MEET THE STAFF OF SWANSON ELEMENTARY
MARTIN CASTRO PRINCIPAL
Hello, I’m Martin Castro and I have been Swanson Elementary’s Principal since 2022 and served as the Associate Principal beginning in 2019. I love leading educators that are passionate about changing kids’ lives!
I earned my Bachelor's (2008) in Psychology and Master's (2012) in Educational Psychology from UW-Milwaukee as well as my MBA (2012) in Educational Leadership from MSOE. Currently, I am pursuing my Ph. D. and Superintendent Licensure through Cardinal Stritch University. Prior to Elmbrook, I worked as a school counselor at Oak Creek-Franklin School District for 7 years and 6 years as a Lead Counselor within a residential treatment center for WellPoint Care Network.
Swanson is well-known for having dedicated sta that absolutely love kids and makes sure everyone feels welcome. We are a vibrant learning community with professional sta committed to making our school an exceptional place to learn and work together.
Outside of school, my wife and I have three children and in our spare time, we enjoy engaging with our church to give back to our community. I grew up playing soccer which a orded me the opportunity to play in college, highlighted by winning a National Championship in 2009 with the Bavarians Soccer Club.
LINDY DESJARLIS ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL
Hello, I’m Lindy DesJarlais, and I am honored to serve as the Associate Principal at Swanson Elementary since 2024! I love collaborating with both students and sta to foster growth and development in future generations. Building a warm, positive, and engaging learning environment for all is at the heart of everything we do at Swanson.
I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Communications Arts from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and later completed my education certification at Carroll University. I received my administrative degree from Nova Southeastern University. Prior to this role, I spent 18 years teaching in Milwaukee, Las Vegas, and here in Elmbrook.
At Swanson, you’ll feel the vibrant, welcoming spirit of our school community from the moment you walk through the doors. Our sta fosters kindness, enthusiasm, and a deep sense of care for every student. By building strong, supportive relationships, they create a space where learning is not only meaningful but also enjoyable.
Outside of school, I’m proud to be an Elmbrook parent with three children at all three school levels. I love cooking, reading, working out, and cheering on all things Wisconsin sports. I’m also proud to have been recognized as the National Social Studies Teacher of the Year in Nevada.
I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of the Swanson community and look forward to partnering with families, sta , and students to make every day one of growth, learning, and joy!
OFFICE STAFF
JEN BEUG-HOFFMAN ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Hello, I’m Jen Beug-Ho man. I love the friendly atmosphere that our sta and students create at Swanson. This is my sixth year in the Swanson o ce and I just love it here! Our students pride themselves on being helpful and compassionate towards each other as we aim to make everyone feel welcome.
I earned my Bachelor’s in Psychology and Sociology from UW-Whitewater and have been with Elmbrook Schools for 11 years. I am the proud mom of two amazing children, and in our free time, my husband and I enjoy staying active with our kids, trying interesting foods, and traveling near and far.
KAREN KRZYZAK RECEPTIONIST
Hello, I’m Karen Krzyzak and I love seeing our students as they grow each day and interacting with our families at Swanson. I have worked throughout Swanson in various roles including Special Education and Kindergarten Assistant since 2007, and I joined the o ce sta in 2018. Families will love the diversity and friendly sta and students at our school.
TEACHERS
I earned my Bachelor’s in Secondary Education in Speech Communication, English, and Theatre from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. My husband and I have three daughters and a son who all attended Swanson, and we enjoy taking family vacations and watching movies together. I also love attending theatre productions and performing on-stage
VESILE YILMAZ
Hello, I’m Vesile Yilmaz! I love witnessing the growth, independence, curiosity, and excitement in my students throughout the school year. As a first schooling experience, I understand the importance of making a positive impact on a child’s learning journey.
I was born in Turkey and my big Mediterranean family gave me the roots to remember where I come from and the wings to soar the world and make a di erence, one student at a time. Later on, those wings and my passion for education took me and my family to Australia where we lived for 6 years. I earned my Bachelors & Masters in Education in Turkey and my Master in Early Childhood Education in Australia. I have been teaching for 18 years, with seven of those years in Elmbrook! When I’m not teaching, I enjoy cooking, reading, spending time with my family, and creating Ebru paintings - a traditional Turkish art.
