Julianna L. Burmesch
Julianna Burmesch is a retired educator, child advocate, and early brain development specialist from Mosinee, Wisconsin. With a career spanning over three decades, she has worked as a speech-language pathologist, K–5 principal, and early childhood education trainer. Julianna now dedicates her time to writing, training, and community volunteering, and is currently preparing her memoir, Life with Less of Me, scheduled for publication on June 23, 2026. Throughout her career, she has been deeply committed to fostering the cognitive, emotional, and social development of children, emphasizing the importance of sensory-rich, play-based learning, movement, and relational experiences as foundational to early brain growth.
Julianna’s professional philosophy centers on treating children and adults with unconditional positive regard, teaching skills through guidance rather than punishment, and providing logical consequences. She champions asking for help and building strong support systems for educators, recognizing that effective teaching thrives within a collaborative community. Her career began as a speech-language pathologist in 1984, and after earning a master’s degree in educational administration, she served as a K–5 principal in Wausau, Wisconsin, and later led a Pre-K and Early Childhood Special Education school. Julianna coordinated district-wide kindergarten programs, trained educators on early brain development, and received recognition for her work, including acknowledgment in the Wisconsin State of the State address and the Communities Can Award from Georgetown University.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Julianna is an accomplished potter and jewelry artist, bringing creativity and mindfulness into her personal life. She has spoken and consulted statewide and nationally at educational conferences, sharing insights on early childhood development, speech pathology, and effective school leadership. With two master’s degrees—one in Speech Pathology and one in Educational Administration—she has been recognized as an outstanding alumnus of her speech therapy program. Julianna continues to inspire educators, parents, and communities by combining her lifelong passion for learning with her commitment to nurturing confident, resilient, and capable children.
• University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point - MS
• University of Wisconsin-Superior - MS
• University of Wisconsin Stevens Point - BS, Communicative
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to resilience, dedication, and a commitment to learning from every experience—both professional and personal. Throughout my career as a speech-language pathologist, K–5 principal, and coordinator of early childhood programs, I have faced challenges that tested my strength, including health struggles such as breast cancer and a severe infection, as well as professional conflicts that ultimately shaped my leadership journey. Writing a book on childhood trauma was one of my most significant achievements, and it required me to confront my own experiences through trauma therapy, reinforcing the importance of self-awareness and courage. These experiences, combined with my unwavering focus on supporting children, educators, and communities, have guided me in creating meaningful impact and sustaining a career grounded in purpose and empathy.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received was, “Don’t limit yourself.” A principal supervisor encouraged me to look beyond the traditional expectations of my role as a speech-language pathologist, inspiring me to pursue leadership opportunities, expand my skills, and embrace challenges that ultimately shaped my career in education and early childhood development.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the field of early childhood education is to advocate for meaningful change at both the systemic and professional levels. Work on policies that address the cost of childcare, push for fair compensation, and strive for greater recognition of the critical role early educators play because the early years of a child’s life are foundational to long-term development and success. By combining your passion for children with advocacy and leadership, you can help elevate the profession and make a lasting impact on families and communities.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in early childhood education today is workforce sustainability, as low pay and policy decisions have driven many talented educators out of the profession, resulting in significant staffing shortages. At the same time, there is a tremendous opportunity to influence policy and raise public awareness about the critical importance of early brain development. By advocating for better compensation, stronger support systems, and evidence-based practices, we can strengthen the profession and ensure that all children have access to high-quality early learning experiences that shape their long-term success.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide both my work and personal life are compassion, integrity, and respect for growth—both in others and in myself. My journey from a workaholic school principal to a jewelry artist and potter, following a serious health battle with a flesh-eating infection, taught me the importance of balance, resilience, and self-care. I believe in treating children and adults with unconditional positive regard while maintaining clear boundaries and logical consequences, helping others learn and grow in a safe and supportive environment. Whether guiding students, mentoring educators, or creating art, I strive to combine empathy with structure, fostering confidence, responsibility, and meaningful development in every context.
Locations
Education
Mosinee, WI 54455