Meet the Faculty

ahauser@thorp.k12.wi.us
715.669.5548 ext. 1160

My name is Mandy Hauser and this is my 15th year teaching Four Year-Old Kindergarten at Thorp Elementary School. I graduated from Thorp High School in 1993 and received my Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Mount Senario College in 1997.

shjacque@thorp.k12.wi.us

I have been with the 4K program for 7 years, being a recess supervisor prior to that. I have four children and have been married for almost 17 years. We live on a small hobby farm outside of Thorp. I grew up on a sheep/beef farm a few miles out of Thorp and attended both Thorp Elementary and High Schools. Following graduation I attended CVTC and received an Associates Degree then moved to Madison for about 10 years - finding my way back to Thorp and doing a job I LOVE.

aluzinski@thorp.k12.wi.us
715.669.5548 ext. 1130

My name is Mrs. Luzinski and I teach kindergarten at Thorp Elementary School. I have lived in Thorp my entire life attending Thorp Elementary and graduated from Thorp High School in 2004. I graduated from UW-Stout in 2008 with a degree in Early Childhood Education. I am so privileged to be teaching at Thorp Elementary with some of my former teachers.

I am married to my husband, Neal and we have three children, Nolen, Lakyn and Canden. In my free time, I enjoy crafting, camping and spending time with my family.

I absolutely love my job and seeing the smiles on the children's faces every day. I enjoy watching the kids grow and learn new things. I hope to instill my love for learning in them while having fun doing so!

kquinnell@thorp.k12.wi.us
715.669.5548 ext. 1140

This is my 27th year teaching at Thorp Elementary School. I am proud to say I have taught kindergarten in the same school district for all of those years.

I graduated from UW Oshkosh in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science degree in education. GO TITANS! In 2002 I received my Master of Arts degree in education from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.

I have two kids. Alex is 23 and Abby is 18. My husband Jon teaches in the Gilman School District. I am an avid reader and a football fanatic!!

I love my job and am proud to be a teacher!!

kdickson@thorp.k12.wi.us
715.669.5548 ext. 1250

Hello! I am one of the First Grade teachers at Thorp Elementary. I received my teaching degree from the University of WI-Eau Claire. My first teaching job was in Eau Claire at Sacred Heart School teaching second grade. After that I came to Thorp and taught Title 1 for grades K-2. I also taught Kindergarten and second grade. I received my master's degree from UW-Eau Claire.

bgirard@thorp.k12.wi.us
715.669.5548 ext. 1240

Hi! My name is Bridget Girard and I am grateful to be one of the first grade teachers at Thorp Elementary School.I grew up in Thorp and I am a proud graduate of this awesome district.I graduated from UW-Eau Claire with a degree in Special Education CD/LD.I later returned to school to add-on certification in Early Childhood Education from UW-Stout.

I live in Thorp with my husband (Kurt) and son (Avery). This is a great community to raise a family in and I am happy that you chose it for your family.

I’m excited to share my love of learning with your child this school year.I believe for authentic learning to take place students should feel supported and see classroom activities as purposeful, fun, and engaging.It is important for me to have my students know that I care for and value each of them as a unique individual in my room.

Please feel free to stop in and see what we are up to in our first grade classroom!

Mrs. Girard - 1st Grade Teacher

kgjerseth@thorp.k12.wi.us
715.669.5548 ext. 1230

I have been teaching 1st grade for 17 years, and I LOVE it!

llisiecki@thorp.k12.wi.us
715.669.5548 ext. 1280

Hello! My name is Lisa Lisiecki, and I am a honored to be teaching the second graders here at Thorp Elementary School. I absolutely love what I do and feel fortunate to have this as my chosen profession.I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire with a BS in Elementary/Middle Education and a minor in Social Studies. I place great value in continuing my education through graduate classes, workshops, and collaborating with my coworkers. In sharing my passion for learning I hope to instill a love of learning in my students so that they will always have a desire to grow, develop, and learn new things.

I live in Stanley with my husband and we have two children. My family is very important to me, and I love spending time with them. I also enjoy reading a good book, taking photographs, and creating things out of wooden pallets.

I encourage parents, teachers, or community members to contact me with any questions, comments, or concerns that arise. Please feel free stop in anytime to see what the exciting things happening in 2nd grade!

rmohr@thorp.k12.wi.us

715.669.5548 ext. 1270

I grew up in Thorp and graduated high school in 2002. I graduated from UW-Stout in 2012 with a degree in Early Childhood Education and an add-on certificate in Early Childhood Special Education.

