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                                                        Meet Your Staff  

     

 Anna Brennan

Center Owner

          My name is Anna Brennan and I am the Owner of New Frontiers Preschool. I have a background in elementary education and outdoor programming that inspired and helped structure our unique school. In 2009 I received my Elementary Education and English degrees from UW-Madison. Throughout my time at the university and for a short while after graduation, I worked as the coordinator of a youth backpacking camp, leading children in nature-based programming in the backcountry of Durango, CO. After graduation, I began my teaching career in 4 and 5 year old preschool in Denver and then moved to Grafton and taught second and third grade for six years in a small public school district in the North Shore. In my time in the public schools, I focused on engaging, inclusive education that focused on Multiple Intelligences and nature incorporation and I was a runner-up for the Kohl Teacher of the Year award. I have guest-lectured at UWM and Alverno to pre-service teachers and presented on inclusive education at various conferences including the Milwaukee Urban Autism Summit.
            Perhaps most importantly, I am the mother of two children, both of whom attended New Frontiers!  I love any outdoor activities and my family and I often hike at Lion’s Den park, Harrington Beach, and other great local spots.  I can also be found swing dancing, writing children's literature, and just enjoying all of life's little moments. 

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Holly Le May

Director

         My name is Holly Le May and I am the Director of New Frontiers Preschool. I received my Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from UW-Milwaukee in 2005. I have many years of experience working with young children in a variety of settings, including child care centers, a Head Start program, public schools, and as a nanny. I taught three-year-old kindergarten in Milwaukee Public Schools for 10 years. When I first heard of New Frontiers Preschool, I knew that it would be the perfect fit for me. I believe that it is crucial for children to learn about and love their natural world. There are so many developmental benefits of a nature-based preschool, and I am thrilled to be a part of each child and family's journey at New Frontiers. I began my career at NFP as a lead teacher in the Badgers classroom (2+ year olds), and then assisted in opening and becoming the Head Teacher of the Robins classroom (3+ year olds). In my classroom, I would always strive to create a positive family-like environment, which was based on respect and kindness. I enjoy how young children are naturally inquisitive and curious, and excited to learn about their world. I love experiencing the excitement of learning along with the children; whether it's observing a caterpillar crawling across a log, making up silly rhyming words, or creating a painted masterpiece based on an artist study. Although I have a strong passion for educating children, I also thrive in management. During my time as a public school teacher I held several leadership roles. I served as a Head Start Advisory Council member, a mentor for new teachers, a member of the interview team, and was the facilitator of the PBIS (Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports) team. After working for just over a year as a lead teacher at New Frontiers I was happily promoted to Associate Director of the center.

          When I am not busy with work, my two young children are my entire world. We enjoy our weekends together hiking, attending local events in Milwaukee, and walking our pitbull, Milo. In my sparse free time I enjoy doing yoga, Zumba, game nights with friends, and cooking vegetarian meals. I am also an avid traveler and plan on continuing to see this amazing world every chance I can get. Some of my favorite places I have traveled to are Italy, Greece, Spain, Hawaii, and Costa Rica. I currently reside in Milwaukee with my family.

 

Emily Neuser

Director of Staff Resources

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       Hi, my name is Emily Neuser and I am the Director of Staff Resources at New Frontiers Preschool. Previously, I worked as a lead teacher here in the Robins classroom! My interest and passion for working within the early childhood education field started in 2011 as I began to work at a private school in their all-day care program for preschool-aged children.  

     I attended the University of Wisconsin LaCrosse from 2012 - 2016. There, my passion for teaching grew, and I developed many of the skills I take with me into the classrooms each day. 

     I have been a director of a local youth tennis program for four years as well as coached both middle and high school teams. I strongly believe that children being outdoors and active, in a way that is enjoyable to them, is a crucial component for them to learn and grow into themselves while building self-confidence. 

     When I am not diligently working on scheduling in my office or engaged in a classroom, I enjoy spending time with my partner Justin, his two children, and our dog Tank. In the summer, you can usually find me out on a tennis court or lounging in our backyard soaking up the sunshine. The other three seasons, I love taking Tank on long walks, playing cards/board games as a family, and trying out new recipes to bake. 

 

Melissa Berndt

Assistant Director

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     Hi, I’m Melissa Berndt. I am the Assistant Director here at New Frontiers Preschool. I have been working in the Early Childhood field since 2011. I entered the profession as a Lead/Infant toddler teacher for the first 5 years. As I progressed in the field, I have completed many different trainings such as the Introduction to Childcare Course, Skills and Strategies for the Childcare Teacher, Fundamentals of Infant/Toddler Care, Love and Logic, and Learning Without Tears, among many others. 

     In the summer of 2016 I connected with Anna through our previous teaching history. Upon entering New Frontiers I knew that I had found my forever home. During the fall of 2016 I started out as a Lead Teacher in the Badgers (2+) classroom working side by side with Mrs. Holly. I was given the opportunity to loop with my class of students from the age of 2, all the way through their graduation at the age of 5. 

     Throughout those 3 years, Anna had placed her confidence in me to open 3 additional classrooms; Robins, Bears, and Eagles. On top of teaching I was given the opportunity for growth by helping to lead staff meetings, plan our school-wide field trips and become the head “designer” at New Frontiers. In February of 2020 I was promoted from Lead Teacher to Assistant Director. You can find me at my desk, deeply looking at spreadsheets, assisting in classrooms, building and repairing furniture and equipment, or out around the town shopping for the school. 

     As far as my personal life goes, my husband Alex and I are high school sweethearts. We have been residents of Grafton since our young 20’s. When I am off the clock, I enjoy reading, hiking, walking our two Dobermans, Sully and Kaia; and spending time with our friends and family. I notoriously say "Yes!" to any new adventure. The memories I hold closest to my heart would be the backpacking trips I have taken out west.

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Our Teaching Staff

          At New Frontiers, we recognize that a great facility and even the best program intentions are nothing without an exceptional staff of teachers and caregivers.  New Frontiers prides itself on recruiting and retaining team members that embody the mission and intent of our school and are enthusiastic, friendly, nurturing, patient, creative, knowledgable, and love working with students and their families.  All of our staff easily meet or exceed Department of Children and Families requirements for Assistant or Lead Teachers and are dedicated to professional development and continuing education throughout their time at New Frontiers.  

 

        Please take some time to learn more about the individual members of our team on our Parent Welcome Bulletin Board in our front hallway!

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