Out of School Time Conference - Presenter Page
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Welcome to the Presenter Page! 
Out of School Time Conference 2025

Keynote Speaker

Jackie Scott will lead a panel discussion.​

Session Presenters

Udit Agarwal

CEO and founder, NextWate STEM

Stacy Broach

Director of the Office of Family Engagement at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction 

​​Jamie Culbert

​Dan Eckhardt

Dan Eckhardt brings over 20 years of experience working in early childhood education with an emphasis in group care. He brings a strong background in financial management and a keen eye for detail. Dan enjoys building upon relationships and collaborating with partners to strengthen business practices and help providers reach their financial goals.

Amanda Ehlert

Amanda began her career in early childhood education in 2000 teaching toddlers and two-year-olds in a group center setting. This experience led to her journey in pursuing higher education in the field of child growth and development and child care programming. Various additional positions throughout the years have included classroom teaching, peer mentoring, Group Center Director, Family Child Care Certification Specialist, Professional Development Coach, and now an Early Childhood Specialist and adult trainer. Amanda is also a lover of travel, nature, and all things miniature.

Bunmi Esho

​Amanda Farrar

Amanda Farrar is an Outreach Program Manager who develops programs with faculty that bring the University of Wisconsin expertise into the community to further the Wisconsin Idea. For example, she co-founded Whoopensocker with Dr. Erica Halverson which has served Madison elementary schools since 2015. An arts administrator, educator, and practitioner, Amanda holds bachelor of arts degrees in dance and English from Webster University and a Masters of Arts Management from Columbia College Chicago. Amanda has co-founded half a dozen companies and has led several nonprofits.​

Mia Forslund

Mia Forslund is an Education Engagement Specialist with PBS Wisconsin Education. In her role, she collaborates with team members, partner organizations, and educators to develop and share educational media resources for Wisconsin educators and learners. She grew up in Wisconsin and loves that she now gets to work on projects that reach Wisconsin classrooms and communities and offer opportunities to learn something new every day.

Daniel Gage

Daniel Gage is a WOSTA consultant for advocacy, education, and outreach, specializes in building alliances for out-of-school time programs. With a background in public education and leadership roles at the Green Bay Education Association, Dan brings practical experience to his role, and specializes in bringing groups together as the facilitator of the Wisconsin Partnership for Children and Youth.

Nick Harnish

Nick Harnish, M.S., is a seasoned educator and leader in positive youth development, currently serving as the Senior Director of Education at Girl Scouts of Wisconsin–Badgerland. With over a decade of experience in student affairs, community engagement, and program development, Nick specializes in creating innovative, scalable educational experiences that empower K-12 youth. He holds a Master’s in Human Ecology from UW–Madison and dual Bachelor’s degrees in Sociology/Criminology and Political Science from UW–Platteville. Known for his dynamic and intentional leadership, Nick has spearheaded partnerships with institutions such as UW–Madison, Madison College, and 4-H, and has designed more than 70 programs and 40+ camp experiences annually. His expertise lies in building inclusive, growth-oriented environments that challenge and inspire. Nick’s presentations blend academic insight with practical leadership strategies, tailored to educators, youth professionals, and community organizations.

Logan Hennessy

Logan Hennessy, Girl Scout of Wisconsin Badgerland Education Manager, is a licensed Early Childhood Educator with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood–Middle Childhood Education (ECMC) from University of Wisconsin La Crosse. With eight years of teaching experience in the public school system, Logan brings a deep understanding of educational best practices and student development. Transitioning to nonprofit work over a year ago, Logan has expanded her expertise in social-emotional learning (SEL) and inclusive experiences in the out-of-school time space. Trained in CASEL, PBIS, Second Step, Responsive Classroom, Safe and Healthy Schools, as well as Adult and Youth Mental Health First Aid, Logan is committed to fostering supportive and nurturing learning environments for all youth in and out of the classroom.

