Staff Directory

President

Robert J. Fine, Jr.

Robert J. Fine Jr. known as Bob Fine graduated from Carroll College in 1987 with a B.S. degree in Mathematics, and he also holds a master’s degree from National-Louis University. He retired from his position as Headmaster at Admiral Farragut Academy in 2021 after 23 years. He began his tenure at Farragut in 1989 where he served in many capacities including Teacher, Coach, Dormitory Supervisor, Middle Division Head, Assistant Headmaster, and Headmaster. Mr. Fine has four children, three of which attended Farragut: Class of 2007, Class of 2017, and Class of 2021. 

Mr. Fine has served on numerous boards in Florida, including: St. Petersburg College Board of Trustees where he served as the Vice Chairman and Chairman, Bayfront Medical Center Board of Directors, Florida Council of Independent Schools, the FHSAA Board of Appeals, the FHSAA Public Liaison Advisory Committee, the Florida State College Foundation Board, and the AMSCUS Finance Board.

Email: rfine@sjnacademies.org

Direct Line: 262-646-7113

Assistant to The President

Anna Gagnon

Anna Gagnon joined St. John’s Northwestern Academies in October 2018. She was born and raised in Naples, Italy, where she obtained a degree in secretary of general office and administration. She was a U.S. Navy wife for 20 years. During this time, she acted as an Ombudsmen coordinator as a liaison between families of active duty men and women and the base commanding officer. She volunteered to aid in the mentor and development program of military families’ dependent children at NAS Sigonella in Sicily, Italy. She also volunteered for the American Red Cross raising funds for areas in need. In 2002, she moved to the United States and was employed for several years in the communications department at Froedert South in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and Vista Health System in Waukegan, Illinois. She has developed extensive customer service skills in the military, travel and healthcare sectors.

Email: agagnon@sjnacademies.org

Direct Line: 262-646-7113

Chief Financial Officer

Jeffery Grant

Jeffery Grant is serving as chief financial officer. His primary role will include providing leadership in support of financial activities, practices, integrity, and performance.

He also serves as an adjunct faculty member within the accounting program at Lakeland University. His professional background includes a blend of both for profit and non-profit organizations for many industries as well as in public accounting at PricewaterhouseCoopers. Previously, he served in the chief financial officer and vice president roles at Kenosha Community Health Center, Milwaukee Center for Independence, and Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod.

He is a CPA and holds both a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting and a Master of Science in taxation from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He also earned his insurance and securities licenses.

Installation Manager

Duane Rutherford

Duane Rutherford joined SJNA in 2005 as director of Enrollment Services with extensive experience in the military school field. He began his career at Massanutten Military Academy in Woodstock, Virginia. While at Massanutten from 1994 to 2002, he served as a resident faculty officer, senior resident faculty officer, middle school drill and ceremony instructor, dorm parent, and deputy commandant. In 1998, he was promoted to director of admissions, and in September 2002, was director of admissions at St. John’s Military School in Salina, Kansas.

Email: drutherford@sjnacademies.org

Direct Line: 262-646-7122

School Safety Coordinator

Brad Anderson

SMSgt. Brad Anderson joined the SJNA team in January 2019.

Education:

-Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Mount Senario Ladysmith, WI, 1995

Brad has 29 years experience as a law enforcement office and criminal investigator.

Military Service:

– 1982-1999 United States Marine Corps

– 1988-1994 Wisconsin Army National Guard

– 1994-2010 Air National Guard

Brad loves working at such a historically important location, and ensuring the students and staff have a safe environment.

He enjoys conducting WWII style parachuting and providing personalized tours of the WWII airborne historical sites in Normandy France.

Email: banderson@sjnacademies.org

Direct Line: 262-646-7230

Upper School Dean/Instructor

Stephanie Ihler

Stephanie Ihler became interested in both teaching and second language acquisition after studying and living in Japan for four years. She subsequently went on to earn her teaching credentials and is currently licensed to teach secondary ESL, Japanese and English in the states of Arizona, Indiana and Wisconsin. She joined the SJNA faculty in the summer of 2010.