I am happy to be back in the Thorp community. I live in Thorp with my husband (Philip), step-daughter (Hailey) and daughter (Emma).

I am looking forward to working with you and your child in reaching his or her full potential. We will have many wonderful experiences and opportunities to learn and grow in the days ahead!

ahaines@thorp.k12.wi.us
715.669.5548 ext. 1220

My name is Alyssa Haines, and I teach third grade here at Thorp Elementary School. I started teaching at Thorp in 2015. I grew up in Bloomer, WI, and now live in Chippewa Falls. I graduated from UW-Stout in December 2014, with a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, and a certification in Early Childhood Special Education. I enjoy spending time outdoors, and being with my family and friends. I love walking/running, painting, reading, playing tennis, hiking, and camping. I truly enjoy teaching and and watching my students grow in their learning from the beginning to the end of the school year, and beyond. I am very lucky to work in such an awesome school and community environment. This will be my fourth year teaching, and I am excited for the new challenges and adventures that will come my way!

awest@thorp.k12.wi.us
715.669.5548 ext. 1410

Hello, My name is Alyece West and I've been teaching third grade at Thorp Elementary since 2009. I am very fortunate to teach in such a wonderful district that has the same educational values and beliefs as myself . The students, staff, and parents have definitely worked very hard to make Thorp Elementary a positive and successful learning environment for everyone involved.

I am originally from Bloomer, WI and I now live in Chippewa Falls, WI with my husband and our two boys. My family is very important to me and I love spending any free time with them. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in December of 2008, with a BS in Elementary Education, and a focus in Language Arts. I am looking forward to continuing my education throughout my teaching career.

When I am not busy at school I enjoy spending quality time with my family and friends, being out on the lake, and keeping up with what’s new in children’s literature. I have always loved school and learning about new and exciting things. I hope to share this love of knowledge with my students and mold each and every one of them into lifelong learners.

llewan@thorp.k12.wi.us
715.669.5548 ext. 1420

My name is Larissa Lewan. I grew up in Thorp and graduated in 2008. I attended UW-Stout and graduated in 2013 with a degree in Early Childhood Education. I started teaching at Thorp Elementary in the 2016-2017 school year. During my first year, I taught 4K. I am now teaching third grade.

Outside of school, I enjoy spending time outdoors doing activities such as: camping, fishing, playing volleyball and softball. I also enjoy crafting, watching the Packers, Brewers, and Badgers and spending time with family and friends.

I’m excited to be a part of such an amazing school district and work with outstanding students and staff.

mwhooley@thorp.k12.wi.us
715.669.5548 ext. 1440

Hi! My name is Mary Whooley and I am a fourth grade teacher in the Thorp School District. I graduated from UW-River Falls with an Elementary Education degree and a minor in Library Science. I am beginning my 37th year of teaching. When I have free time I relax by making cards and scrapbooks, baking, playing piano, and watching baseball. I have certainly enjoyed working with the students and members of this community and look forward to another great year.

vstewart@thorp.k12.wi.us
715.669.5548 ext. 1430

Hello, my name is Victoria Stewart. I am pleased to be teaching my fourth year here at Thorp Elementary. I graduated from UWSP in 2002 with a BS in elementary education and a minor in special education, learning disabilities. Prior to teaching in Thorp, I taught high school special education and middle school language arts and social studies in Colby, WI for 12 years.

My passion lies with children. I love being a mom, auntie, and teacher! More than anything else, I believe in making connections with kids. Long after students leave my classroom, I want to have made lasting connections and taught them life lessons that will really stick with them in their hearts!

My husband and I live north of Thorp with our three sons who keep us on our toes! When we are not busy with sporting events, I enjoy 4-wheeling, camping, scrap-booking, and crafting

jknox@thorp.k12.wi.us
715.669.5548 ext. 1320

My name is Jennifer Knox. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire in 2012 with a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Special Education with a General Education K-6 add-on degree. I started teaching in 2013. I grew up/live in Boyd with my husband, Shawn, and my two daughters, Kendall and Keslyn. We like to do things as a family such as go to the lake, garden, bow hunt and watch the Green Bay Packers! Education has always been near and dear to my heart and being a teacher is something I have always wanted to do. I am happy I get to fulfill my dream at Thorp Elementary. :)

rmilliren@thorp.k12.wi.us
715.669.5548 ext. 1470

Hi! I am happy to be teaching in the Thorp School District. I am currently the science teacher for the students in grades 5 and 6. It is one of the best jobs ever! I truly enjoy learning along with my students and make new discoveries. I also teach reading to my homeroom students and feel honored to be able to share my passion for reading with my students.

