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

Finance Manager

Sabrina Busch

Sabrina joined the SJNA family in December 2021.

Education:

-Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Finance from Kaplan University, 2015

-Master’s degree in Business Management, Leadership from Purdue University, 2017

She has 15 years of experience.

Sabrina has started several of her own businesses including a coffee shop, a martini bar, and a charitable organization. She feels that those roles have put her in a great position as the Finance Manager at SJNA because her experiences go beyond accounting skills and she realizes the importance of building and maintaining relationships with the students and their families.

Having a business and leadership background herself, she enjoys being a part of a community that instills leadership qualities into the students so that they develop and pursue a future in which they can serve others.

Email: sbusch@sjnacademies.org

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

Chief Information Officer

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

Chief Academic Officer

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

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

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 Spiritual Life (Chaplain)

Robert Aldridge

The Reverend Robert Aldridge joined the SJNA family in the summer of 2022.

Education:

-Graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary and Nashotah House Theological Seminary

He spent eight years in the United States Air Force deploying multiple times to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Chaplain Rob is a Deacon in the Jurisdiction of the Armed Forces and Chaplaincy of the Anglican Church in North America where he is pursuing ordination to the Priesthood.

Email: raldridge@sjnacademies.org

Learning Center Director

Shaina Boldt

Shaina joined the SJNA family in August 2022.

Education:

-Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education from Carroll University

-Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Carroll University

She has over 5 years of tutoring experience.

Shaina enjoys working with students at all levels with different needs and developing relationships of trust and support to help them excel in all areas of study. She’s excited to get involved in the SJNA community through sports, extracurriculars, and other activities.

She collects movie posters, grows plants, enjoys reading and fishing, and competing in ice sculpting events during winter time.

Email: sboldt@sjnacademies.org

College and Career Counselor

Catherine Lewis

Catherine (Cat) joined the SJNA family in August 2021.

Education:

-Bachelor’s degree in English with a Creative Writing Minor from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, 2013

-Master’s degree in English from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, 2016

She has 10 years experience in corporate marketing and communications, including serving as a Business Ambassador to university students while recruiting students and recent graduates into internship roles and entry-level office positions. Worked as a Graduate Assistant at the UW Oshkosh Writing Center and worked with the Career & Professional Development Office to help students research job opportunities, draft resumes and cover letters, prepare for interviews, and network with employers.

Cat enjoys counseling students one-on-one through their college applications and essay writing processes, scheduling virtual and in-person visits for college admissions officers, and taking students on campus tours of various colleges and universities.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with all of her pets, doing house projects, watching documentaries, and playing board games and Dungeons & Dragons with her friends and colleagues.

Email: clewis@sjnacademies.org

Direct Line: 262-646-7283

School Counselor

Autumn Smith

Autumn joined the SJNA team in August 2022. 

Education:

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

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

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 began at SJNA in August of 2008. She taught Chinese language at the Milwaukee  Modern Chinese School at Marquette University Campus for 8 years before she joined SJNA.  She has many teaching experiences at both the secondary and higher education level including  Liaoning University in China, SIU in IL, UWM Milwaukee, Brookfield Academy, University Lake School, College for Kids at UWM, and Cricket Academy of Chinese Language and Culture in Milwaukee. In addition, Ping served as a consultant for 5 years. She has advised and improved organizations’ capacity to better understand cultural awareness, business needs and customer’s expectations. Currently at SJNA, she is continually providing customer service and strategically building a cultural bridge to connect students, SJNA, agents, and families for efficient and productive communication.  

She earned her Master of Science degree in mathematics at Southern Illinois University, a  Master’s degree of computer science at Dalian University of Technology, and a Bachelor of  Science Degree in computer science and applications at Northeastern University in China.

Email: pbraatz@sjnacademies.org

Aviation Instructor

Chuck Allen

Email: callen@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

Timothy Crain

Email: tcrain@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 joined the SJNA family in August of 2020, and he serves as Science Department Chair, National Honor Society Advisor, and Ski Club Advisor.

Education:

-Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture and Plant Sciences from UW-Madison

-Masters degree in Education from Cardinal Stritch

He has over 20 years of teaching experience.

He enjoys building connections with the awesome students at SJNA!

Robert rode his bike from Madison, WI to Glacier National Park in Montana during a 3 week period during college.

Email: rgeiger@sjnacademies.org

Chemistry Instructor

Andrew Johnson

Andrew joined the SJNA team in August of 2021.

