Meet Our Staff

My name is Rita Lilyquist. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education (grades 1-9) with a minor in English from Lakeland University. I have over 25 years experience teaching grades K-8 both in public and private schools and my own children via homeschooling. I have spent the past five years as an Online/Virtual Teacher and have been a part of the BTLVA team for the past two years. I look forward to meeting you and your family and assisting in this journey!

I reside in Plymouth with my husband, two children (one in high school and one in college), a Goldendoodle, and a Great Dane. When I’m not teaching, you will find me attending local high school sporting events, playing board games with my family, trekking along on the Ice Age Trail, or cheering on the state’s many sports teams.

You’ll be hearing from me each month via our Between the Lakes Newsletter with opportunities for you and your family to be part of the BTLVA family.

Email: rlilyquist@kiel.k12.wi.us

Hello! My name is Jennifer Heritsch.

This is my 17th year teaching and my 3rd year as a virtual teacher. I’m passionate about education and love teaching virtually. I received my teaching certification at UW Milwaukee. I continue to learn and grow as an educator everyday. I’m currently reading The Boundless Classroom.

I live in Stoughton, WI with my husband, Paul and our seven children, Miles, Eleanor, Oliver, Theodore, Ameleia, Julian and Penelope. We live on a hobby farm where we bale hay, garden and care for chickens, goats, a miniature horse, llama and alpaca. We also have three dogs and a cat.

I’m so excited to get to know all of you this year!
Please reach out if you have any questions.

Email: jheritsch@kiel.k12.wi.us

My name is Olivia Durant. This will be my third year with Between the Lakes Virtual Academy teaching grades 4K-5. I received my Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education from William Woods University in Fulton, MO. My family resides in Shawnee, Kansas and before moving here, I taught grades 4 – 8 for five years in Green Bay, Wisconsin at Leonardo da Vinci School for Gifted Learners before transitioning to the virtual platform. My husband, Tyler and I have two kids, Sutton and Tatum and a Goldendoodle named Piper. We love to spend time with family, travel and get outside as much as possible! If I’m not doing those things, then I’m usually running. 🙂 I’m looking forward to meeting you and learning alongside you and your family this school year!

Email: odurant@kiel.k12.wi.us

When I am forced to be inside, I enjoy going to libraries or museums and researching random topics. Some of my favorite topics are: plants and weeds that can be used for food or medicine, how to build solar panels, weird facts about historical events and people that aren’t taught in school, and how to make art out of junk. I want to learn more about electrical circuits and soldering of all kinds, and I would love to start my own maker space. I also enjoy all things Star Wars, Legos, and games of all kinds.

I look forward to working with you and finding out what inspires you to learn!

Email: awanty@kiel.k12.wi.us

Hello and welcome to Between the Lakes Virtual Academy! I am Jess Gruenke, The 6-8th grade science and social studies teacher. My goal is to ensure that students reach their full potential, embrace challenges, and connect with others.

I am a National Board Certified Teacher, and I also completed my Master’s degree in Educational Leadership. My WI certification is in General Ed. (k-8) and Special Education (k-12).

My husband, daughter, dog, and I all enjoy finding new adventures and experiences. You will find us exploring new locations, outdoors, spending time with friends, reading, and or watching all things MARVEL.

Lastly, together we are going to make it a great year!

~Ms. Gruenke

Text/call: 920.838.1326

Email: jgruenke@kiel.k12.wi.us