Learn more about our exceptional teaching staff.
Mrs. Gina Ader comes to Ascension Academy with over 25 years of experience in the public school system. She began her teaching career as a middle school special education teacher in Montana, where she was born and raised. In 2007 she moved to Wisconsin, her husband's home state, where she earned her reading specialist certification. She then worked with students from kindergarten through 10th grade as a Reading and Math Interventionist in Siren and St. Croix Falls.
Gina and her husband, Karl, raised their children in Saint Croix Falls and moved to Cumberland seven years ago. They both have hearts for helping children and families and have written two books with this aim. It is Gina's calling and passion to work with children of all ages, and she is so excited to serve in a Christian environment with other followers of Christ.
You can reach Mrs. Ader at
Mrs. Mindy Anderson graduated from Turtle Lake High School and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in Marketing Communications and Professional Development Communications from the University of Wisconsin–River Falls. After graduating, she held several professional roles, including Account Executive at WJMC Radio and Marketing Director for Woodstone Senior Living.
When her daughter, Caidence, started kindergarten, Mindy felt a strong calling to work in the same school environment that was shaping her daughter’s life. She began working within the Rice Lake Area School District in a variety of roles, including Paraprofessional, Tainter Reset Room, and eventually as the district’s Full-Time Substitute Teacher. Through those experiences, she quickly discovered that teaching was her true passion. Building relationships with students, helping them learn, and positively shaping young minds is one of the greatest gifts she feels called to share with the next generation.
Teaching Kindergarten at Ascension Academy in Cameron is an exciting opportunity for Mindy to combine her passion for hands-on learning with her desire to create a meaningful, supportive, and Christ-centered classroom environment. Ascension Academy’s statement of faith reflects the kind of biblically grounded community Mindy values; one that prioritizes the spiritual growth of each child and encourages students to be shaped by God’s Word rather than the patterns of the world.
Mindy and her family attend and serve at Red Cedar Church, where she has been involved for the past 10 years. During that time, she has served in RC Kids as a Kindergarten through 5th-grade Small Group Leader, RC Kids Large Group Communicator, prayer ministry team member, and a Bible study participant. She also served on staff as the interim RC Kids Coordinator during the search for the church’s current Next Gen Pastor.
Mindy is passionate about fostering a growth mindset and helping students thrive academically, socially, and spiritually. Her substitute teaching experience has allowed her to work in many different classroom settings, where she developed strong classroom management skills and learned how to adapt to the unique needs of students. She believes kindergarten students learn best through play, movement, music, and hands-on experiences. She is excited to create an environment that supports the developmental needs of young learners while helping them feel confident, successful, and loved.
One of Mindy’s favorite parts of teaching is connecting classroom learning to each student's personal interests. She believes this helps spark curiosity, ignite a love of learning, and build confidence in each child’s abilities.
Alongside her teaching experience, Mindy also brings coaching and mentoring experience. These opportunities have strengthened her ability to connect with both children and adults on a personal level, listen with empathy, and help others navigate challenges with confidence and encouragement. She will draw on these skills to help students cultivate leadership, strengthen their character, and build emotional resilience as they grow.
Outside of school, Mindy enjoys spending time with her family and making meaningful memories together. During the summer, her family loves camping and exploring the outdoors. She and her husband, Jim, along with their three children, Caidence (11), Taylen (8), and Sylvie (1), enjoy traveling from campground to campground, swimming, riding bikes, and playing yard games. While they love summer adventures, winter is equally special to the Anderson family. They enjoy ice fishing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and ice skating. They embrace Wisconsin’s beautiful winter season with enthusiasm and activity.
Faith, family, and community are deeply important to Mindy, and she feels honored for the opportunity to partner with parents in helping students grow academically, socially, and in their faith.
You can reach Mindy at
Miss Kelly Bagley grew up in northwestern Wisconsin and returned as an adult, having developed a great appreciation for its culture, history, and traditions. Curiosity and a desire to serve have led to a variety of professional and volunteer opportunities that honed an eclectic collection of skills.
Kelly holds bachelors degrees in Community Health Education and Nursing, and Elementary Education. She enjoys learning, and as an avid reader, actively pursues continuing education, and is always game to try something new. Bible worldview and cultural issues are two of her driving interests. These qualities brought Kelly to Ascension Academy. A favorite quote is "He that takes truth for his guide, and duty for his end, may safely trust to God's providence to lead him alright." - Blaise Pascal.
