Gregg Jochimsen
    President

Gregg Jochimsen teaches eighth grade social studies at the middle school in Chippewa Falls. He has taught 6th and 8th graders there over the past 12 years. After graduating from Eau Claire Memorial High School, he earned his degree in education from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. He taught 7th grade geography his first year at Rice Lake Middle School. He currently serves as curriculum assistant for the social studies department and as a team leader. He recently earned a certificate in teaching American history through the Learning by Doing grant project offered in a joint effort by the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and CESA 10. Gregg enjoys many outdoor activities including cross country skiing and inline skating. However, the time he spends with his wife Jayne, and children Jake, Sam, and Abby is most important.

Jennifer Starck
    1st Vice President

Jennifer Starck graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in 1990 with a degree in Learning Disabilities and Elementary Education. She has a Master’s Degree in Behavioral Disorders from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. In addition, she obtained certification as a Director of Special Education/Pupil Services and Director of Instruction through the University of Wisconsin-Superior in 2003. Jennifer has worked as a Special Education Teacher, Consultant, and Pupil Services/ Curriculum Director. Currently, she is the Director of Curriculum and Instruction for the Chippewa Falls School District. She resides in rural Cadott with her family.

Mary Beth Kelley-Lowe
    2nd Vice President

Mary Beth Kelley-Lowe is a grant writing specialist for the Eau Claire Area School District and the College of Education and Human Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. In this position Mary Beth provides leadership initiating, developing, and securing public and private external grants, and she serves as a resource to school district and university personnel seeking grants.

Mary Beth’s 29 year career in education has been marked by a series of collaborations between public schools, institutions of higher education, and informal education entities. These activities include: high school science teaching, providing pre-service technology and science methods courses; curriculum development; establishing a hands-on science museum; and development and implementation of a $4.8 million U.S. Department of Education Technology Innovation Challenge Grant Project. She earned a Ph.D. from UND, and a master’s from the University of Iowa and a bachelor’s from the University of Colorado.

Veronica Ellingson
    3rd Vice President

Veronica Ellingson currently teaches physics for the Hudson School District where she has taught both math and science since 1998. She also is a ETS AP Physics Exam Reader for Colorado State University, is a math tutor and has been the Head Girls Swim Coach and Assistant Girls and Boys Swim Coach. Veronica is active in NEA, WEAC, WCEA, and has been involved in many initiatives from DPI including WI DPI PDP Team, WKCE Math Standards, Writing Descriptors Task Force, WKCE Science Standards Setting Task Force. Veronica has led many sessions at many conventions including NWEA!

Diane Syring
    Past President  

Diane presently teaches at Cornell Elementary School in the K-6 CD/LD program. She has taught for 31 years, devoting her entire teaching career to children with various disabilities. Diane has also coached Special Olympics, served on several boards related to Special Education, published articles in professional magazines, and presented at the National CEC Convention.

Blia Schwahn
    1st Associate Member  

Blia Vang Schwahn is the School/Community Liaison for the Eau Claire Area School District for the past six years. As a School/Community Liaison, her responsibilities include serving as a resource for Hmong students, parents, and staff, consulting with staff and administrators regarding the educational and personal/social needs of Hmong students and parents, promoting cultural bridges between Hmong students, parents, and the school, and collaborating with community agencies to develop resources to meet the needs of Hmong students and their families. She came to the US as a Refugee from Laos at the age of 15. Eau Claire has been her home for the past 27 years. She graduated from U W-Stout in 2000 with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She lives in Eau Claire with her husband and two daughters. She enjoys learning and helping others learn, especially about the Hmong culture and history.

Cheryl Hopkins
    Executive Secretary

Cheryl Hopkins is the Business Education teacher at Cameron Middle/High Schools. Cheryl is also the yearbook adviser, the FBLA adviser, and serves on the curriculum council in Cameron. Cheryl recently completed her Master’s Degree in Professional Development from UW-LaCrosse. She resides in Chippewa Falls with her husband and two daughters.

Jason Plante
    Convention Director

Jason Plante is a marketing graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, and is the Director of Marketing for Market and Johnson. He has been associated with the NWEA Conference since 1986. Jason is married and his wife teaches first grade in Cadott.

Geno Plante
    Conference Exhibit Director

Geno Plante recently retired from Eau Claire Area School District where he’s worked since 1977. He has been associated with the NWEA exhibits since 1972. Geno became Convention Exhibit Director in October, 1991.

Sandy Cleaver
    Treasurer     

Sandy Cleaver is the Registrar/Financial secretary for the Eau Claire Area School District at DeLong Middle School. She has worked in the district for thirteen years. Sandy started working for the NWEA in 1993 as an administrative assistant. She took over the position of treasurer in the year 2004. Sandy resides in Eau Claire with her husband.

Joan Rehberg
    Administrative Assistant

Joan works at Memorial High School as a teacher’s assistant for at-risk students. Joan is a mother of three and lives in Eau Claire with her husband, Mark.