Red Granite Charter School (715) 261-0232

Leadership

The people who hold this school.

Red Granite is carried by teachers, staff, and a governance board who know the children by name and care deeply about this work.

Red Granite staff

Teachers and school leadership

Maud Mangin, Principal

Maud Mangin

Principal

Educator since 2007, Waldorf studies since 2013, and pedagogical leader in Wisconsin public Waldorf schools.

Mmangin@wausauschools.org

Heidi Kleinschmidt, Grant Project Director

Heidi Kleinschmidt

Grant Project Director

Holistic leader, mental health professional, and parent of three Red Granite students.

Hkleinschmidt@wausauschools.org

Lindsey Jensen, Early Childhood Teacher

Lindsey Jensen

Early Childhood Teacher

4K and 5K teacher inspired by Waldorf rhythm, wonder, and time outdoors with young children.

ljensen@wausauschools.org

Jenny Prideaux, Early Childhood Teacher

Jenny Prideaux

Early Childhood Teacher

Waldorf-rooted art educator and maker who has taught 4K through 12th grade since 2013.

jprideaux@wausauschools.org

Caitlyn Fosterling, First Grade Teacher

Caitlyn Fosterling

First Grade Teacher

Third-year Red Granite teacher who brings head, heart, and hands — and a love of making — into first grade.

cfosterling@wausauschools.org

Meghan Heise, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Grade Teacher

Meghan Heise

2nd, 3rd, and 4th Grade Teacher

Upper grades teacher building safe classrooms, steady rhythm, and relationships that help each child grow.

mheise@wausauschools.org

Kathryn LaMarche, Nature Studies, Handwork, and Games Teacher

Kathryn LaMarche

Nature Studies, Handwork, and Games Teacher

Founding-year teacher and maker hoping to inspire a lasting love of nature, craft, and Waldorf rhythm.

KLamarche@wausauschools.org

Molly Lewandowski

Special Education Teacher

Bio and photo coming soon.

Melody Kennedy

Special Education Paraprofessional

Bio and photo coming soon.

Jean Miller

Administrative Assistant

Bio and photo coming soon.

Lauren Evans, Early Childhood Paraprofessional

Lauren Evans

Early Childhood Paraprofessional

Environmental educator and PreK teacher who values patience, imagination, and nature-based learning.

levans@wausauschools.org

Jenny Keuther

Early Childhood Paraprofessional

Bio and photo coming soon.

Jaime Hughes

Grades Paraprofessional

Bio and photo coming soon.

Governance board

Board members

The Governance Board manages, operates, guides, and promotes Red Granite Charter School Inc. — a separate legal entity that holds the charter contract with the Wausau School District. Board members are up for renewal every two years. The board accepts applications for up to nine members.

Ariel Helms, Board Chair

Ariel Helms

Chair

Central Wisconsin native and community-service leader focused on relationships, connection, and a new-age village.

ahelms@wausauschools.org

Adam Kleinschmidt, Board Vice Chair

Adam Kleinschmidt

Vice Chair

Local parent, builder, and entrepreneur committed to transparent, student-centered governance.

akleinschmidt@wausauschools.org

Lindsey Goch, Board Secretary

Lindsey Goch

Secretary

Registered nurse, Rib Mountain parent, and maker who values creativity and community.

lgoch@wausauschools.org

Nicole Borgh

Board Member

Bio and photo coming soon.

Aaron Gutowski

Board Member

Bio and photo coming soon.

Board member application Application PDF

Public meetings

Board meetings

Board meetings are open to the public and held monthly, both virtually and in person, usually in the evening. The meeting day can change from month to month — summer meetings moved to Wednesdays — so check the posted agendas for the next date and time. Agendas are posted at least 24 hours ahead of each meeting.

Meeting minutes Meeting agendas Virtual meeting link

Work with us

Employment

Open positions are posted through the Wausau School District careers page.

Wausau district careers

Contact

Reach the school

Address150801 Robin Lane, Wausau, WI 54401
Maud Mangin, Principal

Maud Mangin

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.

Mmangin@wausauschools.org
Heidi Kleinschmidt, Grant Project Director

Heidi Kleinschmidt

Grant Project 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.

Redgranitecharter@gmail.com or Hkleinschmidt@wausauschools.org

Lindsey Jensen, Early Childhood Teacher

Lindsey Jensen

Early Childhood 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.

ljensen@wausauschools.org
Caitlyn Fosterling, First Grade Teacher

Caitlyn Fosterling

First Grade Teacher

My name is Caitlyn, and I am so excited to be starting my third year here at Red Granite!

After graduating from UW Whitewater in 2021 with my Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education, I had the opportunity to explore a variety of teaching roles in the Wausau and Antigo school districts. I have worked as a substitute teacher, EL teacher, 4K teacher, and first grade teacher. Each of these experiences has taught me something new and helped me grow as an educator. I am so grateful to bring everything I have learned into my teaching at a school I truly love.

I have been interested in exploring Waldorf pedagogy since my college years, and I love the way it nurtures the whole child through the head, heart, and hands. I have always had a passion for creativity and working with my hands, so I feel especially fortunate to be able to bring that passion into my classroom through this beautiful and unique approach to education.

