Elmbrook To Welcome 11 New Teachers In 2020-21

BROOKFIELD, WI — School officials in Brookfield are set to welcome a total of 11 new teachers to the Elmbrook School District this fall, pending board approval this week. There are 10 full-time teachers, and one part-time teacher who are up for approval this week. Many are new faces, though one or two have been with the district before.

Here are the new teachers, according to Elmbrook School Board meeting documents:

Elizabeth Averkamp - Grade 1

Elizabeth is in her fourth year of teaching at the elementary level and began her career with the West Bend Joint School District. She holds a Master’s degree from the University of Minnesota, where she was also a member of the Rowing team. Averkamp said she enjoys welcoming students to her class each morning, and feels that it greatly helps set the tone for the day.

Ann Bay - Speech/Language Pathologist

Bay is in her first year as a professional Speech/Language Pathologist. She received her Master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and had student placements with the on-campus clinic, along with Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s and Edgewood Elementary in Oak Creek. She said she was drawn to Elmbrook because of the approach to a Multi-Tier System of Supports.

Madalynn Benz - Speech/Language Pathologist

Having been a substitute Special Education Assistant and a Summer School Student Supervisor for several years, it seemed only natural that she would continue her career here, district officials said. Benz graduated with a Master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and had an externship with neighboring Pewaukee School District.

Justin Diderrich - Social Studies

Diderrich comes to Elmbrook from the Elkhorn Area School District where he taught for five years. Prior to that, he was employed with the Kenosha Unified School District. Diderrich is trained in AVID Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading. Justin graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from Grand Canyon University.

Kyle Dobbe - Special Education

Dobbe is a first-year Special Education Teacher, but has worked with the Wauwatosa School District as a Special Education Assistant for several years. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a Bachelor’s degree in Exceptional Education. In his spare time, he coaches Football at Whitefish Bay High School, district officials said.

Sam Lamers - Social Studies

Lamers is joining the Elmbrook School District from Stockbridge Middle School, where he taught seventh and eighth grade Science and Social Studies for three years. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from St. Norberg College, and says he prides himself on building strong, authentic relationships with all students. He also has taught Varsity and Junior Varsity Soccer for several seasons in Green Bay and Stockbridge.

Nicole Loppnow - Special Education

Loppnow has worked since 2014 as a Special Education Assistant and Health Room Assistant at Dixon Elementary. She received her Master’s degree in Special Education from Carroll University, and said she is excited to bring equity to all students, enabling them to achieve their highest potential.

Ashley Sonderman - Science

Sonderman is entering her sixth year of teaching, and comes to Elmbrook from the Christian Education Leadership Academy. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University. She has also worked as a Summer Camp Administrator for Camp Vertical at Elmbrook Church for the last few summers. She told Elmbrook officials she believes building relationships is key to a student’s personal and academic growth.

Ashley Tatsak - Special Education

Tatsak will be entering her eighth year as a Special Education Teacher, and has worked for Milwaukee Public Schools, Brown Deer, Cedarburg, and most recently, the Oconomowoc Area School District. Her most recent position was as a Reading Intervention Teacher. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from University of Wisconsin-Madison, and received her Cross-Categorical Teaching Certification through a program at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Michael Werni - Choral Music

Werni comes to Elmbrook from the Merton Community School District, and has also been actively involved in the community. He is the Associate Artistic Director for both the Milwaukee Children’s Choir and Cream City Youth Chorale, and formerly Served as Music Director for the Sunset Playhouse in Elm Grove. Michael graduated with his Bachelor’s degree from Wisconsin Lutheran College.

Emily Ripp - Spanish

Ripp holds a Master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and is entering her thirteenth year of teaching. She spent the last seven years with the West Allis/West Milwaukee School District, teaching Spanish and Global Cultures. Before that, she taught at Holy Family Parish School, Marquette University High School, and Future Language Professionals.