Hello, I’m Amy Benotch and I have been the Principal of Brookfield Elementary since 2024, and previously served as the Associate Principal since 2021! I am passionate about getting to know each and every student and making sure they feel a sense of belonging here at Brook El. I enjoy working with dedicated teachers and sta as we create the conditions for meaningful learning and feel blessed to partner with such supportive and resourceful families in our community.
I received my Bachelors in Education from UW-Green Bay (2007) and my Masters in Educational Leadership and Principal’s License from Viterbo University (2012). Prior to my role as Associate Principal, I taught for 14 years in Sussex and at Tonawanda Elementary as a Math Teaching and Learning Specialist.
The teachers and sta at Brook El are true champions for kids. We rally around each and every student and are creative problem solvers, knowledgeable about best instructional practices, and devoted to continuous improvement as life-long learners ourselves.
My husband and I live in Menomonee Falls with our three children. We are avid fans of all things Wisconsin sports and love cheering on our own budding baseball players!
CAROLYN SCHROEDER ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL
Hello, I’m Carolyn Schroeder, and I have the privilege of serving as the Associate Principal of Brookfield Elementary since 2024! I truly believe I have the best and most rewarding job. I get to work alongside some of the most dedicated educators to create an engaging, rigorous, and welcoming environment where every student feels a sense of belonging. Partnering with families to support the growth and success of all learners, 4K through 5th grade, is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my role.
I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education with specialties in English as a Second Language and Early Childhood from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2018, and my Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from Carroll University in 2022. Prior to this role, I spent five years teaching at Swanson Elementary (3rd grade, 3rd grade virtual, and 2nd grade) and one year as a Math Instructional Coach at Tonawanda Elementary.
At Brook El, you will feel the positive, caring, and dedicated spirit of our sta the moment you walk through the doors. Our team is student-focused and committed to helping each learner grow into a deep thinker and kind human. We hold high expectations, meet individual student needs, and partner closely with families to support every child’s journey.
Outside of school, I’m a lifelong learner who loves spending time in nature. I enjoy running, biking, playing pickleball, and hiking with my dog Gus and my fiancé Danny. In my free time, you’ll often find me reading or playing with my 11 nieces and nephews. I’ve spent my entire career as an educator in the Elmbrook School District, and I couldn’t imagine a better place to be!
OFFICE STAFF 4K
TEACHERS
KAREN HAMILTON ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Hi! I’m Karen Hamilton and I am the O ce Manager at Brookfield Elementary. I am proud of the role I play as a school ambassador, striving to deliver the highest level of customer service to our Bobcat families. I have been with Elmbrook Schools for 30 years and I am committed to creating a welcoming atmosphere for our sta , students, families and community members.
I understand the perspective as a sta member as well as of a parent because my three children are Brookfield Elementary alumni! When I'm not at school I love spending time with my family. In my spare time I love traveling, relaxing by the lake, reading a good book, and decorating!
CHRISTINE DEVINE RECEPTIONIST
Hello, I’m Christine Devine! I am thrilled to have been a part of the Bobcat sta since 2023! I enjoy getting to know and working with families and sta to support our students. The o ce is a very busy place but we work to make it feel welcoming each day.
Brook El has a very special sta who make each student feel right at home, it’s truly amazing to watch our educators at work. Outside of the o ce, my husband and I live in Sussex and have 3 grown children, and I love to thrift!
LAURIE BENZ
Hello, I’m Laurie Benz and I have had the privilege of teaching for the past 22 years! There are so many reasons I love teaching 4K. First and foremost, I love having a front row seat to watch and be part of this magical time of learning. A time when your little ones are acquiring important foundational skills and concepts, navigating friendships, striving to become independent, and filling each day with giggles and gasps. This is my 12th year in Elmbrook. I taught kindergarten for 9 years and made the move to 4K in 2021 to help develop and grow the new program. I earned my teaching degree from Medaille College in Bu alo, NY and in 2015, I was named a Kohl Fellowship Award Recipient for my work as an outstanding educator in Southeastern Wisconsin. With a strong desire to grow as an educator, I entered the Special Education Certification Program at Carroll University and in May of 2020, I received my Cross Categorical Special Education License. When I am not in the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my husband Ken of over 30 years, our daughters Cassidy and Madalynn, and our lovely little granddaughter Luna. I am an avid reader and enjoy writing. Over the years, I have written many poems, songs, chants and short stories for the classroom to help teach and secure various skills and concepts across content areas.
EMILY KOSCIELNIAK
Hello, I’m Emily Koscielniak! There are so many reasons why I love teaching and being surrounded by 4K friends. They are wonderfully honest, optimistic, eager to learn and some of the funniest people I’ve ever met. I love being able to guide students as they learn skills and explore ideas that will influence their future world.
