Our Team
Our diverse team brings many years and types of professional experience to our program. We are highly motivated and committed to the success of each of our Forward Scholars' students.
Our diverse team brings many years and types of professional experience to our program. We are highly motivated and committed to the success of each of our Forward Scholars' students.
Staff
Staff
Staff
Dr. Carrie Streiff-Stuessy
Dr. Carrie
Streiff-Stuessy
Executive Director
I am deeply privileged and proud to be the founding Executive Director of Forward Scholars. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education (PK–3) from UW–Madison and moved to Milwaukee to begin my teaching career in the Milwaukee Public Schools. Driven by a love of learning, I went on to earn my Master’s in Reading and Learning Disabilities from Cardinal Stritch University, followed by a Certificate in Advanced Literacy Assessment and Intervention. In 2018, I completed my Ph.D. in Language and Literacy.
For nearly three decades, I’ve had the privilege of serving students and families in our community as an educator and leader. I spent 12 years in MPS as a classroom teacher (Kindergarten through 3rd grade) and literacy coach, and then served as a reading specialist in the Wauwatosa Public Schools for 11 years. My work has always been grounded in a deep commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice.
Every morning, I send my daughter off to her MPS school with the same reminder: "Be kind. Be a good listener. Work hard. And fight for justice." We live in the city of Milwaukee, and I'm committed to having my daughter--and every child in our community--graduate from high school. Literacy is a fundamental right, and it's our shared responsibility to ensure that every child becomes a proficient reader and graduates prepared to succeed and have unlimited access to the world!
I am deeply privileged and proud to be the founding Executive Director of Forward Scholars. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education (PK–3) from UW–Madison and moved to Milwaukee to begin my teaching career in the Milwaukee Public Schools. Driven by a love of learning, I went on to earn my Master’s in Reading and Learning Disabilities from Cardinal Stritch University, followed by a Certificate in Advanced Literacy Assessment and Intervention. In 2018, I completed my Ph.D. in Language and Literacy.
For nearly three decades, I’ve had the privilege of serving students and families in our community as an educator and leader. I spent 12 years in MPS as a classroom teacher (Kindergarten through 3rd grade) and literacy coach, and then served as a reading specialist in the Wauwatosa Public Schools for 11 years. My work has always been grounded in a deep commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice.
Every morning, I send my daughter off to her MPS school with the same reminder: "Be kind. Be a good listener. Work hard. And fight for justice." We live in the city of Milwaukee, and I'm committed to having my daughter--and every child in our community--graduate from high school. Literacy is a fundamental right, and it's our shared responsibility to ensure that every child becomes a proficient reader and graduates prepared to succeed and have unlimited access to the world!
Dr. Seth Westfall
Dr. Seth Westfall
Program Director
I am honored to be serving as the first Program Director for Forward Scholars. I have been in education since 1996 serving as a classroom teacher, special educator, literacy coach, instructional coach, administrator and college professor. Each of these positions has allowed me to grow and develop the necessary skills and knowledge to serve Forward Scholars and the students of MPS.
Although my original intention was to work in the performing arts, I came to realize within the first few weeks of serving as a paraprofessional in a therapeutic nursery that teaching was my calling. To this day, working with my preschoolers and toddlers with significant disabilities remains the most challenging and fulfilling job I have ever had. It was this position that drove me to go back and obtain a second Bachelor’s degree in elementary education, a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education, and my doctorate in Instructional Leadership with a focus on Curriculum and Instruction.
Throughout my career, I have worked to improve the educational experiences of students. I firmly believe that all students have the right to a high quality education that will set them up for success in life. No matter what career path they choose, a solid foundation in reading and a high quality education is necessary. Every decision we make should be focused on students’ needs and ensuring they are ready for their path in life.
I am honored to be serving as the first Program Director for Forward Scholars. I have been in education since 1996 serving as a classroom teacher, special educator, literacy coach, instructional coach, administrator and college professor. Each of these positions has allowed me to grow and develop the necessary skills and knowledge to serve Forward Scholars and the students of MPS.
