Meet Our Staff!
We are so happy to have the opportunity to care for your children this year!
Sarah Czaplewski (Zebra Room): This is my 10th year as a teacher in the Zebra room, Monday - Thursday. I grew up in West Allis and I have a psychology degree from UW-Oshkosh. Prior to starting at MDO I was a stay at home mom for my three kids, Jack, Nathan, and Anna. My husband, Keith, and I live in Brookfield. I am a passionate crafter and own a crafting business, Softy for the Lofty, where I am an exhibitor at various craft shows. I also love scrapbooking, reading, baking, playing games, going to concerts, eating ice cream, and Disney.
Kerri Ochotnicky (Zebra Room): I will be with the Zebra class Monday - Thursday. I am a UW-Madison alum and prior to becoming a stay-at-home mom I spent 15+ years as a Senior Corporate/Finance Paralegal and subsequently as a Resource Manager in Audit Assurance in Chicago. I have been in the Zebra room for the last 12 years. My husband John and I have two daughters, Victoria, a recent UW-Madison grad, and Amelia, a Junior at UW-Madison. In my free time I am involved with the Elm Grove community. I also enjoy traveling overseas, reading, walking and being a dog mom to our Bichon/Poodle mix, Boo.
Sarah Rivers (Koala Room): Hi, my name is Sarah Rivers and I am very excited to begin my 5th year as a teacher at MDO! Prior to joining the MDO team I was a stay-at-home mom to our two children, Farragh (10) and Jameson (7), both of whom are MDO kids. Previous to having children I graduated from Marquette University with a degree in International Affairs and PR. I spent my career in big-box retail management and in corporate retail. I look forward to having a fun year getting to know your children.
Danielle Ray (Kangaroo Room): I'm Danielle Ray and I'm excited to be in the Kangaroo room this year! I have many years of experience in child care, I've worked in daycares, as a nanny and stayed at home with my four children. My youngest, Natalie (2) will be at MDO this year. I earned my BA in English Literature at UWM. I grew up in Brookfield and now live here with my husband Matt, Roselyn (11), Zoe (9) and our dog. Our oldest Keenan (18) is off to Marquette this fall. I love spending time reading, writing, being outdoors and love learning alongside children. Being in the classroom brings me joy and I can't wait to get to know your family.
Shannon Schuneman (Penguin Room): I am so very excited to begin my third year here at MDO. I have a degree in electronics engineering, and have worked in retail management in the corporate world as s a regional manager for a health and weight management center. I have spent many years working with children on the Autism Spectrum. I will be teaching at MDO this year in the Penguin Room. My husband and I have a blended family of four teenagers. We run a production business that provides DJ/karaoke services, sound and lighting for live music events plus we are musicians and work on a variety of projects. In my spare time, I enjoy painting.
Jana Pagel (Lion Room): I am very excited to begin my 13th school year in the Lion Room teaching at MDO! Prior to joining the MDO team, I was a stay-at-home mom to our two children Jake and Joey (an MDO alum!). I spent much of my time over the past 20+ years volunteering in our community and in our sons' schools. I have always found great reward in working with children and my first 12 years at MDO have been no exception. I am a graduate of the University of Wisconsin with a degree in Retailing. I am truly looking forward to a great year with your children!
Jana Reichel (Elephant Room): I am the teacher here at MDO in the Elephant room. I have worked with 3 and 4 year old children over many years and love all the unique personalities I meet each year. I have a BS degree in Clothing & Textiles Retailing from Truman State University and switched to a more fulfilling path after my own children started school. My husband Jeff and I have three children who all attended MDO. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, reading and spending time with friends and family, especially my grandchildren. I enjoy teaching at MDO and I look forward to getting to know you and your children.
Justin Wienke (Center Float): I am excited to be returning for my third school year as an MDO substitte/float teacher! I am a father to two daughters who graduated from MDO - Caroline (10) and Lynnea (7). We live in Wauwatosa with my wife, Allison, who works in Cardiovascular research at the Medical College of Wisconsin. I graduated from Mukwonago HS and earned my Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from UW-Madison. I valued serving our Veterans as a PT at the Milwaukee VA for many years before stepping back from full-time hours to focus on our daughters and Caroline's special needs (Autism). Outside of MDO and parenting, I have experience with youth as an ABA therapy tech, respite care provider, HS track coach, early childhood/school-based PT intern, Chatter Matters communication therapy summer camp volunteer, and serving as a Girl Scout and Cub Scout leader. What can I say? Kids are fun! In our spare time, we enjoy camping, bicycling, swimming, community service, and supporting native plants and wildlife :)
Amanda Glassman (Assistant Director): This is my 8th school year at Mother's Day Out and my second year serving as the Assistant Director. I grew up in the Lake Geneva area and graduated from Big Foot High School. I have a BA in Communications from UW-La Crosse. Previously, I worked in sales and recruiting for seven years before becoming a stay-at-home mom after the birth of my second child. I am also involved with the Elm Grove Junior Guild. My husband Andy and I have two children, Ruby (11) and Miles (9), who both attended Mother's Day Out. In my spare time, I love to read, bake and practice yoga.
Tracey Magyar (Director): I am the Director here at Mother's Day Out Preschool. I grew up in Mequon, graduated from Homestead High School and I have a BA in psychology from UW Milwaukee. This school year will be my 21st year here at MDO! I am so lucky to work with such amazing teachers, wonderful families and adorable children every day! My husband Paul and I have four children and three grandchildren. We love to travel, bike, enjoy weekends up north, watch sporting events and spend time with our family! I am looking forward to another spectacular year!