A verse central to her philosophy of life is "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy. and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8.
You can reach Kelly at
Mrs. Bridget Bartlett and her husband own a construction company and live on a small beef farm in Barron There, they raised their five children through 8th grade. Bridget received her bachelors degree at Olivet Nazarene University in Kankakee, IL.
Bridget has enjoyed a variety of work experience including farm work, CNA, radio DJ, volleyball coach, East Coast tour guide, and homeschool mom. When possible, she enjoys outdoor activities and time with friends and family. She also enjoys listening to bible teachers and learning about christian apologetics.
Bridget feels blessed to be a part of of the mission and vision of Ascension Academy.
You can reach Bridget at
Mrs. Mary Becker grew up on a dairy farm, where she learned the values of hard work, responsibility, and perseverance. Her mother owned a café, which provided Mary with a firsthand understanding of the importance of community and service. These early experiences instilled in her a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for the impact of caring for others.
Mary graduated from Northland College with a Bachelor of Science in Sociology. Her studies deepened her understanding of social dynamics and the importance of fostering strong, supportive communities. Inspired by a desire to make a tangible difference in people's lives, she later returned to college to become a Registered Nurse.
As a nurse, Mary had the privilege of caring for individuals from all walks of life, which taught her the value of empathy, patience, and compassion. These experiences have been invaluable, providing her with a solid foundation for understanding the unique needs of each child and how to create a nurturing and inclusive learning environment.
Mrs. Becker has a passion for early childhood education and a belief in the transformative power of learning. In her new role, she is committed to guiding young minds with love and biblical principles, as inspired by Proverbs 22:6, "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it."
You can reach Mrs. Becker at
Mr. Craig Derousseau is graduate of Rice Lake High School, he continued his education at the University of Wisconsin–River Falls, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education.
For the past five years, he has been a dedicated educator within the Rice Lake Area School District, teaching 3rd and 4th grade. Through his time at RLASD, he gained invaluable experience in the classroom, developing a deep understanding of the academic and social needs of upper-elementary students. He is eager to bring that experience into his new role at Ascension Academy, where he can merge his professional experience with his devotion to the Gospel.
He views his role as an opportunity to be the "hands and feet" of the Lord. He is committed to shepherding his students toward a full life in Christ, helping them see God’s hand in their studies and their daily lives. For him, teaching at Ascension Academy is more than a job—it is a calling from God, and he is humbled to follow the path the Lord has set before him.
Faith and family are the cornerstones of his life. He and his wife, Amber, have been active members of Red Cedar Church for the past five years, where Amber also serves on the church staff. Together, they are raising three energetic young boys: Rudy (3), Clay (2), and Archie (8 months). Life at home is a whirlwind of cars, dinosaurs, and superheroes, and they feel immensely blessed by the gift of their three sons.
When he isn’t in the classroom, you can find him embracing the beauty of Wisconsin and the great outdoors. He is a hunter, a passionate Wisconsin sports fan, and loves spending quality time with friends and family.
Craig is honored to join the Ascension Academy team and looks forward to serving our students and partnering with parents to help children grow academically, socially, and spiritually.
You can reach Mr. Derousseau here:
Mr. Joe DeVillers was led by the Lord out of the graphic design world and into teaching in a unique way. After working for a large company as a graphic designer, he realized the Lord was calling him to discipleship and teaching through service at his church in Menomonie. While earning his teaching license, he served as a youth mentor, youth group leader, Awana teacher, worship team member (playing guitar, upright and electric bass, and cajón), substitute teacher, and cross-country coach.
This will be his seventh year teaching in northwestern Wisconsin and his first year at Ascension Academy. He is incredibly thankful to have answered the Lord's call to teaching and discipleship. Joe and his wife, Breann, along with their three children, Emmet, Nora, and Lucy, are excited to become part of the Ascension community.
