Academics

Teacher Bios

Deborah Barrett

Debbie joined the staff of ITA in 2010 as the Human Resources Manager. She is responsible for overseeing recruiting and staffing, employee relations, benefits administration, and staff policies and procedures.  She has a passion for making workplaces a happier and better place to work.

Before coming to ITA, Debbie worked at Paramount Employment Solutions as a Human Resources Consultant.  She has over 15 years of human resources experience in both the private and public sectors. She is a proud University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee alum and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work.

Mrs. Amy Nolan

After completing her bachelor’s degree in French Education from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, Mrs. Nolan moved to Georgetown, Ohio to teach High School French. Not long after that she moved back to Indiana where she was married and began working on her master’s degree in school counseling at Indiana University, while teaching elementary French. Several years later, her husband's company transferred them to Indianapolis, Indiana where Mrs. Nolan was a Middle School French teacher and then a Middle School Guidance Counselor. After her son, Ethan, was born, her husband's job transferred them to Madison, Wisconsin, and then two years later, to Columbus, Ohio, where her daughter, Molly, was born. After staying home with her children for six years, her family was once again transferred. She is now living in Sussex, Wisconsin and has recently re-entered the work force and loves every minute of it. Mrs. Nolan enjoys working with students of all ages. The most rewarding part of her job is morning bus duty, where she receives hugs from the students as they get off the bus. In her free time, Mrs. Nolan loves to travel and has been to France several times, Italy, The Czech Republic, Quebec, Canada and Hungary. She also takes Tae Kwon Do lessons, loves working in her basement woodshop, and enjoys Yoga.

Mantanya Boyd

I am the Head Secretary at the Institute of Technology and Academics as well as the Transportation Coordinator. I am currently pursuing my bachelor's degree in Communication with a minor in Human Services. Working at ITA has been a wonderful experience for me. I love working closely with the parents, students and staff to ensure that we will accomplish the common goal of making sure the students of ITA have all the educational tools they need to succeed. My hope is to expand our communication between parents, students and teacher so that we can have constant rim of support for our students not only at school, but at home, too.

Ms. Radtke

I grew up in Medford, WI, where I have also worked in a greenhouse for the past 13 years.  I attended Wisconsin Lutheran College, in Milwaukee. There, I majored in Art Education, Pre-K through 12.  After graduating I was the art instructor at Suring Public High School for six years.  While teaching in Suring I attended the Silver Lake College licensure program to obtain certification as a cross-categorical LD Special Education teacher. I then began working with the special education students, as I was needed.

Currently, I am teaching special education at the Institute of Technology and Academics.   As a K-8 school in Milwaukee this has given me the opportunity to work as a team with other professionals to give each student a learning environment rich in technology based learning, while keeping the needs of each individual in mind.  I find the success of these students after working with them in any subject area very rewarding.  When working with these students, it is my hope to harvest the potential that each of them has which will enable them to benefit from each of their successes.

Mrs. Johanna Groene

My name is Mrs. Johanna Groene (Grey-Knee)and I was born in Honolulu Hawaii. When I was 3 years old, my military family moved to New York City, then finally the Midwest where I've lived ever since. I've been teaching Special Education and Language Arts for seven years, and now after taking a short break to have my 5th child, I was lucky to join ITA's teaching staff this year in our unique Resource Room.

My teaching credentials include: a degree in English and Fine Arts from UW-Platteville, a 1-8 teaching certification from Lakeland College and currently finishing a Masters in Cross Categorical Special Education at UW-Platteville.

I practice Love and Logic classroom methodology- just ask your kids if they hear me say "Oh No- that is so sad!", and look forward to learning and laughing with your child as we utilize ITA extensive technological resources.

Jake Feuerstein

Greetings parents, students, and friends of ITA.  I've been at ITA since it's second year and am proud and excited to serve as the lead teacher at ITA.  I've been teaching for the past 10 years, working with choice and voucher schools and really appreciate the ability to make an impact on young children in Milwaukee.  I received my undergraduate degree from UW-Whitewater and received my Master's degree from Alverno College and have been eager to apply my new ideas in my classroom.  

Over the years, I've learned that there is no "one-way" to teach children and that all children require different approaches to learning.  Building relationships with my students and parents of ITA is the key to making the most of the year we have together and I welcome the opportunity to meet with you discuss ways to improve my students academic and classroom experience.  As a first grade teacher, my number one goal is to build on every student’s ability to read and write.  It's so rewarding for me to be able to assist them on their way to becoming lifelong learners.  After reading this, please take the time to read with your child today.  See you at ITA!

Lauren Kusch

My name is Lauren Kusch and this is my first year teaching at ITA. I am the second grade teacher here and find it very enjoyable. I’ve been working in education since 2003 and have been fortunate enough to have met with many wonderful teachers who’ve taught me a lot of tricks of the trade that you just don’t learn in college.  My goal everyday is to have my classroom feel comfortable and for my students to feel at ease with one another so they’re focused on learning. Our main improvement area in second grade has been our Reading.  We work hard every day to improve our reading levels and on learning phonics to decode new words. In the area of technology we are learning how to use the many tools of Microsoft Word and will be moving on to Microsoft Power Point this spring.

