Principal
Kari Krueger
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Mrs. Krueger was the Associate Principal at Highlands and Odyssey for two years before taking over as the head principal in 2020. Because of this, Kari knows the culture of Highlands and Odyssey very well, and there's no place she'd rather be!
Prior to beginning her administrative career in Appleton, Kari was a special educator in Wichita, Kansas; Blacksville, West Virginia; Kimberly, Wisconsin; and Menasha, Wisconsin. Kari's experiences teaching in a variety of communities across the country has helped her get to know a multitude of learners from many different backgrounds. Kari easily connects with the diverse students, staff, families, and community members at Highlands and Odyssey.
Kari values proactive behavior management and inclusivity as she feels this creates positive classroom cultures for students and teachers. Kari believes a child's early education experiences set the stage for their future. It is her goal as the school leader to ensure all who enter her school are valued, respected, and provided excellent service.
When Kari is not at school, she can be found spending time with her husband and young children. Kari also loves soaking up the sun, cheering on the Packers, and scrapbooking.
Kari looks forward to partnering with you to provide your students an engaging, high-quality elementary school experience.
Associate Principal
Dave Nitka
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Mr. Nitka was most recently the Principal at Rondout School in Illinois. While on the administrative team at Rondout, Dave has assisted with their Professional Evaluation process, conducted new staff orientation, coordinated their district assessments and related data discussions, and helped oversee their virtual education program during the pandemic.
At the heart of all of Dave's work is authentic relationships. He is passionate about Social Emotional Learning and building positive school culture. As a St. Norbert grad, Dave is from the Fox Valley and is eager to move back home.
Dean of Students
Martha Frega
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Martha Frega was born and raised in a small town outside of Rochester, NY. From a young age she knew she wanted to be a teacher and in education. While in high school she volunteered at Special Education schools and would take her family’s Golden Retriever into a variety of places for pet therapy.
Martha attended St. John Fisher College in Rochester, NY and studied Elementary Education and Psychology. She also played collegiate softball all four years, while being named an academic All-American. After graduating in 2002, Martha started teaching in her hometown in a 4th grade inclusion-based classroom. She went on to teach another year in the classroom and began working on her Master’s degree in Special Education.
Once she received her Master’s in 2006, she began working as a self-contained teacher in a multi-age and multiple abilities classroom. While still in NY she also was a consultant Special Education teacher for grades K-6.
In 2010 her family moved to Appleton for her husband’s job with GLK Foods. She began her career in Wisconsin at Ferber Elementary as the SEBD teacher. Martha then took time to be home with her three kids, but returned in 2015 to the AASD as a Talented and Gifted Education Teacher.
In her spare time she loves to read, visit family in New York and Florida, travel to Door County, and stay active with sports, running, and other fitness related activities.