One passage that has been especially meaningful to Joe is Ephesians 2, particularly verse 8:
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God." — Ephesians 2:8 (ESV)
You can reach Mr. DeVillers here:
Mrs. Sonya Hegle grew up in Detroit, MI surrounded by relatives and friends employed in the auto industry, so it's no surprise that she graduated from General Motors Institute with a BS degree in Industrial Engineering. She worked for GM for 13 years in various Sales, Service, and Quality roles, and met her husband Brent while working at the GM plant in Janesville, WI. They married, moved to Minneapolis, and added 3 children to their family whom they homeschooled for over 20 years.
Their family was called to missions with Youth For Christ and Youth With A Mission (YWAM), participating in short-term mission trips, hospitality, and camp ministry. They also served at a Christian boarding school as live-in mentors of at-risk youth. Sonya taught a variety of subjects there as well as at Baldwin Christian School, and later worked as a Special Education Paraprofessional at Spooner Elementary.
For the last few years Sonya's enjoyed working at Rice Lake Weighing Systems in customer service. She's excited that God is leading her back into Christian education at Ascension Academy in the roles of Math, STEAM, and Ascension Academy Flex, a Learning at Home program. The Hegles attend Maranatha Evangelical Free Church where they are active in the greeting ministry while they continue to minister to families and children at various Christian camps throughout the Upper Midwest.
"Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you." Psalm 63:3 is a special verse to Sonya, because it reminds her of God's goodness throughout all the changes and challenges in her life. She looks forward to serving the local community and families of Ascension Academy.
You can reach Mrs. Hegle here:
Mrs. Chrissy Herman grew up in Genoa City, Wisconsin, as the youngest of three children in a large Italian family. Her passion for serving others began in early childhood family education programs and continues through supporting adults with disabilities in residential and community settings.
Her teaching career took her to Lawrence, Kansas, where she taught high school special education students and led community education classes in art and swimming for individuals with special needs. She later moved to Boulder, Colorado, serving middle and high school students at a public charter school in Denver.
Called back to Wisconsin, Chrissy taught elementary and high school special education in the communities of Madison, Siren, Frederic, and Barron. She is also a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant and occasionally serves patients at Dove Healthcare’s short-term rehabilitation and skilled nursing facility.
Chrissy and her husband, Jeno, live in rural Timberland, Wisconsin, with their daughters, Melody and Lilli, and two playful dogs. Chrissy gives God the glory for His restoration, grace, and perfect timing as she serves others with faith, compassion, patience, and hope. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord… “plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11)
You can reach Mrs. Herman here:
As a graduate of the University of Northwestern – St. Paul, Miss Emma Karpenske is excited to join the teaching team at Ascension Academy. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, with minors in Biblical Studies and Dance. She has served children and young adults in a variety of roles, including as a horseback riding instructor, dance choreographer, and paraprofessional.
Miss Karpenske grew up in New Richmond, Wisconsin and is grateful to continue serving students and families in northwest Wisconsin. She enjoys gardening, embroidering, and spending time outdoors. Her life verse is John 13:1: “...Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.”
She looks forward to getting to know the Ascension Academy families and growing in fellowship with the school community.
You can reach Emma at
Mrs. Donna Kurschner has over 20 years of teaching experience in the public schools of New Jersey. She is an New Jersey native with a BA in Italian and certifications to teach Italian and Spanish from Montclair State University. She holds an MA in Applied Linguistics with certification to teach English as a Second Language from the same university. She has also earned additional graduate credits in Education through the distance learning program at Marygrove College.
The transition to Wisconsin began with a series of events stemming from the circumstances of 2020. These events led Donna's family to leave NJ and to move to WI where some of her husband's family still resides. (In fact, the first Kurschners settled in northern WI, so if you know a Kurschner, it’s likely you know a relative of Alan!) Donna spent the first few years in WI homeschooling their son, but she also missed the classroom. The opportunity to teach in the Christ-centered community at Ascension Academy while continuing to homeschool has been the perfect fit!
A quick look into Donna’s childhood games would tell you about her love for both teaching and world languages. She would often play “school” with family, neighborhood friends, and even her stuffed animals. She loved learning words in Spanish while watching Sesame Street, and she often created her own languages among friends.
