OUR DREAM TEAM
Inspire. Motivate. Support.
A word from our CEO & Administrator, Carrie Naparalla
Welcome to our staff page. As you read through our mini-bios, I hope you get a clear sense of who we are what brings us joy (besides being part of the CEC family!). Chain Exploration Center is a 4K-8th grade project based learning charter school within the School District of Waupaca. Our team works collaboratively to offer our students a high quality educational experience with unique learning opportunities.
While several of our staff were born and raised in Waupaca and have returned to live and raise their family here, I was welcomed to the School District of Waupaca and Chain Exploration Center in summer 2020. Prior to becoming the CEC CEO, I taught Kindergarten for 25 years, the last 7 were in our K-2 charter school and was the 4K Coordinator for the Ripon Area School District. Throughout my career, my goal has always been to provide an amazing educational experience for every child in the way that fits that child best.
ADMINISTRATOR AND ASSISTANTS TO THE ADMINISTRATOR
Carrie Naparalla
CEO & Administrator
I grew up in Princeton, attended UW-Oshkosh for my BSE and Marian for my MSE. I have been blessed with 4 nieces/great nieces and 4 nephews/great nephews ranging in age from ranging in age from 1 year to 25 years old. They are my heart beat. I am a dog mama to Shelby Jane, a 4 year old mini goldendoodle, who at 53 pounds is not mini. :) We share a love of Cheetos and lounging on the couch. From the moment your family is welcomed into the CEC family, I hope you always feel like we have your child's best interest in mind and at heart. If you have any questions or concerns or are in the mood to share a little good news, I welcome you to call (715).258.4151 ext. 4324 or email cnaparalla@waupacaschools.org. I am here to listen and look forward to hearing from you.
Brenda Plum
Administrative Assistant
Patient and caring, describes Brenda. You will also find her coordinating Post Prom for the district. In her spare time she loves to craft. She especially loves to make chunky yarn blankets.
THE DISCOVERERS: PRE-KINDERGARTEN (4K) & KINDERGARTEN
Amber Koski
4K Advisor, Early Childhood
& Special Education
Dedicated and compassionate, Amber has been with the School District of Waupaca for several years. She loves working at CEC and taking advantage of the outdoor space it provides. Amber enjoys traveling and learning new things.
"I am a Yooper."
Katelyn Pauling
Kindergarten Advisor
Creative and crafty, Katelyn has been with the district for several years; previously a 1st Grade teacher. When she is not at school she is busy with her kids and crafting.
"I love glitter! I use it to make tumblers, signs, shirts and more. We use it often in my classroom."
THE PATHFINDERS: 1ST & 2ND GRADES
Kristin Doscher
Advisor, Grades 1-2
Friendly and energetic, Kristin joined us a few years ago with a background in inquiry-based learning. She is a world traveler, athlete and burrito lover.
"I have gone bungee jumping in New Zealand, hang gliding in Brazil, and scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef in Australia!"
Lori Wolff
Advisor, Grades 1-2
Positive and eager, Lori has been with the district for many years. She is dedicated to her students and willing to help to make sure they succeed.
THE TRAILBLAZERS: 3RD & 4TH GRADES
Holly Olsen
Advisor, Grades 3-4
Compassionate and patient, Holly has been with us from the beginning. She is never afraid to roll up her sleeves and help the team. In summer months you may find her at a local ice cream shop!
"I have lived in four states."
Catherine Seifert
Advisor, Grades 3-4
Gentle and kind, Catherine is beloved by all. Catherine passionately seeks out opportunities for project-based learning that hook students and create meaningful experiences. She is a coffee drinker, runner and outdoor enthusiast.
"I have a workshop where I dabble in all kinds of art and projects! I'm always up for a good project!"
THE INNOVATORS: 5TH & 6TH GRADES
Brianna Hass
Advisor, Grades 5-6
Positive and organized, Brianna lead a kindness crew in her previous school and strives to actively differentiate for all learners. Brianna is a bookworm, dog mom, athlete, oboist, traveler and Kenoshian.
"I got the chance to meet and pet a South African penguin named Tweedle at the New Zoo in Green Bay, an she also painted me a picture!"
Mackenzie Loken
Advisor, Grades 5-6
Confident and bold, Mackenzie is a Waupaca native. She is a dog mom, avid reader and board game lover.
"I have shaved my head twice, once to raise money for the St. Baldricks Foundation, and once just because I wanted to!"