LAUREN WILLS
Hello, I’m Lauren Wills! I love watching my students explore their environment and grow throughout the school year. They get such an incredible excitement when they learn something new - it's really magical and all my students bring such happiness to our classroom every day!
I received my Bachelors in Early Childhood Education from UW-Milwaukee and have been teaching for 14 years and this is my fourth year in Elmbrook. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my family and pursuing my interests in photography.
5K TEACHERS
KENNEDI COFFMAN
Hello, I’m Kennedi Co man! I absolutely love teaching kindergarten and watching my students grow a love for learning. It’s amazing to see their creative minds bloom as they discover the world around them and take pride in their achievements. Watching my “little caterpillars” transform into “big, beautiful butterflies” is the most rewarding part of my job! I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Concordia University Wisconsin in 2023. This is my second year in the Elmbrook School District and my third year of teaching.
Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, exploring new places, and finding creative ways to bring learning to life. I’m so excited to be part of the Swanson Elementary community and can’t wait to watch my students grow this year.
STACEY TRAUDT
Hello, I’m Stacey Traudt! Every day in Kindergarten is a brand new day with so many possibilities and learning opportunities. I love experiencing the growth Kindergarten students make socially, emotionally, and academically. Being a part of children's early education is important and rewarding to me. Together, we build a caring, safe classroom community and develop a love of learning.
I earned my Bachelors in Elementary Education from UW-Oshkosh and have been teaching for 21 years with 18 of those in Elmbrook! Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends including attending sporting events, vacations, and boating.
CINDY STEMPER
CAITLIN LOCANTE
Hello, I’m Caitlin Locante! I love teaching the foundational academic and life skills that set students up to be successful in their future! The moment when something ‘clicks’ for a student is magical, and I enjoy supporting each student as they accomplish new skills and overcome challenges.
I received my Bachelors in Elementary Education from Ball State University and have been teaching since 2022! Outside of school, I love to read, coach Gymnastics, Diving, and Track for Brookfield Central & East.
MARY RICHTER
Hello, I’m Mary Richter! I love the relationships I’m able to build with my students. My goal is to help them build their self-esteem so they can believe in themselves and their ability to learn! Kindergarten is a great place to build social skills, and learn how to handle emotions, and the kids are so much fun.
I received my degree in Elementary Education from Edgewood College and have been teaching for 23 years, with 18 of them in Elmbrook! When I’m not teaching, I love to read, play golf and pickleball, and watch a good Badger football game
Hello, I’m Cindy Stemper! I love helping young learners find their unique path to success and laying a strong foundation that sets them up for a lifetime of learning. It’s so rewarding to guide my students as they grow, explore, and discover the joy of learning each day.
I earned my Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Michigan and my Master’s Degree from the University of Santa Clara. This is my 36th year in education and my 23rd year with Elmbrook!
Outside of school, I enjoy hiking, baking, reading, and spending time with my wonderful husband, three kids, and our yellow lab. I’m also proud to have been recognized as a Nationally Board Certified Teacher for the past 18 years and as a recipient of the Kohl Fellowship Award for the State of Wisconsin. I’m so grateful to be part of the Swanson Elementary community, and I can’t wait for another wonderful year of growth, discovery, and fun in kindergarten!
TRISHA VANTORNHOUT
Hello, I’m Trisha Vantornhout! I love the tangible excitement of a Kindergarten classroom and seeing the excitement on the faces of my students when they learn something new. I also love challenging them to think outside of the box and explore the ‘why' behind the things we learn. Watching my students grow socially, emotionally and academically over our time together is truly incredible.
I earned my degree in Elementary Education from Miami University and have been teaching for 15 years, with four years in Elmbrook! Outside of the classroom, I enjoy reading, walking, playing games, and spending time with my family and friends.
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!