I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. I have continued graduate work in many venues from several universities. My graduate work and continuing education has allowed me to learn new strategies, techniques, and information to help me meet the ever-changing demands of education and of my students. Teaching and learning go hand-in-hand and it is my desire to offer my best and to never stop learning. I have enjoyed living in the Thorp area and being a part of a caring community that supports education.

I am blessed to have an amazing family. We live between Stanley and Thorp and have always enjoyed this area. My husband and I have the awesome task of raising two fantastic girls. We love sharing time together and making memories. We enjoy watching our oldest daughter compete in sports and being her biggest cheerleader

lwebster@thorp.k12.wi.us
715.669.5548 ext.1450

My name is Lynn Webster, and I’ll be teaching Grades 5-6 English Language Arts and 5th grade Reading this year. I grew up near Miller Dam which is north of Gilman and graduated from Gilman High School in 1988. I earned a BS degree in Elementary Education in December of 1992 from UW-Eau Claire and completed my student teaching in the Stanley-Boyd School District. While in college, Mrs. Stroinski, my sister Sheri, and I were roommates for two years. Since 1994, I’ve been teaching in the School District of Gilman primarily in grades 1 and 5-8 with a focus on language arts.

My husband Kelly and I have three amazing children, Chelsi, Brooke, and Ryan. When I’m not at school, I love reading, spending time with my family, and watching sports, especially the Badgers and the Brewers.

Although I will miss teaching in my hometown, I’m excited to be in Thorp meeting new people and working hard every day to inspire my students to love learning as much as I do!

jgeissler@thorp.k12.wi.us
715.669.5548 ext. 1480

Hello, My Name is Mr. Geissler and I teach 5th /6th Grade Social Studies and Reading. I'm always excited to work with the students.

jkaminski@thorp.k12.wi.us
715.669.5548 ext. 1460

Hello! My name is Jennifer Kaminski and I teach fifth and sixth grade math and sixth grade reading. I have taught in the Thorp School District since graduating from the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire in December of 2011. I have a degree in Middle Childhood/Early Adolescence Education and a minor in Mathematics.

I am from Marshfield, WI and I currently live in Withee, WI with my husband, Mitch. I enjoy camping and going to Packer and Brewer games. I also like to garden or read a good book!

I love being a part of the Thorp School District and having the opportunity to work with the great students and staff that we have here.

cgulcynski@thorp.k12.wi.us
715.669.5548 ext. 1390

Hi, I'm Mrs. Gulcynski, or more commonly known around school as Mrs. G. I am a graduate of the University of Eau Claire and have been teaching art for many years here at Thorp Elementary. I enjoy decorating the halls with the students' artwork and helping each student develop their creative abilities.

My hobbies are going to auctions and thrift sales. I also enjoy singing and am involved in a local choir. Our family lives on a dairy farm and we enjoy living in the Thorp community.

jcorcoran@thorp.k12.wi.us
715.669.5548 ext. 1040

My name is Jennifer Corcoran and I am the K-12 vocal and general music teacher here in Thorp. I teach K-5 general music, 6^th grade choir, middle school choir, and high school choir. I graduated from Sonoma State University in California with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music and earned my Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting at the University of Minnesota.

When I am not in school, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two daughters, Sophie and Keira.

I love working with the students here in Thorp and am grateful to be able to do what I love as a career!

krhyner@thorp.k12.wi.us
715.669.5548 ext. 2180

I am a 1988 Graduate of Thorp HS. I received my Bachelors of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point. My certifications include PreK-12 Physical Education, K-12 Health, PreK-Adult Adapted Physical Education, and Drivers Education. This is my 23rd year in education and 3rd year in the School District of Thorp. Currently I teach Physical Education grades K-5, Health grades 7 & 9, and Drivers Education. I am also the Head Softball Coach and Youth Softball Coordinator. I enjoy being involved in district and community activities. I also enjoy the outdoors whenever possible.

