EASTERSEALS WISCONSIN - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Director, Camp & Respite Services 608.254.8319
Alex joined Easterseals Wisconsin in December 2016. He first volunteered at camp in 2010, served as an AmeriCorps member in 2012, and has been the Ropes Course Director since 2013. He has also arranged camper trips, worked with Transitions Camp sessions, and served as Dietary Aide for campers with special dietary needs. Alex grew up in Menasha and attended UW-Milwaukee. He is excited to be back at Camp Wawbeek, working with people he has come to care so much for over the last few years. Alex says that being at camp is magical and the connections campers make with each other and with staff is his favorite thing to see when he's there.
Amanda joined Easterseals Wisconsin in October 2023. She started working at camp in October 2021 as a counselor, served as an AmeriCorps member in 2022, License Practical Nurse during summer of 2022, and as a Registered Nurse since February 2023. Amanda grew up in Greenleaf, WI, attended Fox Valley Technical College where she received an Associate degree in Business Management in 2009 and attended Northeast Wisconsin Technical College where she received an Associate degree in Nursing in 2023. Amanda says her favorite part about camp is that it's an amazing place where everyone is accepted for who they are, and lifelong memories and friendships are made.
Amanda is married to her husband Eric, and they have two daughters and four dogs. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, and doing activities like camping, kayaking, being outdoors and having campfires.
Job Titles:
- Rural Rehabilitation Specialist
Ami joined the Easterseals Wisconsin staff in 2014. She works with farmers with disabilities and their families by providing services that help them continue farming and maintain independence. She conducts on-site work assessments, determines work site modifications and adaptive equipment needs, develops a plan to implement recommendations, and coordinates funding and support services. Ami is the instructor of Exploring Job Options in Rural Wisconsin, a program developed for high school students with disabilities who want to learn more about opportunities available in the agricultural industry. Ami grew up on her family's dairy farm where she continues to work with the herd.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Chairman of the BOARD, Verona
Job Titles:
- CTRS, AmeriCorps Program Manager
Anna joined the Easterseals Wisconsin team in August 2017 as the AmeriCorps Program Manager. She first volunteered at camp in 2013, served as an AmeriCorps member in 2015, and served a second term of AmeriCorps in 2016 as the Volunteer Coordinator. In 2015, she graduated from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse with a Bachelors in Therapeutic Recreation. In this role, she is responsible for program compliance with the AmeriCorps grant, including preparation of progress and final reports, AmeriCorps member documentation, and overall member experience. She manages record-keeping and monitoring, citizenship training, AmeriCorps supervisor communication and coordination, program evaluation, and billing - according to the AmeriCorps program budget and plan.
Job Titles:
- Self - Employment Specialist
Ashley joined Easterseals Wisconsin in December 2022 as the Self-Employment Specialist. In this position, she works with individuals with disabilities who are pursuing self-employment as their vocational goal and assists in choosing an enterprise that will accommodate their disability. She provides assessments, feasibility studies, helps to research potential markets, assists in developing structure and possible funding needed to operate a business, and works directly with consumers to develop business plans.
Ashley's introduction to Easterseals Wisconsin was at Camp Wawbeek where she first attended camp at the age of 6 and continued to participate until she was 18 years old! Ashley was an Easterseals Ambassador and has done many other things on behalf of the organization. She is grateful to be able to be give back to the organization that has already given her so much. Ashley is originally from Chippewa Falls and received her Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from UW-Eau Claire. In her free-time, she enjoys crafting and reading. When you see Ashley out and about, you will find Kade, her service dog, faithfully by her side.
