USM Welcomes New Faculty and Staff

University School of Milwaukee is happy to welcome its newest faculty and staff members for the 2026–27 school year. Please join us in welcoming them to USM!

Alaina Anderson 6th Grade English Teacher	Dan Brauer Assistant Director of School Safety and Security
Erin Cermak Middle School and Upper School Physical Education and Health Teacher	Tiffany Chang Orchestra Director
Katie Doering School Nurse	Grant Doty 7th Grade Math Teacher
Ben Grimm Ice Arena and Grounds Technician	Andy Hacker Band Director
Julie Jurken 3rd Grade Teacher	Erin Maliszewski Preschool and Lower School French Teacher
Mia Mullen '19 Auxiliary Programs Coordinator	Karen Niemuth All School Receptionist
Michelle Schneider Daycare Teacher	Rebecca Sikora Daycare Teacher
Keegan Timm Preschool and Lower School Library Media Specialist	Megan Van Sambeek Middle School Spanish Teacher
Lynda Vraa School Safety Officer	Christelle Walton Middle School French Teacher

In addition to these new hires, the following individuals are in new roles at USM for the 2026–27 school year:

• Laith Al-Msaibeeh, Upper School French Teacher
• Elizabeth Henry, Upper School Administrative Assistant
• Charlie Housiaux '02, Assistant Head of Upper School (also Upper School English Teacher)
• Sue Baker, Upper School Dean of Students (also Upper School Health Teacher; Head Coach: Girls Volleyball)
• Antonio Britto, Fitness Center Director (also Upper School English Teacher)
• Katie Jablonski, 3rd Grade Teacher
• Abby LaMacchia, Enrollment Management Administrative Assistant and Outreach Specialist
• Sarah Langhoff, Junior Kindergarten Assistant Teacher (new classroom)
• Jamie Silbernagel, Auxiliary Programs Operations Coordinator
• Cynthia Zuñiga, 2nd Grade Teacher

USM also works with a variety of outside contractors to fill student support roles such as permanent substitute teachers, tutors, and more.

In total, USM employs more than 200 full-time and part-time employees, along with dozens of additional coaches, tutors, and other roles, with the faculty accounting for the majority of this group. USM’s teachers are guided by the school’s Characteristics of Professional Excellence as they work collaboratively to support students from prekindergarten through 12th grade.

Characteristics of Professional Excellence

In support of their students, University School of Milwaukee faculty:

challenge each individual to pursue personal excellence.
inspire a love of inquiry, exploration, and action.
encourage independent, creative, and critical thinking.
shape active citizenship and ethical decision making.

As they continually refine their craft, University School of Milwaukee faculty:

commit to the ongoing development of professional mastery.
create meaningful and memorable learning experiences.
collaborate with colleagues throughout the entire school.
exemplify integrity through kind and respectful acts.

Through their commitment to the school community, University School of Milwaukee faculty:

ensure a safe and inclusive student-centered environment.
cultivate and engage in local and global partnerships.
embrace the values of the Common Trust.
model joy and balance in life.