agordon@thorp.k12.wi.us
715.669.5548 ext. 1310

Hi, my name is Alyssa Gordon and I teach Special Education at the Elementary level. This year I’m teaching students in grades 3rd- 5th in a variety of different subjects such as, Math, Reading, Language Arts, and Social Skills. I grew up just down the road in Withee, WI. From there I went on to college at the University of Wisconsin- Stout and graduated with a degree in Special Education- Cross Categorical, certified to teach grades K-12. I really appreciate the opportunity to teach in a small community similar to the one I grew up in. Seeing my students grow and achieve things they never thought they could is so incredibly fulfilling, and that’s what drives me as an educator.

jipenk@thorp.k12.wi.us
715.669.5548 ext. 1530

Hello! My name is Jill Penk. I have been teaching in Thorp since 2008. Prior to that, I had six years of teaching experience. I truly love teaching and enjoy seeing students grow. I currently live in the Lublin area with my husband, daughter, and two sons.

My hobbies include scrapbooking, card-making, reading, painting ceramics and spending time with my family. I also love to travel. Alaska and Walt Disney World have been my favorite places to visit. I can't wait to take my children there sometime.

I am a country girl. I grew up in a rural area between Abbotsford and Athens. I attended Abbotsford Public Schools and graduated in 1997. I went to the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire to further my education, completing a comprehensive major in Special Education-Learning Disabilities and Elementary Education. I graduated in December of 2001. I have previously taught in the Abbotsford and Marion School Districts, and at Thorp Catholic School. I currently teach special education at the elementary level for grades fourth through sixth. Every grade is very different and unique. I truly enjoy teaching and couldn't imagine having a different career.

malbert@thorp.k12.wi.us

I have been working in the Special Education Department as a paraprofessional since 2011. I am a Thorp graduate and attended UW-Stout, studying Early Childhood. I have two daughters, Kambria and Kinleigh. Working with children brings me great happiness. I am so grateful to be a part of such an amazing district.

calger@thorp.k12.wi.us

I have been a Special Education Paraprofessional since January 2014. My husband and I owned a farm for over 30 years. This is where we raised our four children. I enjoy spending time with them and my four Grandchildren every chance I get.

phull@thorp.k12.wi.us

My name is Pat Hull. I have been a paraprofessional at the Thorp school district for over 25 years. I look forward to supporting students in their learning and building their confidence as they become lifelong learners. In my free time my husband and I enjoy camping and spending time with our four children and eight grandchildren.

ntyznik@thorp.k12.wi.us

I very much enjoy working with kids and love to help them learn. Except for six months after getting married, I have lived in the Thorp School District my entire life. My family consists of my husband, two sons, one daughter-in-law, a niece and one great nephew. In the summer I enjoy mowing lawn, planting and taking care of my flowers, going to my great nephew's baseball games and just enjoying the warm summer weather. I am a member of the Clark County Fair Board and have a real passion for the fair, 4H and, as I called the kids, my "fair family". In the winter I just try to stay warm! I also enjoy shopping and spending time with friends

ewilliams@thorp.k12.wi.us

Mr. Williams graduated from Eau Claire North High School in 1988 and joined the Navy shortly afterwords. He served for 20 years until 2008 when he retired and came back to Wisconsin and enrolled in the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire in the Special Education Teaching program. He graduated from UWEC in 2012 and accepted a teaching position in Gilman, WI. until 2016. Mr. Williams started substitute teaching for Thorp in 2016 and accepted a Para Professional position in January of 2017. Mr. Williams has two grown children, Amanda, 23 who is taking classes in Wausau at NTC in Early Childhood Education and Brendan, 19 who is working full time at Walmart in Lake Hallie. Mr. Williams enjoys spending time with family when he is not spending time with his Thorp family.

shammett@thorp.k12.wi.us
715.669.5548 ext. 1370

Hello, My name is Siobhan Hammett, and I am the Elementary/ Middle School Guidance Counselor. It has been my privilege to be a part of the District for the past twenty-five years. I have a 6-12th grade teaching license, and obtained my School Counseling certification in 1993. I provide classroom Guidance, as well as individual counseling. I also schedule Middle School classes; please let me know if I can assist you in any way.

ndemske@thorp.k12.wi.us
715.669.5401 ext.2140

Hello! My name is Nicole Demske and I am the school psychologist for the School District of Thorp.

I received my Bachelor's Degree in Psychology in 2005 from UW-Stevens Point. I then attended UW-Eau Claire and obtained a Master's Degree in Education in 2006 and a Specialist in Education Degree in School Psychology in 2008.

