Meet the St. Paul School Staff

Mrs. Tina Ellefson - Principal

I am new to the St. Paul Community this year. I am very excited about being a part of this great school and parish community. I graduated from Marian University with a degree in early childhood/elementary education. I received my Masters from Viterbo University with a degree in educational leadership and curriculum. I have been a part of Catholic Education for 11 years. I have two boys, Christian 6, and Carter 3. They keep my husband, Kyle, and I very busy. I look forward to working with and serving the St. Paul community.
Mrs. Sandy Day - Kindergarten

Kindergarten is such a wonderful and exciting time for both parents and students. For many children it is their first experience in a school setting. My goal, as the kindergarten teacher, is to make this time in a child's life fun and interesting. I want to take all of their enthusiasm for learning and build a solid foundation of which they can continue to build upon their entire lives.

The kindergarten curriculum is full of hands on activities that keep the students actively involved and provides for many fun activities. For example: Field Trips, Thanksgiving Celebration, School Mass, Student of the Week, Buddy Time, The 100th Day of School Celebration, Graduation, Fun Day, and many more exciting and fun activities.

St. Paul is a great school, full of dedicatated people, and I'm proud to be a part of your child's first step into learning!
Miss Alyssa Narloch - 1st Grade

As a May 2011 graduate of Alverno College, I am thrilled to be starting my second year of teaching at St. Paul School! My degree is in Early Childhood Education with a Spanish minor. I am certified to teach grades Pre-K through 6th. My student teaching experience took place in Kindergarten at St. Mary’s in Waukesha. I really enjoy teaching young students because I feel they have a natural passion for learning, lots of energy, and plenty of eagerness to start each new day!
Miss Judi Mickel - 2nd Grade

Greetings from the purple room! The 2012-2013 year marks the celebration of my forty-first year of teaching since graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater with a Bachelor's Degree in Education. Since that year, I have continually participated in classes and workshops to further my lifelong learning.

I strive to help children learn using strategies for success. I believe in developing the moral and spiritual aspects of my students' lives as well. We use this in our classroom to describe how we can live out each day by being more like Jesus by developing cooperation, responsibility, caring, and honesty. May the Holy Spirit lead the way on our journey of learning, laughing and living out the WWJD philosophy. I also looking forward to participating in the sacramental preparation of my students' First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion.

My home is in Waukesha. I enjoy gardening, water aerobics, watching TCM, shopping at Wal-Mart, watching my birds and squirrels eat at my feeders, and walking around the neighborhood visiting my neighbors and their dogs.
Miss Elizabeth Crain - 3rd Grade

More information coming soon!
Mrs. Linda Chadek - 4th Grade

Put a smile on your face, a song in your heart and each day ask yourself, "What will I do today to be worthy of the Lord?" I'm Linda Chadek and I am completing my 26th year here at St. Paul and 27th year as a Parish member, where I have been a singer in the Praise Ensemble group for many of those years.

I graduated from UW Parkside, where I received my Bachelor of Arts degree, with a Communication and Education major and a theater minor. Since then I have gone on to earn over 36 graduate credits, with a focus on reading and writing, my personal favorites! I have been trained as a mentor for our building, and I have also worked on an accreditation team! I have taught at most grade levels including, the Standards Program in Racine, where I had the opportunity to work with kids who scored below the 25th percentile in Reading, Math and Language. I started the Kindergarten program here at St. Paul in 1986, then "graduated" to third grade, moved up to 7th and am now in 4th, which I believe showcases my personal strengths. I am proud to say that I received the Herb Kohl teaching award during my time here at St. Paul along with many other professionals in the state. I am a member of the Waukesha County Reading Council and had served on their board for a number of years. I continue to maintain my Advanced Religion Certification by taking classes and attending workshops.

I told my dad in first grade that I was going to be a teacher when I grew up, and I can't imagine myself being anything else! I strive each year to help my students to become the best THEY can be, academically, socially, and spiritually. I hope to give them many opportunities to explore, experience, and to grow in God's love.

Outside of school I enjoy baking, reading, walking, singing, and watching movies. Although I love all those things, my #1 hobby is still teaching, where "Being the Best You Can Be" is my #1 goal.
Mrs. Anne Brockel - 5th Grade

I am looking forward to another great year with the St. Paul students! A little about me… I have been married to Larry for 22 years and have a step-daughter who is married; a son, Kevin, who graduated from Kettle Moraine High School; a daughter, Cari-ann, who is a senior at Catholic Memorial High School, and a younger son, K.C., who is in 10th grade at Kettle Moraine High School.

I have a degree in Elementary Education from the University of Iowa (Go Hawkeyes!). I worked for the federal government for 16 years and stayed home with my three children for approximately 10 years. I was a substitute teacher for the Mukwonago School District and for St. Paul School for approximately 5 years. I have my Wisconsin Teaching License (K-8) (Go Badgers!) and my Sub Permit (K-12). I was the Art and Computer teacher at St. Paul School from 2009-2011.

