Northern Waters Environmental School

At Northern Waters, our goal is to inspire students to become lifelong learners.

Katie Witkowski

High School Advisor

Ms. Witkowski earned her Bachelor of Science Degrees in Wildlife Ecology and Biology from the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point. She holds a teaching license for Secondary Education (6-12) in Biology (1605) and Environmental Studies (1615). Her prior professional experiences include a variety of natural resources management and research projects including wildlife research and monitoring, habitat restoration, wildfire and prescription burning, and chronic wasting disease monitoring. Most recently, she was an Outdoor Skills instructor at Conserve School, a residential environmental high school, in Land O' Lakes, WI.

Ms. Witkowski is energized by sharing practical skills and experiences with students. She believes that when we take our classroom outdoors, it can bring a level of joy to learning that increases motivation and engagement, and when combined with relevant and challenging coursework, provides a fulfilling and comprehensive education. Ms. Witkowski hopes to encourage every student to develop positive connections with the people and world around them and stay motivated to take learning into their own hands throughout their life.

Christina Wondergem

Middle School Advisor

Ms. Wondergem has always found her passion tied to the natural world. It led her to the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Management and Biology with a minor in Environmental Education. She worked as a naturalist in the WI State Parks, and for the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation in Missoula, Montana.

It was there in the mountainous west where she also began her journey in education at the University of Montana - Missoula. She is licensed to teach Secondary Education (6-12) in Broadfield Science (1602), Biology (1605), and Chemistry (1610).

Ms. Wondergem believes deeply that all students excel when they find their own path and a meaning that drives their education further. Helping students find that path and their passion is key to their engagement and success in learning. Education is a lifelong process, and growing skills in problem solving and collaboration lead to young adults who feel confident advocating for themselves and their future!

Ms. Wondergem loves traveling and exploring with her kids, Eli and Ivan, and spending time outside in this beautiful area of Wisconsin that we get to call home. Our adventures as a family have taken us to the Redwood forests, many National Parks, Banff, and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

Mike Lewandowski

SPED Advisor

Mr. Lewandowski has always had a passion for the outdoors. He earned a bachelor degree in Education from Indiana University and a science degree from Purdue University. 

Mr. Lew worked in the construction industry (building chalet style homes in the Hayward area) immediately after college. In 2006 he moved to Colorado for an opportunity to work in the White River National Forest near Aspen. He lived part time in Colorado and summers in Wisconsin for ~10 years. 

Mr. Lewandowski loves to go fishing, skiing and exploring nature. Mr. Lew likes to work with students on projects that further enhance their learning and interests.

Kelly Ryder

Principal

Mrs. Ryder earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from UW-Eau Claire in Broadfield Social Studies, Political Science, and History. She spent 15 years as a high school social studies teacher, alternative education teacher, and coach before transitioning into leadership roles. Mrs. Ryder earned her Master's Degree from UW-LaCrosse and her Principal and Director of Instruction licenses from Saint Mary's University. She is also finishing her Superintendents license this summer at UW-Superior. Mrs. Ryder serves the Hayward Community School District as the Director of Curriculum and Programs and part-time as the Principal for NWES. Besides classroom experience, Mrs. Ryder also has worked as an educational consultant for the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and CESAs 11 and 12. She has worked with over 40 districts all around the state to improve outcomes for students.

Mrs. Ryder is honored to serve as the Principal for NWES because she believes that every student is capable of changing the world in a positive way. Her love of environmental education and its potential to create 21st-century learners was a direct result of her own son attending an environmental, project-based charter school in grades 6-8. Mrs. Ryder believes that NWES provides Hayward area students the opportunity to learn and grow while serving their community in positive ways. She looks forward to working with students and families and staff to continue to grow NWES as a leader in environmental education.

Mrs. Ryder lives in Wascott with her son Joe, husband Matt, a dog, two cats and a bunch of fish.

Kelly Froemel

Educational Assistant

Mrs. Froemel earned an Associate of Science Degree in the Executive Assistant program at Chippewa Valley Technical College and a certificate in bookkeeping. During this time, she also earned her place in two honor societies. She has many years of experience in office settings and working with others to support and enhance our community and its members of all ages through her professional and volunteer roles.

Mrs. Froemel loves spending time with her husband, John, 3 children (Joseph, William, Michael), their five dogs, one cat, variety of poultry, and their rabbits. She has a passion for the outdoors and spends much of her free time gardening, preserving the harvests, hiking, kayaking, fishing, and traveling. She also enjoys cooking, baking, and sewing. During her travels, she loves learning about other cultures and viewpoints through their food, museums, and various activities.