Meet Our Teachers | mdopreschool

Meet Our Teachers!

We are so happy to have the opportunity to care for your children this year!

Classes run September–May, Monday–Thursday from 9:30–2:30.

Anchor 1

Tracey Magyar, Director

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 (who all went to MDO!) 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!

Amanda Glassman, Assistant Director

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.

Honey Bee Room

Honeybee Room

12–24 months

4:1 Child to teacher ratio

We are excited for our first year with a second toddler age classroom! In the Honeybee Room we explore and play with a variety of age appropriate toys, books, and equipment to stimulate small and large motor development and verbalization. Creative art and music are a part of each day.

Carrie Martin

Bio coming soon!

Lupita Lopez

I live in Brookfield and have two adult children Caroline and Jean Carlos. I also have a pet cat named Nina, who is only four years old. I am originally from Los Angeles, California, and moved to Milwaukee about 20 years ago. In the summer, I love to visit my family in Los Angeles, enjoy the warm weather there, and of course, visit the beach. My favorite season is autumn, because I love the crisp air and changing leaves as I go for a walk. My favorite hobbies are listening to music, reading a good book, or watching a movie on a rainy day. And of course, a good cup of coffee is my go-to drink. I have five years of teaching experience, and am currently a teacher assistant at MDO.

Zebra Room

12–24 months

4:1 Child to teacher ratio

In the Zebra Room we explore and play with a variety of age appropriate toys, books, and equipment to stimulate small and large motor development and verbalization. Creative art and music are a part of each day.

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.

Koala Room

2-3 years

6:1 Child to teacher ratio

In the Koala Room children will discover many fascinating things through play, music, art, and large and small motor activities.

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.

Raccoon Room

2-3 years

6:1 Child to teacher ratio

The Raccoon room is filled with free play, art, music, story time, and small and large motor activities. Socialization is a big part of their day.

Shannon Schuneman

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. 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.

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.

Kangaroo Room

2.5-3.5 years

8:1 Child to teacher ratio

In the Kangaroo Room kids will discover many fascinating things through play, music, art, and large and small motor activities.

Amy Comaris Krejcarek

I'm thrilled to begin my first year teaching at Mothers Day Out, bringing over 18 years of teaching experience and a heart dedicated to nurturing young children. I began teaching four-year-olds in 1999 after earning my associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education from WCTC. I taught until 2006, then spent several deeply rewarding years caring for three children—two with special needs—which further strengthened my understanding and commitment to individualized care. In 2014, I returned to the classroom at the same school, continuing until its recent closure, and now I’m excited to start a new chapter with the wonderful community at Mothers Day Out.

Outside of teaching, I’m a proud wife and mom. My daughter Emily plays collegiate soccer at Wisconsin Lutheran College, and my son Hudson plays for his high school and club teams. I also serve as the Assistant Director for the Tosa Kickers Soccer Organization, where I love fostering teamwork and growth off the field as well.

My goal is to create a warm, joyful environment where every child is seen, celebrated, and supported in their unique journey.

Sue Hessner

My name is Susan (Sue) Hessner, and I am new to MDO but not new to teaching. After graduating from Carroll University in 1985 with a B.S. in Elementary Education and a minor in
Music, I worked as a 5th-grade teacher, a 3rd-grade teacher, and a Junior Kindergarten teacher for the Wauwatosa School District. I later chose to work part-time in a private school setting and spent 13 years at Elmbrook Child Enrichment Center.

My husband, Marty, and I live in Brookfield. We have two daughters: Anna, who is married to Alex, and Elizabeth. Both live in the area, which I’m very happy about. We also have a cat named Sandy! Our family has vacationed in Door County every summer since I was a teenager. What started
as a family of five in 1983 has grown to 17—so you can imagine how long we have to wait for a table at Al Johnson’s!
I enjoy reading, practicing yoga, and am a member of several women’s groups.

I am very excited to be a part of the MDO staff and look forward to getting to know your child(ren) and their families!

Lion Room

3-4 years

10:1 Child to teacher ratio

The Lion Room is filled with free play, art, music, story time, and small and large motor activities. Socialization is a big part of their day.

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!

Kyra Matias

M/T/R

Bio coming soon!

Sarah Rivers

Elephant Room

4+ years

13:1 Child to teacher ratio

In the Elephant Room we emphasize hands-on- experience, exploration, individuality, problem solving, building self esteem and critical thinking. Our 4K students enjoy a day filled with art, music/movement, free play, outdoor activities, pre-reading, writing and math.

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.

Hadassah Gruennert

M/W

Bio coming soon!

Lori Douglas

T/R

Although this is my first year teaching at MDO, I have over 30 years of experience teaching 3 and 4 year olds. I have completed many early childhood classes along with many hours of continuing education.

I have been married to my husband, Ben for 32 years and we have two children. Gabriel is the music director at our church and Rachel and her husband Jacob are teachers at Eastbrook Academy in Milwaukee. We also have a cute little toy poodle named Minnie. When I’m not teaching, I enjoy reading, cooking, walks and listening to music. We live in Menomonee Falls.

Substitute Teachers

Justin Wienke

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 :)

Gemma Bednar

Bio coming soon!

Pam Mila

Bio coming soon!