My motto is "Don't ask, What can St. Paul School do for me? Ask, What can I do for St. Paul School?" With our beautiful new Church, our hardworking principal, staff, and a dedicated group of Christian parents continually working to improve our school, I feel the sky is the limit!
Ms. Mary Pohlen - 6th Grade/Math 6-8

This is my 20th year working with the Middle School students at St. Paul. They help to keep me on my toes with their spontaneity, creativity, questions, and ever changing moods!

I graduated from UW-Milwaukee with a B.S. Degree in Education with an Area of Concentration in Math and Science. Since receiving my teaching degree I have attended many colleges taking post- graduate courses during summers in a variety of topics- especially in math, writing, and reading curriculum courses. After one graduates from college, it is nice to be able to elect what courses to take! Other courses range from dinosaurs to the Civil War. I also have an advanced certificate in religious studies in theology, scripture, and methods. I have been a member of Waukesha Reading Council for years and I enjoy attending Saturday morning workshops. I also continue to increase my learning in technology.

I have a love of learning and hope to inspire the students I teach that life is never boring when you have a sense of awe and wonder. I also hope that my students will never settle for less than their best. It helps to limit the feeling of regret!

I live in West Allis and love gardening, decorating projects, reading, and traveling. I think the students and parents of St. Paul School are the greatest! I feel fortunate to work with the students here at St. Paul as we work together to live lives worthy of the Lord.
Ms. Kelly Moran - 7th Grade/Science 6-8

More information coming soon!
Mrs. Barb Romanello - 8th Grade/Social Studies 6-8

I graduated from Ripon College with a degree in theology and an elementary teaching license for grades 1-8. I have been fortunate to influence many lives through my teaching at St. Charles, Hartland and St. Paul. Throughout those years I have worn many teacher hats - substitute teacher, self contained fifth grade teacher, middle school social studies teacher 5-8, middle school religion teacher 5-8, K-8 music teacher, first grade teacher, and finally the role I currently hold as that of middle school social studies 6-8 and eighth grade homeroom teacher.

I have continued my education by attending seminars and classes in Student Diversity, Graphic Organizers, 6 + 1 Traits of Writing, Guided Reading, Reading in the Lower Grades, Social Studies Links to the Past, Catholic Identity, Gifted Learners, ADHD, Communications, Assessments, the Struggling Learner, SMART Board, and Computer Classes. I currently hold an Advance Certificate in Religious Education.

I met my best friend and husband, Greg at college. We celebrated our 34th year this July. We have four children, all who have graduated from St. Paul School. Our family has made St. Paul our parish since 1980 and we have been involved in many ministries: serving as School Board member, Treasurer and President of St Paul's Home and School, singing in the choir, working many years on the annual parish summer festival, and serving as Market Day chair person.

As a teacher, I believe that I am a witness of the Gospel values and that I should be an example to my students.

I am happy to be returning to yet another year at St. Paul. I have found great pleasure sharing the many ministries that St. Paul has to offer. Let us all be open to journeying with Jesus this year.
Mrs. Patty Koscinski - Music

More information coming soon!
Ms. Margaret Lucas - Art

I graduated from Mount Mary College in Milwaukee with a B.A. in Art Education and Art Therapy. I have been teaching art for many years. My husband is the Athletic Trainer for Brookfield Central. Our oldest son is a back up line man for UW Stevens Point as a freshman. Emma, our daughter, is an athlete and smarty pants too. Our last son, Andrew, also plays football as a guard. I am excited to be part of the St. Paul Staff and to share my creativity with your children!
Computers

More information coming soon!
Mrs. Amanda Romanski - Spanish

Amanda Romanski has a Bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin Madison and a Masters degree in Spanish and Translation from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. Additionaly she spent a year of intense language study at the world reknown Universidad Compultense in Madrid. Furthermore, she received the FLAS fellowship in 2010 by the Department of Education to study in Bahia, Brazil. In addition to a wonderful education background, Amanda acted in both teaching and bilingual resource roles for the Urban Day Middle School as well as for the Madison Metropolitan School District. She has been was also a Spanish instructor at the university level for the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee from 2009-2011.
Mrs. Diana Sutherland - Physical Education

This is my year 14th year teaching at St. Paul School. I graduated from UW La Crosse with a BS in Physical Education and Health Education. Along with teaching Physical Education and Health Education, I substitute teach at St. Paul School. I enjoy seeing students outside of the gym and working hard in their classrooms.

Prior to teaching at St. Paul School, I taught Physical Education and Health Education at Catholic Memorial High School in Waukesha. Along with teaching at CMH, I was involved with coaching many different sports at CMH.

My husband Gary and I are members of St. Paul Parish and have two children. Our daughter Paige is a junior at the UWM and our son Jonah will be a freshman at the University of Wisconsin. They both attended St. Paul School and look back with fond memories.

