the end of 2005-06 school year as a substitute teacher and educational assistant. I graduated from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan in May 2005 with a B.A. in Elementary Education with concentrations in German and Fine Arts. I obtained a Michigan teaching license for Elementary, Elementary German, and Elementary Fine Arts. I am married to Tom Van Der Puy. My hobbies and interests outside of school include camping, hiking, running, reading (especially about different places around the world), and gardening. I love the unity of the staff and students at this school. It is amazing to see what a community working towards a common goal can look like and what we can accomplish together.

3rd Grade Teacher
Mrs. Ruth Scharenbroch

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I am starting my eighth year at Lake Country Academy.  I graduated with honors from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater with a double major in elementary and special education.  I have just finished my term as primary team leader which gave me the opportunity to organize meetings, mentor, and problem solve.  I also am a member of the Math Curriculum committee which continually strives to improve the concepts and strategies taught at all grade levels.  I am a member of the writing committee, which created a scope and sequence for writing across the curriculum and defines, teaches and practices skills necessary for success in elementary, middle school, high school and beyond.  Another responsibility is being on the hiring committee.  We take very seriously bringing new members to the Lake Country Academy family.  Our standards area high and expectations exceed those I have experienced in any public or parochial school I have taught in.  Working at Lake Country Academy provides me with an optimum working environment that stresses direct instruction, core virtues, core knowledge, consistent discipline and high academic standards.  These well-defined curricula allow for a sequential, purposeful, and successful academic success. 

4th Grade Teacher
Mrs. Jackie Gruenke

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As a founder and board member of LCA I began teaching in our MindWorks Tutoring program and in the school from its inception. I worked summers coordinating and scheduling our MindWorks teachers and students when we could not afford to have a paid director.  My Bachelors degree in Elementary Education is from UW-Stevens Point.  I am certified to teach grades 1-8.  I earned my Master in Educational Leadership from Marian University, Fond du Lac, in 2004 and hold licenses in administration, as well as curriculum and instruction.  My experience includes many years of classroom teaching mostly in Grades 1-5, in both public and parochial schools.  As the Core Knowledge Coordinator at LCA, I oversee the writing and enhancement of Core Knowledge lessons in order to build our overall curriculum in Science, Literature, History and Geography.  This five year long range plan will result in our own Pre-K through 8th grade LCA Core Knowledge Curriculum Project.  The aspect I love most about teaching at LCA is knowing that my students are really learning!

5th Grade Teacher
Ms. Melissa Neese

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I began working at LCA in 2005 as an Educational Assistant. I earned a Bachelor’s Degree at UW Oshkosh with a major In English and a minor in German. Currently, I am working on a Master’s Degree through Concordia University as a Reading Specialist. During the summer months I provide individualized tutoring and spend time with my own children. In the classroom, I am thrilled to be a part of the ‘ah-ha’ moments when new concepts are mastered. I especially enjoy being a member of the Lake Country Academy team of teachers.

Intermediate Science Teacher
Mrs. Nicole Braun

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I began working at Lake Country Academy in the fall of 2006.  I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Lakeland College in 2004 with a B.A. in Elementary and Middle School Education with a minor in Broad field Science.  I am the head of the science department and also conduct labs with the elementary students throughout the year.  Lake Country Academy received a Legacy Grant from Jos. Schmitt and Sons Construction to enhance our environmental education curriculum and I oversee that pilot program.  In addition, I am the student council advisor, EcoClub advisor, and I plan and run the science fair.  The students at this school are wonderful to work with.  The level of academics at this school is extraordinary.  The team at this school is devoted and supportive.  I look forward to continuing my career here and helping all my students achieve success.

Intermediate History Teacher
Mr. Shawn Dzwonkowski

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I began teaching at Lake Country Academy in 2005. I am a graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee with a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Bachelor of Science in Education. I was previously employed with the Sheboygan Falls School District as a permanent substitute teacher, where I taught Pre-K through 12th grade. I believe the two years I spent as a substitute teacher allowed me to develop better classroom management skills and allowed me to grow as a teacher. I appreciate all the hard work the staff puts in to Lake Country Academy. Through their efforts and along with our parents we will continue to be a success!

Intermediate Literature Teacher and Intermediate Team Leader
Mrs. Lori Safly

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I began teaching full-time at LCA in 2002 after working part-time as both an educational assistant and as the Director of MindWorks. I have a BA with a double major in Journalism and Folklore from Indiana University , a Post-baccalaureate Certificate in English and Education from Louisiana State University , and I attended Tulane University where I began my M.Ed. I previously taught high school English and Journalism and supervised both school newspaper and yearbook production in Elkhart , Indiana . I love working at Lake Country because I believe our investment in these children and in this educational method will be far-reaching—far-reaching for the children in terms of a firm foundation from which to build their lives, and far-reaching for the community as LCA becomes established as a pioneer and leader in demonstrating an educational system that works for all students.