THE VOYAGEURS: 7TH & 8TH GRADES
Ty Natzke
Advisor, Grades 7-8
Clever and outgoing, Ty has been teaching grades 6-8 since 2016. Ty encourages curiosity and voice in the classroom. The students enjoy his passion for tech and innovation. Ty is a home chef, Dungeon Master and taco enthusiast.
"I can give scene-for-scene descriptions and analysis of the 1991 classic film Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 11: Secret of the Ooze."
SPECIALS TEAM
Mackenzie Burns
Advisor, Art
Creative and thoughtful, Mackenzie has been teaching Elementary Art in the district since 2017. She is a mom who loves to laugh.
"I love bluegrass-style music, and I play upright bass and sing in a couple of bands."
Emma Ives
Advisor, General Music & Choir
Energetic, bubbly and fun loving, Emma joins us for her first year in the district. Emma has a bird backpack for Joe Joe, her pet bird that travels everywhere with her!
Cory Scott
Advisor, Lifestyle Fitness
Compassionate and energetic, Cory continues our unique approach to Physical Education. He is an adventurer who loves the outdoors.
"The road goes ever on and on, down from the door where it began. Now far ahead the road has gone, and I must follow, if I can." "It's an adventurous business, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no telling where you might be swept off to."
EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANTS (EA)
Tammy Larson
Educational Assistant
tlarson@waupacaschools.org
Barb Rusch
Educational Assistant
Reliable and friendly, Barb has been with the district for many years. She is a grandma and a "farm girl."
"I walked/ran in a Disney Princess half marathon."
Kate Rolfs
Educational Assistant
krolfs@waupacaschools.org
Lauren Schultz
Educational Assistant
lschultz@waupacaschools.org
Meet Lauren Schultz, our friendly Educational Assistant! She's enthusiastic about supporting the CEC mission, encouraging children to explore their interests through project-based learning. Outside of
school, Lauren enjoys outdoor activities with her family. She believes in finding happiness in life's small moments.
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SUPPORT STAFF
Norbert Witkowski
Makerspace Coordinator
nwitkowski@waupacaschools.org
Norb has worked with kids as a volunteer for 30 years and decided to come out of retirement part time after being a substitute EA the last couple years.
"I love investing in our kids, they truly are our future and I've been impressed with CEC. We are privileged to have wonderful schools in Waupaca and the model at CEC is awesome as are the staff. Being here energizes me and getting to know our kids inspires me."
Susan Dolski,
School Counselor
Compassionate and understanding, Susan provides emotional supports for all our students. Susan loves yoga, hiking, camping, knitting, and spending time with family.
"I'm a Jack of all Trades. In addition to school counseling, I am a certified social worker and I have worked in business/marketing. In my spare time I work as an independent stylist."
Jenny Gross
School Psychologist
Kindhearted and encouraging, Jenny, helps students process and plan goals while promoting positivity. Jenny is a wife, mom and traveler and crafter.
"I love warm weather and summer more than most. My favorite thing to do is travel and visit beautiful beaches. One time I was even able to swim with sting rays and hold one!"
Special Education Instructor
The CEC is looking for a part- time Special Education Teacher. Please email Principal Naparalla with questions. cnaparalla@waupacaschools.org or call 715-258-4151.
Michelle Guay
Speech & Language Pathologist
KInd and patient. I love spending time with my children and our puppy. I also like to read and go for walks. I am originally from Green Bay, but lived in Maine for over 3 years. I went whale watching and clamming in Maine.
"I write left- handed, but do everything else with my right hand."
Tricia Deuman
Instructional Coach
Passionate and energetic. Tricia has been part of the Waupaca Comet Family her entire school career, beginning in kindergarten, as a graduate of Waupaca High School, teaching 5th grade for 24 years prior to her current role as an MLSS District Instructional Coach for the past five years. I am encouraged to support, teachers, and staff in their personal learning journey. I love spending with my family, and I am a lover of anything outdoors; golfing, boating, fishing, and walking. I am proud to be a member of the Waupaca Community.
FOOD SERVICE
MEDIA CENTER TEAM
Rebecca Bauer
Library Aide
I have lived in Waupaca my whole life and attended the CEC when it was the K-2 Chain Elementary School. One of the goals on my childhood bucket list was to work in a library, so I was super excited to achieve that goal in 2022 when I started working at the CEC! I also have previous experience working as an assistant teacher at a childcare center. In my free time I enjoy practicing different makeup looks, making jewelry, adding to my Lego collection, and spending time with my two nephews. I am also a cat mom, an advocate for animal rights, and have been a vegetarian since I was 14 years old!