Email: sihler@sjnacademies.org

Direct Line: 262-646-7188

Academic Office Manager/Student Life Activities Coordinator

Theresa Klosinski

SFC Theresa Klosinski joined Wisconsin Army National Guard in December 1998 as a Transportation Specialist. Upon returning from a stateside deployment to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, she transferred units to Nevada National Guard and deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. After the deployment, she joined a signal unit and deployed to Afghanistan for 12 months as Operations NCOIC. She was selected for a special assignment on a Cultural Support Team and deployed to Afghanistan for a second time in 2012. Then she switched to the Army Reserve and joined the 432nd Civil Affairs unit in Green Bay, Wisconsin, for a year before transferring to the 334th IDT in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, currently serving as a Drill Sergeant.

Email: tklosinski@sjnacademies.org

Direct Line: 262-646-7126

Registrar

Austin McDaniel

SSgt Austin McDaniel joined SJNA in September 2020. He has been enlisted in the U.S. Air Force as a cryptologic language analyst since June of 2010 and has been an Air Force reservist since 2017. He earned an Associate’s degree in Intelligence Studies from the Community College of the Air Force in 2017 and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in History and minoring in Russian from Northern Illinois University in 2019. While attending Northern Illinois University, SSgt McDaniel worked as a veteran’s benefits counselor in the Military and Post Traditional Student Readiness office for the VA counseling and advising veterans, their dependents and survivors. After graduation, SSgt McDaniel worked for a year as a police officer with the City of Madison Police Department in Madison, Wisconsin.

Email: amcdaniel@sjnacademies.org

Direct Line: 262-646-7213

Director of Athletics

Michael Fink

Mike Fink earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater along with a masters in curriculum and instruction from the University of Phoenix. Joining SJNA in July 2018, he brings 35 years of experience in the education field. His experiences include special education teacher, lead educator at Kettle Moraine’s off-campus alternative school, dean of students, and 18 years as activities director. He has spent his last 28 years at Kettle Moraine High School. He has coached numerous sports including baseball, basketball, girls fastpitch for 22 years, and football for 25 years.

Email: mfink@sjnacademies.org

Direct Line: 262-646-7149

Chaplain

Robert Aldridge

Email: raldridge@sjnacademies.org

College and Career Counselor

Catherine Lewis

Catherine (Cat) Lewis is the College and Career Counselor at St. John’s Northwestern Academies and teaches College and Career Planning. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in English with a Creative Writing Minor from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, where she also earned a Master of Arts Degree in English. Before coming to SJNA in August of 2021, Cat worked in the corporate sector in marketing, communications, public relations, and copywriting. She also held various positions at UW Oshkosh and served as a writing consultant, tutor, and head rugby coach.

Email: clewis@sjnacademies.org

Direct Line: 262-646-7283

School Counselor

Autumn Smith

Autumn joined the SJNA team in August 2022. 

Education:

-Master’s degree in Professional School Counseling from UW-Oshkosh

-Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, Minor in Criminal Justice from UW-La Crosse

Autumn has 5 years of experience as a School Counselor. And, she has experience working in an alternative school setting, teaching social-emotional strategies, and she is a certified 200 hour yoga teacher. She enjoys supporting students in gaining knowledge about themselves and their emotions.

She loves going camping with her husband and dogs in the summer, and during the colder months you can find her bowling in a league a few nights a week.

Email: asmith@sjnacademies.org

Chinese Instructor/Director of Asian Affairs

Ping Braatz

Ping Yao Braatz earned her Master of Science degree in mathematics at Southern Illinois University, a master’s degree of computer science at Dalian University of Technology in China, and a Bachelor of Science Degree in computer science and applications at Northeastern University in China. She has resided in the United States since 1997. She teaches Chinese at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and also has experience teaching math and computer science at the college level.

Email: pbraatz@sjnacademies.org

History Instructor

Jon Bennett

Jon Bennett graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh with a degree in history and broad field of social sciences. He has taught in both private and public schools. In addition to teaching, he coaches baseball.

Email: jbennett@sjnacademies.org

Drum Instructor

Dan Brill

Dan Brill joined SJNA in the fall of 2017 as drumming instructor of The Pipes and Drums of SJNA, working with the bagpipe instructor. As a full-time professional musician and drumming teacher, he performs with several national and international touring rock bands. He also serves as Drum Sergeant for the Chicago Highlanders Pipe Band on parade and in competition throughout the Midwest. With over 15 years of experience and having studied at Columbia College Chicago, he enjoys passing on theoretical tools, musical knowledge and practical technique to his many dedicated drumming students.