Spanish Teacher
Mrs. Camile Olig

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I began teaching at LCA in 2003.  I have a BA in Elementary/Middle Education and minors in both Spanish and ESL.  My responsibility to the school is to oversee the curriculum development of the entire Spanish program grades Kindergarten through eighth and to teach it.  The students at LCA impress me every year with what they can learn and accomplish in Spanish class. 

Physical Education Teacher and D.I. Instructor
Mr. Greg FitzMaurice

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I have been fortunate to be teaching at Lake Country Academy since 2003.  I previously taught in the inner-city of Milwaukee and Kiel.  I enjoy the teamwork of the staff and eager attitudes of the students.  My duties include physical education teacher, health teacher, direct instruction reading and math teacher, as well as curriculum developer.  I enjoy having so many opportunities to get involved at LCA.  Initiating programs like the science fair, student council, volleyball and basketball teams have been a lot of fun.  I am looking forward to continued development of the athletic program.

Art Teacher
Mr. Michael Meilahn

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I am certified in Art Education and have a four-year degree in the same. I first went to UW Fond du Lac, and then finished my degree at Marian College in Fond du Lac. My philosophy about being an art teacher is very simple. I am a teacher first and an artist second. I believe that my art should never be more important than the students I teach. I believe that parents put a lot of trust in teachers to not only teach their children, but also to guide and shape the people that they will become. I take that trust very seriously. My approach to teaching art is not to make a pretty picture. Rather, I want to teach the skills needed to be creative and solve problems; skills that I know will benefit my students in all aspects of life, not just art.

Our Music Teacher
Mrs. Roxanne Perronne

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As one of the school founders, I bring with me the firm belief that the combination of Direct Instruction, Core Knowledge, and Core Virtues develops academically curious wholesome students who love to learn and are fun to be around. The greatest gift we give our students is high expectations and the means to achieve them. As a librarian, I have the fun job of inspiring and challenging their minds still further with science, history, and great literature. My background includes a BA in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin - Madison (a long time ago) and life-long learning ever since. My hobbies are reading, of course, travel, and making gift baskets.

Direct Instruction Educational Assistant
Mrs. Karen Mani

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It has been my great fortune to have been a part of LCA's opening in 2001 and to have grown with the school.  I began as the school's art teacher on a voluntary basis and served in this capacity for three years.  Other positions I have held at LCA include MindWorks tutor, Quest tutor, DI Instructor and Educational Assistant.  I feel blessed to work with Carla Koepp and other professionals who care deeply about children and their education.  The growth of LCA was achieved through hard work and determination of the founders and volunteers.  I am proud to be on staff with this family of individuals.  I hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from UW-Milwaukee.  Outside of LCA I enjoy performing the violin with the Sheboygan Symphony Orchestra, swimming, knitting, reading and most of all activities with my family.

Direct Instruction Educational Assistant
Mrs. Tammy Holtz

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I was hired at Lake Country Academy in 2007 and I am enjoying working with the staff. It's great to work with people that believe in and support you! There is no teacher at this school who isn't willing to find a solution to any of my problems. I earned my BA in elementary and early childhood education from Lakeland College. I am currently working on a Master of Education degree in Educational Technology.  I look forward to teaching and learning more every school year.

Direct Instruction Educational Assistant
Mrs. Karen Noble

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I am a native of Sheboygan and have been teaching at LCA since 2004. I have a BS degree in Business Management and have held jobs as a legal, sales and marketing secretary as well as a buyer for the Kohler Company. My husband Greg and I have lived in several parts of the United States. While living in West Virginia I volunteered for the United Way and helped at an after-school program for troubled kids. After our daugher was born we moved back to Wisconsin where I volunteered at the Family Resource Center and was a Board member for Rainbow Kids, a local nonprofit organization. I continue to facilitate a class each year for Rainbow Kids. I love working with children and nurturing their potential. My husband and I have a daughter Alison, who is a student at LCA.

