OUR DREAM TEAM
Inspire. Motivate. Support.
A word from our CEO & Administrator, Carrie Naparalla
While I really cannot believe my first year has come to a close, I am so thrilled about all we can accomplish over the next several years. I look forward to learning more about and investing in the Waupaca Community, gaining partnerships that enhance our student projects and service learning work, designing a 4K-8 project plan with aligned standards and rubrics, creating and implementing a PLP structure that will follow a student all through their educational journey at CEC, and most importantly, growing those relationships with our students, staff, and the families who support the work we do! As Katharine Graham said: “To love what you do and feel that it matters, how could anything be more fun?”
ADMINISTRATOR AND ASSISTANTS TO THE ADMINISTRATOR
Carrie Naparalla
CEO & Administrator
Thoughtful and passionate, Carrie joined the Waupaca and CEC family in July 2020. We are thrilled to have her extensive knowledge of project-based learning and charter schools. She is a fierce protector of friends and family, loves to read and is a doting dog mama.
"Many years ago, I spent two weeks mountain biking in Scotland with a High Adventure Youth Group."
Brenda Plum
Administrative Assistant
Patient and caring, we welcome Brenda to the CEC! She is no stranger to the district. She has been the Post-Prom advisor for the last four years. She loves to craft and 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 eight 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
Devon Feldt
Advisor, Grades 7-8
Energetic and determined, Devon follows in the footsteps of both his parents as a graduate and employee of the district. Devon spends his time as a dad, hunting and listening to audio books.
"I spend hours and walk many miles each spring in search of shed antlers."
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 Kelley
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 joins us this year to continue our unique approach to Physical Education. He is an adventurer who loves the outdoors.
"I am afraid of humidity and love near freezing temperatures as my ideal climate."
EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANTS (EA)
Vanesa Buhler
Educational Assistant
Caring and adventurous, Vanesa assists and supports our students every day. She is a mom and cat lover.
"I met and shook Johnny Depp's hand, also swam with dolphins."
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."
SUPPORT STAFF
SPED EA/Pillar Infusion Coordinator
This position is currently open at the CEC. Please contact our principal, Carrie Naparalla, for details. She can be reached at 715-258-4151 or cnaparalla@waupacaschools.org.
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!"
Jennifer Miller
Special Education Instructor
Daring and creative, Jennifer works with our students to ensure success. She loves adventures, baking, crafting and being a Mom.
"I went skydiving for my birthday a couple years ago and I can't wait to do it again!"
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
Cindy Christensen
Food Service
Spontaneous and adaptable, Cindy provides our students with the nutrition to succeed! Cindy is a Mom and Grandma that loves to fish, hunt and camp.
Shari Erickson
Food Service
Friendly and warm, Shari always has a smile to give! She is a Mom and Grandma that loves to garden, cook, fish and camp.
MEDIA CENTER TEAM
Chris Jaenke
Library Media Specialist
Devoted and precise , Chris creates a cozy space for our young readers. Chris is a bookworm, quilter, Mom and Grandma.
"I can write backwards."
Rebecca Bauer
Library Aide
I"m new this year to both the school district and library, however I have always been a bookworm and it has been a dream of mine to work in a lilbrary. I've lived in Waupaca my whole life and attended CEC when it was the K-2 Chain Elementary School. I'm also a cat mom and supporter of animal rights. I've love fostering animals (mostly kittens) with my mom since I was a kid. In my free time I enjoy practicing different makeup looks, making jewelry and spending time with my nephews.
"I have been a vegetarian since I was 14 years old."