Meet Our Staff!
We are so happy to have the opportunity to care for your children this year!
Sarah Czaplewski: This is my 11th year as a teacher at MDO. 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: 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 working at MDO for the last 13 years. My husband John and I have two daughters, Victoria (a recent UW-Madison grad) and Amelia (a Senior 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: I am very excited to begin my 6th year as a teacher at MDO! Prior to joining the MDO team I was a stay-at-home mom to our two children, Farragh (11) and Jameson (8), 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 previous career in big-box retail management and corporate retail. I look forward to having a fun year getting to know your children.
Danielle Ray: I'm excited for my second year at MDO! I have many years of experience in child care. I've worked in both daycare settings and as a nanny, as well as stayed at home with my four children. My youngest, Natalie (3) is a current MDO student. My other children are Keenan (19), Roselyn (12) and Zoe (10). I earned my BA in English Literature at UWM. I grew up in Brookfield and now live here with my husband Matt, our kids and dog. I love spending time reading, writing, being outdoors and learning alongside children. Being in the classroom brings me joy and I can't wait to get to know your family.
Shannon Schuneman: I am so excited to begin my fourth year here at MDO. My background is in ABA therapy, and I worked for many years with children in that context. I have a degree in electronics engineering, and have worked in retail management in the corporate world as well. My husband and I have a blended family of four children. We run a production business that provides DJ/karaoke services, sound and lighting for live music events. We are also musicians and work on a variety of projects. In my spare time I enjoy painting.
Jana Pagel: I am very excited to begin my 14th school year 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 13 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: 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.
Amanda Glassman: This is my 9th school year at Mother's Day Out and my third year serving as the Assistant Director. I grew up in the Lake Geneva area. 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 (12) and Miles (10), who both attended Mother's Day Out. In my spare time, I love to read, bake and practice yoga.
Tracey Magyar: 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 22nd 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!