Tamarack
Board of Trustees

Board President

Maggie Herbst brings a wealth of experience to her role as President of the Board of Trustees. She holds a BA in Art and Education from Lake Forest College, has over 50 credits of graduate studies in Waldorf Education, and brings over 26 years of teaching experience. Her commitment to education extends beyond the school setting as she also runs a business promoting art events in Milwaukee.

At Tamarack Waldorf School, she has made significant contributions as a high school art teacher, choir director, long-term substitute teacher, and a dedicated member of the enrollment committee. As a parent of two Tamarack alumni, her involvement and commitment to the school community have spanned over twelve years.  

As President, Maggie hopes to increase enrollment, expand fundraising efforts, and enhance the school's visibility. Her personal interests include art, reading, running, gardening, cooking, and playing the piano.

Vice President

Joe and his family have been part of the Tamarack community for over 15 years, and he strongly believes in Tamarack’s mission of developing “independent, critical thinkers with a strong sense of social responsibility.” He and his wife Liz are the parents of two Tamarack alumni and one current Tamarack student. Joe has collaborated with current and former staff and community members in Arts, Horticulture, and IT volunteer opportunities and projects. He has an AAS in Computer Networking from Milwaukee Area Technical College, a BA in Theatre and BFA in Dance from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and a Master’s in Information Science and Technology from UW-Milwaukee, where he currently serves as a Network and Enterprise Administrator in the IT Department. Joe is also a member of the Four Guyz in Dinner Jackets, a touring 50’s and 60’s performance group that performs regularly throughout the state. In his free time, he enjoys enjoying nature and the outdoors with his family, growing tasty things in his garden, and reading. 

Treasurer

Aaron joined the board as treasurer in August of 2026. He has a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Wisconsin La Crosse. Aaron has worked as a senior audit associate with Hawkins Ash CPAs for the past four years where he works with non-profits, public schools, and municipalities. He is a member of his firm’s audit and accounting committee as a representative for the Mequon and Brookfield offices where he assists in research for firm policies and best practices. He enjoys being involved with the community where he has spent a lot of time running and coordinating youth wrestling practices. In his free time, you can find him walking his dog, traveling to go on long hikes, and enjoying the outdoors. Aaron is eager to apply his knowledge and professional background in support of the Tamarack community.

Secretary

Riley joined the board in 2025 and advocates for the importance of education and community engagement. Riley earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and religious studies, along with a Master of Arts in religious studies. She previously worked in schools near the U.S. and Mexico border with students from immigrant families. She has also worked at a residential school as an assistant for students with mental health challenges. Presently, Riley works as the Policies and Appeals Coordinator for UWM's Graduate School, working to make policies clearer for students from all backgrounds and ensuring fair processes for student and instructional staff. She looks forward to serving Tamarack as a community member and board member. In her free time, she enjoys hiking with her dog, exploring Milwaukee events, volunteering at the WI Humane Society, and visiting family in other states.

Tamarack Parent

A Tamarack parent and fellow educator, Jaimmie has been involved with the Tamarack community for over 20 years. She was introduced to the school when she attended a LifeWays workshop at Tamarack in the early 2000’s. Since then, she has attended countless lectures, workshops and early childhood education seminars at the school. She is the parent of a Tamarack alum and the director and KinderHouse teacher at LifeWays Early Childhood Center in Riverwest. She completed the LifeWays Early Childhood Certification in 2006 and has earned her Child Care Administration Credential and Child Care Leadership Credential through UW-Milwaukee. She also teaches music and is a guest lecturer for the Midwest LifeWays Early Childhood Certification program. Jaimmie has served on LifeWays Board of Directors since 2003 and Tamarack’s Board of Trustees since 2024.

Community Member

Brenda Mikell joined the Board of Trustees in 2026.  She has a Bachelor's degree in Broadfield Social Science and Psychology from St. Norbert College and a Master's Degree in Educational Psychology from University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. Additionally, Brenda has her National Board Certification in School Counseling. She has had 36 years in education as a teacher and school counselor.

Brenda and her husband, Martin, have two adult children.  Her son was recently married and works as a bilingual special education teacher and married a social studies teacher. Her daughter is a school social worker. The value for education runs deep in her family. Brenda enjoys traveling, reading and spending time with family. She is looking forward to her time on the board.

Community Member

Lisa Mullaney joined the board of trustees in 2026. She holds a Master of Arts in Education from Mount Mary University, a Graduate Certificate in Waldorf Education from Great Lakes Waldorf Institute, and was licensed in Wisconsin to teach grades 1-8, as well as Special Education. Across almost two decades, her teaching experience has included elementary and middle school classrooms, vocational schools, corporate settings, and teacher preparation programs. Her passion for Waldorf education stems from a deep interest in holistic, human-centered approaches to learning that foster meaningful connection, self-discovery, and healthy development in children. Currently, she provides Therapeutic Massage, Mindfulness Education, Breathwork and Yoga, incorporating decades of experience in bodywork, movement, and education. In her free time, Lisa enjoys reading, cooking, and writing poetry, and she stays active by hiking with her dog through local parks, and participating in yoga and recreational dance classes. She looks forward to serving the Tamarack Waldorf community through her service on the board.