McKenna Dietze ('19)
Residential Life Advisor
Message from McKenna:
"As a proud graduate of WLHS, I can personally attest to the transformative impact of a first-class education received here. My commitment is to ensure current students benefit from the same exceptional and enriching experience I had. A deeply rewarding aspect of my role involves cultivating strong relationships with students, understanding their unique needs as they live far away from home, and providing tailored support to maximize their time at WLHS. My primary focus is their well-being, leveraging my skills to facilitate their development, offering guidance and support through their challenges, or celebrating their successes. I am also dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where all students feel valued and supported, recognizing and respecting their diverse backgrounds and experiences. I love witnessing their growth into strong, confident, and well-rounded individuals, ready for wherever they may go next!"
Residential Life Advisor
McKenna joined the International Student Program at WLHS in 2023 as a residential supervisor, living in Honey Creek Hall to ensure students are safe and supported throughout their time here. McKenna was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, attending WLHS (‘19), and later getting her bachelor's from Wisconsin Lutheran College in Human Social Services and Psychology (‘23) and her master’s degree in Social Work from The Ohio State University (‘25). McKenna is a Licensed Social Worker (OH) and a licensed Social Worker - Advanced Practice (WI). She is married to Garrett Dietze, another fellow WLHS graduate (‘20). McKenna has spent time interning and volunteering at various local Milwaukee-area non-profit organizations, including Kathy’s House, New Beginnings, and Grace Downtown. Throughout those experiences, she worked with individuals from diverse life paths, providing culturally competent, empathetic, and well-informed guidance.
As a Milwaukee native, McKenna is excited to help students explore the community and have meaningful moments at WLHS. With four years of experience during college coordinating everything from student events to sold-out concerts, McKenna brings event expertise to residential programming. She is excited to build a fun, welcoming community and promote opportunities for students to create unforgettable lifelong memories.
McKenna also currently spends time as a Qualified Behavioral Health Specialist for a healthcare agency, offering comprehensive virtual mental healthcare services to individuals across all ages and backgrounds. This clinical background shapes how she approaches residential programming; she’s passionate about looking out for every student's well-being and personal growth. By combining her professional expertise with her hands-on experience, she’s able to effectively support international high school students at WLHS, guiding them through the challenges and triumphs of residential life in the United States.
Message from McKenna:
"As a proud graduate of WLHS, I can personally attest to the transformative impact of a first-class education received here. My commitment is to ensure current students benefit from the same exceptional and enriching experience I had. A deeply rewarding aspect of my role involves cultivating strong relationships with students, understanding their unique needs as they live far away from home, and providing tailored support to maximize their time at WLHS. My primary focus is their well-being, leveraging my skills to facilitate their development, offering guidance and support through their challenges, or celebrating their successes. I am also dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where all students feel valued and supported, recognizing and respecting their diverse backgrounds and experiences. I love witnessing their growth into strong, confident, and well-rounded individuals, ready for wherever they may go next!"