Email: dbrill@sjnacademies.org

Leadership Instructor

Peter Dawson

Mr. Peter Dawson joined the SJNA family in October 2021 after spending a few days shadowing some of our classes. He currently teaches Leadership classes to our Prefect Academy preps.

Mr. Dawson graduated from Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Law Enforcement Administration. Then, upon hire with the Police Department, he graduated from Cook County Sherriff’s Police Academy. He spent the next 27+ years with the Carpentersville Police Department and Palatine Police Department as a police officer in several roles before retiring in September of 2020.

Email: pdawson@sjnacademies.org

Science Instructor

Robert Geiger

Robert Geiger is a graduate of UW-Madison with a BS in Agriculture specializing in both Horticulture and Plant Sciences. He spent six years working in the field of landscaping as a designer and plant procurement specialist for two major landscape firms in S.E. WI. He then started, owned and operated a design-build landscape firm for 12 years also serving S.E. WI.
He began attending Cardinal Stritch University in 2000 to obtain his teaching certification and Master’s Degree. He received his M.Ed. from Cardinal Stritch in 2001. He holds four WI teaching licenses in the field of science. He previously taught at Grafton High School in WI for 19 years in the science department.
Mr. Geiger joined SJNA in August 2020 and serves as Science Department Chair, National Honor Society Advisor, and Ski Club Advisor.
During the 22-23 academic year, Mr. Geiger will teach courses in AP Environmental Science, Regular Environmental Science, Astronomy/Meteorology, Geology and Earth Systems, and Zoology/Botany. Additionally, he will also teach 2 dual credit courses at SJNA as Adjunct Instructor for Cardinal Stritch University. These courses are 5 credit Biology 105 -General Biology, and 3 credit Physics 120 -Earth and Sky. Credits will be earned by students at both SJNA and Cardinal Stritch University upon successful completion of coursework.

Email: rgeiger@sjnacademies.org

Chemistry Instructor

Andrew Johnson

Andrew Johnson graduated from Ripon College with a BA in Chemistry and Educational Studies in 2020. He joined the SJNA family in August of 2021 and currently teaches regular chemistry and chemistry honors. Previously, he taught at Fond du Lac High School in the Fall of 2020, and long-term subbed at Nicolet High School in Glendale, WI during the Spring of 2021. At Nicolet High School, he coached the distance team in track and taught chemistry, freshman biology, and astronomy. Additionally, he competed as a collegiate student-athlete in cross country and track during his time at Ripon College. Andrew is the assistant cross country coach at St. John’s and hopes to use his past experiences to enrich the next generation of student-athlete runners.

Email: ajohnson@sjnacademies.org

Band Instructor

Conrad Jorgensen

Conrad joined the SJNA team in 2007. 

Education:

-Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Baylor University in Waco, Texas

He has over 31 years of teaching experience.

Conrad enjoys golfing in his free time, and he became the golf head coach here at SJNA in 2015.

Email: cjorgensen@sjnacademies.org

ESL Instructor

Anita Lemperger

Anita Lemperger joined SJNA in 2011 for the first time to teach ESL classes to international cadets during the Academic OPS program. She graduated from the University of Veszprem, Hungary, with a bachelor’s degree in secondary education. In 2019, she received her master’s diploma in curriculum and instruction from Carroll University in Waukesha, Wisconsin. She also holds a reading teaching license from the State of Wisconsin. She was awarded the Outstanding Educator Award by the Mequon-Thiensville School District where she worked as a district ESL specialist between 2009 and 2019. She worked with students from various language and cultural backgrounds.

Email: alemperger@sjnacademies.org

English Instructor

Lindsey Lopez

Lindsey Lopez earned her Bachelor’s of Science degree in University Studies at the University of Texas at Arlington. One year of her studies was spent abroad at Edgehill University in Ormskirk, England. Before moving into education, she had a diverse career ranging from being a volunteer with the American Red Cross in Wiesbaden, Germany to becoming a Volunteer Specialist with Meals on Wheels in Texas. She entered into teaching in 2017. During her years teaching at a public school in Texas, she received certifications in Gifted and Talented instruction, English as a Second Language, and Special Education. She joined the Academies in the Fall of 2020.

