School Staff Type: Staff

Mrs. Pekera grew up in Wisconsin and attended St. Mary’s Church right here in Port Washington with her family growing up.

She has four children: Mason (10), Logan (8), Eli (6), and Brinley (4). She is so excited to be joining the St. John XXIII family with her children!

Some things that bring her joy are hiking, going on bike rides, baking, coffee, and music. She loves watching her kids do what they love from soccer to dancing and spending lots of time outside!

She graduated from Concordia University in 2010 with her Bachelor of science degree in Education. She most recently taught kindergarten for two years in Phoenix, Arizona. Before that she was a K4 teacher at Stormonth Elementary in Fox Point for 8 years.

I have a passion for literacy and instilling a true love for learning in my students.

I am feeling so blessed to be a part of the St. John XXIII community!

Mrs. Burkhalter grew up in Manitowoc, WI and currently lives in Germantown, WI.

Some of Mrs. Burkhalter’s favorite hobbies include taking walks with her husband and dog, cooking, reading, and traveling.

She lives with her husband and her adorable dog Maverick.

Mrs. Burkhalter received her undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay in psychology with a mental health emphasis and human biology. She then obtained her Master of Arts in Counseling with a school counseling emphasis from Lakeland University.

She started her career by working as a special education assistant before transitioning to school counseling.

I am thrilled to be part of the SJ23 school community and love working with students to help provide them with skills and support them in their social, emotional, and academic development!

Mrs. Brewster loves to spend time with her family and friends, enjoys outdoor activities (biking, hiking, golfing, boating, skiing), traveling, being around live music, dancing, and watching her children do what they love.

Her and her husband have three children and seven nieces/nephews. Whether it’s swimming in summer or skiing in winter, they absolutely love being outdoors. Their dog, Graham, completes their family.

She graduated from the University of WI-Stevens Point with a Major in Communication. The 2024-2025 school year will be her 8th year with SJ23!

Favorite Things: coffee, animals, sunshine, snow, being on the water, laughing with friends/family, being a mom & auntie, chocolate, and live music.

I am so excited to be part of this school community. It has changed my life and I am so thankful for the people I have met along the way. These students and families mean the world to me!

Mrs. Amy McMullen has been a resident of Port Washington and a member of St John XXIII Parish since 2013. She joined the SJ23 team in 2016.

Her interests outside of education include hiking and attending sporting events with her family.

Mrs. McMullen and her husband, Ryan, have two children, Tyler and Leah. Both Tyler and Leah are students at SJ23.

Mrs. McMullen is a graduate of Oostburg High School and an alumnus of the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. She holds a degree in Elementary Education and Reading Teacher certification.

Her favorite thing about teaching is watching kids grow and and find their confidence and enthusiasm for reading.

“The community at SJ23 feels like one big family. I love working so closely with staff and families to bring out the best in each and every student. “