Director of Education
Jillian was born and raised and still lives in Northeast Iowa. She graduated from Upper Iowa University with a degree in Instructional Strategist II ID/BD/LD. She taught the high school classroom at Crossroads Academy for 5 years before stepping into the Program Director position. She will be graduating from University of Northern Iowa with her Master of Arts in Education Principalship in 2024. Her free time is spent with her husband and 3 kids. Jillian has a passion for working with people and believes that everyone can learn, it’s about finding the right approach and giving them the tools to succeed.
Human Resources/Administrative Assistant
Joeann has worked for Clinicare for 14 years and in her current capacity with the Alternative Schools for 11 of those years. Originally from Chicago, she is a self-taught muralist with many years of experience teaching art to students of all ages and capabilities. Active in many local theatre groups, she enjoys connecting with people of all ages and backgrounds.
Lead Teacher
Amanda was born and raised in Gays Mills, Wisconsin. After her high school she attended Ripon College in Ripon, Wisconsin where she received a double major in Psychology and Business Administration. After college she spent 3 years working with children with Autism. She made the shift to residential work in 2012 where she worked at Wyalusing Academy. In 2014 she began as the social skills facilitator at New Frontier for 3 years and made the jump to teacher after earning her teaching license and master’s in education in 2020. Outside of work she is very busy with her niece and nephews attending their various sporting events, an avid high school basketball fan (Go Trojans!), and volunteers in her community.
Lead Paraprofessional
Jessica is a high school graduate of Prairie du Chien and began attending college as an education major. Deciding education wasn’t the right path (jokes on her) and went to work at Wyalusing Academy as a paraprofessional. She made the shift to New Frontier where she has been there for 11 years. At New Frontier she is often referred to as the teacher’s right hand as she is always prepared and ready for anything. Jessica is a huge Packers and Badgers fan despite living in Iowa. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters.
Teacher
I have a BA in elementary education and a masters in special education. I have taught special education for 22 years and three years as an elementary teacher. My teaching experience has included teaching in the public school with the majority of my special education experience working with at risk students in northwest Iowa. This is my sixth- year teaching at the middle school level at Crossroads. I have two adult sons who live in Minneapolis and Iowa City. I moved back to my family farm where I live with my husband who farms the land and raise beef cattle. I enjoy gardening and canning with my husband. I enjoy canoeing and play Granny basketball in the winter.
Behavior Support Specialist
I am the Behavior Support Specialist at Crossroads Academy in Decorah, Iowa. I grew up in rural Gunder, Iowa. Home of the 1lb Gunderburger. I attended Hawkeye Community College for Police Science and NICC for Human Services. I have been with the Academy for 3 years now. Prior to that, I have worked with children and adults with various mental health diagnoses and intellectual disabilities, within their homes and communities for 20 years. I am a farmer’s wife and have 3 boys. Ages are 16 years, 10 years, and 4 year old. In my free time, I spend time with my boys participating in fun outdoor activities, watching them play sports, gator rides, going on day trips, and doing chores around the farm/home.