Although my original intention was to work in the performing arts, I came to realize within the first few weeks of serving as a paraprofessional in a therapeutic nursery that teaching was my calling. To this day, working with my preschoolers and toddlers with significant disabilities remains the most challenging and fulfilling job I have ever had. It was this position that drove me to go back and obtain a second Bachelor’s degree in elementary education, a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education, and my doctorate in Instructional Leadership with a focus on Curriculum and Instruction.
Throughout my career, I have worked to improve the educational experiences of students. I firmly believe that all students have the right to a high quality education that will set them up for success in life. No matter what career path they choose, a solid foundation in reading and a high quality education is necessary. Every decision we make should be focused on students’ needs and ensuring they are ready for their path in life.
Bernard Rahming
Bernard Rahming
Development and Marketing Director
I’m excited to be a part of a team that’s deeply committed to equity in education. I believe every child deserves the chance to thrive academically and feel a genuine sense of belonging in their learning environment.
My academic background includes a bachelor's degree in mathematics and psychology from Marquette University and a master’s in community psychology from Concordia University–Portland. These experiences have shaped my passion for community-based solutions and helped me understand how systems and relationships impact individual outcomes.
Outside of work, I love spending time with my wife and son. We’re often outside exploring parks, finding new adventures, or just soaking in the fresh air. I’m also a huge Arsenal fan and rarely miss a match!
I’m excited to be a part of a team that’s deeply committed to equity in education. I believe every child deserves the chance to thrive academically and feel a genuine sense of belonging in their learning environment.
My academic background includes a bachelor's degree in mathematics and psychology from Marquette University and a master’s in community psychology from Concordia University–Portland. These experiences have shaped my passion for community-based solutions and helped me understand how systems and relationships impact individual outcomes.
Outside of work, I love spending time with my wife and son. We’re often outside exploring parks, finding new adventures, or just soaking in the fresh air. I’m also a huge Arsenal fan and rarely miss a match!
Theresa Liu
Theresa Liu
Tutor Recruiter
As a former tutor with Forward Scholars, I am excited to join the Forward Scholars team as Tutor Recruiter. Tutoring at Lloyd Barbee Montessori School I witnessed firsthand the impact of tutoring.
Born and raised in the Milwaukee area, I graduated from Mount Mary University with a bachelor’s degree in English. I began my career in public relations and went on to work in communications and marketing in the corporate sector. In the past several years, I’ve held various positions with nonprofits, including serving as Assistant ELL director with Literacy Services of Wisconsin, and Marketing and Communications Director at Father Gene’s Help Center.
In my free time, I enjoy baking, reading, and traveling. I love summers in Wisconsin listening to live music and paddleboarding with my husband.
I look forward to bringing more tutors onboard. If you are interested in tutoring or know someone who would make a great tutor, please email me at theresa.l@forwardscholars.org or visit Become a Tutor.
As a former tutor with Forward Scholars, I am excited to join the Forward Scholars team as Tutor Recruiter. Tutoring at Lloyd Barbee Montessori School I witnessed firsthand the impact of tutoring.
Born and raised in the Milwaukee area, I graduated from Mount Mary University with a bachelor’s degree in English. I began my career in public relations and went on to work in communications and marketing in the corporate sector. In the past several years, I’ve held various positions with nonprofits, including serving as Assistant ELL director with Literacy Services of Wisconsin, and Marketing and Communications Director at Father Gene’s Help Center.
In my free time, I enjoy baking, reading, and traveling. I love summers in Wisconsin listening to live music and paddleboarding with my husband.
I look forward to bringing more tutors onboard. If you are interested in tutoring or know someone who would make a great tutor, please email me at theresa.l@forwardscholars.org or visit Become a Tutor.
Anne Tondrowski
Anne Tondrowski
Administrative Assistant
I am proud to support the mission of Forward Scholars as a part-time Administrative Assistant, contributing to the behind-the-scenes work that helps expand access to high-impact literacy tutoring for Milwaukee students.
I began my work in education after moving to Milwaukee to serve as a founding corps member with City Year Milwaukee. Since then, I’ve dedicated over a decade to supporting young people and mission-driven organizations in roles that span operations, development, and project management. I’ve had the opportunity to grow with organizations like City Year, Teach For America, City Forward Collective, and Civic Bridgers- often working behind the scenes to build strong systems and help teams succeed.
