Meet Our Staff
Eau Claire Academy Staff
Jillian Christen
Director of Education
Jillian Christen — 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.
Joeann Tesar
Administrative Assistant
Joeann Tesar — 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.
Kayla Gindt
Elementary Teacher
Kayla Gindt — Elementary Teacher
Kayla embarked on her teaching journey in the fall of 2020, and in the fall of 2023, she joined the esteemed faculty of the Eau Claire Academy Day School. Serving as an elementary special education teacher, Kayla demonstrates remarkable proficiency in catering to students from kindergarten to sixth grade.
Her teaching repertoire encompasses a diverse range of subjects including reading, language, grammar, handwriting, typing skills, spelling, math, science, social studies, and social skills.
Kayla's instructional approach is characterized by her adept utilization of verbal intervention techniques, tailored to align seamlessly with her teaching style. Her commitment to fostering a dynamic and inclusive learning environment is evident in her daily interactions with students.
Through her dedication and passion for education, Kayla continues to make a significant impact on the academic and personal development of her students at the Eau Claire Academy Day School.
Max Poitzsch
Middle School Teacher
Max Poitzsch — Middle School Teacher
Walter Max Poitzsch graduated from Carroll College in 1985 with a BS in Biology. He received his MA in Secondary Education from the University of Mississippi in 1994. He previously worked as a teacher at the Eau Claire Academy from 2013-2022. He is anxious to see all students succeed in school, graduate, and get good jobs.
Hannah Martin
Intervention Response Staff

