The Chequamegon Pupil Services Department strives to make school an enjoyable and beneficial experience for all students. We are experts in helping students navigate everything from social emotional learning and peer conflicts, to assessment & evaluation and collaboration with community-based organizations. We have a comprehensive team of emotional and physical health professionals, including: a Mental Health Coordinator, dedicated School Counselors for each building, a diverse Special Education faculty, Speech and Language Pathologists, Occupational and Physical Therapists, and a District Nurse. There is nothing more important to us than the well-being of the students here at Chequamegon. We are experienced, supportive, and ready to aid any health needs they might have.
ADMINISTRATION & DISTRICT SUPPORT
JE
SSICA
FOLSTAD
Director of
Special Education
& Pupil Services
Chequamegon
School District
I am the Director of Special Education & Pupil Services. My background is in Family Consumer Education and Cross-Categorical Special Education. My role is to work with students and families who face unique challenges to their education. I help with development of Individual Education Programs, 504 plans, classroom accommodations and modifications, staff development, and general supports and guidance as needed. Additionally, I serve as the director of the Chequamegon Early Learning Center.
MARIA
BRISKE
Special Education Administrative Assistant
Chequamegon
School District
I am the Special Education Administrative Assistant. I have worked for the school district for many years. I work mainly with the Special Education Department but also have other assigned duties.
KRISTIANA
KARSHNA
Mental Health Coordinator
Chequamegon
School District
As the district wide School Nurse, I help students and staff address acute and chronic health concerns. My role as Mental Health Coordinator is to help connect students and their families with local mental health resources. I collaborate with school staff, parents, and students to create and implement student health plans. I am a long time resident of the area with a background in EMS, Home Health and Hospice Nursing, Clinic nursing, and over 6 years working as the School Nurse for the Chequamegon School District. Outside of work I am frequently enjoying the many amazing outdoor recreational opportunities our beautiful Northwoods offer.
JODI
GRENDYS
Speech-Language
Pathologist
Park Falls Elementary & Chequamegon North Campus
I am one of two Speech Language Pathologists in the district. I support students ages 3-21 with differences in speech, language, fluency, and voice. I provide services in many locations including: home based, community, teletherapy, Glidden Elementary school, Glidden Middle School, and the Park Falls High School. I have a passion for supporting students with communication differences!
ANGELINA
WILSON
Speech-Language
Pathologist
Park Falls Elementary School
I am a speech-language pathologist (SLP) for the school district. As an SLP, I receive referrals for children that pertain to concerns regarding speech, language, fluency, and voice, and how these impact a child's academic, social, and emotional performance. SL Therapy is about teamwork, meeting the children where they are and then helping their communication flourish.
PARK FALLS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
DAREN
PATTERSON
Counselor
Park Falls
Elementary School
I am the Elementary Counselor at the South Campus in Park Falls. It is an Chequamegon an honor and a privilege. My role as a School Counselor is to provide academic support, personal/ social development growth, and to educate our students about careers. I have weekly classroom lessons with each grade level to educate our students. In addition I provide one on one counseling and group counseling as needed. Additionally, I serve as the Activities Director for both the Middle and High Schools. If we have an event you will more than likely see me cheering on the Screaming Eagles!
ERIC
BROWN
Special Education
Park Falls
Elementary School
I am one of the three Elementary Special Education Teachers. I am a UW-Stout graduate, with degrees in Vocational Rehabilitation and Special Education. This is my tenth year supporting the students of the Chequamegon School District.
ARIELLE
HILGART
Special Education
Park Falls
Elementary School
I am one of the Elementary Special Education teachers. I support K-5th grade students reach their academic and social emotional goals. I really enjoy getting to know all the unique characteristics of each individual student and the collaborative approach working with all teachers, families and students to meet their goals. Fall is my very favorite season and I enjoy doing anything outside, reading books and adventuring with our three children.
SARAH
LYNCH
Special Education
Park Falls
Elementary School
This is my 12th year here with the Chequamegon School District. I am one of three Elementary Special Education Teachers, the Early Childhood Special Education Teacher, the Director of the Chequamegon Early Learning Center and the High School Girls Basketball Assistant Coach. I currently serve students at both the North Campus in Glidden and the South Campus in Park Falls. I reside in Butternut, WI with my husband, Eric and our two daughters, Natalie and Audrey, as well as our two chocolate labs Roxy and Macy.
CHEQUAMEGON NORTH CAMPUS (GLIDDEN ELEMENTARY & CHEQUAMEGON MIDDLE SCHOOL)
SARAH
KRONBERGER
- GRACEFFA
Counselor
Chequamegon
North Campus
I am the School Counselor for elementary and middle school students at the North Campus in Glidden. As a School Counselor, I help all students in the areas of academic achievement, personal/ social development, and career development. I teach lessons in grades PK-8 which focuses on personal/social/emotional and career development. I also meet with students individually and facilitate small counseling groups.
MARIA
BRANDENBURG
Special Education
Chequamegon
North Campus
As a Special Education Teacher, I serve students in the North Campus in Glidden. Every day we discover students’ amazing abilities in math, reading, and social-emotional skills. I also co-facilitate a LifeTools Class that helps students understand emotions and learn skills that help them identify, manage, and grow from everyday events. I believe that each child is designed with unique gifts and is worthy of love and acceptance. This passion drives me to help students recognize their value, find their strengths, and realize their unlimited impact on our world.Although I am originally from New Jersey, I have lived in Wisconsin with my husband and 2 children since 2014. We back the Pack! 🏈 We also enjoy camping, kayaking, road trips, and volunteering in the community with our church family.
KAYLA
SCHUTTE
Special Education
Chequamegon
North Campus
I am one of the special education teachers in the Eagle Hub at the North campus. I obtained my teaching certificate (2016) and Master of Science in Special Education (2019) through Concordia University - Wisconsin. I started at Chequamegon in 2017. I live on a small farm in High Bridge with my husband and two children. In my spare time, I enjoy being outdoors with my family or when Wisconsin weather is not so friendly, making crafts with my children.
CHEQUAMEGON HIGH SCHOOL & Class ACT CHARTER SCHOOL
KELLY
PATTERSON
Counselor
Chequamegon
High School
I am the high school counselor for the Chequamegon School District. I grew up in northern Illinois and found my way to the Northwoods after completing my Masters in School Counseling from Marquette University. I support all students in academic, personal, and social growth. We navigate the after high school path together. Working with my high school students and families is definitely my passion.
ASHLEY
GENSLAK
Special Education
Chequamegon
High School
I am one out of three Special Education teachers here at CHS. I spent 10 years in Austria as a professional athlete. I am the JV volleyball coach.
CHRIS
KLEIST
Special Education
Chequamegon
High School
After working with developmentally disabled children and adults for 17 years in home and community settings, in September 2017 I was hired by the Chequamegon School District as a special education paraprofessional. Through working towards a Graduate Degree for Special Education I received my license as a Special Education Instructor in January 2020 and currently am one of our three special education instructors in the high school.
STEPHEN
SHACKELTON
Special Education
Chequamegon
High School
With a bachelor's degree in biology, master’s degree in mental health counseling, and certification in special education, I serve as one of our high school special education teachers, but also teach Project-Based Science and Medical Terminology. I was born and raised in Waukesha, moving to northern Wisconsin over twenty years ago. A lot has changed, but the students have always been great! Never hesitate to contact me with any questions.