This is my 18th year of teaching and my sixth year in Elmbrook. While in Elmbrook, I taught kindergarten for 3 years and made the move to 4K in 2021 to help develop and grow the new program. I earned my teaching degree from UW Madison. With a strong desire to grow as an educator, I completed the Special Education Certification Program at UW Milwaukee and received my Early Childhood Special Education License. When I am not in the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my husband Jordan and our boys, Charlie and Henry. I also enjoy spending time with my friends, cooking, reading, exercising, and remodeling our home!
5K TEACHERS
KATE MARX
Hello, I’m Kate Marx! I knew I wanted to be a Kindergarten teacher by the time I was in sixth grade! I have always loved working with and being around young children. I love the excitement and the passion they have for life in general. There is never a boring day in Kindergarten.
I earned my BSE in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Emphasis from UW-Whitewater, my Reading Teacher License from Cardinal Stritch, and my Master’s Degree in Education from National Louis University. I’ve taught kindergarten for 34 years and, when I’m not working, I love cooking, baking, reading, spending time with my husband and children, and playing the piano.
LAUREN RADOSEVICH
Hello, I’m Lauren Radosevich! I love being with the kids and being able to have a positive impact on their lives. I love teaching kindergarten because everything is always exciting and I get to watch the kids grow and learn! My favorite part is when their little lightbulbs go on and they begin to make meaningful connections between our classroom and their everyday lives.
I earned my Bachelors in Early Childhood Special Education from UW-Whitewater and my Masters of Education from Aurora University. I’ve been teaching for a total of 27 years, with 19 of those years in Elmbrook! When I’m not teaching, I love spending time with my family, reading, bicycling, and boating on local lakes!
CORTNEY STOHL
Hi, I’m Cortney Stohl! I love helping my students grow and gain confidence as learners and fostering positive relationships that last far beyond our kindergarten year together. There is nothing compared to the excitement and genuine interest kindergarteners have in learning. Kindergarten is a year filled with immeasurable academic, social, and emotional growth, and it is so rewarding to watch my students develop as they prepare for first grade.
I earned my Bachelors in Elementary and Early Childhood Education from Winona State University and my Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from UW-Whitewater. This is my seventh year teaching and my third in Elmbrook! Outside of the classroom, I enjoy reading, exercising and spending time with my family and friends.
ASHLEY VONGNARATH
Hi, I’m Ashley Vongnarath! I absolutely love teaching kindergarten and being part of the incredible learning journey that happens during this special year. Kindergarten is such a time of amazing growth, and I feel so fortunate to help my students build a strong foundation for their future learning. Their natural curiosity and excitement make every day rewarding, and I love seeing the joy on their faces when they experience success.
I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and my Master of Education in Literacy from Concordia University. This is my 16th year teaching and my second year in Elmbrook!
Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, reading, dancing, and working out. I’m so excited to be part of the Elmbrook community and look forward to a wonderful year of learning and growth with my kindergarteners!
ENROLLMENT PROCESS
Complete your child’s online enrollment at www.elmbrookschools.org/enroll.
STEP 1 | Complete New Student Online Enrollment Application. Verification documents should be uploaded directly to the application www.elmbrookschools.org/enroll. If you already have a child in the district you can complete the application using your Infinite Campus Parent Portal by clicking “More”, then “New Student Enrollment.” Verification documents are required even if you have a child currently attending in the district.
STEP 2 | Receive Enrollment Confirmation Email
STEP 3 | Participate in Strong Start Conference in August
STEP 4 | Attend 1st Day of School in September
ELEMENTARY STRONG START CONFERENCES
All Elmbrook elementary schools conduct Strong Start Conferences for students entering Kindergarten through fifth grade. These conferences are designed to provide an opportunity for elementary students and teachers to meet each other, one-on-one, prior to the start of the school year to develop positive relationships that will support a strong start for all students! Conferences conducted over two days | August 28th & 29th
Your child’s 2025-26 classroom teacher will invite you to sign up for a conference in August after class assignments are made public.
SUMMER SCHOOL OPPORTUNITIES
Students enrolling in 5K for the 2025-26 school year are eligible to participate in our 4K Momentum Summer School Program! Elmbrook’s summer school Momentum Program will be held at Dixon Elementary this year. This session will run Monday, June 16 through Friday, July 18. There will be no classes on Thursday, July 3rd, and Friday, July 4th.
Elmbrook's August Jumpstart Program is a one week only and will be in session from Monday, August 4th through Friday, August 8th. Our Jumpstart Program is a separate summer school program o ered to incoming 4K and 5K students of the 25-26 school year (Current 3K and 4K students) at their school buildings in an e ort to acclimate our youngest students to their new school environment.
Registration for summer school o erings will open on Thursday, February 27 and close on Thursday, March 6, 2024 at noon. Registration can be completed through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal.
Prior to registration, you will need to complete the District's Online Enrollment. Online enrollment forms can be found on elmbrookschools.org/enroll. Please feel free to contact Jered Bares at baresj@elmbrookschools.org with any questions or check out our Summer School Registration FAQ’s at elmbrookschools.org/summerschool!