Email: llopez@sjnacademies.org

English Instructor

Rudolph Lurz

Dr. Rudolph “Rudy” Lurz received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Florida. He holds a doctorate in Administrative and Policy Studies from the University of Pittsburgh. He has taught and coached for 13 years in Florida, Virginia, and Illinois. He joined the SJNA team in August 2022 and will be teaching English. In his spare time, he enjoys writing, golfing, and exploring wineries and breweries across the country. He is married and has two young daughters.

Email: rlurz@sjnacademies.org

Math Instructor

Charles Miller

Charles Miller has been teaching at SJNA since 1993. He has a master’s degree in education, Bachelor of Science degrees in engineering and applied mathematics, and an associate’s degree in financial planning. He holds two state teaching licenses. He served 10 years in the United States Air Force, three of which were as an instructor. His military decorations include the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, and the Air Force Achievement Medal. He teaches Algebra 1, Algebra 2, and Personal Finance, and is the chess coach at the Academy.

Email: cmiller@sjnacademies.org

Personal Finance Instructor

DJ Mlachnik

DJ Mlachnik earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management as well as his Masters of Business Administration at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. While completing both degrees Mlachnik played and earned a full-tuition Division 1 basketball scholarship all four years of college. He is also a 2011 graduate of St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy. He re-joined his Alma Mater here at the academy as a basketball coach in the fall of 2016 and became head basketball coach during the 2020-21′ season. Mlachnik currently teaches Personal Finance as well as Coaching and Officiating starting in the fall of 2021.

Email: djmlachnik@sjnacademies.org

Math Instructor

Alicia Montgomery

Alicia joined St. John’s Northwestern Academies in August of 2021 as a Math Teacher. She obtained a Masters in Mathematics from Emporia State University and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Secondary Education from Creighton University. She has taught various levels of Mathematics for the past 9 years. She has experience in curriculum development and teaching Concurrent Enrollment with college-level math classes.

Email: amontgomery@sjnacademies.org

Social Studies Instructor

Dave Muse

Dave joined SJNA in August of 2013.

Education:

– M.S.Ed. Concordia University, 2015

– M.A. History, Marquette University, 2007

– B.S. Business Management Maranatha Baptist University, 2004

Dave has 11 years of teaching experience, and he enjoys working with students and pushing them to think critically while pushing back the frontiers of ignorance.

He reads about 40 books a year for fun!

Email: dmuse@sjnacademies.org

Bagpipe Instructor, Librarian and Archives Manager

Ben Peterson

Ben Peterson has an academic background in the humanities and the library science fields. His undergraduate studies, specifically in regards to their emphasis on research, encouraged him to pursue his graduate work in library sciences. Throughout his graduate studies, and for some time following, he worked as an archivist for the Black Metropolis Research Consortium. His focus there was on the processing, accessibility and organization of historical collections from the Black Diaspora of the Chicago area. Prior to joining SJNA in the fall of 2019, he spent five years working in healthcare talent acquisition in Chicago. He began his work in this area as a corporate researcher and eventually moved into a role as a recruiter. He began his study of bagpipes at the age of nine. Since that time, he has advanced his skills as both a solo competitor and performer as well as having a great focus on competitive band performance. He has been competitive since the age of 11, and has been actively involved with solo instruction and band leadership since he was 15. Outside of his instructional role at SJNA, he also provides solo instruction both in person and virtually as well as teaches group and band workshops, and is currently the Pipe Major of the Greater Midwest Pipe Band based out of Battle Creek, Michigan.

Email: bpeterson@sjnacademies.org

Social Studies Instructor

Greg Prospero

Gregory Prospero graduated from Marquette University with a major in history and a minor in education. He spent six months studying abroad at Loyola University Rome Campus in Italy. He received a master’s in education curriculum and instruction from National Louis University. He has teaching experiences in both religious studies and history for over 26 years in both private and public high schools. He joined SJNA in August 2018.

Email: gprospero@sjnacademies.org

German Instructor

Katarzyna Rotte-Skatrud

Email: krotteskatrud@sjnacademies.org

Physics/Engineering Instructor

Ed Scharf

Ed Scharf joined the faculty of SJNA in fall 2013. He teaches two engineering courses, physics, and AP Physics 1. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1973. After having spent five years in the Infantry Branch of the United States Army and 33 years on his family dairy farm, he obtained his teaching certification through Marian University in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. He spent two years teaching chemistry at a private Catholic high school in Fond du Lac and one year at Mayville Public High School teaching algebra before joining SJNA.