Education:

-Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry with a minor in Educational Studies from Ripon College, 2020

He enjoys engaging his students with chemistry labs, demonstrations, and challenging them with thought provoking activities.

In his free time, Andrew loves to run, spend time with his fiancé, rescue greyhounds, and play Dungeons and Dragons with his colleagues.

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 joined the SJNA family in August 2020.

Education:

-Bachelor’s degree in University Studies from The University of Texas at Arlington, 2014

She has 6 years of experience teaching.

Lindsey loves the enthusiasm each student brings to the classroom and the relationships she builds with them.

In her free time, she hangs out with her daughter and her husband exploring Wisconsin, or relaxing at home.

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

Chuck Miller joined the SJNA team in August 1993.

Education:

-Associate’s degree in Financial Planning from WCTC

-Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Wright State University

-Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from Alfred University

-Master’s degree in Education from Concordia University

Chuck has 29 years of experience teaching math.

Military Service:

– 1982-1992 Air Force

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 the SJNA family in August 2021.

Education:

-Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Secondary Education from Creighton University

-Master’s degree in Mathematics from Emporia University

She has over 10 years of experience teaching mathematics, and also has experience in curriculum development, data analysis, and teaching Concurrent Enrollment with college-level math classes.

Her favorite part about working at SJNA is the diverse student population and the truly dedicated faculty and staff.

Email: amontgomery@sjnacademies.org

English Instructor

Whitney Nowak

Whitney joined the SJNA family in August 2022.

Education:

-Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1996

-Master’s degree in Humanities from the University of Chicago, 2003

-Master’s degree in Education from Long Island University, 2007

Whitney has 25 years of experience as an English educator. She began her career serving as a United States Peace Corps Volunteer in Ukraine, 1997-2001, teaching English at Chernivsti National University, where she received the Ukrainian Ministry of Education Excellence in Teaching Award in 1999. She went on to teach at the City Colleges of Chicago, Milwaukee Area Technical College, and fifteen years with the New York City Department of Education. Ms. Nowak holds teaching licenses in English Language Arts and English as a Second Language.

She is honored to connect with young people on a daily basis as they grow, overcome challenges, and share their unique strengths and talents with the world.

Whitney enjoys studying languages, writing, and spending time in nature.

Email: wnowak@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 Archivist

Ben Peterson

Ben joined the SJNA family in October 2019.

Education:

-Bachelor’s degree in History and Philosophy from Monmouth College

-Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from Dominican University

Ben has 25 years of experience in bagpiping with over 15 years of these spent teaching and leading bagpipe bands. He also has 10 years of experience working in libraries and archives.

Ben has multiple North American Pipe Band championships and numerous solo competitive accolades at the regional and national level from the last 20 years.

He loves working directly with the students of SJNA fostering a love for bagpipes, the fine arts, history, reading, and discovering the wonders of the world around them.

He enjoys spending time with his family back in Chicagoland and leading the Greater Midwest Pipe Band in rehearsals and competitions in his free time.

Email: bpeterson@sjnacademies.org

Direct Line: 262-646-7112

Social Studies Instructor

Greg Prospero

Greg joined the SJNA family in August of 2018.

Education:

-Bachelor’s degree in History and Education from Marquette University, 1991

-Masters degree of Education in Curriculum and Design from Louis University, 2010

Greg has over 30 years of teaching experience. He has taught and coached at Kettle Moraine, and Waukesha Catholic, and taught at Marshfield Columbus.

He enjoys the interaction with the students and the development of an educational atmosphere in the classroom.

Greg likes to travel to Europe and read in his free time.

Email: gprospero@sjnacademies.org

German Instructor

Katarzyna Rotte-Skatrud

Email: krotteskatrud@sjnacademies.org

Physics/Engineering Instructor

Ed Scharf

Ed first began teaching at SJNA in July 2012.

Education:

-Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., 1973

He has 7 years of experience teaching Physics and AP Physics.

Military Service:

– 1973-1978 United States Army, Infantry

What he likes most about working at SJNA is the camaraderie of the faculty and enabling students to further their education in science.

He enjoys working in his yard tending flower beds and growing about 45 trees that he planted on three acres of land that was formerly a farm field from his previous career of being a dairy farmer.

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

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 to cell communications that determine cell fate (neuronal vs. epidermal), and he was also involved in the characterization of the novel gene Tartan, which he and his co-workers 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 joined the SJNA family in fall of 2016.