I am proud to support the mission of Forward Scholars as a part-time Administrative Assistant, contributing to the behind-the-scenes work that helps expand access to high-impact literacy tutoring for Milwaukee students.
I began my work in education after moving to Milwaukee to serve as a founding corps member with City Year Milwaukee. Since then, I’ve dedicated over a decade to supporting young people and mission-driven organizations in roles that span operations, development, and project management. I’ve had the opportunity to grow with organizations like City Year, Teach For America, City Forward Collective, and Civic Bridgers- often working behind the scenes to build strong systems and help teams succeed.
Danielle Fahey
Danielle Fahey
Site Coordinator
Originally from Boston, Massachusetts, I moved to MKE in 2019 after joining Teach for America. I believe education is a powerful tool that no one can take away from you and learning should be fun!
Over the past six years, I worked as a Middle School teacher, Coach and Athletic Coordinator on the Southside. I value getting to know my students and their families – they have taught me as much as I have taught them. My education started out with my own parents who ingrained in me the importance of love, hardwork, and dreaming big. I am a first-generation college student and have a B.S. in English, a B.S. in Community Program Development, a minor in Spanish and a M.A. in Education. I want my students to know that while the road may not always be easy, it will always be worth it.
Originally from Boston, Massachusetts, I moved to MKE in 2019 after joining Teach for America. I believe education is a powerful tool that no one can take away from you and learning should be fun!
Over the past six years, I worked as a Middle School teacher, Coach and Athletic Coordinator on the Southside. I value getting to know my students and their families – they have taught me as much as I have taught them. My education started out with my own parents who ingrained in me the importance of love, hardwork, and dreaming big. I am a first-generation college student and have a B.S. in English, a B.S. in Community Program Development, a minor in Spanish and a M.A. in Education. I want my students to know that while the road may not always be easy, it will always be worth it.
Maggie Madigan
Maggie Madigan
Site Coordinator
I’m beyond excited to join the wonderful Forward Scholars team as a Site Coordinator to help students grow. Growing up in Milwaukee, I always knew I wanted to return and give back to my community. I attended the University of Saint Thomas in Minnesota and discovered my method of teaching through many field experiences. I graduated in 2019 with a Bachelors in Elementary Education.
I pride myself on relationship building with students and adults. I strongly believe that in order to have a lasting impact, feeling like a safe space and a trustworthy person is crucial. I’ve seen so much growth with my PreK, Kindergarten and First Grade students through this belief. My mom is a retired educator and I found my passion for teaching at a young age watching her in the classroom. I thrive to see a student’s face light up when they have their “ah-ha” learning moment. Forward Scholars has already made me feel like I am in the right place to continue helping students achieve their biggest goals!
This is going to be an amazing school year. I can’t wait to learn from other Forward Scholars team members in the continued fight for accessible education.
I’m beyond excited to join the wonderful Forward Scholars team as a Site Coordinator to help students grow. Growing up in Milwaukee, I always knew I wanted to return and give back to my community. I attended the University of Saint Thomas in Minnesota and discovered my method of teaching through many field experiences. I graduated in 2019 with a Bachelors in Elementary Education.
I pride myself on relationship building with students and adults. I strongly believe that in order to have a lasting impact, feeling like a safe space and a trustworthy person is crucial. I’ve seen so much growth with my PreK, Kindergarten and First Grade students through this belief. My mom is a retired educator and I found my passion for teaching at a young age watching her in the classroom. I thrive to see a student’s face light up when they have their “ah-ha” learning moment. Forward Scholars has already made me feel like I am in the right place to continue helping students achieve their biggest goals!
This is going to be an amazing school year. I can’t wait to learn from other Forward Scholars team members in the continued fight for accessible education.
MacKenzie Menefee
MacKenzie Menefee
Site Coordinator
I am very excited to be a part of the Forward Scholars team as a full-time Site Coordinator that helps support our students in their literacy journey!
I have been working in education formally since 2009 where I started teaching elementary education in Baltimore, MD. In 2016, I transitioned back to Milwaukee and began teaching literacy, math, and science to middle school students. I have been teaching in the city ever since. In 2020, I received my Masters in Educational Leadership from Cardinal Stritch. I have additional experience in curriculum & instruction, coaching and being dean of students. I look forward to the collaboration and intentional work that our team will do with our children here in Milwaukee.