I live in Salem, Wisconsin in Kenosha County with my 9 year old daughter, my fiancé, two noisy parrots, three cute gerbils, and a wiggly goldfish.

Megan Metzger

My name is Megan Metzger and I'm the 3rd grade teacher here at ITA. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 2008 with my Bachelors Degree in Education. I've always wanted to be a teacher and am so glad I got to find a place in this profession.

When I'm not at school I like to watch movies, listen to music and be as active as possible. I also love to travel and spend time with friends and family.

Kayla Szymanksi

I remember back in the third grade when we had “dress up for your career” day at school. So, I put on a long skirt, a blouse, glasses and I carried around a book, because even then I knew I wanted to be a teacher. I have always loved working with children, and am so glad to have a job that allows where I can impact children and guide them towards a successful future.  

I grew up on the south side of Milwaukee, and went to school in Hales Corners. I attended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee on a diving scholarship, where I graduated with a degree in Middle Childhood/Early Adolescence Education (1st – 8th grade). I am happy to be working at ITA, where my ambitions to become a teacher have been achieved, and hope to help students achieve their ambitions through a great education.  

Cassie Woods

Hello, my name is Cassie Woods and I am the fifth grade teacher at ITA. This is my first year teaching at ITA and I am lucky to work with such a supportive and talented staff.  I graduated from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee with a degree in history and continued my education at Cardinal Stritch University, where I received my teaching certification.  I was born and raised in the Milwaukee area and have a serious commitment to the city and it’s children.  

I believe that building a strong relationship with my students and their families is the foundation of a successful classroom.  I strongly support parent involvement in my classroom and keep parents informed on their child’s performance on a daily basis. I feel that all of my students can and will be successful and I conduct all of my instruction with that in mind.  I look forward to meeting with you about how we can forward your child’s education.

Mary Kay Heinold

I am married with three wonderful children, Bridget who is 13, Garrett age 10, and Brent age 8.  I attended the Northern Ozaukee School District for my elementary, middle and high school years.  Immediately after high school I was recruited to Lakeland College on a basketball scholarship where I pursued my Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education.  I am currently licensed to teach grades 1-8.  I am thankful for the opportunity that ITA has given me to work with the many families enrolled. Teaching has been one of the most rewarding jobs that I have had.  To touch a child’s life and have an influence on their direction in life is truly rewarding.

A few of my hobbies are spending quality time with my family.  We enjoy camping, attending sporting events and just hanging out together.  My daughter and I love to scrapbook.  A lot of our time is now spent watching our children in various activities such as sports, band, and 4H. My family is my number one priority and we enjoy every minute we have together.  

Mr. Wagoner

Hi!  Welcome to my profile.  Adventure is a huge part of my life and has leaded me to many of my life experiences.  My first one began when my family and I moved from Colorado to Northern Wisconsin.  I lived here until I graduated high school and headed down to Milwaukee for the first time on my own.  Here in Milwaukee I attended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee on a Track & Field scholarship.  Upon receiving my Degree I loaded up my car and spent the next year in California, just experiencing and living life.

ITA has brought me back to the great city of Milwaukee for my most recent adventure.  Teaching and assisting students academically has proven itself to be a rewarding choice.  A few of my favorite memories from this year have been the student/faculty kickball and basketball games and seeing the “light-bulb” illuminate for my students.  I look forward to the remainder of the school year with eagerness and expect the years to come to be just as amazing.

Thank you for stopping by to learn a little bit about me.  

Dave Shanklin

B.S. Industrial Technology
University of Wisconsin Stout
M.S. Technology Education

Personal experiences include, six year of Technology Education, 20 years of hand on experience in the wood working field, several years in the construction industry and several years in the restaurant industry. I love teaching student things they do not know.

I would like to show kids how to use their hands to create projects. In the near future the Institute of Technology and Academics would like to join the school systems that are involved in the Project Lead the Way. The Curriculum is use d to; teach students; not only  to make projects with their hands, but to teach the principal of Engineering. Projects include Space Exploration and Energy. Student will be introduced to these topics this year.

Mrs. Riley

Hello my name is Mrs. Riley. I am happily married, with three lovely children. I have worked with children for ten years. It’s a pleasure working with preschoolers. You have to have a lot of patience working with them. They are so eager to learn. Every year it’s different. That's what makes it so exciting.

Shannon Baker

This is my first year here at ITA. I love teaching Kindergarten. I previously taught preschool for 2 years in Michigan before moving to Wisconsin. I earned my degree from Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Michigan in Elementary Education and English. I am pursuing my Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education. I am married and have 3 young children. I enjoy scrapbooking and reading in my spare time.