Celebrating Our Differences 
Falk Family Center for Learning Engagement
A program embedded into our student experience to cultivate the highest level of learning for all students at ULS.
ULS is thrilled to have established the Falk Family Center for Learning Engagement in 2024. While it is common for classrooms to have students who represent broad learning differences, ULS has a unique opportunity to serve students with neurodivergencies thanks to its small student-to-teacher ratio, thoughtful Reggio-inspired environment, and renowned responsive and inclusive culture to become a true destination for learning among an increasingly diverse population of learners.
Without stigma or separation from the community, the philosophical approach of the Center is to continue to see difference as a strength and to empower students to unlock their unique gifts and potential to make good on our non-profit mission and to lead the next generation of innovation, success, and service to humanity.
A generous $2.75 million grant from Lauren ('01) and Michael Falk provides the impetus and financial foundation for immediate expertise and support for students in all divisions with ADHD, anxiety, dyslexia, speech challenges, twice exceptional qualities, and other learning differences that we identify and address.
Through this program, ULS provides:
- Additional staff members to support students in house
- More resources for children with neurodivergent learning needs and capacities
- Professional training for teachers using the most up-to-date research
ULS students have long enjoyed an environment that acknowledges and celebrates learning differences, with a philosophy and pedagogy that proudly celebrates the whole child, original thinking, and an “outside-the-box” approach to mastery and growth.
With this expanded commitment to identifying, celebrating, and accommodating learning differences, ULS will capitalize on its enduring strengths and potential by taking full advantage of the burgeoning field of brain science and its emergent educational insights. All students at ULS shall have the tools they need to thrive in school and life as global citizens and thought leaders.
Meet the Team
Dr. Julie Kwapil, School Psychologist
Dr. Kwapil holds a Ph.D. in Psychology from Northern Illinois University, specializing in School Psychology, and has extensive experience in both administrative, school psychology, and teaching roles. Previously, Dr. Kwapil was the Chair of the Department of Social Sciences and Business at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and was an Associate Professor of Psychology there from 2010. She was also the Co-Director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning at the University of Wisconsin Colleges.
With her distinguished academic background, Dr. Kwapil provides expertise in the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework, having successfully implemented evidence-based interventions and strategies to address students' academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs. She is an accomplished presenter and author, with numerous presentations and publications in peer-reviewed journals such as the Journal of School Psychology.
Dr. Kwapil leads the evaluation and development of learning plans unique to each student who needs one. She also implements assessments producing data to help teachers better understand exactly where students are at and what they need. In short, she supports student's ability to learn and teacher's ability to teach at the highest level.
Lori Eckert, Academic Support Teacher
With over 30 years of teaching experience, Lori has been instrumental in the success for hundreds ULS students over the years, and is a coveted member of ULS and Lake Country community. She holds her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater 1992 and Master of Arts in Education with an Emphasis in Reading from Viterbo University.
Lori has works tirelessly for ULS students in one-on-one and small-group settings on every category of need including executive functioning, math, reading, language arts, and more. She primarily focuses on Middle and Upper School students with nuerodivergent qualities, and also supports students with big aspirations for college to help them qualify for highly selective universities. Students who begin working with Lori have seen great gains in their ability to be successful in the classroom each day. Many alumni return to ULS to hug and thank Lori for her endless enthusiasm and belief in their success.
Chimeng Xiong, Instructional Aide
Chi holds his Associates degree in Early Childhood Education and has been teaching for 9 years. He started his teaching journey in early childhood education at Gan Ami Early Childhood in Whitefish Bay in 2017 and taught at the Milwaukee Jewish Day School, teaching and supporting students from 3K to 8th grade, through all subjects. He has also served as a one-on-one aide.
At ULS, Chi supports individual students and small groups in the lower school, primarily focusing on reading and language arts support for pre-primary children who learn best in the nurturing setting at ULS. In addition to supporting in the classroom, Chi runs the Lower School afterschool care program, providing ULS students a safe and nurturing space after school to play and release some energy.
Jen Neuman, Academic Support
Jen is a dedicated licensed special education teacher with a vast foundation for serving neurodiverse students across Southeastern Wisconsin. Jen has worked as a special education teacher, instructional aide, case manager, and AP high school teacher. She has worked to design instruction in math, executive functioning, phonics, phonemic awareness, writing and fluency.
Jen holds a Master's in Special Education from the University of Wisconsin-Superior and is on track to receive her Gifted and Talented certification. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Relations and Policy from Michigan State University, Active in professional organizations, she serves on the Wisconsin Association for Talented and Gifted Board and the Council for Exceptional Children.
Jen works with teachers and students in all divisions to implement practices in the classroom that benefit all students, while providing specific tools to better serve students who have learning plans unique to their strengths and challenges.
The high aim of this center requires unwavering belief in the children of today– and the intentional and sustained support of students with neurodiversity and exceptional learners. University Lake School is committed to empowering students to unlock their unique gifts and potential to make good on our non-profit mission and to lead the next generation of innovation, success, and service to humanity.
Questions? Pease contact Stacy Synold at [email protected].