I am very excited to be a part of the Forward Scholars team as a full-time Site Coordinator that helps support our students in their literacy journey!
I have been working in education formally since 2009 where I started teaching elementary education in Baltimore, MD. In 2016, I transitioned back to Milwaukee and began teaching literacy, math, and science to middle school students. I have been teaching in the city ever since. In 2020, I received my Masters in Educational Leadership from Cardinal Stritch. I have additional experience in curriculum & instruction, coaching and being dean of students. I look forward to the collaboration and intentional work that our team will do with our children here in Milwaukee.
Elizabeth Miller
Elizabeth Miller
Site Coordinator
The mission of Forward Scholars is beautiful and I am excited to be part of the team that brings it to life. I have spent my professional career dedicated to the idea that educating young children is one of the most important contributions I can make to a community. As a classroom teacher for 10 years, I deeply understand the value of literacy and the difficulties it places on young learners when deficits are not addressed.
With a Master of Education degree from the University of Minnesota and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish from the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, Minnesota, I feel I am in exactly the right place to use my education and passion to support the Forward Scholars’ mission. Specifically, the project for my master’s degree focused on the same reading strategies we use at Forward Scholars and I feel so fortunate to be able to incorporate those lessons as I plan for my students each week.
Outside of the classroom I enjoy spending time with friends, connecting with extended family, traveling, swimming, playing a variety of instruments and relaxing with my husband and two sons.
The mission of Forward Scholars is beautiful and I am excited to be part of the team that brings it to life. I have spent my professional career dedicated to the idea that educating young children is one of the most important contributions I can make to a community. As a classroom teacher for 10 years, I deeply understand the value of literacy and the difficulties it places on young learners when deficits are not addressed.
With a Master of Education degree from the University of Minnesota and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish from the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, Minnesota, I feel I am in exactly the right place to use my education and passion to support the Forward Scholars’ mission. Specifically, the project for my master’s degree focused on the same reading strategies we use at Forward Scholars and I feel so fortunate to be able to incorporate those lessons as I plan for my students each week.
Outside of the classroom I enjoy spending time with friends, connecting with extended family, traveling, swimming, playing a variety of instruments and relaxing with my husband and two sons.
Lynnae Ortiz
Lynnae Ortiz
Site Coordinator
I am thrilled to a Part-Time Site Coordinator for the Forward Scholars Program. I am passionate about educating children and understand the profound importance of literacy skills as the foundation for academic success. The thought of using 1-on-1 tutoring sessions to make this happen is invigorating.
I’m originally from Michigan and received my BA in Education from Michigan State University. Over the past decade and a half I’ve been privileged to teach Head Start Preschool, first grade, and even sixth grade. I also spent a few fun years with First Stage as an Education Teaching Artist traveling and performing at schools throughout Southeast Wisconsin. Most recently I worked in Wauwatosa as a literacy and math interventionist.
I’m married and have 5 children (2 biological and 3 step-children). We live in West Allis. In my free time I love spending time with my family, reading, working out, cooking, watching movies, traveling, being outdoors, attending church, and singing. I’ve been singing with the Milwaukee Choristers since 2006.
I am thrilled to a Part-Time Site Coordinator for the Forward Scholars Program. I am passionate about educating children and understand the profound importance of literacy skills as the foundation for academic success. The thought of using 1-on-1 tutoring sessions to make this happen is invigorating.
I’m originally from Michigan and received my BA in Education from Michigan State University. Over the past decade and a half I’ve been privileged to teach Head Start Preschool, first grade, and even sixth grade. I also spent a few fun years with First Stage as an Education Teaching Artist traveling and performing at schools throughout Southeast Wisconsin. Most recently I worked in Wauwatosa as a literacy and math interventionist.
I’m married and have 5 children (2 biological and 3 step-children). We live in West Allis. In my free time I love spending time with my family, reading, working out, cooking, watching movies, traveling, being outdoors, attending church, and singing. I’ve been singing with the Milwaukee Choristers since 2006.