Email: escharf@sjnacademies.org

Art Instructor

Heidi Schueller

Heidi joined SJNA in August of 2020.

Education:

– Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from the University of Wisconsin Platteville

– Is currently completing her Master’s degree in Art Education

Heidi’s artwork has been published in more than 50 art education, art journal, and scrapbooking magazines. She has published three books. She has appeared on The Morning Blend twice. She designed and painted a Beastie for the Milwaukee County Zoo in 2019. In 2018, she studied the traditional art of mosaic design in Ravenna Italy. She is a member of Designing Women with a Cause and annually designs a theme table for the Ladies Theme Table Fundraising Event in support of adults with disabilities (ACAP).

Heidi enjoys the traditions, family atmosphere, and how much SJNA is determined to produce responsible, valuable, and smart young adults. She loves the history and architecture of the school and how passionate everyone is about the mission of the school. 

She likes doing puzzles, creating, and watching sports.

Email: hschueller@sjnacademies.org

PE Instructor

Jon Schmidt

Jon joined the SJNA team in 2017. 

Education:

-Bachelor’s degree in Health, Human Performance, and Recreation from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

-Is currently completing his Master’s degree in Athletic Administration from Ohio University

Jon has over 12 years of both collegiate and high school coaching experience. 

On his days off you can find adventuring with his son, Hank, or hiding in the woods looking for deer.

Email: jschmidt@sjnacademies.org

Social Studies Instructor

Timothy Shramek

Timothy Shramek earned his Bachelor of Science degree in education with a major in Broadfield Social Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in 1998. He joined SJNA in 1999, and teaches American Government, world history and geography.

Email: tshramek@sjnacademies.org

Science and Engineering Instructor

Roger Smith

Roger joined SJNA in October of 2021.

Education:

– Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences with an emphasis in Molecular Biology and Chemistry from UW-Milwaukee

He was a Research Fellow at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, conducting research into the roles specific regulatory proteins play in cell-cell communications that determine cell fate (neuronal vs. epidermal), and he was also involved in the characterization of the novel gene Tartan, which his co-workers and him demonstrated what is required for normal organization of epidermal & subepidermal structures.

He taught General Science, Biology, and mathematical applications to science in MPS for 21 years, and was an administrator for 2 years. And, he also had the pleasure of teaching Biology at MSOE, and Physics at Marquette University as a part of the Upward Bound Summer Program.

He loves learning, the pursuit of knowledge, and the splendor of nature!

Email: rsmith@sjnacademies.org

English Instructor

Michael Stadler

Michael Stadler began teaching at SJNA in summer 2013. He earned Bachelor’s degrees in English and Secondary Education at Coastal Carolina University, and is certified in online education. He teaches American Studies Honors English and English 10, and has coached varsity baseball since 2015.

Email: mstadler@sjnacademies.org

JROTC Instructor

Michael Trione

SFC Michael Trione, U.S. Army (Ret.), is an instructor with the JROTC program. He is a 21-year veteran of active duty service including Desert Storm. During his Army career as an Infantry soldier, he served as a team leader through platoon sergeant. He also completed numerous military schools, including Air Assault, Airborne, Rappel Master, Sniper, Recruiting and Drill Sergeant. He joined the Academy in August 2007, shortly before his retirement from the military. He has a Bachelor of Science in organizational leadership from Colorado State University.

Email: mtrione@sjnacademies.org

Math Instructor

Timothy Vice

Tim joined the SJNA family in August 1995.

Education:

-Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Mathematics Education from the University of South Dakota, Vermillion, 1995

-Master’s degree in Mathematics Education from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, 2012

Tim is entering his 28th year of teaching math, 27 of which have been here at SJNA.

In 2005, he was awarded Teacher of the Year!

He enjoys getting to know the students, and interacting with them on a daily basis.

In his free time, you can find him watching and coaching football and reading.

Email: tvice@sjnacademies.org

Dean of Admissions/Marketing Director

Joseph Sevenz

Joe Sevenz graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education from Carroll College in Waukesha, Wisconsin. His teaching certification includes English, social studies and physical education. He has taught at various grade levels and in a variety of school settings including parochial, public and boarding. He initially taught at the Academy from 1980 to 1985, and left to spend the next 20 years in business. Upon retirement, he returned to SJNA in 2007 as a barracks manager and became an enrollment counselor in July 2010.