Donna knows how strongly both teachers and students can impact the lives of one another. There are some special teachers who influenced her throughout her life. Therefore, from the start of her career, she has strived to be a positive influence to her students as well. During her beginning years of teaching, fellow colleagues and one student had important roles in her coming to know Jesus as her Lord and Savior. One of her favorite verses is John 6:68, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”
You can reach Donna at
Mrs. Beth McClain grew up on a farm in rural Wisconsin and graduated from Prairie Farm High School. She went to Ripon College, where she started working toward a teaching degree in Phy Ed, Music, or Art, but she transitioned to earn a BA in Art and Music with piano & clarinet being her focus. While at Ripon, she was on the Volleyball and Track & Field teams.
Beth has used her music, art, and sports experience in various ways over the years: playing organ at church, accompanying on the piano, directing small church choirs and the community Christmas choir in Cumberland, leading crafts at VBS, subbing in art, music and Phy. Ed. at Ascension Academy and coaching sports. Beth is currently the JV Volleyball coach and the Pole Vault and High Jump coach at Cumberland High School. She is also currently the Creative & Worship Arts Director at Northern Lakes Church and plays & sings on the worship team with her husband, Kevin.
In addition to her creative pursuits, Beth brings a wealth of diverse work experience. She has worked in customer service and accounts payable at a tractor salvage yard, served as a bank teller at Cumberland Federal Bank, and partnered with her husband on construction projects. These roles have helped her develop strong people skills and a broad perspective.
Beth loves to explore God's creation by going hiking and kayaking/canoeing with Kevin and finds joy in the little things like spring flowers and fall leaves in full color. Spending time with her grandchildren is a new joy that God has given her in the past few years, and each moment brings a new blessing as she watches them grow. Life is full of seasons, and as Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven." Beth is excited to start a new season as a Phy. Ed. teacher at Ascension Academy. She will also assist with our bookkeeping needs.
You can reach Mrs. McClain at
Mrs. Mariah Millerman grew up in the Cameron/Rice Lake area. She graduated from Cameron and attended college at UW-La Crosse, earning a bachelor’s degree in early/middle childhood education. This is her tenth year as a teacher, gaining experience in Black River Falls, Eau Claire, and Amery before she joined us last year at Ascension Academy's Cumberland campus.
Mariah currently lives in Cumberland with her husband, Steven, daughter, Scartlett, and their cat, Rudy. They attend church in Clear Lake at United Covenant Church, and enjoy being outside and exploring nature together. Some of their favorite pastimes together are fishing, roadtripping, and cooking new meals. Mariah enjoys reading, puzzles, crafting, and playing games of all kinds.
Mariah is the 1st-2nd grade teacher at our Cameron campus, and is excited for the opportunity to teach in the same building where she was inspired to become a teacher when she was young.
You can reach Mrs. Millerman at
Ms. Liz Musch will be our 4K teacher in Cameron in the mornings and the Office Manager in the afternoons. Liz holds a Bachelor’s degree in Art Therapy with a minor in Photography from the University of Wisconsin–Superior. This is where she developed a strong foundation in creativity, emotional expression, and working with individuals of all ages. Liz's passion for supporting children has guided much of her professional and volunteer experience.
Over the past several years, she has worked in a variety of roles centered around child development, education, and care. Liz spent two years as a Behavior Technician at DreamShip in Cameron, working closely with children ages 2–12 and supporting those with diverse needs. In addition, she has served as a respite care provider and has taught English online to students in China ranging from ages 4–12. Liz has also been a community tutor with Classical Conversations for young learners ages 6–7. Alongside these roles, Liz has homeschooled her three children at different seasons of life, giving her hands-on experience in individualized education and nurturing a love of learning.
Liz's faith and church community are central to her life. She has been actively involved at Red Cedar Church for over four years, where she serves as a worship leader, vocalist, and backup drummer. She also leads the team of vocalists and has participated in worship for youth events. Liz volunteers in the children’s ministry, primarily working with ages 3–5, and serves on the prayer team. Outside of her home church, she volunteers as a member of the staff for the Selah women’s retreat, hosted twice a year at YWAM Northwoods. She is also part of a weekly moms’ small group that has been a consistent source of encouragement, support, and spiritual growth for both her and her children.
Liz is a single mother to three wonderful children, Aiden, Raya, and Rone. They will be entering 6th grade, 3rd grade, and Kindergarten in the upcoming school year. As a family, they enjoy worship music, movie nights, and spending time outdoors. Having grown up in Cameron, she has deep roots in the community and a lifelong love for art, music, and sports. Music remains one of her greatest passions, especially as she uses it to share her faith and connect with others.
