Michael Schneider
Mike has been at The Clearing for ten years and still feels like the new guy! When asked about his job description, he says "Anyone who works for a non-profit organization has the same job description: Do what needs to be done!" This may sound too open-ended, but it suits Mike well. He enjoys the wide variety of work his job requires, which includes program planning, facility management, teaching and writing, in addition to the day-to-do tasks associated with running a non-profit organization. Along with his wife, Cindy, and two teenage children, Katherine and Jeffrey, he lives near Ellison Bay, where he spends as much time as he can gardening, watching birds, reading and planning the next house or garden project on the list.
Erik Rinkleff
Erik first came to The Clearing in 1993 as an Iowa State landscape architecture student. His love of the outdoors, council fires and smores led him back to this land of oatmeal in 1997 for a three to four month summer job. That was 12 years ago and the rest, as they say, is history. And oh what an interesting history it has been. Erik's work at The Clearing takes him inside and out. A quick peek at Erik's day might find him designing a catalog, teaching a wood carving class, cutting firewood, updating the website, leading a hike, changing a light bulb or sketching the next landscape related project. Whether he's behind the computer, at the table saw or out on the trail, Erik enjoys the infinite creative currents running through The Clearing and the many people it calls to. When not at The Clearing, Erik can be found wood carving in the gallery he and his sweetheart own or at home with said sweetheart, their adorable four-year old daughter and a slobber producing canine.
Tammy Musiel
Tammy grew up in Racine, WI and Door County is now home after traveling extensively throughout more than 20 years in her Human Resources career. Life continues to be made interesting through The Clearing community of Winter, Summer and Workshop Program students, its many volunteers, and The Clearing's long-standing traditions. To be able to come to work in this beautiful place with the creative spirit that permeates it, and have a role in its operation is a lucky position to be in.
Kathy Swanson
No one knows The Clearing as well as Kathy. She grew up at The Clearing (with her dad and mom, Don & Louise Buchholz, Resident Managers from 1976-1999). Can you imagine having The Clearing's 128 as your very own backyard! Kathy never ventured too far from Door County and returned to work here in 1993. If you call The Clearing, you will not find a more kind or more informative person than Kathy. When not registering students, Kathy can be found out on the water in her kayak with her paddling buddy and husband Mike. And on land, she is closely followed by her doggie, Rusty.
Melinda Schaufer
Born in Ogden, Iowa, Melinda Schaufer has traveled a long, winding road --
teaching 7th & 8th grade English in Elgin IL, owning a shop in Door County for
3 years, marrying and moving to DC in 1980 and finding wonderful jobs along the way.
In 2001, Melinda found her way to The Clearing, where her life has taken a
decidedly new turn-seeing a monarch chrysalis open for the 1st time, watching
fantastic luna moths and meeting wonderful people learning and growing at this
folk school in the woods. All these life lessons and fabulous people continue to
add unique dimensions to Melinda's life. Occasionally, challenges with copy
machines and coping with this new technical world pop up, but they always pale
in comparison to her 2 sweetest joys, grandsons Cooper and Xavier. Melinda lives with her husband
Bruce up north - on Bluebird Trail
Barb Vondras | Kitchen Manager and Head Cook
Le | Supper Cook
Don Gaddes | Buildings and Grounds
Gail Jacobs | Kitchen and Housekeeping
Kathy Kenneavy | Kitchen and Housekeeping
Pat Lee | Kitchen and Housekeeping
Diane Linden | Kitchen and Housekeeping
Rita Maiworm | Kitchen and Housekeeping
Katherine Schneider | Kitchen and Housekeeping
Jeffrey Schneider | Kitchen and Housekeeping
Peter Vanderhoof | Kitchen and Housekeeping
Gerry Voll | Buildings and Grounds