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
Director/Principal414-454-6599
mary.schulte@aurora.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.
Leslie Newman
Program Coordinator414-454-6593
leslie.newman@aurora.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.
Karen Boeckmann
Community Impact Coordinator414-773-4354
karen.boeckmann@aurora.org
Karen joined the Kradwell staff as a substitute teacher in May of 2011. She joined the faculty as a Middle School Teacher in January of 2013 and was named the Community Impact Coordinator in 2016. She has a B.A. in Psychology from Eastern Illinois University.
I enjoy hiking and camping with my family.
Erica Tome
Careers, Health, and English Teacher414-454-6727
erica.tome@aurora.org
Erica joined the Kradwell faculty in 2016. She has a B.S. in Exceptional Education from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
I enjoy watching my kids play indoor and beach volleyball.
Jay Mallas
Social Studies and Physical Education Teacher414-454-6598
jay.mallas@aurora.org
Jay has taught at Kradwell since 1993. He has a B.S. in Secondary Education from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
I enjoy traveling the US (especially to see historical sites). I am an avid viewer of baseball, hockey, and football, and still enjoy playing golf, bowling, and the occasional softball game.
Jamie Moilanen
Math and Physical Education Teacher414-773-4353
jamie.moilanen@aurora.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
Social Studies and Physical Education Teacher414-454-6775
jon.vanbeckum@aurora.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.
Janelle Piontek
English Teacher414-454-6674
janelle.piontek@aurora.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
Math Teacher414-454-6592
deborah.pietsch@aurora.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.
Shanna Bradley
Science Teacher414-454-6577
shanna.bradle@aurora.org
Shanna joined the Kradwell Staff in 2019. She has a B.S in Secondary Education-Science from UW-Milwaukee and a M.A. in Educational Leadership from Marian University.
I like to spend time with my family and my dog.
Mary Kline
English and Social Studies Teacher414-395-8125
mary.kline@aurora.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
Science, Life Skills, and Transitions Teacher414-773-4355
dianne.patzfahl-vorce@aurora.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.
Patrice Noonan
Art Therapist414-773-4326
patrice.noonan@aurora.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.
Jean Gorectke
Teaching Assistant414-773-4355
jean.gorectke@aurora.org
Jean joined Kradwell in 2016. She has a B.S. in Education from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Kristin Waraksa
School Secretary414-454-6590
kristin.waraksa@aurora.org
Kristin joined the Kradwell team in February 2019 and has worked for Aurora since 2010. Most recently she attended Concordia University for Health Care Management and hopes to finish her degree in the near future.
In my free time, I love spending time outdoors with my husband, children and pets. Swimming, bicycling and trying new recipes are some of my favorite hobbies.