​Kaitlin Henze

Kaitlin helps us inspire our youngest generation of data storytellers through Daphne Draws Data. As the Education and Outreach Specialist, she builds relationships with schools, community organizations, and businesses that are passionate about inspiring a lifelong love of math in kids. With a background in relationship development, workshop facilitation, and project management, Kaitlin cultivates relationships to help us fulfill our mission of developing data drawing superpowers in all kids. She inspires educators and communities to embrace the natural curiosity in kids and teach graphing lessons in a fun and engaging way that will shape the next generation’s relationship with data. Kaitlin is excited to expand Daphne Draws Data’s reach through sharing resources and coordinating events for educators, parents and kids!

Sam Kacala

Sam Kacala (he/him) is an interdisciplinary artist and educator based in Milwaukee, WI. He has worked in out-of-school time programs since 2012, beginning with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, moving on to teach in Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) and other out-of-school time programs in 2017. Continuing to follow his passion for arts integrated learning, Sam currently serves as the Education Manager at Arts @ Large (a nonprofit providing equitable access to the arts across Milwaukee) where he leads their Career Development Internships that connect MPS high school students with professional artists for paid, yearlong mentorships.

Brennan Kurkowski

​Brennan Kurkowski holds a degree in Elementary Education from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, along with an adaptive education license. Dedicated to fostering inclusive and supportive learning environments, Brennan brings specialized training in PBIS, Second Step, Responsive Classroom, and Safe and Healthy Schools initiatives. With a student-centered philosophy and a strong commitment to social-emotional learning, Brennan creates classrooms where every child feels valued, safe, and empowered to succeed.​

Mary Niec

Mary Niec is a passionate advocate for quality early care and education. Her career began at Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison, WI, where she immersed herself in outdoor education youth programs from 2006 to 2009. Following Olbrich, Mary served as a Lead Teacher and Program Director at Big Oak Child Care, and later as Executive Director at University Avenue Discovery Center. Her commitment to excellence led her to become a WECA/WEESSN program coach, where she provided guidance and support to 23 group child care centers in Dane County, WI. Mary's academic background includes a bachelor’s degree in Community Development and a Master of Fine Arts. While working in childcare programs, with support from Wisconsin's TEACH scholarship, she completed the Early Childhood Program Development Credential in 2017. In her current role with Shine Early Learning and YoungStar Connect, she wholeheartedly commits her efforts to nurturing dynamic and inclusive environments, ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Jill Niemczyk

Jill Niemczyk is a seasoned community health educator with over 20 years of experience serving diverse populations—from supporting older adults with dementia to advocating for survivors of abuse. She has led state and federally funded programs, developed interprofessional and cultural immersion curricula, and delivered trainings for healthcare providers, educators, and youth. Jill is also a certified facilitator in several evidence-based programs, including Mentors in Violence Prevention, Cross-Cultural Diversity Training, and Strengthening Families.​

Jeff Pertl

Secretary-designee Jeff Pertl was appointed by Gov. Evers in September 2024, after serving as the Department of Children and Families (DCF) deputy secretary for six years. 
Prior to working at DCF, Jeff spent a decade as the senior policy advisor at the Department of Public Instruction (DPI), working on issues around early childhood education, school finance, and closing the achievement gap. He was the liaison to DCF, working collaboratively on early childhood and family policy issues.
Jeff was as a long-time county supervisor and possesses a wealth of experience in local government financial, personnel, and human services issues. Additionally, he served several years on the Wisconsin Counties Association (WCA) board of directors, working on statewide issues like youth justice reform, child welfare funding, and early childhood education access.
As a child of divorced parents, Jeff experienced firsthand the vital role child support has in creating a positive, stable family environment. As an adult, he and his wife have been licensed foster parents, and their two boys were adopted at birth in Wisconsin. Both boys love participating in their neighborhood early care and education program.

