MEET THE STAFF OF BURLEIGH ELEMENTARY
CHRISTIAN PLEISTER PRINCIPAL
Hello, I’m Christian Pleister and I have served as Principal of Burleigh Elementary since 2014! I lead our compassionate and engaging sta as they strive to positively influence all students as they grow into lifelong learners.
In 1998, I earned my teaching degree from UW-Milwaukee in Special Education and I later continued my education, earning my Educational Leadership degree alongside my Principal and Director of Curriculum and Instruction licenses from Cardinal Stritch University in 2006.
Prior to Burleigh, I served as an elementary special education teacher for a combined nine years in Whitefish Bay and Milwaukee, and was a school administrator in Greendale for six years before joining Elmbrook.
At Burleigh, we use di erentiate literacy and math instruction and meet with each student on a regular basis to set goals and monitor progress in order to ensure a personalized learning experience. We have been recognized as a Wisconsin Title I School of Recognition for our work in closing the achievement gap for certain student groups.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to have an impact on the lives of so many students and sta . In my spare time, I like to lead an active and healthy lifestyle by working out on a regular basis, doing as much as possible outside, and going to concerts!
KRISTA ISERLOTH ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL
Hello, I’m Krista Iserloth and I’ve been the Associate Principal of Burleigh Elementary since 2022! I’m proud to help lead a school with such a welcoming, generous, skilled and willing team. Families love our school for its focus on kids, our rigorous curriculum, and our enthusiasm for education and character growth.
Burleigh is a big school with a small, community feeling that is full of people that work to care for and connect with each and every student as we grow lifelong learners. I can’t exactly put into words the joy our students bring to me, but I can say it starts with their stories, development through the year, and the kindness they show to their peers and our sta . In addition to how proud I am of our students, I'm also proud of our sta . I’m constantly amazed by the experience and expertise our sta show in the classroom each day!
I earned my Bachelors in Psychology from UW-Stevens Point (2011), followed by my Masters in Educational Psychology from UW-Milwaukee (2013) and Masters in Educational Administration (2022) from Concordia University. Prior to Elmbrook, I served at East Troy Middle School as a School Counselor for 5 years and then also their Dean of Students for three years.
Outside of school, I love spending time with my family, traveling and exploring new foods. I live with my husband, daughter, and our two bulldogs.
OFFICE STAFF 4K TEACHERS
JENNI GESKE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Hello, I’m Jenni Geske! I love being able to welcome our new families to Burleigh and working with our students as they learn and grow. Burleigh’s incredible sta has so much to o er our students both academically and through enrichment opportunities throughout the school year. Our students pride themselves on their positive behavior, sense of belonging and school spirit, and the love and support of our students and sta is felt by all!
I earned my Teaching Degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Mount Mary University and my Graduate Degree in Instructional Technology in Education from Edgewood College.
I work alongside Nancy Rusk to welcome visitors to our school and make sure all of our students’ needs are met. Outside of school, I have four children, two dogs, a rabbit, and I love cooking and baking, reading, and watching my childrens’ sporting events.
NANCY RUSK RECEPTIONIST
Hello, I’m Nancy Rusk! I enjoy working with students and being able to interact with visitors to our school each day. At Burleigh, our students pride themselves on growing their independence and making everyone feel welcome and included.
I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering from UW- Milwaukee, and I have been with Elmbrook for over 16 years as a parent, 2.5 years as a Kindergarten and Special Education Substitute, and this is my eigth year as Burleigh’s Receptionist! I work alongside our front o ce sta to welcome all visitors and families to our wonderful school.
My husband and 3 daughters all attended Burleigh in the past! When I'm not at Burleigh, I enjoy spending time with my family as we hike, play tennis and family games.
JULIE ANDERSON
Hello, I’m Julie Anderson! I am so excited to watch your student learn and grow throughout the year as I cultivate a positive atmosphere for little learners. I am very passionate about literacy and love teaching students those initial building block literacy skills that will help them become successful readers.