My career began in the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District. I took a few years off to raise my children and then returned to work on a part-time basis working for CESA 10 at the School District of Gilman. I am very excited to devote more time back to my career; and I couldn't be happier to be part of such an amazing team in Thorp!

I am very involved with my children and their activities. I love sports and enjoy spending time with my family at the lake! I live in Stanley with my husband and two children.

jmorello@thorp.k12.wi.us
715.669.5548 ext. 1330

Hi! I’m Jessica Morello, the speech-language pathologist for the Thorp School District. I’m not surprised if you’re not quite sure what that is. It’s basically a big title that means I help students communicate.

I grew up in Stanley and I still live there with my husband, Kiel, and my daughter, Ari. We also have a lazy Basset Hound named Tosh and a geriatric Beagle, named Fox.

I graduated from UW-Eau Claire with my Bachelor’s Degree in 2006 and Master’s Degree in 2008, both in Communication Sciences and Disorders. I started out my career working for CESA #10 in 2008 and have been in the Thorp since 2011. I absolutely love working here and could not see myself anywhere else!

In my spare time, I enjoy crafting (quilting, crocheting, painting furniture) and organizing. I also love creating fun activities and therapy materials to use with my students.

You will see a sign up in my room that says, “Love What You Do.” It is very fitting, because I come to my dream job everyday.

abrunsvold@thorp.k12.wi.us
715.669.5548 ext. 1510

I spent my childhood growing up in southern Minnesota and northern Iowa. I attended Iowa State University in Ames, and later worked for ISU before getting my first job teaching fourth grade in Waukesha in 1995. I moved to the area in 1996 and worked in Gilman as a Title I reading teacher for four years. I have been teaching in Thorp since 2000. I received my Masters Degree in Reading Education from Viterbo University in 2004. In my years at Thorp, I have had the pleasure of teaching many different grade levels including first, third, fourth, sixth, middle school and Title I. Currently I am the district Reading Specialist and enjoy helping students learn to love reading as much as I do!

rdevine@thorp.k12.wi.us
715.669.5548 ext. 1380

Hi, my name is Rachel Devine. I have been teaching in Thorp since 2012. My first five years with the district I was a 5th/6th grade reading and language arts teacher. Currently, I am transitioning my role to Title 1 Reading Teacher. Reading is my favorite hobby and pastime. My goal is to have students enjoy reading as much as I do and become confident in their abilities. I currently live in Owen with my husband, Peter, and my little girl, Anna.

When I am not reading, some of my favorite activities to do is to play outside with my daughter, go for walks, and spend time with my extended family. This year I have a brother who is a senior at Owen-Withee, so my year will be filled with a lot of sporting events. My husband also loves baseball and he plays on a summer league, so we are very busy with sports even in the summer.

I grew up in the Owen-Withee area. I attended the Owen-Withee School District and graduated in 2007. After high school, I went on to pursue a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education at UW-Eau Claire. I attended UW-Eau Claire for a year and then transitioned to UW-Superior, where there were more “small-town” opportunities for me. At UW-Superior I was a tutor in the writing center, a tutor for the Upward Bound program, and a tutor/assistant for a Geology class. I also was co-president of the Future Teachers Association. As you can see, I have always had a passion for helping others, especially students. Teaching isn’t just a job for me, it’s a passion.

jstroinski@thorp.k12.wi.us
715.669.5548 ext.1260

My name is Jan Stroinski and I have lived in Thorp my whole life. I have been a teacher in the Thorp School District since 1994. I received my teaching degree at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire and I received my Masters in Teaching from Saint Mary's University.

jbeloungy@thorp.k12.wi.us
715-669-5548 ext. 1350

bthidemann@thorp.k12.wi.us
715.669.5548 ext.1350

Hi! My name is Barb Thidemann and I work in the Elementary/Middle School Library as the library assistant. I have a bachelor's degree in Wildlife Management with a minor in Natural Resources from UW-Stevens Point. I started working in the Thorp elementary library in 2015.

I really enjoy working with the amazing children in our school district and sharing my enthusiasm for reading with the students. My favorite challenge is to get a reluctant reader excited about books. I love books and I love kids so this is the perfect place for me!

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two children. My daughter is a junior at Thorp High and my son is a junior at UW-Platteville pursuing his degree in mechanical engineering. My favorite activities are camping, hiking, kayaking/canoeing, fishing, photography, writing stories, and reading.