Meet the PTO Board

Our PTO is made up of hard-working parents & teachers who pool their talents to provide practical support for our school. Those listed below volunteered to provide leadership this year. Get to know our names and faces, and feel free to ask us if you have questions!

 

PRESIDENT - Tara Wheeler

Hello everyone! My name is Tara Wheeler and this is my third year serving as your PTO president. I’m married to Andrew, who you may know as Coach W or Santa! We have 4 kiddos - Cami (5th grade), Elliott (3nd grade), Odie (5k), and Lincoln (3 yrs).

 

This last year we continued building our organization - serving our scholars, staff, and families! Some of our most successful events included Back to School Barber Shop, Trunk or Treat, Friends with Food Drive (complete with pies in the face for Mr. Sellenheim and Mr. Collins), Maker’s Faire and Chili Cookoff (raising $750 for a family in need in our school), Journey Martial Arts Fundraiser, Valentine’s Grams, Classroom Coin Wars, Waukesha Skateland fundraiser, Chick-fil-A Spirit Night, Book in Bag support, and staff appreciation week.

 

What many may not realize is how much behind the scenes work goes not only into planning these events, but also the marketing, connecting with families, communicating with school staff, and coordinating both the people and supplies needed. One of my strengths is connecting our team and making decisions that benefit not only the PTO - but our staff and scholars who we are here to serve - with wisdom and discernment.

 

My vision is to continue to build a strong community of families and staff working together to support our scholars. To expand our opportunities to fundraise and connect with one another and to make more of your ideas realities. To lead you with honesty and integrity. I’m so proud to be part of this school and we love our school family so much!

 

That being said, this is not a ‘boxed in’ responsibility or role. I see this as a collaborative effort - all members of the team working together to support one another in all decisions. If I can jump in, I always will! As always, thank you for supporting our PTO! I can't wait to meet you and get to know you more!

 

VICE PRESIDENT - Sam Haan

Hi everyone! For those who may not know me well, I’m Sam Haan. I’m married to my husband, Mitchell, and together we have three boys — Huxley (3nd grade), Daxton (2nd grade), and Maddox (4K). Our family truly loves being part of the Mill Creek Academy community, and serving on the PTO has been something I’ve genuinely enjoyed.

 

Over the past two years as Vice President, I’ve had the opportunity to help organize events, support fundraising efforts, connect with families, and work alongside an incredible group of parents, teachers, and staff who care deeply about our school. I’ve always been someone who enjoys bringing people together, helping where I can, and creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels included and heard.

 

Before becoming an insurance agent and business owner, I spent 15 years working in social work, helping individuals and families navigate challenges and find support. That background has shaped so much of who I am — I care deeply about people, communication, problem-solving, and making sure others feel supported. Those are qualities I continue to bring into the PTO.

 

I love continuing to serve as Vice President because I truly care about this school, our students, and the families who make up this community. I believe PTO should be approachable, collaborative, supportive, and focused on making a positive impact for both students and staff. I’m always willing to listen to ideas, jump in where needed, and work hard behind the scenes to help make things successful.

 

Thank you for the opportunity to serve and for your continued support and trust. It truly means a lot to me.

 

VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR - Laura Tena

Hi everyone! I’m Laura Tena. My husband, Jose, and I are the proud parents of Andrew and Christopher, and over the years, Mill Creek Academy has truly become a second family to us.

 

This past year was my first year serving on the PTO as Secretary, and I absolutely loved it. Being involved behind the scenes, helping with events, connecting with families, and assisting in bringing our school community together has been such a fun and rewarding experience. One of my favorite things about MCA is how supportive and welcoming everyone is, and I’ve really enjoyed getting to know so many wonderful families throughout the year.

 

I’m someone who loves being involved, helping where needed, and creating connections within our school community. Whether it’s organizing, volunteering, encouraging others to get involved, or simply being a friendly face people can come to, I’m always happy to jump in and help however I can.

I’m excited for the opportunity to continue serving on the PTO for another year as Volunteer Coordinator, and I look forward to continuing to support our amazing students, staff, and families.

Thank you so much for your support!

 

TREASURER - Lizz Voigt

Hello everyone,

 

For those who may not know me, I’m Lizz Voigt, and it has truly been an honor serving as Treasurer for the PTO at Mill Creek Academy PTO.

 

Over the past year, I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside an incredible group of parents, teachers, and staff who all share the same goal: making our school community the very best it can be for our kids.

As Treasurer, I’ve worked hard to make sure our PTO funds are handled responsibly, transparently, and with purpose — whether that meant supporting teachers, helping fund events, creating memorable experiences for students, or making sure every dollar goes back into strengthening our school community.

But more than spreadsheets and budgets, this role has reminded me how special this school truly is. I’ve watched families come together, teachers go above and beyond, and students thrive because of the support this community provides.

I’m excited to continue building on that momentum with several goals for the coming year.

 

First, I want to continue increasing transparency and communication around PTO spending so families can clearly see where funds are going and the direct impact they’re making on students and staff.

 

I’d also love to focus on growing family involvement by creating more opportunities for parents and caregivers to participate in ways that feel manageable and welcoming — whether they have five hours to give or five minutes.

 

Another priority for me is continuing to strengthen support for our teachers and staff. They pour so much into our children every single day, and I want to ensure the PTO continues finding meaningful ways to show appreciation and provide support where it’s needed most.

 

I’d also like to help expand fundraising efforts in ways that are both effective and family-friendly, so we can continue creating enriching experiences for students while being mindful of the demands already placed on families.

 

Most importantly, I want to continue helping create a PTO culture that feels positive, inclusive, organized, and centered around our shared purpose: supporting our kids and our school community.

 

As both a parent and PTO board member, I care deeply about this school and the people in it. Thank you for your support, your trust, and for all that each of you does to make this community so amazing. 

 

SECRETARY - Samantha Collins

 

Hello everyone,

 

My name is Samantha Collins and I’m honored to serve as PTO Secretary. I am married to my husband Brian, I have a daughter named Elliana in first grade, a 4 year old son Jonathan who will be in 4k and two year old son Callen.

 

I want to serve as Secretary because I genuinely care about our school, our students, our teachers, and the families who make up this community. Compassion for this school is not just something I say — it’s something I show through my willingness to listen, help, and support wherever I can.

 

I believe the PTO plays an important role in creating a positive and connected environment for our children. As Secretary, I work hard to keep communication organized, accurate, and accessible so every parent feels informed and included. Being dependable, attentive, and detail-oriented are strengths I bring to this position.

 

More importantly, I care deeply about helping our school continue to grow and succeed. I want every student to feel encouraged, every teacher to feel supported, and every family to know their voice matters. I understand that behind every meeting note, email, and event is a bigger purpose: building a stronger school community for our children.

 

I promise to serve with dedication, professionalism, kindness, and a true commitment to our school’s success. Thank you for your time, your trust, and for the opportunity to be part of such an amazing school community. I truly appreciate your support. Thank you!

 

SCHOOL ENGAGEMENT LIAISON - Beth Thoma

Hi! My name is Beth Thoma, and I am currently a kindergarten teacher at Mill Creek Academy. This is my third year here. If you ask my students, they will tell you that I love BLUEY!

 

This is currently my 15th year of teaching. I have previously taught 4K, kindergarten, 2nd grade, and Special Education.

 

I am on our School Leadership Team and serve on our Family Engagement Team. I love being involved at Mill Creek, and making it the best place for students, families, and staff. Last year I attended all PTO meetings, and have loved being a part of the organization. I am excited for the opportunity to serve as the School Engagement Liaison and help foster connection, communication, and collaboration among the staff and the PTO.