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.

Katie Kison
Site Coordinator

I joined Forward Scholars as a Site Coordinator in the program’s second year.  I am truly honored to work with this amazing, dedicated team of educators!  One of the aspects that drew me into the program is the strong connection between our staff, community volunteers, schools and families. All share a common goal, which is to support students in building and strengthening their literacy skills, while also instilling a love for learning.

I received my bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin- LaCrosse, where I double majored in Elementary Education and Spanish.  After student teaching in MPS, I moved to South Carolina and later North Carolina, where I taught for the first part of my career.  However, Wisconsin kept calling me back to be closer to family and I made the move back.  I then worked with an early literacy education and outreach program that supported child care centers and early childhood educators in Milwaukee.    

I look forward to our work together as we create a positive, high quality learning environment for our young readers in the Forward Scholars tutoring program! 

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.

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.

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.

Bounrod Xiong
Part Time Development Manager
Part Time Site Coordinator

With 11 years of teaching experience in elementary, middle, and high school, I am passionate about getting young people to question what they think, and why they think it. I am a 1.5 generation Hmong-American and know what it's like to translate at my own parent-teacher conferences, navigate the ebb and flow of ethnic and American identities, and figure out college solo; supporting young people through similar experiences is a priority for me, and what better way than through literacy? 

I graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with my B.A. in sociology and Asian American Studies.  During my time there, I worked as a peer counselor for a retention project to support students of color graduate within 4 - 5 years. A few years later, I graduated with my M.A. in Education from Alverno College in 2015.  

I enjoy badminton, sewing, and anime. If a new restaurant opened up in town, it’s on my bucket list of places to dine. 

Thank you to White Night Photography (https://whitenightphotography.shootproof.com/)