Tonawanda Elementary Bios - 2022

Meet the Tonawanda Elementary Staff Principal H ello, I’m Kristin Olson! Welcome to Tonawanda Elementary School! I’m the proud principal of Tonawanda Elementary since 2015. Tonawanda is a small school with growing enrollment where we are focused on developing a sense of belonging for all in our community!

I graduated from the University of Wisconsin- Madison in 1993 with a degree in Elementary Education and received my Masters Degree in Educational Administration and Leadership from Northern Illinois University - DeKalb in 1999. I have 20 years of experience as an elementary school teacher and have served as an administrator for a total of eleven years.

At Tonawanda, students are cared for by the entire staff. Our teaching staff is dedicated to our students and the profession. They are continuous learners and implement best instructional practices. The students at our school are the reason I love my job the most! Being a part of a community of engaged learners, dedicated teachers, caring staff, and supportive families is truly remarkable.

My husband, Cory, and I have two sons, Evan and Andrew. We are so proud of them! I enjoy watching them on the field as they play football and baseball. As a family, we enjoy water sports, snow skiing, and traveling!

Administrative Assistant

Hello, I’m Michelle Kiese! I have the opportunity to greet and assist our students and families at Tonawanda Elementary! I love being able to build relationships with our students and their parents, as well as supporting our students’ growth and development through the years. We are a strong little community and we are very fortunate to have so many engaged families and classroom volunteers.

I’ve been with Elmbrook Schools for ten years and am continually impressed with our students’ efforts to include all of their classmates in our school community.

I am originally from the sunny shores of Oahu, Hawaii, but am proud to now call Wisconsin my home. I have two children - my son Nicholas is a Brookfield Central graduate and a dad to my grandchildren Wolfgang and Alice, and my daughter Meghan is also a Brookfield Central graduate who is currently attending the University of Minnesota. When I’m not at Tonawanda or with my family, I can be found coaching the Brookfield Central Junior Lancer Cheerleaders.

4K Teachers

Hello, I’m Jennifer Forseth! I love teaching because I can make a difference in the lives of children and I can help create a love of learning that will last a lifetime.

Kindergarten is magical- the children are so curious and always excited to learn new things. The growth I see in each child is unbelievable and their energy is contagious!

I received my Early Childhood degree from the University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point and have taught for a total of 21 years, 20 of which have been here in Elmbrook! I enjoy spending time with my family and going on vacations with them- our favorite vacation spot is Door County.

Hello, I’m Mary Walker! I enjoy watching the excitement and love my students have for learning as they gain confidence and master new skills. The biggest reward is seeing their growth from the beginning of the year to the end.

I received my Bachelor of Science from Indiana University in Business Economics and Public Policy and later my Master’s degree from DePaul University in Education - Teaching and Learning. I have taught for a total of 17 years and this is my fifth year in Elmbrook. I love spending time with my family, going for bike rides, watching movies, and working in our garden.

5K Teachers Hello, I’m Sarah Archer! I love fostering a joy for learning and watching as my students soak up knowledge and grow throughout the year. When students truly enjoy exploring, discovering, and creating, I know I’ve done what I’m meant to do!

I earned my Bachelors in Education from UW-La Crosse and my Masters in Educational Psychology from the University of Colorado - Denver. I have been teaching for seven years and this is my first year in Elmbrook and I’m loving it! Outside of the classroom, I enjoy reading, embroidery, kayaking, and spending time with my husband and our dog.

Hello, I’m Leigh Ann Gabbard! I love that I get to be part of laying a strong learning foundation for each child that walks into my classroom. Teaching Kindergarten is my passion because the students are so excited for school and are eager to learn and try new things!

I earned my Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education, minoring in Early Education from Carroll University and my Special Education certification from St. Mary’s of Minnesota. I have been teaching for eight years and this is my first year in Elmbrook! In my spare time, I love crafting on my Cricut machine, exploring nature and visiting new places. A little fact about me is that I grew up in this district. It has been exciting to be able to give back to the school system that helped raise me!

Hello, I’m Theresa Westphal! I love that I have the opportunity to not only make a difference in every child’s life but that my work has the ability to change the future. I am able to improve the world by nurturing, teaching, inspiring, loving and believing in each and every one of my students. Teaching is not only a job for me but a true passion. I love that on a daily basis, I get to watch children explore, question, and learn while discovering the world around them.

I received my Bachelor of Science Degree from UW-La Crosse and my Masters of Education Degree from Aurora University. I have been teaching Kindergarten and First grade for a total of 28 years, with 24 years in Elmbrook! I love spending time with my family more than anything in the world. We enjoy hiking, traveling, cheering for the Packers and Badgers, and doing projects around the house!