Job Titles:
- AmeriCorps Veterans Coordinator
Brigette is serving her first Americorps term with Easterseals Wisconsin as the Veterans Coordinator. During the previous summer, she worked as a programmer with Easterseals Wisconsin's Camp Wawbeek. Currently, she is studying Social Work and Psychology at Bradley University and plans on graduating May 2024. Brigette is in charge of planning the Veterans Family Camp Weekends and looks forward to seeing new and returning families. If you or someone you know is interested in attending a Veterans Family Camp, please reach out to Brigette for more information at: veterans@eastersealswisconsin.com
Job Titles:
- Director, Grants Management 608.237.1484
Cally coordinates overall grants management and development, including preparing federal, state and private grant proposals, researching new prospects, and stewardship of grant makers. She investigates new public and private funding sources and is responsible for compliance with all grant requirements including data collection, reporting, billing, evaluation, reports, and general oversight of grant activities. Cally is also responsible for the overall implementation of the AmeriCorps program and serves as AmeriCorps Program Director. Before joining Easterseals Wisconsin in 2013, Cally worked as the Outreach Specialist for AgrAbility of Wisconsin, a partner of Easterseals Wisconsin.
Job Titles:
- Director, Camp Wawbeek 608.841.1521 Ext. 180
Carlee joined Easterseals Wisconsin in May 2022. She started working at camp in May 2016, served as an AmeriCorps member 2016-2018, Program Director in 2019, and was the AmeriCorps Volunteer Coordinator 2019-2020. Carlee has continued to support camp in many roles on weekends since. Carlee grew up in West Dundee, Illinois, and attended Western Illinois University where she received her Bachelors in Therapeutic Recreation. She is beyond excited to be back at Camp Wawbeek and ready to serve all campers who come. Carlee says the connections made at camp and the fun had at camp will last a lifetime!
Job Titles:
- First Vice President - Business Banking at Park Bank
As First Vice President-Business Banking at Park Bank, Elyse helps her clients achieve financial success mostly through Commercial Real Estate and C&I lending. She brings over 21 years of banking experience, holding leadership positions and belonging to several non-profit boards. Elyse holds a bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies and Finances from UW Whitewater.
Emily joined Easterseals Wisconsin in June 2019 and serves as the Camp Billing Assistant. In this role, she is responsible for obtaining authorizations, invoicing, and various administrative duties around the Madison office. Emily obtained a degree in Medical Billing from Madison College in December 2019.
Ginni Olson joined Easterseals in August, 2023 as the Camp Billing Specialist. In that position, she is responsible for coordinating authorizations, financial aid requests, generating invoices, and maintaining department files. Ginni received her Associates Degree in Accounting from Moraine Park Technical College in 2003. She has 2 dogs and a cat and enjoys kayaking, hiking, and spending time with her 4 grandchildren.
Job Titles:
- ATP, Director, FARM & Vocational Services
"Throughout my career I have worked with farmers who have been involved with Easterseals Wisconsin's FARM Program and AgrAbility and I have witnessed the benefits to our state's farmers. My wife and daughter, who are teachers, work with children with disabilities and I have seen the satisfaction they get when helping their students. Being on the board is one way that I can give back to the community." Jeff has many years of experience in the field of agriculture. He began his career as a writer at The Country Today, then as a legislative aide in Washington DC, assistant director for National Commission on Dairy Policy, 22 years at the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, and most recently, was the general manager at FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative. Lyon served for nearly eight years as the Deputy Secretary at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP). Jeff resides in Middleton with his wife Karen. They have two adult children.
Job Titles:
- Coordinator, Guardian Assistance Program 920.572.6313
Jill has worked for Easterseals Wisconsin for over 30 years. Since 2016, she has coordinated the Guardian Assistance Program, in collaboration with Outagamie County Health and Human Services, to provide training and support to guardians in Outagamie County. This program assists over 300 guardians each year in fulfilling their obligations in this role.
Karen began as the Events Coordinator for Easterseals Wisconsin in January 2024. In this role she is responsible for planning, implementing and managing our special events. She works directly with our Director of Development to prepare and oversee events and budgets. Karen grew up in Jefferson and graduated from UW-River Falls with a bachelor's degree in Conservation/Outdoor Education with an emphasis of Leadership. She comes with numerous years of experience in event planning, ropes course challenges and working with groups of all sizes. She is very excited to work for such a wonderful organization!