Direct Instruction Educational Assistant
Ruth Smith

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Education has been a part of life in many forms.  I began teaching as an Educational Assistant here at Lake Country Academy in April of 2008.  After 30 hours of DI training I felt prepared for this new teaching technique.  I did not quite realize though how rewarding it is to teach this way.  I have been here 1 year and wished I had learned this teaching method a long time ago.  The children are always happy, energetic and willing to learn.  My duties here include DI classes in the morning and I am the Special Education EA in the afternoon.  Just this year I have created and implement the Goal sheet program to help some students improve different behaviors and studying habits. I have served on the Core Knowledge Curriculum Committee and Trade Books Curriculum Committee. I have an Elementary Teaching degree from UW Stevens Point.  I worked in Day Care Administration for 10 years.  I have worked as a Substitute teacher in the Sheboygan Area School District for 7 years. I have taught pre-school at St. Luke UMC. My husband, Bruce and I have been married for 32 years.  We used to own and operate a used bookstore in Plymouth, Dear Old Books.    My daughter is a Middle School Science/Math teacher in another district, and I am about to be a Grandma! My mother who is 90 has lived with us for the past 7 years. We lived in China for a year in 1988/89.  While we were there I taught English as a Second Language at two different local colleges and home-schooled my daughter for Kindergarten.  She also attended a Chinese Music Kindergarten while my husband was attending college to further his degree in Chinese history and language. When I am not busy with school and church activities I like to do gardening, cooking and reading.   

Direct Instruction Educational Assistant
Miss Katie Keller

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I am the most recent addition to the LCA family.  I was hired in December 2008 as a Direct Instruction Teacher and most recently ELL Support.  I am a 2007 graduate of UW-Stevens Point with a degree in Elementary Education and Cognitive Disabilities.  I grew up in Sheboygan and am excited to have the opportunity to work at LCA.  I have truly enjoyed my time so far at LCA.  It has truly been a rewarding experience to work with the students and staff.  The aspect that I enjoy most is being able to work with students of all ages and help guide them  to a successful future.

Direct Instruction Educational Coordinator
Mr. Don Kollath

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I returned to teaching following retirement due to my enthusiasm and commitment as one of the founding board members for Lake Country Academy and the MindWorks Tutoring Program. I am a graduate of Wisconsin University-La Crosse with majors in Physical Education and Recreation and eventually earned my Master's Degree as well. I taught in Wisconsin for 35 years and Kansas for an additional three years. My experience also includes 25 years as a football, basketball, wrestling, track, baseball, and swimming coach. I have taught at the Pre-K, Elementary, Junior High, High School and university/college levels and I also hold a lifetime degree in Health Education at UW-Oshkosh. I have had extensive training in Direct Instruction attending seminars in Chicago and Madison before beginning teaching at MindWorks. At the present time I have 30+ credit hours earned beyond my Master's Degree.

Direct Instruction Educational Coordinator
Mrs. Katie Beine

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I have been a part of the LCA staff since 2002. I am a graduate of UW-Whitewater where I received my Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. My first year at LCA, I taught the 3rd/4th Grade. Then I moved to 1st Grade for the following 4 years. Currently, I am the Direct Instruction Coordinator at LCA. My role is to help both students and teachers in all aspects of Direct Instruction. I help place students accordingly in their leveled groups, observe teachers to help improve their teaching techniques, plan teacher in-services and train new teachers in Direct Instruction. Our Direct Instruction programs are awesome and I love watching both teachers and students do Direct Instruction, because of the success I can see in both the instructor and pupil.

Administrative Assistant
Mrs. Jeanine Claypool

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This is my second year at Lake Country Academy and I love it. The staff, students and parents are so wonderful and it makes coming to work very enjoyable. I graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in Urban Planning. Though I'm not “in my field”, I enjoy the challenges of each day and working in such a variety of situations. It is inspiring to watch what goes on here – how much the children learn, the parent commitment and the level of professionalism from the staff. My husband, George, and I have two children and are so pleased to have them enrolled at LCA. As a family, we enjoy cross country skiing, riding bikes and traveling.

Financial Assistant
Mrs. Cindy Heinen

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I began working at LCA in June of 2005. I work one day a week doing the bookkeeping for the school. I am also the Treasurer of St. Luke United Methodist Church in Sheboygan. My husband Steve and I have three adult children. Our oldest daughter is married and living in Minneapolis, MN and has one child. Our son and youngest daughter both live in Milwaukee. We enjoy walks, spending time with our kids and traveling. At LCA I enjoy listening to the sounds of the kids during the day and I love working with the great staff.

Custodian
Mr. Richard Kramer

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I have been with Lake Country Academy since 2005 and am responsible for the upkeep of the building and grounds. Although my responsibilities keep me quite busy, I find my job very rewarding and enjoy working in an environment with children. I have been married to my wonderful wife Diane for 33 years and have been blessed with two lovely daughters. My oldest daughter is married and has three children. My youngest daughter recently received her Ph. D in Pharmacology and is currently a post-doctoral fellow at the University of Minnesota. When I am not busy working at LCA I enjoy spending time hunting, fishing and golfing.