I am looking forward to working with your children and teaching them the lifetime sports of being healthy, active and fit.
Mrs. Debbie Schneider - Resource Specialist

Debbie Schneider is pleased to be working with students as an independent tutor at St. Paul School. Debbie started her teaching career 30 years ago as an Early Childhood Special Education teacher. For the past 15 years, she has continued her education with an emphasis in reading, including Orton-Gillingham training. Debbie incorporates a variety of reading and writing strategies in each individualized lesson, including a mult-sensory phonetical approach. Her students are taught to recognize their strengths and weaknesses as learners, while building on both. Her hands on philosophy emphasizes the whole child, including frequent communication with their parents and classroom teacher.

Debbie has been married to Brian for 27 years. They have two sons: Ben who recently graduated from St. Thomas in MN and is applying for dental school, and Jacob who is employed by Century 21 as a real estate agent. She has many outside interests including reading, cooking, gardening and volunteering.
Dr. Nick Contorno - Band

Dr. Nicholas J. Contorno is presently retired after 24 years as the Director of Music Programs, bands and orchestra at Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI. He received his Bachelor and Master's degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and Doctor of Musical Arts in Composition from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

He began his teaching career in 1961 as an Instrumental Music teacher in the Glendale (WI) Public Schools and also served as Director of Bands at Dominican High School in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin. In 1968, he accepted the position of Music Curriculum Supervisor and Director of Bands at Kettle Moraine High School in Wales, Wisconsin. In 1983, he was appointed Director of Bands at Marquette University.

Dr. Contorno is an A.S.C.A.P. award winning composer and arranger, and is represented in the catalogs of C.L. Barnhouse, Bourne, Hal Leonard, Jenson, Pro-Art, Global Musical Interests Publications, Educational Programs Publications and JPM Publications.

As an active professional musician, he has performed with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Holiday on Ice Orchestra, Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Bailey Circus Band, Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, and Les Elgart Orchestra. In addition, he had performed with many national shows and artists, including "Annie," 42nd Street," Linda Ronstadt, Natalie Cole, Manhattan Transfer, Vic Damone, Johnny Mathis, Dinah Shore, Mel Torme, The Four Lads, and Sonny & Cher, to mention a few.

Dr. Contorno has been guest soloist, conductor, adjudicator and clinician with many school bands across the country. Dr. Contorno has many honors and holds memberships in numerous professional organizations.
Mr. John Szcygiel - Band
Mr. Szcygiel is in his fifth year as band director at St. Paul School. He brings along a great deal of experience:
- Music Education at St. Norbert College
- Bachelor of Fine Arts with Certification to Teach from UW-Milwaukee
- Masters in Music and Education from UW-Milwaukee
- Instrumental music teacher, Mukwonago Schools for thirty -three years.
- Mukwonago Schools music chair for ten years.
- Member WSMA, WMEA, MENC, WNBA, NBA, ASBDA, Phi Beta MU
- Member of the Wisconsin Bandmasters Association
- Certified WSMA judge and clinician
- Teaches private band lessons at area music store.
- Three children, John, Jacob and Monika all played band instruments.
- Learned Suzuki techniques when twins, Monika and Jacob were in the Suzuki Violin program at Carroll College.
- Started Summer Lesson/Rehearsal Program for Mukwonago Schools.
- Bands have performed all over the state including the Wisconsin State Fair, Noah.s Ark in the Wisconsin Dells, Bay Beach Park in Green Bay, Circus World Museum, Marquette University, Cardinal Stritch University, The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, The University of Wisconsin-Parkside, The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, The Waukesha Conservatory of Music and at many high schools, middle schools, elementary schools and festivals.
- Bands have performed in Illinois at Gurnee Mills Mall, The Bugs Bunny Theater in Great America, The College of Lake County and at area high schools.
Mrs. Barb Berner - Librarian

I have been involved with St. Paul's Library for 29 years. The first 17 years were as a volunteer and the last 12 years as a part-time member of the staff. I graduated from UW-Stout with a degree in Home Economics in Business in 1975. Ironically, I worked in both my high school and college libraries. Before moving to Dousman in 1983, I was a kitchen designer at Green Bay Kitchen Mart. I have been married to Jim for 38 years. He works for the Barilla Pasta Company. Both of our sons, Jeff, age 35 and Andy, age 26, graduated from St. Paul's. Jeff runs our family-owned HobbyTown USA gaming store in New Berlin and Andy works for Rock River Laboratory, Watertown, as a soil analyst and lab technician.

While at St. Paul's I've been active in the following: Art and Environment, Forensics coach and judge, Watkins Sale coordinator, Scholastic Book Fair chairman since 1991, Great America Reading program, Library Club, National Geographic Bee, Civic Oration coordinator and judge, and the school spelling bee coordinator.

In my spare time, I enjoy doing photography, basketweaving, gardening, watercolors and entering them in Waukesha, Walworth and Wisconsin State Fair. 2011 marked my 25th year as a Waukesha County 4-H leader. I also have the pleasure of watching my 8 year old granddaughter, Anna, after school two days each week. And of course, I love to READ!!!
Coming Soon! - Administrative Assistant

More information coming soon!