When I am not teaching I love crafting, crocheting, painting, and spending time with my family, friends, and my cat, Crookshanks!

cfosterling@wausauschools.org
Meghan Heise, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Grade Teacher

Meghan Heise

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!

mheise@wausauschools.org
Kathryn LaMarche, Nature Studies, Handwork, and Games Teacher

Kathryn LaMarche

Nature Studies, Handwork, and Games Teacher

I am the Nature Studies, Handwork and Games teacher at Red Granite. I have a degree in family life education from the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point. I am completing my work for my teaching license from CESA 9.

I have been with Red Granite since the beginning, and I am excited for this third year at Red Granite. I love the Waldorf pedagogy and feel blessed to have this school in my life. I love swimming and spent my summer swimming as much as possible. I love being in nature — hence, I teach nature studies and hope to inspire a love for nature in your students. I have two sons who have been at Red Granite and one continuing this year. The boys and I camped this summer at a few different spots; our favorite was on Lake Michigan, so we went twice.

I enjoy crafts and creating functional art. One of my favorite books is Ishmael by Daniel Quinn. I am inspired to keep the Waldorf philosophy in my house with adding verses, lighting candles at dinner, and having minimal screen time.

KLamarche@wausauschools.org
Jenny Prideaux, Early Childhood Teacher

Jenny Prideaux

Early Childhood Teacher

Hello! I’m so glad to be joining the Red Granite community as an Early Childhood Teacher for 4K and Kindergarten.

My path in education began in 2013 at Tomorrow River Community Charter School (TRCCS), a Waldorf-inspired school in Amherst, Wisconsin, where I spent five years working as a Teacher’s Assistant. I started that journey alongside my oldest son, who is now in college, and my youngest is currently a fifth grader at TRCCS — Waldorf education has truly grown up alongside my own family.

My undergraduate degree is in Art, which led me to a position teaching Art Education. While teaching, I went back to school to earn my certification in Art Education, and continued on to complete a Master’s Degree in Art Education. Over the years I’ve had the joy of teaching students from 4K all the way through 12th grade, though most of my career has centered on elementary education. Through it all, the philosophy and methods of Waldorf education have remained at the very heart of who I am and how I teach.

When I heard about the Early Childhood Teacher position at Red Granite, I knew right away that this was the next step in my journey — and accepting it has felt like coming home. I’m currently enrolled in a CESA program to earn my licensure in early childhood education, and I continue attending conferences and learning opportunities in Waldorf education to keep growing as a teacher.

Outside of school, I cherish time with my children and my partner. We love to travel and explore new places together, and you’ll often find us kayaking, paddleboarding, or — our newest adventure — playing pickleball. I also keep nurturing my own creative side, making art with fiber, glass, and paint.

jprideaux@wausauschools.org
Lauren Evans, Early Childhood Paraprofessional

Lauren Evans

Early Childhood Paraprofessional

Hello! It is my pleasure to be joining Red Granite as a Paraprofessional! I bring a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Education and Interpretation from UW-Stevens Point, along with several years of experience teaching as a PreK and Environmental Educator. I love exploring different teaching styles and pedagogies, especially when they are nature-based!

It is an honor to guide children as they integrate into the world and learn about themselves.

I value patience, imagination, kindness, and the importance of meaningful relationships in a child’s early years. I look forward to being part of a community that honors the wonder and individuality of every child.

Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family at our farm. I also enjoy hiking, camping, horticulture, and immersing myself in novels.

I’m so glad to be a part of the Red Granite team, and I look forward to sharing in the journey of discovery and growth this year!

levans@wausauschools.org
Ariel Helms, Board Chair

Ariel Helms

Chair

Ariel Helms is a central Wisconsin native, growing up and building a family in the area. She takes pride in her community.

The majority of her career was in the financial industry and project management, but most recently she has moved to community service focusing on family and child development.

Through her passions of the human experience and community service she has become an active board member, serving on the Ascension Episcopal church board, the AFSP board, and now the RGCS school board. Her focus is in building relationships and connections — creating a new-age “village.”

In her down time she enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters, mostly outside. Whether it is camping, swimming, or building snow forts or fairy houses, you can usually find the family outdoors. In her rare spare moments she loves diving into a good book.

ahelms@wausauschools.org
Lindsey Goch, Board Secretary

Lindsey Goch

Secretary

After moving to Rib Mountain with her husband in 2018, Lindsey quickly embraced the strong sense of community and connection that makes the Wausau area special. Originally drawn to the area for family and opportunity, she has enjoyed building both a career and a home in north central Wisconsin.

During the work week, Lindsey works as a Registered Nurse, where she brings compassion, organization, and advocacy into her daily work. Outside of her career, much of her time is spent raising her two children and enjoying the slower pace of life that comes with creative projects and time outdoors.

In her free time, Lindsey enjoys crafting, refinishing furniture, and escaping up north to her family's property in Three Lakes. Whether she's working on a DIY project, spending time with her husband and children, or relaxing with her two cats, Lindsey values creativity, connection, and community involvement.

lgoch@wausauschools.org
Adam Kleinschmidt, Board Vice Chair

Adam Kleinschmidt

Vice Chair

Adam Kleinschmidt is a local parent, builder, and entrepreneur who brings a practical, systems-minded perspective to the Red Granite Governance Board. With experience in operations, small business development, and hands-on problem solving, Adam is committed to supporting a school environment that is transparent, student-centered, and aligned with the founding mission of Red Granite. He believes strong schools are built through clear communication, thoughtful governance, and a deep respect for families, teachers, and students.

akleinschmidt@wausauschools.org