Kristy Holinka is finishing her 18th year as an educator. She has had a wide range of experiences; from being a classroom teacher for kindergarten to teaching a split-grade upper-elementary class, to being a Secondary Literacy Specialist, to now being an Assistant Professor and Chair of multiple Graduate Programs at Viterbo University. Kristy has lived in the La Crosse area for the past 22 years and loves spending time with her family out on the river, in their garden, around a campfire, and camping anywhere possible.

Dr. Melissa Murray is the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Professional Training and Outreach at Viterbo University. Prior to coming to Viterbo, Melissa spent nearly 30 years in PK-12 as a teacher and school administrator in middle and high schools in the area serving as an HR Director, grant writer, and school principal. As part of her administrative roles, she served the School District of La Crosse most recently for 8+ years as a middle school principal, and for five years as the district’s Supervisor for Cultural and Family Connections. Melissa brings to her role at Viterbo University those community connections and a desire to build better partnerships, learning opportunities, and positive educational experiences that uplift all people.

Tara is a veteran educator with 19 years of experience in the special education realm, at all grade levels. Her background is diverse, with time spent working as a special educator in grades K-12, an intervention specialist, an RtI coordinator, a Title 1 teacher, and a servant leadership facilitator and teacher. She is currently employed as a full-time special education teacher in the La Crosse School District. Tara has taught, for Viterbo University, as an adjunct since 2015 in a variety of roles which have supported the education department. Tara's passion lies in differentiation, servant leadership, and student-led learning. She often presents on the power of student-led IEPs and their impact on student success.

In addition to her life as an educator, Tara is a mother to four children who are actively involved in academics, sports, and the working world. Tara also owns a baking business, Mama T's Baked Goods, runs Tara's Travel Tours, and runs a rental business with local Airbnb’s.