STAFF
Julie Rice - Director
Julie began working as a therapist at Credence Therapy Associates in Elkhorn in 1998, when she identified needs for at-risk youth. After consulting with Walworth County Department of Health and Human Services and Elkhorn Area School District, she started a program that became New Chance in 2000. She currently also works as a therapist at Mercy Walworth Medical Center as she continues to provide services to New Chance.
Julie earned her masters in Counselor Education from Illinois State University in Normal, Il. She then stayed in Mc Lean County to work in a variety of settings as a mental health counselor, including the county's Center for Human Services, Juvenile Detention Center and Jail, and as Director of Youth Diagnostic Center.
Julie enjoys spending time with her children, family and friends, traveling, boating, concerts and theater. She stays connected to students and alumni of New Chance, helping them with career and personal development. In spite of funding cuts in social services and alternative education over the years Julie has never given up on her mission to keep teens from falling through the cracks in the system, helping them attain a high school diploma and to become productive members of our community.
Meta Dreiser-Mathematics
Meta Dreiser, formerly Meta Fries, is our dedicated math teacher. She enjoys watching students suddenly get the “I got it” look during class. She previously taught high school mathematics and computer science at Beloit Memorial High School and Delavan Darien High School. In addition to New Chance, she also teaches mathematics at Blackhawk Technical College in Janesville and tutors other local students in a variety of mathematics courses. She received her teaching credentials through Alverno College after moving here from Georgia almost nineteen years ago.
In addition to her love of teaching, Meta loves spending time with her new husband and her two teenage daughters. She is developing a love of astronomy, and already loves to read and cook. Traveling is another passion, and any time she can get back to the warmth of the South is a good trip. She certainly holds her students to a high standard in the classroom, but also wants to make sure they lead productive lives outside the classroom.Dagmar Knorr-English and World History
Whether she's tending her large perennial garden or helping young people to grow, Dagmar is well-known in Elkhorn. Several generations remember her as a "picture lady" at West Side School, or the coach of Elkhorn Area High School's successful Art Team program and coordinator of EAHS Creative Teams. Former students drop by frequently to talk -- or maybe pull a few weeds. She enjoys her family, gardening, yoga, reading and working with young people.
After graduating from the University of Illinois-Chicago with a BA in fine arts and education, she was a long-term substitute teacher in Chicago, Mukwonago and Delavan. After a 12 year career as an advertising art director and graphic designer, the mother of two did post-graduate work in special education, and currently holds a professional license in Alternative Education. She believes that forming teacher/student relationships with young people is a privilege, a pleasure and a challenge.
Ann Serpe - Science
Ann Serpe teaches Science for New Chance. She earned her undergraduate degree in Chemistry and her Masters Degree in Natural Science Education. She retired as Chemistry teacher at Delavan Darien High School where she also served as Chairman of the Science/Mathematics department. While teaching, she served on several State and National Committees dealing with Science Education standards and innovations. She currently tutors high school and college students in Chemistry if requested. Ann enjoys traveling with family and friends, knitting and cooking in her spare time. She has two grown daughters and three grandchilldren. Ann teaches Biology and Physical Science for New Chance and appreciates this opportunity to interact with young people.
Every Kid Deserves a New Chance
NEW CHANCE,INC.