Email: jsevenz@sjnacademies.org

Direct Line: 262-646-7216

Administrative Assistant of Enrollment

Diane Meixelsperger

Diane Meixelsperger started as an administrative assistant for the enrollment office in October 2018. She worked previously as an executive secretary and office manager in the construction industry for 29 years. She is excited to be working at SJNA to be able to put her skills to work in a different industry and to start a fulfilling career working with students and families.

Email: dmeixelsperger@sjnacademies.org

Direct Line: 262-646-7247

Enrollment Counselor

Patti Zager

Patti joined the SJNA family in August 2014.

Education:

-Bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a minor in Mass Communication from UW-Milwaukee.

Patti’s favorite part about working at SJNA is the kids!

She is a Mom, knitter, and lover of dogs. And, she’s taught hand knitting for 30 years.

Email: pzager@sjnacademies.org

Direct Line: 262-646-7116

International Enrollment Counselor

Juan Garcia

Juan C. Garcia joined St. John’s Northwestern Academies in 2018 for the first time as an Enrollment Counselor. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree from UW-Milwaukee in Criminal Justice in 2020. He joined the U.S Army in 2010 where he held many positions including Drill Sergeant, Military Police, and Weapons Maintenance. He later returned to St. John’s Northwestern Academies as an International Enrollment Counselor in May 2021, after his recruiting duty assignment for the U.S Army. He currently serves with the U.S. Army Reserve.

Email: jgarcia@sjnacademies.org

Direct Line: 262-646-7111

Digital Marketing and Communications Specialist

Kayla Davis

Kayla joined the SJNA family in August of 2020.

Education:

-Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Bryant & Stratton

Kayla has over 10 years of marketing and communications experience.

She loves building meaningful relationships with the students, and is passionate about portraying the transformative opportunities SJNA has to offer!

She enjoys the great outdoors, and spending time with her young niece.

Email: kdavis@sjnacademies.org

Direct Line: 262-646-7293

Dean of Advancement

Stephen Matz

Stephen Matz joined St. John’s Northwestern Academies in 2014. For over a decade, he has worked to advance philanthropic initiatives through his work in fundraising, alumni engagement, events, marketing, and strategic planning in the area of education and health services. Prior to his work in the non-profit sector, he spent the better part of the early 2000s serving in marketing roles within the pharmaceutical and real estate industries.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree from Marian University and earned a certification in fundraising management from the Lily School of Philanthropy at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.

Email: smatz@sjnacademies.org

Direct Line: 262-646-7184

Director of Donor Relations and Special Events

Cindy Trione

Cindy Trione has more than 20 years of experience in development. She manages the Academy’s fundraising activities (The Excalibur, Cadet Phonathon, etc.), all stewardship functions, and the daily operations of the Advancement Office. Prior to joining the Academy in July 2007, she worked in the Office of Advancement at Knox College, a four-year liberal arts college in Galesburg, Illinois, and in the Development Office at Missouri University of Science and Technology. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in liberal studies from the University of Illinois.

Email: ctrione@sjnacademies.org

Direct Line: 262-646-7289

Commandant

John Vosnos

John Vosnos enlisted in the Army National Guard during his senior year of high school as an Artillery Forward Observer. In 2003, he attended Officer Candidate School and received his commission as a Second Lieutenant. He later served in Iraq as an Infantry Platoon Leader with the 32nd Brigade Combat Team and Afghanistan as part of a NATO Trainer/Mentor Team as well as numerous stateside mobilizations. Most recently, he served as the Division HHC Commander for the Great Lakes Training Division and holds the rank of Major. Concurrently, John has worked in IT sales and sales management since 2004. John holds a Bachelor of Arts in History (emphasis in military history) from Trinity International University and a Master of Arts in Political Science & International Relations from Northeastern Illinois University. During his thesis work in graduate school, John was awarded the Canon-Herskovic Israel Research Grant to conduct field research in Israel and Great Britain in Counter Terrorism studies. As Director of the Prefect Academy since February of 2022, John looks forward to utilizing his military, corporate, and academic experiences to develop preparatory students into future leaders.

