Meet the Faculty

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My name is Mandy Hauser and this is my 17th 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.

I live on a hobby farm in Thorp with my husband, daughter and son. As a family we CHEER for the Badgers, Packers, Brewers and Thorp Cardinals. My favorite place to be is Rock Dam where I love to paddle board and pontoon in the sunshine. I also enjoy gardening, biking, yoga and playing games with my family.

I began with the 4K program in 2010. I got married in 2000 and have four children. 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.

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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.

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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!

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I have been a teacher at Thorp Elementary since 1990. I am proud to say I have taught kindergarten in the same school district for all of those years. It is fun to see the children of former kindergarten students now entering my classroom. It is also an immense joy to teach with Mrs. Luzinski, who was one of my kindergartners the year we moved into the new elementary school.

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.

My husband and I have been married since 1989. Jon teaches in the Gilman School District. We have two grown children which makes us empty nesters. Alex works for Bedrock Services and Abby is at University of Wisconsin Eau Claire, majoring in Communication Disorders. We have two fur babies who are very spoiled.

I am an avid reader and a football fanatic!!

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

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My name is Alyssa Haines, and I teach Kindergarten 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.

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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.

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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

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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!

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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!

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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 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.

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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.

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Hello, my name is Victoria Stewart. I am pleased to be teaching fourth grade here at Thorp Elementary. I graduated from UWSP in 2002 with a BS in elementary education and a minor in special education, learning disabilities. I came to teach in Thorp in 2014. Prior to Thorp, I was a substitute teacher for a year. My first full time teaching experience was as a high school special education teacher followed by 10 years as a middle school language arts and social studies teacher in Colby, WI.

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.

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My name is Lynn Webster, and I’m very excited to be teaching fourth grade this year! I graduated from Gilman High School in 1988 and UW-Eau Claire in 1992 with a degree in Elementary Education with a General Science minor. I taught in Gilman from 1994 until June of 2018. Last year I really enjoyed teaching 5th and 6th grade Language Arts at Thorp. I’m looking forward to helping my students develop the skills they need to become successful citizens.

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A native of LaCrosse and Oshkosh, Mr. Legrid most recently taught Middle School Social Studies as well as special education in Sayreville, New Jersey. Mr. Legrid has two Bachelor's degrees from the University of Arkansas and an MS in Geography from UMass-Amherst.

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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 and my son, Beckett. 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.

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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.

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Hello! My name is Alyssa Gordon and I’m so thrilled to be teaching in Thorp. Having grown up in Withee, Wisconsin, I appreciate all the things a small town has to offer.

I teach Special Education at the Elementary level and have the opportunity to teach a variety of subjects at different grade levels, making every day and every year a new adventure. 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.

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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.

Mrs. Williams graduated from Gilman High School in 1981. She then moved to Minnesota and raised her two boys while working at the St. Frances school district. She moved back to Gilman in 2013 to help her Mother. She accepted a para professional position at Gilman elementary school, and worked there for five years until accepting the position in Thorp. Her husband also works at Thorp as a para professional. She enjoys spending time with family and has three grandchildren and one due early September.

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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.

My name is Noreen Tyznik. I have been a Paraprofessional for 20 years. Previously, I volunteered with the flouride program and the Book Fair along with subbing for other Paraprofessionals at Thorp. I have also chaperoned middle school dances and the State Middle School Student Council Jam in Madison.

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

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, 25 who lives in Elcho, and Brendan, who is 21. Mr. Williams enjoys spending time with family when he is not spending time with his Thorp family. His wife also works in Thorp as a Para Professional.

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I graduated from Fall Creek High School and attended college at Western Illinois University where I obtained an undergraduate degree in special education. I was a special education teacher in the Chippewa Falls School District for 16 years. I received my masters degree from U-W Superior in Educational Leadership and currently work for CESA 10. I live in Chippewa Falls with my husband, Chad, four children and two Golden Retrievers.

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Hi! My name is Barb Thidemann and I have worked in the Thorp School District since 2015.

I really enjoy working with the amazing children in our school district. My passion is to teach students critical thinking skills and problem solving, through technology projects and Makerspace.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two children. My favorite activities are camping, hiking, kayaking/canoeing, fishing, photography, writing stories, and reading.

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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.

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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.

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Hi! I’m Jessica Morello, the full time speech-language pathologist for the Thorp School District. Not quite sure what that is? It’s basically a big title that means I help students communicate. In the school you will not find me in one place for very long. I am coming and going helping students say their speech sounds correctly, build their oral language, or assisting a student with alternative communication methods.

I am a Stanley native and continue to reside there with my husband and daughter. 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 and have worked in 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.

Hi, my name is Elizabeth Slack. I work part-time for the Thorp School District as a speech-language pathologist. I work with the kids at the Catholic school, 3 year olds/ home visits, and some 4K. I have over 30 years experience as an SLP and this is my 3rd year at the Thorp schools. I am so blessed to get to do what I love each day! When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with and spoiling my two grandsons. I am looking forward to working with you and your child. Feel free to contact me on my cell at 715-559-8736 or by email.

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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!

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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.

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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 eight Grandchildren every chance I get.