I earned my degree from Carroll University in 2023 in General Education (K-9) and Special Education (K-12). I graduated in the top 10% of my class at Carroll and completed extensive research on the Science of Reading in my final year. I am thrilled to have taught in Elmbrook since 2023! When I’m not teaching, I enjoy exercising, experimenting with new foods, and traveling!
BETSY HEUN
Betsy Heun! Every day in 4K is unique and brings new ideas, new challenges, and something funny to laugh about! My students make every day exciting and magical. Teaching kindergarten gives me the opportunity to provide our youngest learners and families with a strong foundation that the rest of a child's education can build on.
I earned my degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from St. Norbert College and have been teaching for 24 years! In my free time, I love spending time with my family, boating up north, and watching my children play football, basketball, and soccer.
JENNIFER KUCHARSKI
Hello, I’m Jennifer Kucharski! I love helping to shape young minds and making learning exciting for my students. It is very rewarding to see the growth that children make throughout the year, and having the opportunity to shape the beginning of their educational career brings me pride and enthusiasm as they learn each day.
I received my Bachelors in Early Childhood Education from UW-Milwaukee and have been teaching in Elmbrook for a total of 17 years! In my spare time, I love spending time with my family at our cabin up-north - fishing, swimming, snowmobiling & relaxing. I also love to read, do puzzles, and scrapbook!
JOHNELL EALES
Hello, I’m Johnell Eales! I love making a di erence in a child's life both in and out of the classroom. One of the things I love most about kindergarten is watching the students learn to read- it is so exciting to help them open the door to the new adventures they will find in books.
I earned my degree in Elementary Education from Rockford College and have been teaching for 27 years! In my spare time, I love spending time with my family and friends, reading, swimming and hiking.
KATIE HILLIG
Hello, I’m Katie Hillig! I love being responsible for helping children learn to read, discover, reflect, communicate and overall LOVE school! I believe teaching kindergarten is the best profession in the entire world!
I received my Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2001, and my Masters in Reading (316) and Learning Disabilities from Cardinal Stritch University in 2008. I have been teaching in Elmbrook since 2002, and in my free time I enjoy traveling, photography, shopping, and watching my children play hockey and baseball!
EMILY MATTICE
Hi, I’m Emily Mattice and I love the joy of seeing students reach milestones, build confidence, and form lasting friendships in Kindergarten! Every day is filled with excitement and new discoveries, and it's amazing to watch kindergartners' curiosity and love for learning grow as they explore the world around them.
This is my 7th year of teaching and my second year teaching Kindergarten. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Carroll University and my post-baccalaureate teaching certification from Mount Mary University. In my free time I love to play pickleball and spend time with family and friends.
KAYLA MOFFATT
Hello, I’m Kayla Mo att, and I love seeing the excitement that each student has for learning and trying new things in Kindergarten! The limitless creativity of my students and their wonderful stories fill each day with fun and joy.
This is my 13th year of teaching and my seventh year teaching Kindergarten! I received my Bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education from Cardinal Stritch University. In 2018, I received a Golden Apple for Excellence in Elementary Teaching at the Engaged in Excellence Awards. I enjoy sports, reading, and spending my free time with my family and friends.
AIMEE SIMEK
Hello, I’m Aimee Simek! My favorite part of my job is getting to see my students experience success and continuously helping them strive to be their best. I love being able to build a foundation for future learning in my students. I received my Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education from the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee, and my Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction: Interdisciplinary Studies from National Louis University. This is my 25th year of teaching and my eighth year in Elmbrook. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, going to parks and the zoo, reading, and cheering on the Packers, Brewers, and Badgers!
JACKIE TOPP
Hello, I’m Jackie Topp! My favorite part of my job is being able to see life through a kindergartener’s perspective! Being able to see their confidence grow and how they change socially and emotionally is a joy to experience.
I have been teaching kindergarten at Burleigh Elementary for 22 years. I received my degree in Early Childhood from UW-Milwaukee and my Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from National Louis University. In my free time, my husband and I love spending time with our son, Colton, and daughter, Charlotte. We enjoy traveling, exploring the outdoors and attending sporting events!
GO VIKINGS!
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!