Email: jvosnos@sjnacademies.org

Direct Line: 262-646-7262

Deputy Commandant

Zachary Spreitzer

SSG Zachary Spreitzer joined SJNA in June 2015 as a resident faculty officer for Academic OPS. He is a graduate from Watertown High School and attended University of Phoenix in pursuit for a bachelors in business management. He has been a member of the Wisconsin Army National Guard since February 2001. In 2003, he was mobilized to Fort McCoy for a year and a half with the 107th Maintenance Company as part of a state mobilization in support of Operation Noble Eagle. In 2009, he deployed with his unit the 108th Forward Support Company and the 32nd Brigade to Camp Taji, Iraq, where he performed Detainee Operations for nine months. Prior to his deployment and upon his return, he worked as a district sales representative for McKee Foods. He is currently serving with the 108th Forward Support Company as a motor transport operator.

Email: zspreitzer@sjnacademies.org

Direct Line: 262-646-7250

Prefect Academy Director

Eric David

Command Sergeant Major Eric David joined SJNMA in the summer of 2012. He has worked with various Cadet Companies of SJNMA during the school year as well as working with Summer OPS and the Adventure Camp in several capacities. In 2018 he was asked to serve as the Commandant of Cadets and more recently in the fall of 2020 he moved into his role as the Dean of Student Life. He has been with the Wisconsin Army National Guard since 1998. After two combat deployments, he spent a few years training future officers in the Army’s OCS program at the Regional Training Institute at Ft. McCoy, he then moved to a position as an Infantry First Sergeant for a little over three years. In 2018 he was selected as the Command Sergeant Major for a Battalion that he took to Afghanistan for his third combat deployment.

Email: edavid@sjnacademies.org

Direct Line: 262-646-7129

Resident Life Administrative Assistant

Jane Dillig

Jane joined the SJNA family in the fall of 2020.

Education:

-Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 2019

Jane loves working with the kids and seeing all that they can achieve.

Email: jdillig@sjnacademies.org

Direct Line: 262-646-7280

Operations Manager

Adam Frame

SGT Adam Frame joined SJNA in September 2013. He is a graduate of Mukwonago High School and attended Waukesha County Technical College for a degree in police science. He has been enlisted in the U.S. Army since June 2005. The first four years, he was an engineer in a reserve company and served in Honduras, Panama and numerous domestic locations. In 2009, he became an Army recruiter in Waukesha County. In January 2010, he was deployed to Afghanistan in Operation Enduring Freedom for 16 months. At the end of his deployment, he was sent to Landstuhl, Germany, for injuries received in combat and then stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky, to recover. After returning home to Wisconsin, he worked for the Milwaukee Bucks as a camp coach and worked with high school children at an NBA level along with Sidney Moncrief’s son. He currently is in a drill sergeant unit in Milwaukee.

Email: aframe@sjnacademies.org

Direct Line: 262-646-7244

Resident Advisor

Timothy Boerst

Mr. Boerst graduated from Mayville High School in 1987 and joined the SJNA team in August 2021. He is a US Navy Veteran who served 6 years aboard the USS Underwood (FFG-36) as a Damage Controlman (Surface Warfare Qualified). He continues to serve in a non-active duty status as an officer in the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps. After his service commitment, he graduated from the Jacksonville Fire Academy and served on the St. John’s County Fire and Rescue Department. Returning to Wisconsin, he obtained his Associate Degree in Paramedicine, and is working toward his bachelor degree in Emergency Services Management with a combined 32 years experience as a firefighter/EMT and tactical medic. He currently serves the Theresa Fire Department as an Engine Company Captain and Mayville EMS as an Advanced EMT. He is also a Fire/EMS and CPR instructor and has been called upon to train first aid to the SJNA faculty & staff.

Email: tboerst@sjnacademies.org

Direct Line: 262-646-7275

Resident Advisor

Amy Durant

My name is Amy Durant and I joined the SJNA family in the Fall of 2021. I previously worked as a Certified CBRF worker at a nursing home in the dementia unit. I also am on the committee for The Kettle Moraine Relief Society for women through the Church of Latter-day Saints. I help with coordinating the monthly events that we do that help support women in the Kettle Moraine area. I am a big advocate of athletics, and love HIIT classes because I feel it helps teach time management mixed with cardio and weights. It helped me to do the Mud Girl challenge in 2021 which is 17 obstacles and a 3 mile run in the mud! I have also been a certified administrative assistant since 2006.

