TRCVS Staff

Rachelle Nolan

Main Lesson PK/K, 1/2 & RTI

Hello wonderful learners and families! My name is Rachelle Nolan. I am this year’s virtual Pre-K, Kindergarten, 1st grade, and 2nd grade Main Lesson Teacher! This is my 11th year in the classroom, fourth year lead-teaching, and my second year with TRCVS.

I live in Marshfield, Wisconsin with my fiancé, Kyle, our 4-year-old, Charlie, and our cat, Vinnie. We moved our family here from the Twin Cities in the fall of 2020. I earned my Bachelor’s of Elementary Education at Grand Canyon University in 2019. At GCU, I was a fully online student, setting the stage for my own virtual teaching experience.

I am my most joyous self when I am outside, whether I am exploring, hiking, fishing, camping, gardening, or simply soaking up the sunshine with a good book in my hands. I enjoy making a mess of my kitchen and learning how to make all kinds of new foods! I tend to always find myself in the middle of an artistic project. I also enjoy leveraging my skills in the business realm. I volunteer with Midwest nonprofit, Dear NICU Mama, where I assist in expanding the reach of our services and support to families with NICU stays (past and present!).

I am so excited to return to TRCVS this year! Let’s grow together!

Wanda Kern

Main Lesson 3/4 & RTI

Wanda Kern completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education as well as her Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. In addition, she is a lifelong learner who enjoys fun facts, puns, and joyful moments filled with laughter. Wanda proudly became a Main Lesson teacher at TRCVS in 2019 and immediately began working toward her goal of earning her Waldorf Teacher Certification.

Wanda is a passionate educator who recognizes the power of connecting families, students, and teachers as a united team. She is thrilled to have transitioned from 25 years in a traditional public school, to being a leader of Waldorf education. She is overjoyed that Waldorf education supports the students with a developmentally appropriate curriculum that includes artistic expressions in learning. Wanda believes her role as an educator is to show students the goodness, strength, and beauty within themselves and the natural world around them. Engaging the learner’s hands, head, and heart is of utmost importance when teaching.

In her free time, Wanda enjoys traveling, reading, hiking, storytelling, boating, and playing board games with her family which includes two grown sons, a grown daughter, two rambunctious golden retrievers, and a supportive and kind husband. Her goal is to always lead with love.

Main Lesson 5/6, 7/8 & 4th Grade Math

Kaitlyn Schmitz

Spanish 1st-8th

I’m Kaitlyn Schmitz, Tomorrow River Virtual Spanish teacher. I grew up on a farmette with a few cats, a pet cockatiel, pot belly pig, dogs, chickens, horses, and at one point, steers. I showed my pot belly pig and my dog in 4H one summer. My parents were fortunate enough to take us on family trips to Mexico where I first heard Spanish. Hearing the beautiful language inspired me to pursue Spanish! My first trip alone was a mission trip to Lima, Peru, where we did vacation bible school and helped build churches. Later, I did another mission trip to an orphanage in Mexico. I gave horse riding lessons when I was in college along with waitressing to help pay tuition. I went to UW Fox valley for general education, then I transferred to UW Oshkosh. I was able to study abroad in Spain for a semester where my Spanish speaking fluency grew immensely. I student taught at a middle school in Oshkosh and an elementary school in Quito, Ecuador. I made so many friends in Ecuador and feel that is where my fluency began. I visited Ecuador twice after my student teaching trip ended. My first teaching job was at Kewaskum middle school, teaching Spanish. After 3 years there, I switched to a closer to my home in Oshkosh. There I traveled between 3 middle schools teaching Spanish. After I got married and became pregnant, I wanted to work part time from home so that I could be with my baby as much as possible. I was also really drawn to the art and nature foundation that Waldorf basks in. When I found TRCVS, it was nothing but an answer to a prayer!

Renee Westphal

Math upper grades

Renee joined the TRCCS family in 2023-2024. Renee has always had the passion to teach. Thanks to the inspiration and positive influence of her 2nd grade teacher, who she was thrilled to have again in 4th grade, she decided she was going to grow up to be a teacher. All her academic achievements and extracurricular activities she participated in revolved around her dream to teach. Her dream became reality when she graduated from UW-Stevens Point in 2007 with her Bachelors in Elementary Education and minor in Mathematics. After teaching in various public and private schools, Renee stepped down to be a stay at home mom in 2015. From 2015-2023 she was a private tutor for Tutor Doctor of Fox Valley tutoring students from PreK to college-aged adults, mainly in mathematics. This is where Renee discovered her drive to help each student reach their full potential. She believes in seeking out each student’s individualism and unique strengths to help them strive. Her favorite quotes are “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” (Eleanor Roosevelt) and “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.” (Norman Vincent Peale).

Renee and her husband Joe have four children: three boys and one girl. Together they enjoy exploring the natural beauty of the world through hiking and camping at different state and county parks. They are also active in their local 4H club. In her free time, Renee enjoys a strong cup of coffee or a soothing cup of hot tea. She frequently visits her local library as well.

Lindsey Pietrzak

Handwork

Bio coming soon!

Kathy Hammond

Music and Ukulele

Kathy Hammond is a music educator with over 30 years of experience, teaching general and choral music, as well as studio piano and voice, to students of all ages. She received a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Millikin University, and a Masters Degree in Educational Technology from Marian University. Kathy spent most of her teaching career leading choirs at the middle and high school levels for the Winneconne Community School District and Waupaca HS. During the recent pandemic, she found herself teaching virtually in the Appleton School District, and enjoyed successful lessons and activities that were experienced with students. Currently, Kathy teaches voice and piano for both Noteworthy Music School in Stevens Point and the Waupaca Arts Hub, sharing music with over 25 students weekly. She lives in Waupaca with her musical husband John, and their cat Gidget. When not rehearsing, performing, or teaching music, she loves to walk or hike, kayak, and travel.

Kathy Hammond has sung professionally at various theme parks and in Las Vegas, as well as with big bands throughout Wisconsin. She currently is a member of Jazz Central Voices, a vocal jazz ensemble from UWSP at Wausau. She sings and plays keyboards with the band STEEM, and sings with her husband in both K&J Duo and the inspirational trio Triune Voice.

Music has been at the core of Kathy’s soul since she was a child, and it is truly a joy to share her love of music with others. She is excited to be joining the staff and students of the TRCVS, and is looking forward to the new adventure of teaching music in such a welcoming and supportive learning environment!