Photo submitted by Hamilton DECA’s iconic advisor.

Gia Quast

With the new year, we welcome many faces. Some are familiar, but some are new. This year Hamilton will be home to nine new staff members, ensuring the school is fully staffed! For two members, it is their first year. For the remaining several members featured in this article, they come in offering a collective 53 years of experience. Yet, all of them are just as excited to be here as we are to see them! Now let's give them a warm welcome and find out a little more about them.

Mr. Hasler

Which department are you in?

Applied Engineering and Technology.

What high school and college did you go to?

HS: Waterford Union High School
College: UW-Platteville

What course do you teach/what is your role at Hamilton?

I teach Welding Fabrication 1 and 2, and Wood Design & Manufacture 1.

How long have you been teaching/in education?

This is my first year teaching!

Have you worked elsewhere? If so, where?

I served seven years in the Army National Guard as a wheeled vehicle mechanic, and have been serving in the Air National Guard as an aircraft metals technology specialist for over a year.

What are some things about yourself Hamilton should know?

I'm a hyperactive person who likes to stay busy and is always looking for a new challenge to undertake. There is never a point where I’m not finding a new project to work on.

Do you have any observations about Hamilton so far?

The school has an amazing culture and has some great resources that many other schools do not have access to.

What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?

Choose a career you're passionate about and enjoy, because you'll spend most of your time there, and that passion will drive you to make a real difference.

Ms. Huber

Which department are you in?

Art.

What high school and college did you go to?

I went to Hartford Union High School and UW-Whitewater for my undergraduate degree.

What course do you teach/what is your role at Hamilton?

I teach Art Survey and Photo Expression.

How long have you been teaching/in education?

This is my 5th year teaching :)

Have you worked elsewhere? If so, where?

Prior to Hamilton, I worked as an art teacher at Mukwonago High School.

What are some things about yourself Hamilton should know?

I am excited to be here!

Do you have any observations about Hamilton so far?

So far staff and students have been warm and kind! I feel very welcomed and supported in my new role here.

What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?

You can't always control the situation you are in, but you can change your attitude toward it!

Mr. Soref

Which department are you in?

Communication Arts.

What high school and college did you go to?

High School: Homestead High School
Colleges: UW Milwaukee and Concordia University

What course do you teach/what is your role at Hamilton?

Communication Arts 10, AVID 11, AP Seminar, and AP Research.

How long have you been teaching/in education?

24 years.

Have you worked elsewhere? If so, where?

Port Washington High School, Racine Horlick High School, and Colegio Los Nogales in Bogota, Colombia

What are some things about yourself Hamilton should know?

I love traveling, reading, and learning about new technology.

Do you have any observations about Hamilton so far?

The students seem mostly nice and on top of things! The staff is also terrific.

What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?

“A word in earnest is as good as a speech.”

Ms. Hermanson

Which department are you in?

Student Services.

What high school and college did you go to?

Berlin High School.
UW-Madison for undergraduate.
UW-Eau Claire for graduate school.

What course do you teach/what is your role at Hamilton?

School Psychologist

How long have you been teaching/in education?

This is my first year!

What are some things about yourself Hamilton should know?

I am a big Taylor Swift fan.
I love live music.
I have a 7 month old black lab puppy named Linus.

Do you have any observations about Hamilton so far?

The staff has been very welcoming!

What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?

My mom has always told me to spend the money on concert tickets because the money will come back and I should not miss out on the experience!

Ms. Decker

Which department are you in?

Student Services.

What high school and college did you go to?

I attended Merrill High School. For college, I earned my bachelor's Degree in Family Social Science and Social Work from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. For Graduate School, I attended the University of Wisconsin-Stout and earned a master’s degree in school counseling. I then attended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and earned a master’s degree and Education Specialist degree in school psychology.

What course do you teach/what is your role at Hamilton?

School Psychologist

How long have you been teaching/in education?

This is my 17th year in education.

Have you worked elsewhere? If so, where?

I began my career as an elementary school counselor in Somerset, Wisconsin and was there for three years. I then was a high school counselor at Arrowhead High School for five years. After I earned my additional degree in school psychology, I worked as a school psychologist at Oconomowoc High School for eight years.

What are some things about yourself Hamilton should know?

I enjoy helping students grow both academically and personally. When I’m not at work, I love being outdoors, especially kayaking, gardening and listening to live music. I live in Wauwatosa with my husband and two young children. I’m excited to join the Hamilton community and support the achievements of our students and staff!

Do you have any observations about Hamilton so far?

Hamilton has been a very welcoming place, and it is clear to see how much pride students and staff have in the school!

What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?

"Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence."

Mr. Hirschfeld

Which department are you in?

Special Education.

What high school and college did you go to?

Arrowhead Union High School and University of Wisconsin-Madison.

What course do you teach/what is your role at Hamilton?

Paraprofessional.

How long have you been teaching/in education?

6-7 years in education.

Have you worked elsewhere? If so, where?

Worked at Greenfield and Arrowhead High School, Journey21, and currently working with Rogers Behavioral Health in Ocon.

What are some things about yourself Hamilton should know?

I am a passionate coach, I want to see improvement and growth in the character of the students/athletes.

Do you have any observations about Hamilton so far?

Hamilton is a well-known high school that I have known about since I was in high school. The school looks almost brand new with all the new additions they have added on.

What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?

Patience is a virtue.
Don’t break like glass, bend like metal.

Ms. Ripple

Which department are you in?

I work as a Para in the Special Education transitions program 18-21 program.

What high school and college did you go to?

I graduated from Kettle Moraine High School and have a Bachelors of Business Administration in Marketing from University of WI-Milwaukee.

How long have you been teaching/in education and have you worke elsewhere?

I became a substitute teacher at the elementary level throughout Waukesha County in the Spring of 2024, previous to that I worked in sales strategy and program coordination for Franciscan Peacemakers, a non profit social enterprise in Milwaukee.

What are some things about yourself Hamilton should know?

I love supporting programs that build community and have a passion for mission focused initiatives. Swimming, kayaking, being in my flower garden (generally being outside!), and hanging out with my niece and nephew are some of my favorite things to do. I'd love to volunteer in different areas at Hamilton and would welcome any and all ideas!

Do you have any observations about Hamilton so far?

I spent time substituting at Marcy, Maple, and Lannon elementary and loved the welcoming atmosphere and support I found which drew me to opportunities here at Hamilton and the special education program, and have loved my experience thus far!

What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?