RED GRANITE STAFF

Principal

I have been in education since 2007, beginning my career at Milwaukee Public Schools’ Milwaukee French Immersion School, where I taught all subjects in French. Licensed in elementary education, I spent several years teaching first and second grade before transitioning into French and World Language instruction for grades 1–8. During the first two years of Tomorrow River Community Charter School’s opening in 2013, I served as the French Teacher and Grant Development Coordinator, creating the school’s Volunteer Plan and first comprehensive Behavior Plan, and working on other administrative structures. I have studied Waldorf education since 2013. In 2021 I began work as Pedagogical Coordinator and substitute teacher, and in 2022 began teaching French and World Language.

Beyond the classroom, I have served as Pedagogical Coordinator for TRCCS and Pedagogical Director for Red Granite Charter School, launched a teacher training program for public Waldorf educators, and worked extensively in pedagogical leadership.

I am also a certified yoga instructor, the proud mother of two wonderful children, and remain dedicated to fostering whole-child, Waldorf-inspired education in public school settings.

Contact: Mmangin@wausauschools.org

Executive Director

I’m a dedicated heart-centered individual who inspires to spread love wherever I go.  I’m never afraid of taking on a big vision and bringing it to life.  I have my bachelors degree in Leadership and Human Services and am currently attending UW-Superior to obtain my masters in Mental Health. I have extensive experience in working in the mental health and substance use profession for over 13 years.  Through my extensive knowledge and experience I have brought to life many programs designed to help others impacted by trauma, substance use disorder and mental health.  Through this experience I have learned valuable information on building systems to create organization, strategy and success.  I enjoy bringing change to existing systems. I also bring a holistic approach to everything I do.  I have knowledge in energetics and somatic body work where I see each individual from a mind, body, spirit perspective. This experience will be vital in creating and fostering a whole-child approach to education.  

I’m married and have 3 beautiful children who attend Red Granite Charter School.  In my free time I enjoy spending time outdoors, camping, crafting and exploring new hiking trails.  I also enjoy learning and always diving deeper into understanding the world around me.

Contact: Redgranitecharter@gmail.com or Hkleinschmidt@wausauschools.org

Pre-Kindergarten/Kindergarten Teacher

I’m so grateful to continue serving as the Early Childhood (4K & 5K)  teacher at Red Granite! With a passion for holistic education and child development, I bring over a decade of experience in education, from Early Childhood Special education through first grade. I have experience teaching while utilizing unique educational approaches such as expeditionary learning that takes learning beyond the classroom and immerses it in real-world experiences. I remain deeply inspired by the Waldorf inspired approach and the magic and wonder that young children bring to the classroom each day. 

I graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point with a degree in Early Childhood Education and a minor in Special Education. 

Being a mother is one of my greatest joys in life. My two sons continue to inspire my work as an educator. Being their mother has deeply shaped my understanding of childhood and development, this brings a personal warmth and perspective to my teaching.

Outside of the classroom, my family and I spend an extensive amount of time outside fishing, up north, and simply exploring. This fuels my creativity and connection to nature, which are qualities I eagerly integrate into my teaching. I love to cook, experimenting in the kitchen with new recipes for my friends and family is one of my favorite places to be! 

I look forward to fostering a nurturing and imaginative learning environment at Red Granite, where I aim to ignite curiosity and foster a love for learning in every child I teach.

Contact: ljensen@wausauschools.org

First Grade Teacher

Hello! My name is Caitlyn Fosterling and I will be teaching the Red Granite first grade class.

I graduated from UW Whitewater with my bachelor's degree in Early Childhood education and Special education. I have experience teaching in many different roles from subbing around the district, to teaching EL students, and first graders. Last school year I had the opportunity to teach 4K students and really experience the Waldorf pedagogy in the early years. I am excited to take all of the knowledge and skills I have gained to help my new group of learners continue to grow and reach their goals.

Some fun facts about me: I love to crochet and make things, I like painting, and spending time with my family. 

Contact: cfosterling@wausauschools.org

2nd. 3rd, and 4th Grade Teacher

My name is Meghan Heise and I’m excited to be teaching the upper grades at Red Granite. I have my Elementary Education and ESL degrees from UWSP. In addition to teaching English online for four years, I have gained lots of real world teaching experience over the years. My goal in teaching is to create an environment where students feel safe to explore and share, structure and routine that facilitates independence and opportunities for learning, and relationships that allow me to recognize what each student needs to succeed.

Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Jeff, and 3 kids Levi, Jenna, and Abel. I also enjoy any arts and crafts hobbies (my current favorite is quilting), reading, and thrifting. I’m thrilled to be a part of the Red Granite team and look forward to all the learning and growing we will do together this year!

Contact: mheise@wausauschools.org

Paraprofessional

Hi, I'm Kathryn LaMarche I am an aide at Red Granite. I am a mom and have previously homeschooled. I love being in nature and especially by water. I have some chickens and yes one time they did cross the road. I enjoy painting, crocheting and knitting. 

One of my favorite books is Ishmael by Daniel Quinn.

I am working on my teaching degree for next school year. 

I inspire to keep the Waldorf philosophy in my house with adding verses and minimal screen time.

Contact: KLamarche@wausauschools.org

Paraprofessional/Administrative Assistant

I am thrilled to be joining the Red Granite community, as an Administrative Assistant and Early Childhood Paraprofessional this school year. With almost two decades of experience in the Early Education field I bring a wealth of knowledge, diverse skill set, and a continued joy working with young children.

I returned to the Wausau area with my husband and daughter a few years ago and have been pleased to see all of the wonderful advancements to my hometown, including alternative education models. I had the privilege of working with the Sprouts Garden Preschool team as a Lead Educator. This cemented my love of outdoor learning, and play focused education models.

I have continued to strengthen my skills through various professional opportunities and continued education as well as an innate hunger for learning, tendency towards curiosity, and a passion for advocating for holistic educational practices and environments for all children.

This summer I renewed my Wi Master Naturalist Certification, with advanced trainings and volunteer work in education, stewardship and conservation. I am excited to bring my naturalist background to the team and families who call Red Granite home. A focus on the seasons, local phenology, and a prioritization for outdoor play and learning are a cornerstone of my own educational philosophy.

Outside of early education I love to spend time with my family both at home, and exploring our little town and beyond. I look forward to times when I am able to get out a for a long hike with our dog, or share my naturalist knowledge with my husband and daughter on walks in our neighborhood. I also pursue several passion projects in the creative realm, and I am eager to see the arts in action while supporting the children and staff at Red Granite.

Contact: RHellweg@wausauschools.org