Meet Our Staff

I am Deb Sixel, Kiel Middle School principal and co-administrator for the Between the Lakes Virtual Academy. With 30+ years of experience in education, I’ve held roles as a teacher, principal, curriculum/technology coordinator, online teacher, and adjunct professor. I am excited to see the expansion of e-learning for elementary and middle school students! In my free time, I enjoy reading, traveling, cooking, and hiking the Ice Age Trail with my adult children.

I am Chad Ramminger and I am an administrator for the Between the Lakes Virtual Academy. I am excited to be part of this new journey for our students, parents and staff. I have been an administrator in the Kiel Area School district for 18 years and have the privilege to work at all levels within the district. I have three sons who enjoy sports and spending time outdoors. You will find me on the golf course when I have a free moment.

I am Chris Christopherson and I’m a mentor teacher for Between the Lakes Virtual Academy. I’m looking forward to this opportunity to meet you, give support, and help ensure a positive online learning experience. I have taught K-12 physical education and adaptive physical education for 10 years and have mentored online algebra courses for the past two years. I also have a Masters in Sports Administration and experience as an athletic director. When I’m not teaching or coaching athletics, I enjoy spending time with my wife and our son, playing golf, volleyball, hunting, and fishing.

I am Amanda Sieracki the first-grade teacher for Between the Lakes Virtual Academy. I have been teaching for 16 years in different capacities and am so excited to have this opportunity to work with your child and your family. I live in Manitowoc with my husband and 3 children. My children keep me busy with all of their activities. Whenever we get the chance, as a family, we love to travel! We are trying to hit all the national parks! During the summer, you will find us at our cottage or camping! I am excited for this virtual adventure!

I am Sharon Driessen the second-grade teacher for Between the Lakes Virtual Academy. I have been teaching for 26 years and am so excited to have this opportunity to work with your child and your family. I live in Fond du Lac and have 1 daughter. As a family, we love to bike, kayak, camp, read, and hike. During the summer, you will find us with our softball family at many different complexes throughout the state. I am excited to see where this learning adventure takes us!

My name is Jennifer Garty, and I’m the fifth-grade teacher for Between the Lakes Virtual Academy. I have my Bachelor of Science from Cardinal Stritch University, with minors in both Mathematics and English, and an Associate degree in Arts and Sciences. I have my Master’s degree from Concordia University of Wisconsin, with my 316 Reading Teachers License, and my 317 Reading Specialist License. I have taught for the past 13 years, at both the elementary and middle school levels, and absolutely love it. Working with kids is a passion of mine. When not teaching, I enjoy being active, rummage saling, fishing, reading, traveling, and spending time with my husband and two kids.

I am Paula Emme, and I will be teaching Communication Arts for grade 8 at the Between the Lakes Virtual Academy. I am in my 30th year of teaching. The last 29 years I have spent at Kiel Middle School – I taught Social Studies and Communication Arts in Grade 7 for seven years and then moved to Grade 8 where I have been teaching Social Studies or Communication Arts. I graduated from Silver Lake College and obtained a Masters in Education at Lakeland College. I enjoy supporting my husband who is a mountain bike and dirt bike racer and also spending time with my family. I am looking forward to this teaching and learning opportunity.

I am very excited to be the eighth-grade math teacher for the Between the Lakes Virtual Academy. I have thirty years of experience teaching both at the elementary and middle school level. I have a passion for teaching and get excited when students learn. I look forward to getting to know the Between the Lakes Academy students and their families. When I am not teaching, I enjoy traveling, cooking, going for walks, reading, crafting, gardening, and spending time with my husband and two sons.

My name is Katie Thibeault and I am an 8th Grade Social Studies Teacher at Between the Lakes Virtual Academy. I have my Bachelor of Science from U.W. Green Bay in Education, with a minor in History. I have been a teacher at Kiel High School since 2009 in the Social Studies Department. Classes I have taught over the years are U.S. History, World History, Human Behavior, American Government, and World Geography. When I am not teaching, I love to be with my family, read, and spend time outside. Our family spends a lot of time at our family cottage kayaking, swimming, or paddle boarding.

Hello and Welcome! I am Sheila Ramminger, and I am excited to serve you as a Visual Arts teacher for Between the Lakes Virtual Academy and Kiel eSchool. I will be teaching MS 2D Studio Art, Drawing, Beginning Painting, and Digital Photography. I have a K-12 Art Education License and my Master’s Degrees in Curriculum and Instruction license, Director of Pupil Services license, and Administrative Leadership license.

I have been teaching since 1996, and am in 18th year at Kiel High school. Over my 24 years teaching I have had the true pleasure of teaching Art to students at all grade levels as well as some adult education classes. I am the Head Coach for Kiel High School Girls Tennis Team. Outside of teaching and coaching you will find me spending time with my husband and 3 kids, friends and family.