Our Staff

Our staff is a crucial element to the school’s success and future.
They are a big part of what sets us apart.
It is their unwavering dedication to our students and school that have made
St. Coletta Day School of Milwaukee such a critical element
in the lives of students with cognitive disabilities.

wkoehn@scdsmke.org

Quote to live by: To be happy, free your heart from hatred, free your mind from worries, live simply, give more, and expect less.

William A. Koehn, aka Mr. Bill ~ Administrator
I am a teacher by profession, and I also consider my time as a teacher a calling… something that I was meant to do. I have been doing what I love for over 45 years and I am still passionate about our students, and our school. I have a Master of Science degree in Educational Administration. I have been the Administrator at St. Coletta Day School since 1991. My students continue to be a great inspiration to me. They are also a source of renewed energy for my spirit.

rlustig@scdsmke.org

Quote to live by:
Grow where you are planted and bloom into the best you, you can be.

Rachel Lustig, aka Ms. Rachel ~ Teacher
I am proud to be a classroom teacher at St. Coletta Day School of Milwaukee. My grandmother always told me that everything in life happens for a reason. I believe this to be true and that my coming to St. Coletta Day School 11 + years ago, as a Paraprofessional Educator, happened for all the right reasons.
I completed both my post baccalaureate certification program and my Masters of Science in Exceptional Education with honors. I have an undergraduate Bachelor of Arts degree from Marquette University and Post Baccalaureate Certificate and Teaching License in Cross-categorical Special Education, Middle Child-Early Adolescence. I am a wife, and mother to four children who are all alumni of St. Sebastian, our host school. The connection to St. Sebastian was one of the reasons I was initially drawn to St. Coletta. The students and the environment of providing an education with integrity is the reason I have made St. Coletta my home, and working with kids with special needs my passion.

jkania@scdsmke.org

Jessica Kania, aka Ms. Jess ~ Music Therapist
I come to St. Coletta Day School from Music Therapy Services of Waukesha County, LLC where I have been a full time music therapist for 11 years. I’m a 2009 Alverno graduate with a Bachelor degree in Music Therapy. Music has been a passion of mine since I was a little girl. Besides music, I also enjoy, spending time with my family, friends, and pets. I love camping, canoeing, trailing, and being in nature.

swinders@scdsmke.org

Sarah Winders, aka Ms. Sarah ~ Music Therapist
I obtained a bachelor's in music performance from UW- Platteville and shortly after, realized that music therapy was my passion! After going back to school and obtaining a bachelors in music therapy from Alverno College, I became employed with the Music Therapy Services of Waukesha County. I love seeing the students at St. Coletta Day School for our weekly music therapy sessions. Outside of my job as a music therapist, I love performing solo in coffee shops and with my band, The Midnight Purchase, at venues around the Milwaukee area.

csnielsen@scdsmke.org

Quote to live by: “When the student is ready, the teacher appears”. ~Buddha

CindySue Nielsen, aka Ms. CindySue ~ Transition Program Coordinator
I am a passionate person who finds great peace; satisfaction and happiness in helping others succeed. It is those virtues that align so well with St. Coletta’s mission and vision statements and has led me to this position. I am a student of life; hold a Master’s in Adult and Continuing Education along with Educational Studies from Carroll University, am a mother to one amazing son. I enjoy animals, the outdoors, living in the moment and a hearty laugh . I look forward to supporting the unique culture at St. Coletta’s, helping our students grow, pursue their dreams and success.. however they define it.

croskos@scdsmke.org

Courtney Roskos, aka Ms. Courtney ~ Teacher
After spending time as a volunteer at St Coletta Day School, Courtney was inspired to get her degree in Special Education. She spent several years educating herself, and gaining valuable experience before joining the St Coletta staff in February of 2019.

tfischer@scdsmke.org

Traci F, aka Ms. Traci ~ Teaching | Classroom Assistant.
I graduated from Southern Illinois University, and have worked with students of all ages and backgrounds at different therapeutic day schools before joining the St. Coletta team. I moved to the Milwaukee area in 2015.

sbechitsao@scdsmke.org

Sarah B, aka Ms. Sarah ~ Teaching | Classroom Assistant.
I am happy to join St. Coletta's after being able to take a few years off raising my son. I graduated from Cardinal Stritch University with a B.A. in Psychology. After working in residential facilities for adolescents and doing behavioral therapy with children with autism I returned to school. I received my teaching certification and M.A. in Special Education through the MTEC program from Cardinal Stritch in 2005. I worked for MPS as a Special Education Teacher for almost 11 years. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family.

gbrennan@scdsmke.org

Gillian Brennan, aka Ms. Brennan ~ Art Teacher
I am thrilled to be a full time art teacher, teaching at both St. Coletta’s and St. Sebastian’s. I graduated in 2018 from Alverno College with a degree in Art Therapy and Art Education. I have been passionate about art since I knew how to pick up a pencil as a small child. I love being able to share that passion and see art ignite the hearts and minds of the students around me. I truly believe that art education is an essential part of a student’s complete education—teaching the WHOLE child. The arts nurture creativity, build confidence, increase problem-solving skills, and help students to think broader. Art provides students with tools to communicate, explore, and make sense of the world around them. I strive to provide multiple avenues for learning and growth and to celebrate the individualities of each artist in my class. If you are ever near our art room, I’d encourage you to stop in, see our talented artists, and get your hands messy with us. Each day is different and more colorful than the last!

jsowinski@scdsmke.org

Quote to live by: "Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless."
~ Mother Theresa

Jennifer Sowinski, aka Ms. Jen ~ Administrative Assistant.
I am the proud Mom of a St Coletta Alumni. Although I have been part of the St Coletta Family since 2010 - In early 2017 I followed my heart, and joined the staff of St. Coletta Day School. I truly love coming to work every day and seeing the kids, they are my Heroes! I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Graphic Design with a minor in Marketing from the University of Wisconsin Stout, and many, many years of experience as an Executive Administrative Assistant. My husband and I have lived in the Milwaukee area for over 25 years, and have two adult children who are a constant source of pride, laughter, and a few gray hairs.