Our Staff

The teachers and staff at Kradwell School are experienced and dedicated professionals, committed to building a learning environment that empowers and accepts every student for who they are. They enjoy working one-on-one with students, and truly embrace the differences that make each person special. Many have a long tenure with Kradwell, which speaks to their passion for educating, mentoring, and helping students rise up to reach their full potential.

Mary Helen Schulte Image

Mary Helen Schulte

Director/Principal
414-454-6599
mary.schulte@aah.org

Mary Helen joined the faculty in 2006 as a Special Education/Middle School Teacher. She was named Assistant Principal in January 2013 and has been Principal since 2015. She received her B.S. and M.S. in Special Education from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

I enjoy spending time with family and friends, playing games, and listening to good music.

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Erin Housiaux

Dean of Students
414-773-4354
erin.housiaux@aah.org

Erin Housiaux joined the faculty in 2022 as the Dean of Students. She brings with her more than 20 years of experience in schools. Erin studied English and Education in her undergraduate work at Bucknell University and also earned her Masters' Degree in Educational Leadership. She is a relational leader who finds joy in making connections.

I enjoy spending time with my family, my extremely busy yellow-lab, and reading mysteries.

Leslie Newman Image

Leslie Newman

Program Coordinator
414-454-6593
leslie.newman@aah.org

Leslie joined the faculty in 1996. She has her B.A. in History and a M.A. in Social Welfare from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

I enjoy walking my dog, spending time with my family and friends, and learning new things.

"We have teachers and staff who are eager to engage our students — to be warm, receptive, and really understand mental health issues, or whatever else they may be dealing with."

- Leslie Newman, Kradwell Program Coordinator

Jamie Moilanen Image

Jamie Moilanen

Math and Physical Education Teacher
414-773-4353
jamie.moilanen@aah.org

Jamie joined the Kradwell staff in 2002. She has a B.A. in School and Community Health from Winona State University.

I enjoy taking photographs, especially of my sons' sports.

Jon Van Beckum Image

Jon Van Beckum

Social Studies and Physical Education Teacher
414-454-6775
jon.vanbeckum@aah.org

Jon joined the Kradwell faculty in 1998. He has a B.A. in History from St. Norbert's College and an M.S. in Anthropology from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

I like to read and spend time outdoors.

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Janelle Piontek

English Teacher
414-454-6674
janelle.piontek@aah.org

Janelle joined the Kradwell faculty in 2005. She has a B.S. in Secondary Education from the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse and an M.E. in Instructional Technology from Cardinal Stritch University.

I enjoy hiking, biking, cooking, and gardening.

Deborah Pietsch Image

Deborah Pietsch

Math Teacher
414-454-6592
deborah.pietsch@aah.org

Deborah joined the Kradwell staff in 2014. She has a B.S. in Special Education from the University of Illinois.

I enjoy reading and watching my kids play hockey.

Mary Kline Image

Mary Kline

English and Social Studies Teacher
414-395-8125
mary.kline@aah.org

Mary joined the Kradwell faculty in 1995. She has a B.A. in History from Marquette University and a Master's in Comparative Literacy from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

I like to travel.

Dianne Patzfahl-Vorce Image

Dianne Patzfahl-Vorce

Science, Life Skills, and Transitions Teacher
414-773-4355
dianne.patzfahl-vorce@aah.org

Dianne joined the Kradwell faculty in 2010. She has a B.S. in Learning Disabilities from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, an M.A. in Learning Disabilities from Cardinal Stritch University, and a M.A. in Reading from Cardinal Stritch University.

I enjoy my Wheaten Terrier, cooking, and traveling.

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Patrice Noonan

Art Therapist
414-773-4326
patrice.noonan@aah.org

Patrice joined the Kradwell staff in 2004. She has a B.A. and M.S. in Art Therapy from Mount Mary University.

I enjoy playing tennis, drawing, and spending time with my family.

Avatara-Maya Sierra Image

Avatara-Maya Sierra

Teacher's Aide
avataramaya.sierra@aah.org

Avatara-Maya Sierra joined the Kradwell faculty in October 2022. She has a M.A. in English Writing and a B.A. in Visual Art and Design from Mount Mary University. She has been working with special needs children since 2018.

I enjoy working at my alterations and dress-making shop, as well as novel writing. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, traipsing through nature, and riding my Italian motorcycle.

Jean Gorectke

Science Teacher
jean.gorectke@kradwell.org

Coming Soon.

Patrice Roder

Administrative Assistant
patrice.roder@kradwell.org

Coming Soon.