Liz genuinely enjoys helping people and feels especially called to work with children, including those with special needs. She is grateful for the opportunity to serve and grow within the community. She is passionate about being part of a mission that brings faith, learning, and support to families in Cameron and beyond.
You can reach Ms. Musch here:
Mrs. Barbara Oduor (Mrs. O) was born and raised in France as a missionary kid. She has had a variety of education experiences in French public school, homeschooling, and missionary boarding school in Germany. She went to Moody Bible Institute, where she met her husband, Otieno. Barbara graduated with a BA in Bible Theology (Biblical Language), then studied Applied Linguistics at the University of Texas for literacy and Bible translation (Wycliffe).
The couple got married, joined a mission, and lived in Tanzania, Chad, and France, welcoming four children into their family. In 2016, they moved to the area and have been working with the immigrant community through the Well International. Barbara was a substitute teacher in area schools before getting her teaching license in Special Education. She has taught in that capacity in the public elementary school for the last five years, enjoying her work in the grade classrooms as well as interventions.
Barbara is very excited to join Ascension Academy this year as the 1st/2nd grade teacher. She has a passion for caring for the whole person and can now freely care for spiritual growth. Colossians 1: 9 and on: "asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will ... so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit ... increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened ... giving thanks..."
You can reach Mrs. O at
Meet Mr. David Teachout! He will be teaching history and Bible classes next year at Ascension Academy. David had the privilege to grow up as an MK (missionary kid). He spend most of his childhood in Quebec, Canada before his family was called to start a church plant in French Guiana, a small country in South America. Because of his background, David speaks French fluently and nas encountered a great variety of cultures and people.
In 2019, David left home and began working towards a bachelor’s degree in social studies education at Maranatha Baptist University in Watertown, Wisconsin. While there, he met his future wife, Brooke. They were married in January of 2021, and have two daughters. He graduated in the fall of 2023. David and Brooke hope to buy a property in the country and start a hobby farm someday.
David serves as an infantryman in the Wisconsin National Guard and is proud of his service to his country. In his free time he enjoys firearms training, good movies, and playing chess.
David’s decision to enter the field of education stems from the deep appreciation of history that he developed at a young age. He strongly believes that history can help equip young people with a sense of identity, ground them in reality, and provide a perspective that will guide them into their future. David believes that God has clearly called him to teach young people and greatly looks forward to fulfilling this calling at Ascension Academy.
You can reach David at
Ruth Westendorf and her husband Peter have been a part of Ascension Academy from the beginning, serving on the steering committee (both), School Improvement Committee (Ruth), and school board (Peter). The children of Christian school teachers, principals, and school-starters, they are deeply committed to Christian education. Ruth homeschooled their five children through high school, and served on the leadership team for the GRACE (Greater Rice Lake Area Christian Educators) homeschool group.
Ruth’s list of hobbies is too long to list, but she tries to bring as many of them into her STEAM classes as possible, believing that a skill learned in one sphere could easily lead to the next innovation in another. Past STEAM classes included 3D printing, basic computer programming, renewable electricity generation (building and using a wind turbine and solar updraft tower), applied microbiology (making cheese and pizza crust from scratch), pharmacology (studying the medicinal benefits of the herbs in pizza sauce), and practical use of natural resources (spinning, weaving, and sewing stuffed animals out of raw llama wool; making apple cider; hatching chicks in an incubator; and learning all about honey bees and maple syrup production). Many of these skills are then used in service to the students' families and our school community.
She also loves studying Christian apologetics, and doesn’t shy away from difficult conversations with her students. Her blueprint for life comes from 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12: “You yourselves have been taught by God to love each other . . . we urge you, brothers, to do so more and more, and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.”
You can reach Ruth at
Rylie grew up in Barron, WI where she graduated from Barron High School. Recently Rylie graduated from Northwood Technical College with a degree in business management, and is now pursuing a degree for her true calling education in Early Childhood Education. Rylie has a passion for making a positive impact on young minds.
When Rylie has free time, she loves being outside hammocking, being on the lake, and exploring new areas. A Bible verse Rylie thinks of often, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5
You can reach Rylie at
Ascension Academy, Inc. admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
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