Ariana Peterson

Ariana Petersen is a motivated young professional who’s passionate about creating positive and inclusive workplaces where everyone, especially Gen Z, feels appreciated and supported. With a background in youth development and community work, Ariana understands what matters to younger generations and how to help teams work well together across different ages. She enjoys designing programs and experiences that bring people closer, encourage teamwork, and make work more meaningful and fun. Ariana’s approach is honest, practical, and caring—helping leaders and teams build environments where everyone can do their best and feel good about it.

​Jackie Scott

​Jackie Scott is a dedicated afterschool advocate and statewide organizer with Wisconsin Youth Company and the Wisconsin Partnership for Children and Youth. A former middle school social studies teacher of ten years, she co-founded an afterschool program when she saw the critical need at her school. Jackie’s broader work in education, organizing, and workforce development reflects her deep commitment to building more just and equitable systems for all communities to thrive.​

Taylor Seale

Taylor Seale (she/her) is an arts educator, public health researcher, and community arts advocate. She is passionate about bridging the arts and health fields together to improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations, particularly adolescent health and well-being. She currently works for the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Extension Division and is the coordinator for the Wisconsin Social Rx pilot program, a grassroots effort to improve healthcare through community-based arts, culture, and nature interventions across the state.

Jennifer Smith​

Jennifer Smith has spent more than 25 years working alongside youth and the adults who support them. She believes every young person deserves caring, present adults who are genuinely invested in their growth and well-being.
Jennifer began her journey as a special education teacher after earning her M.Ed. from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. Since then, she’s worked in afterschool programs, community-based organizations, and now serves as a Program Coordinator with Marshfield Clinic Region of Sanford Health. In this role, she supports youth-focused initiatives across Wisconsin and provides training and technical assistance to OST programs through the Wisconsin Out of School Time Alliance.
Her recent work centers on helping OST program staff understand and respond to the complex challenges young people face—including trauma, mental health, and the impact of social determinants of health. Jennifer is passionate about equipping adults with the tools and strategies they need to help youth build resilience and envision brighter futures.

Alexis Steines Rao

As Vice President of Innovation and Outreach, Alexis Steines Rao leads a team dedicated to elevating and highlighting new trends, practices, and ideas in afterschool, while keeping the field up-to-date on the afterschool policy landscape. Some of the Innovation and Outreach team’s current work includes investigating credit-for-learning opportunities, highlighting the connections between sports and afterschool, identifying opportunities for increased family engagement, and exploring the opportunities for afterschool programs to engage in work surrounding digital equity and access. Alexis also directs the Afterschool Alliance’s long-running national AmeriCorps VISTA project, focusing on creating sustainable afterschool programs, increasing participation in the federal afterschool and summer meal programs, and expanding access to STEM education afterschool. Alexis joined the Afterschool Alliance in June 2011 after spending five years with the School Nutrition Association. She holds a B.A. in History and Political Science from The George Washington University.

​Libby Struntz

Libby Strunz is a School Mental Health Consultant for the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English Education from UW – La Crosse and a master’s degree in School Counseling from Winona State University. Libby began her career in public education as a high school English teacher and later transitioned to being a middle school counselor. She is a certified Trauma Sensitive Schools Trainer and Nurtured Heart Approach Advanced Trainer. As a member of DPI’s Student Services Section, she provides training and technical assistance in the areas of comprehensive school mental health systems, bullying prevention, and trauma sensitive schools.

Hope Thompson

Hope Thompson is the Senior Manager of Curriculum and Instruction for NextWaveSTEM, which aims to engage students in emerging technologies through its 30+ courses in various STEM topics from K-12. Hope received a Masters of Arts in Education from the College of William & Mary and was an elementary teacher in Baltimore and Chicago Public Schools prior to her time at NextWave. As a forever educator, Hope is dedicated to meaningful supports for teachers and students, high standards of instruction and engagement, and a student-first perspective in all things.​

​Nathan Werley

21st CCLC Consultants at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

Jake Wilson​

21st CCLC Consultants at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

Alison Winberg

​21st CCLC Consultants at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction​