NMS WELCOMES NEW EMPLOYEES

As we begin this new chapter of the school year, I am excited to introduce the newest members of our school community. Each of them brings unique strengths, fresh perspectives, and a deep commitment to student success. We’re confident they will enrich our school with their talents and dedication. Please join me in giving them a warm welcome!

-Brandon Creason

Principal

Hi my name is Cortland Sommerfeldt. This is my 5th year teaching, but will be my first year here at Nippersink Middle School. I grew up in Johnsburg Illinois, please don’t hold that against me…I know the rivalry is still there today. I went to college at Illinois State University and graduated with my Elementary Degree. Last year, I decided to continue my education and received my middle school math endorsement. I love to spend my free time doing anything sports related..unfortunately for me, I am a Chicago sports fan. I also love to spend time with my family, spend time on the boat, read, golf, and binge watch my favorite TV shows. A fun fact about me is I have been on 6 cruises and have visited 7 other countries.

Short intro: Hello My name is Mrs.Gier. I have worked as a para-professional for over 5 years and also serve as the Color Guard Director for Richmond-Burton Community High School. I am thrilled to join the team here at Nippersink Middle School and look forward to contributing to our students’ growth and success

Hometown: McHenry.

College: University of SouthWestern Louisiana, and College of Lake County

Hobbies: Color Guard, tennis, and biking.

Fun Fact: Favorite color is Purple

My name is Melanie Borchert. I am a mom of 4 boys ranging in ages 22 - 27 and 3 dogs and have been happily married for 28 years. I live in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin with my family. I have worked as a paraprofessional and as a cafeteria worker at other school districts in past years. I am looking forward to being a part of the NMS family!

Hometown: Woodstock, IL and currently live in Twin Lakes, WI.

Hobbies: watching movies, playing with my dogs and traveling when I can.

Fun Fact: I was the owner of a business called Knockerball Southern Lakes for 7 years. Knockerball is an activity where you are in a big inflatable ball that fits over your head and your legs are sticking out and you can run around. I brought Knockerball to lots of events big and small, such as Country Thunder, Milwaukee Air and Water Show, Mexican Fiesta and German Fest in Milwaukee.

Hello! My name is Kristina Keefe.

This is my first year as a classroom teacher, and I couldn’t be more excited to begin this new chapter! For the past five years, I’ve had the pleasure of working at Spring Grove Elementary as a paraprofessional, which has given me a strong connection to the school and its wonderful community.

I grew up in McHenry and later moved to Spring Grove, where I attended Nippersink Middle School and Richmond-Burton Community High School. I’m proud to now be teaching in the same community that helped shape who I am

College:

I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I've worked in both private practice and schools. This will be my 9th year as a school social worker. I'm very excited to be working with middle schoolers again and to be a part of the NMS team.

Hometown: Johnsburg

College/University: Trinity Christian College & MSW Dominican University

Hobbies: I enjoy traveling, reading and spending time with my family.

Fun Fact: I used to drive a school bus.

I moved to Spring Grove last fall & have two students here at NMS and one at RGS. We are a military family and have lived all over the country, most recently coming from Washington State. We returned to IL to be close to family, because I am originally from Glenview.

College: I attended Southern CT State University for my bachelor’s, and Western CT State for my master’s - both in history, and now am finishing another master’s from Washington State University in agriculture.

Hobbies: I love to read, garden & spend time outdoors.

Fun fact - My favorite place that we have lived was Alaska.

I’m Tegan Kohler and I’m excited to join the middle school ELA team this year. I previously taught in Zion for 10 years and this will be my first year at NMS. I live in Richmond with my husband, three kids, and two dogs. I can’t wait to start the year and meet my students and families.

Hometown: Richmond

College/University: Northern Illinois University

Hobbies: Reading, shopping, hiking

Fun Fact: This summer I decided to learn a new sport and started playing golf with my family.

My name is Kate Rudolph and I am happy to join the Nippersink team as the new school counselor! I've worked as a school counselor for 8 years in all settings from elementary to high school but middle school was my favorite so I'm excited to support at this level again.

Hometown: McHenry, IL

College: Augustana (undergrad) Lewis University (graduate)

Hobbies: Reading, working out, walking my dog, kayaking

Fun Fact: My dog's name is Friday because it's the best day of the week

Intro: My name is Hannah Rudkin, and I'm the new Speech-Language Pathologist at NMS & RB. I'm super excited to start my career here and meet everyone soon!

Hometown: Spring Grove, IL

College/University: Illinois State University

Hobbies: I love to workout, read books, and take my dog Penny on walks!

Fun fact: I graduated from NMS in 2015!