Forward Scholars Schools 2023 - 2024

Stuart (Purple) - 7001 N 86th St
Lloyd Barbee Montessori (Brown) - 4456 N Teutonia Ave
Keefe Avenue (Orange) - 1618 W Keefe Ave
Bryant (Blue) 8718 W Thurston Ave
Vieau (Green) 823 S 4th Street
Forest Home (Red)1516 W Forest Home Ave
Greenfield (Yellow) 1711 S35th Street

How do I learn more?

You can contact our Executive Director, Dr. Carrie Streiff-Stuessy at carriess@forwardscholars.org

Meet our staff

Dr. Carrie Streiff-Stuessy
Executive Director

I am honored and thrilled to be the Executive Director of Forward Scholars since July, 2022. I grew up in Madison, and graduated from LaFollette High School. I earned my bachelor’s degree from UW-Madison in Elementary Education (PK-3) and immediately moved to Milwaukee to start my teaching career in MPS as a classroom teacher. Soon after, I got my Masters in Reading & Learning Disabilities from Cardinal Stritch and then a Certificate in Advanced Literacy Assessment & Intervention. I loved the school and the learning so much that I went back again and received my Doctorate in Language & Literacy in 2018.

I have served students and families in education for 24 years. I taught in MPS for 12 years as a kindergarten, 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade teacher as well as a literacy coach. I then made the professional move to the Wauwatosa public schools, where I was a reading specialist for 11 years. I am passionate about diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice. Every day before I drop my kiddo off at school I remind her to "Be Kind. Be a Good Listener. Work Hard. And Fight for Justice!" We live in the city of Milwaukee, my daughter is enrolled in MPS, and I'm committed to having her graduate from the Milwaukee Public Schools. I'm also committed to doing all that I can to make sure that EVERY child in MPS graduates from high school. It’s every child’s right to be literate, and our job as a community to make sure this happens.

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.

Megan Miner
Full Time Site Coordinator

I obtained my Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a Minor in Spanish from the University of Wisconsin La Crosse, a Master of Science in Bilingual Education from La Universidad Catolica San Antonio de Murcia from Spain, and a certification in TESOL from Anaheim University.

I have been a bilingual educator for eight years teaching in a variety of grade levels and subject matters in Colombia, Spain, and the United States. I spent the greater part of my career at a Dual-Language School on the Southside of Milwaukee teaching Language Arts and Social Studies. The common factor throughout all of my teaching experiences has been literacy. I love seeing the impact that reading can have on a student and I am excited to be part of a team that cares so much about their community.

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.

Lyndsey Randall
Part Time Administrative Assistant

I am so excited to join the Forward Scholar team as an Administrative Assistant. I look forward to helping support the program!

I have always had a passion for teaching and education. I graduated from UW-Milwaukee with my Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. I taught First and Second grade for 12 years in Milwaukee and Greendale. I am married and have 2 kids and a dog named Tucker. I love to travel, read, and spend time with my family.

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.

Melissa Rios
Site Coordinator

I have served in education in middle school and high school, in various capacities for over fifteen years. I am incredibly humbled and overjoyed to be joining the Forward Scholars team as a Site Coordinator. As a first-generation Latina college graduate, I am passionate about providing children and families the resources they need to be successful in all aspects of life, especially with their education. I have helped build tutor programs similar to the Forward Scholars tutoring program in schools, and I have seen first-hand the impact it has on transforming students' academic success. I am excited to be able to continue bringing academic resources to the lives of students within my community.

I was born and raised on the southside of Milwaukee and received my BA in Spanish and Portuguese from the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee. I worked in Catholic education for over fifteen years helping create, develop and maintain programs that enriched students academically and socially. In 2021, I received a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from the University of Notre Dame which led to my work as a Dean of Students and Director of Student Services at a local high school.

I am looking forward to learning from the Forward Scholars team and providing children what they need in education for the success of their future.

Board of Directors

For more information

Contact Dr. Carrie Streiff-Stuessy, Executive Director, at forwardscholarsed@gmail.com.