Heather Peters
Heather Peters
Site Coordinator
I am excited and honored to join the Forward Scholars team as a Site Coordinator, where I continue my passion for helping students discover their strengths, build confidence, and achieve their goals. I bring more than 27 years of experience in education, serving as a classroom teacher, reading specialist, reading interventionist, literacy coach, Reading Recovery teacher, and Master Instructor with the Stritch Family Literacy Center.
I hold a Master’s degree in Teaching with a concentration in Language Arts and am licensed as both a Reading Teacher and Reading Specialist. Throughout my career, I have been dedicated to supporting students in becoming successful readers while fostering strong partnerships with families and creating inclusive, supportive learning environments.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, especially my husband, our adult children, and our grandchildren. I also love reading, knitting, and finding quiet moments to relax and recharge.
I believe deeply that literacy opens doors to opportunity and empowers students to reach their full potential. I look forward to building meaningful relationships within the Milwaukee community and supporting scholars as they grow in confidence, skills, and leadership.
I am excited and honored to join the Forward Scholars team as a Site Coordinator, where I continue my passion for helping students discover their strengths, build confidence, and achieve their goals. I bring more than 27 years of experience in education, serving as a classroom teacher, reading specialist, reading interventionist, literacy coach, Reading Recovery teacher, and Master Instructor with the Stritch Family Literacy Center.
I hold a Master’s degree in Teaching with a concentration in Language Arts and am licensed as both a Reading Teacher and Reading Specialist. Throughout my career, I have been dedicated to supporting students in becoming successful readers while fostering strong partnerships with families and creating inclusive, supportive learning environments.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, especially my husband, our adult children, and our grandchildren. I also love reading, knitting, and finding quiet moments to relax and recharge.
I believe deeply that literacy opens doors to opportunity and empowers students to reach their full potential. I look forward to building meaningful relationships within the Milwaukee community and supporting scholars as they grow in confidence, skills, and leadership.
Rebecca Pride
Rebecca Pride
Site Coordinator
I’m so excited to be on the Forward Scholars team as a Site Coordinator. This role aligns closely with my passion for advancing literacy and academic equity. I believe every student deserves access to a high-quality education, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to support student growth and learning.
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies, a Master’s degree in Child Development, and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. I also hold Professional Teaching and ESL Certifications and am currently pursuing my Reading Teacher License. Over the past 16 years, I’ve worked across the education landscape as a classroom teacher, literacy coach, and education coordinator.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband, our two daughters, and our dog. I also love being outdoors, traveling, drinking coffee and matcha, and going to barre class.
I’m so excited to be on the Forward Scholars team as a Site Coordinator. This role aligns closely with my passion for advancing literacy and academic equity. I believe every student deserves access to a high-quality education, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to support student growth and learning.
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies, a Master’s degree in Child Development, and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. I also hold Professional Teaching and ESL Certifications and am currently pursuing my Reading Teacher License. Over the past 16 years, I’ve worked across the education landscape as a classroom teacher, literacy coach, and education coordinator.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband, our two daughters, and our dog. I also love being outdoors, traveling, drinking coffee and matcha, and going to barre class.
Board of Directors
Board of Directors
Board of Directors
Kristi
Davis-Gutierrez
President
Retired Principal
Joan
Donner
Vice President
Retired Human Resources Professional
Jaime
Joynt
Treasurer
Certified Public Accountant,
Controller and FP&A
Molly
Shiffler
Secretary
Cardinal Stritch Professor Emeritus
Jonathan
Gundlach
Board Member
Managing Director at SRH
Helen
Harris
Board Member
Retired MPS Principal
Flor
Hernandez-Lara
Board Member
Director of Undergraduate Admissions,
Mount Mary University
Mel
Johnson
Board Member
Retired U.S. Attorney
Sharon
Spencer
Board Member
Retired IBM
Walter
Taylor
Board Member
RBC Wealth Management,
Financial Advisor
Together we build brighter futures and
stronger communities through reading.
For more information, contact us at admin@forwardscholars.org
Sign up for our newsletter here
Together we build brighter futures and
stronger communities through reading.
For more information, contact us at admin@forwardscholars.org
Sign up for our newsletter here