Dr. Carrie Streiff-Stuessy
Executive Director

I am honored and thrilled to have helped launch Forward Scholars as its founding Executive Director. A proud Madison native, I earned my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education (PK–3) from UW–Madison and moved to Milwaukee to begin my teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools. Driven by a love of learning, I went on to earn my Master’s in Reading and Learning Disabilities from Cardinal Stritch University, followed by a Certificate in Advanced Literacy Assessment and Intervention. In 2018, I completed my Doctorate in Language and Literacy.

Over the past 25 years, I’ve had the privilege of serving students and families in our community as an educator and leader. I spent 12 years in MPS as a classroom teacher (Kindergarten through 3rd grade) and literacy coach, and then served as a reading specialist in Wauwatosa Public Schools for 11 years. My work has always been grounded in a deep commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice.

Every morning, I send my daughter off to her MPS school with the same reminder: "Be kind. Be a good listener. Work hard. And fight for justice." Our family lives in the city of Milwaukee, and I'm committed to having my daughter--and every child in our community--graduate from high school. Literacy is a fundamental right, and it's our shared responsibility to ensure that every child becomes a proficient reader and graduates prepared to succeed and access the world.

Katie Kison
Site Coordinator

I joined Forward Scholars as a Site Coordinator in the program’s second year.  I am truly honored to work with this amazing, dedicated team of educators!  One of the aspects that drew me into the program is the strong connection between our staff, community volunteers, schools and families. All share a common goal, which is to support students in building and strengthening their literacy skills, while also instilling a love for learning.

I received my bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin- LaCrosse, where I double majored in Elementary Education and Spanish.  After student teaching in MPS, I moved to South Carolina and later North Carolina, where I taught for the first part of my career.  However, Wisconsin kept calling me back to be closer to family and I made the move back.  I then worked with an early literacy education and outreach program that supported child care centers and early childhood educators in Milwaukee.    

I look forward to our work together as we create a positive, high quality learning environment for our young readers in the Forward Scholars tutoring program! 

MacKenzie Menefee
Site Coordinator

I am very excited to join Common Ground and the Forward Scholars team as a full-time Site Coordinator that will help support our students in their literacy journey!

I have been working in education formally since 2009 where I started teaching elementary education in Baltimore, MD. In 2016, I transitioned back to Milwaukee and began teaching literacy, math, and science to middle school students. I have been teaching in the city ever since. In 2020, I received my Masters in Educational Leadership from Cardinal Stritch. I have additional experience in curriculum & instruction, coaching and being dean of students. I look forward to the collaboration and intentional work that our team will do with our children here in Milwaukee.

Elizabeth Miller
Site Coordinator

The mission of Forward Scholars is beautiful and I am excited to be part of the team that brings it to life. I have spent my professional career dedicated to the idea that educating young children is one of the most important contributions I can make to a community. As a classroom teacher for 10 years, I deeply understand the value of literacy and the difficulties it places on young learners when deficits are not addressed.

With a Master of Education degree from the University of Minnesota and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish from the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, Minnesota, I feel I am in exactly the right place to use my education and passion to support the Forward Scholars’ mission. Specifically, the project for my master’s degree focused on the same reading strategies we use at Forward Scholars and I feel so fortunate to be able to incorporate those lessons as I plan for my students each week.

Outside of the classroom I enjoy spending time with friends, connecting with extended family, traveling, swimming, playing a variety of instruments and relaxing with my husband and two sons.

Lynnae Ortiz
Site Coordinator

I am thrilled to be joining Common Ground as a Part-Time Site Coordinator for the Forward Scholars Program.  I am passionate about educating children and understand the profound importance of literacy skills as the foundation for academic success.  The thought of using 1-on-1 tutoring sessions to make this happen is invigorating.  I can’t wait to do my part to help make a positive impact.

I’m originally from Michigan and received my BA in Education from Michigan State University.  Over the past decade and a half I’ve been privileged to teach Head Start Preschool, first grade, and even sixth grade.  I also spent a few fun years with First Stage as an Education Teaching Artist traveling and performing at schools throughout Southeast Wisconsin.  Most recently I worked in Wauwatosa as a literacy and math interventionist.

I’m married and have 5 children (2 biological and 3 step-children).  We live in West Allis.  In my free time I love spending time with my family, reading, working out, cooking, watching movies, traveling, being outdoors, attending church, and singing.  I’ve been singing with the Milwaukee Choristers since 2006.

Rebecca Pride
Site Coordinator

I’m so excited to join the Forward Scholars team as a Site Coordinator. This role aligns closely with my passion for advancing literacy and academic equity. I believe every student deserves access to a high-quality education, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to support student growth and learning.

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies, a Master’s in Child Development, and a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction, along with a Professional Teaching Certification. Over the past 15 years, I’ve worked across the education landscape as a classroom teacher, literacy coach, and education coordinator.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband, our two daughters, and our dog. I also love being outdoors, traveling, drinking coffee, and going to barre class. 

I’m looking forward to building meaningful relationships and making a positive impact through my work with Forward Scholars.

Melody Ratney
Site Coordinator

I'm so excited to be a part of Common Ground and the Forward Scholar team! What an honor it is to be a part of an organization that values education and dedicates its efforts towards bettering education for the community!

I was born and raised in Milwaukee. I received my primary and high school education from Milwaukee Public Schools (Rufus King Alum Go Generals!) therefore Forward Scholars holds a special place in my heart. I am proof of and believe that quality education can be found in public schooling. I discovered my skill for teaching early on but decided to study education explicitly and graduated with a BA in Educational Studies from Alverno in 2019. At the last minute I switched my educational focus to special education and will have my masters in special education by December of this year.

I can not wait to get to know all of you! I am very hopeful and determined to make this program as successful as it can be.

Bernard Rahming
Development and Marketing Director

Anne Tondrowski
Administrative Assistant

I am proud to support the mission of Forward Scholars as a part-time Administrative Assistant, contributing to the behind-the-scenes work that helps expand access to high-impact literacy tutoring for Milwaukee students.

I began my work in education after moving to Milwaukee to serve as a founding corps member with City Year Milwaukee. Since then, I’ve dedicated over a decade to supporting young people and mission-driven organizations in roles that span operations, development, and project management. I’ve had the opportunity to grow with organizations like City Year, Teach For America, City Forward Collective, and Civic Bridgers- often working behind the scenes to build strong systems and help teams succeed.

In addition to this work, I currently contract with several education nonprofits, providing administrative, strategic, and fundraising support. I’m passionate about building collaborative, efficient structures that help students and organizations thrive. I’m excited to be part of a team committed to advancing educational equity and building strong community-school partnerships in Milwaukee.

Thank you to White Night Photography (https://whitenightphotography.shootproof.com/)