Education:

-Bachelor’s degree in English and Secondary Education from Coastal Carolina University, 2002

Michael has over 18 years of teaching experience.

In 2014, he was awarded MMABSE Teacher of the Year. And, in 2021, he was awarded the Roy F. Farrand Excellence in Teaching Award!

He enjoys SJNA’s small class sizes, and having the opportunity to really get to know his students rather than just teach content.

Michael sings and plays guitar in a band, and runs his own business doing voiceovers for radio and TV commercials, YouTube videos, e-learning courses, animated and video game characters, etc.

Email: mstadler@sjnacademies.org

Science and Engineering Instructor

Thomas Szews

Tom joined the SJNA team in the fall of 2022.

Education:

-Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Marquette University, 1990

-Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Memphis, 1995

After a career in the private sector as an engineer and business development professional, this is Tom’s first year as an instructor. While in the private sector, he focused on Managed IT Services, Cybersecurity as a Service, and Voice over IP Services. He is really looking forward to inspiring passion for technology and engineering.

Because of his sons, he has become a fan of volleyball, and will frequently be seen in the stands at a high school or college game.

Email: tszews@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

Middle School Instructor

Charlene Williams

Charlene joined the SJNA family in August of 2022.

Education:

-Bachelor’s degree in Education from UW-Madison, 2008

She loves that SJNA’s faculty is open, welcoming, and highly professional. And, that the students bring an exciting mix of cultures making it a great learning environment faculty, staff, and students.

She’s all about family! She’s married with four grown children, one grandson, and three rescue dogs. In her free time, she loves working out and hiking with her dogs.

Email: cwilliams@sjnacademies.org

Chief Advancement Officer

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

Community Outreach Officer

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

Facility Rentals/Summer Coordinator

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

Chief Student Affairs Officer

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

Student Affairs 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

Director of Student Life

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

Student Affairs Officer – Military Academy (MA)

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

Student Affairs Officer – Prefect Academy (PA)

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

Athletic Director

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

Assistant Athletic Director

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

Weekend Activities and Student Experience 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

Bravo Company Resident Advisor (MA)

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. He has 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

Charlie Company Resident Advisor (MA)

Cory Byrnes

Cory graduated from St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy in 2009 at the rank of 1st Lieutenant, and re-joined the SJNA family as an employee in August 2022.

Education:

-Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Business from Carroll University

His passion for the school and students will help him guide them in their growth within the Academies.

Cory lives in Delafield with his wife and 2 year old daughter.

Email: cbyrnes@sjnacademies.org

Smythe Hall Overnight Resident Advisor (MA/PA)

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

Smythe Hall Resident Advisor (MA/PA)

Tammy DeFord

Tammy began her career at SJNA in August 2022.

Education:

-Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Mid-Continent University

-Master’s degree in Management & Leadership, Western Governors University

Tammy is a Marine Corps Veteran.

She is looking forward to being a part of the future of SJNA.

She enjoys kayaking and hiking.

Email: tdeford@sjnacademies.org

Smythe Hall Resident Advisor (MA/PA)

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

Weekend Activities Coordinator

Jessica Papandrea

Email: jpennington@sjnacademies.org

Weekend Activities Coordinator

Rick Papandrea

Email: rpapandrea@sjnacademies.org

Smythe Hall Weekend Resident Advisor (MA/PA)

Judy Roberts

Judy joined the SJNA team in May 2022.

Education:

-Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Cardinal Stritch University, Milwaukee WI in 1997 and also a Certificate in Human Resources Management.  Judy has a minor in Psychology.

Judy earned a teaching license in 2002 from the State of Wisconsin and has experience teaching at middle school and high school levels.  Judy earned her Real Estate license in 1998 and is currently a licensed Real Estate Broker.

Judy is from a Military family with three members of three generations in three branches of Military.

Judy has worked at a high level and brings 35 years of combined experience and knowledge from a variety of industries, including trial law in Wisconsin and California, Lockheed Corporation; Marquette University; Quarles & Brady, and most recently United Airlines (d.b.a. Air Wisconsin Airlines).

Judy is looking forward to being an integral part of helping prepare students, at SJNA, in developing a bright future.

Judy enjoys traveling; boating; playing golf; walking and hiking.

Email: jroberts@sjnacademies.org

Prefect Academy Resident Advisor (PA)

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

Alpha Company Resident Advisor (MA)

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

Smythe Hall Weekend Resident Advisor (MA/PA)

Jennifer Tepp

Email: jtepp@sjnacademies.org