Email: adurant@sjnacademies.org

Direct Line: 262-646-7242

Resident Advisor

Kaitlyn Hawkins

Kaitlyn was pleased to join the SJNA staff in the winter of 2022. Her career started just down the road in Oconomowoc where she was a firefighter and medical provider servicing the local community. Her career eventually took her to Colorado where she worked as a wildland firefighter and on the engine crew with an ambulance company for the local fire department. She feels fortunate for her experiences working in emergency medicine, law enforcement, and the fire service and believes they will help her bring value to SJNA. She strongly believes in building core values in youth to empower them as they grow for their future.

Email: khawkins@sjnacademies.org

Direct Line: 262-646-7242

Resident Advisor

Brandon LaVictor

Brandon joined the SJNA team in August 2007. 

Education:

– Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education from Northern Michigan University

– Master’s degree in Education from Carroll University

Brandon was awarded the Walter Hahn award in 2012 for Excellence in Student Life. 

Military Service:

– 1996-2000 United States Marine Corps

– 2000-2004 Michigan Army National Guard

He looks forward to making the academic department run smoothly for students, guardians, and staff alike.

Brandon enjoys deer hunting all over the Midwest.

Email: blavictor@sjnacademies.org

Direct Line: 262-646-7126

Resident Advisor

Nathan Peters

SFC Peters joined the SJNA team in fall of 2021. 

Military Service:

– 2000-2014 United States Army

– Presently serving in the United States Army Reserves

SFC Peters was the recipient of the COL Walter Hahn Resident Life Staff Excellence Award in 2022!

He enjoys mentoring, guiding, and shaping the future leaders of the world here at SJNA.

In his free time, he spends as much time as possible with his wife, four children, and four dogs.

Email: npeters@sjnacademies.org

Direct Line: 262-646-7258

Resident Advisor

Jesse Rosales

My name is Jesse Rosales and I am the Resident Advisor for the Prefect Academy on campus. My role at St. John’s Northwestern is to provide a safe environment for students while contributing to their academic and social growth and development through mentorship and counseling. I came to SJNA in October of 2020. I am a Marine veteran that was stationed in various duty stations across the middle east, Japan, California, Georgia, and North Carolina. I was an Airborne trainer and Marksmanship instructor for the Marine Corps and received the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal for my work on the unit’s marksmanship program. After my service obligation, I attended Florida State University and majored in Latin American Studies. After my studies in Florida, I came back to my hometown of Milwaukee WI, where I worked for a non-profit organization, Milwaukee Violent Free Zone that was contracted to work within the most dangerous high schools in Milwaukee. I was a youth advisor that worked with the top 10% of the most at-risk students in the schools and worked diligently and tirelessly with teachers, administrators, parents, and the students to foster a productive and sound academic environment and addressed adverse behavior. My other duties included being a mentor and crisis stabilizer for children with severe post-traumatic stress disorder or involved in the criminal justice system in Milwaukee County. I also ran a successful chess program in the schools that I was assigned to and competed every year on the regional and state level. I plan to develop a chess team for SJNA because I noticed that we have great talent for the game. My hobbies include teaching marksmanship, chess, reading science and archaeology, and my greatest passion is to work with the youth! I have 15 years of experience working with youth that addressed behavioral issues, mental health, academic support, and career readiness. I have developed successful youth mentoring programs that focused on self-development, ethics, personal growth, and career development.

Email: jrosales@sjnacademies.org

Direct Line: 262-646-7237

Resident Advisor

Tim Schneider

Tim Schneider graduated from Oak Creek High School in 2007. He then joined the U.S. Army in 2009 serving as an infantryman with the 101st Airborne Division. During his time with the 101st, he was deployed to Afghanistan’s Kandahar Province from 2010-2011. During his time with the US Army, Tim was awarded the Air Assault Badge, Combat Infantry Badges, two Army Commendation Medals, and other service medals for his deployment to Afghanistan.   He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army in 2012. Upon leaving the Army, he attended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, graduating Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and economics. Tim has continued his education, and he is currently working on a Masters in Science in Criminal Justice through the University of Wisconsin-Platteville online distance learning. 

Email: tschneider@sjnacademies.org

Direct Line: 262-646-7248