Staff

Tina Owen, lead teacher and co-founder of The Alliance School, earned her teaching degree from Marquette University in May of 1998, graduating with high honors in English and Secondary Education. She taught for seven years at Washington High School, where she served in a variety of leadership roles, both as a faculty member and as a student advisor. Owen has been recognized in Teen Ink Magazine as an outstanding educator and has been named three times in “Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers.” This year she won an Equality Award from the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center for her work in advocating for equal rights for LGBT youth. She is a constant advocate for the young people of Milwaukee.


Valerie Chuchman entered St. Joseph’s College in August of 1992 with aspirations to be a medical doctor. After two unhappy years of pre-med and through the guidance of a caring professor, Valerie left St. Joseph’s with an A.S. in Biology-Chemistry and the desire to become a teacher. Valerie continued her education at Indiana University while working for the Indiana Department of Natural Resources part time. In May 1998 she earned a B.S. in Secondary Education with certifications in biology, chemistry, and broad field science. Valerie moved to Milwaukee in June 1998 and started her teaching career at Milwaukee Hamilton High School in August. Before entering graduate school in 2001, Valerie played rugby, coached several sports at Hamilton, and played drums in a local band. Valerie earned her M.A. in Science Education from Alverno College in August 2004 and will be changing science teaching, as we know it with curriculum she developed especially for Alliance. Valerie is also a member of the Milwaukee Momentum professional women’s football team.


Paul Moore attended the University of Colorado at Boulder completing more than the necessary requirements for a B.A., majoring in the fields of Philosophy and History while concentrating on literary studies. After moving to Milwaukee, he attended graduate school at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Earning a M.A. in History, Mr. Moore focused on interdisciplinary studies, examining the connections between cultural, intellectual, and social elements in modern European history. After completing graduate work, Mr. Moore returned to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee to complete licensure in the areas of English and history. Mr. Moore brings depth of knowledge and superb analytic techniques to the classroom. Open-mindedness and cultural awareness provide the foundation for Mr. Moore’s individualized, student-centered pedagogy. Mr. Moore balances his academic work with Tae Kwon Do and brings the values of self-discipline, determination, and optimism to his classroom.

Conley W Mattrisch, MS Computer Science Education, is the "techno geek" of the Alliance School Staff. Teaching was not Mr. Mattrisch’s first career, but after spending 20 years as a coach in both football and girl’s softball, he chose to follow his passion, teaching America’s youth. He brings real world experience and high expectations to The Alliance School. He most recently completed his MS in Computer Science Education in less than a year at Cardinal Stritch University. Mr. Mattrisch will be using both his BA in History as well as his MS to teach both Social Studies and Technology classes at The Alliance School.



Mari Scicero, School Social Worker, earned her masters degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee receiving the Helen C. Carey Award for Academic Excellence. Having graduated from the Milwaukee Public School system, she returned to work for MPS for the past 16 years and has had the honor of being recognized as School Social Worker of the Year. Mari is a licensed clinical social worker, as well a certified Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse counselor. She worked in the field of addictions, with a special emphasis on adolescence, prior to coming to MPS. Mari has been a strong advocate for the rights and safety of all students, and in that capacity has served on several district wide committees. Personal interests include athletics, the arts and adding to her elaborate collection of flamingos.