Job Titles:
- Accounting & Human Resources Coordinator
Kim joined Easterseals Wisconsin in 2020 as the Accounting and Human Resources Coordinator. She is responsible for depositing cash receipts, cash disbursements to vendors, and vendor relations. Kim works with the Camp department to track and account for billing and receipts for Camp fees. She is also responsible for carrying out human resource functions for the agency, maintains personnel files, records timesheets and leave, and handles workers compensation and unemployment claims.
Job Titles:
- AmeriCorps Transitions Coordinator
Kourtney joined the Easterseals Wisconsin AmeriCorps team in September 2021 as the Transitions Coordinator. Kourtney is currently serving her third AmeriCorps term as Transitions Coordinator. She first started working at camp in September of 2019 as a camp counselor and as a camper coordinator in summer 2021. She has continued to support camp on weekends and weeks during the summer. Kourtney grew up in Rhinelander, WI and attended UW-Eau Claire where she received her bachelor's degree in Special Education and a certificate in American Sign Language (ASL) and Nicolet Technical College receiving an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Certificate. She is overjoyed to have the opportunity to continue serving for AmeriCoprs at Easterseals Wisconsin. This program has provided an abundant amount of learning opportunities that Kourtney will remember forever! She cannot wait to see what the future holds at camp and the AmeriCorps program.
Job Titles:
- Technology Support Specialist
Lorrie joined Easterseals Wisconsin staff in 2016, she supports agency technology needs, and is responsible for help desk and agency network, server, hardware and software support. She also makes purchases seeking in-kind donations of software and plans for IT needs in conjunction with management staff. Lorrie has 20 years experience in small-medium business IT software/hardware installation, troubleshooting, training, and support.
Job Titles:
- Marketing & Development Specialist
As the Marketing and Development Specialist, Mary helps with major fundraisers such as the Golf Outing for Kids and works closely with VIP Ambassadors during the southern Wisconsin Annual Campaign. She coordinates the statewide direct mail program, plays a lead role in planning the Recognition Dinner, designs various marketing materials, and writes and edits the Independence Newsletter. In 2006, Mary conceptualized, researched and wrote the curriculum for Avenues to Understanding, Easterseals Wisconsin's disability awareness program aimed at children and teens. She has been with Easterseals Wisconsin since 1994.
Job Titles:
- Administrative Program Assistant
Melba provides technical assistance to the FARM Program and Self-Employment Services programs. She edits FARM Program reports, is in charge of FARM billing and spreadsheets, keeps client files updated, and maintains the Ag Equipment Reutilization website. She also serves as client first contact by phone, is point of contact for AgrAbility, updates the client databases, and handles all mailings.
Coming to Easterseals Wisconsin with 21 years of experience, Pam joined the staff in 2008. She oversees both financial operations of the agency and human resource functions. She is responsible for fiscal analysis, the preparation and distribution of monthly financial statements, and coordination of the budget process. Pam also prepares audit schedules and tax returns, monitors compliance with regulatory agencies, administers employee benefit plans, monitors investment activities, and performs bi-weekly payroll processing.
Job Titles:
- Coordinator, Outagamie County Disability HelpLine
- HelpLine Coordinator
As the HelpLine Coordinator, Pattie utilizes knowledge gained over more than 30 years as an Occupational Therapist. She advocates for people with disabilities and their families on a number of local committees, seeks out funding to assist in providing disability-related equipment, and oversees the Parents-4-Parents Support Group, a HelpLine program that organizes and hosts holiday events for individuals with disabilities and their families throughout the year. She has a passion for helping others and looks forward to using that passion in her new position. Pattie enjoys gardening with her husband and spending time with family and friends traveling, hiking and camping.
As President and CEO of Easterseals Wisconsin, Paul is responsible for carrying out the mission and objectives of the agency while working collaboratively with Board members and management staff. Before being named CEO in September 2020, Paul held various leadership positions within the agency. He is known best for his deep commitment to the clients served through Easterseals Wisconsin and has spent much of his career leading the agency's nationally honored FARM Program since its inception in 1989. During that time, Paul was Director of the program for 10 years before becoming Vice President of FARM and Vocational Services for the next 18 years. In that role he oversaw outreach activities, on-site assessments, and business plans for the department which also encompassed Self-Employment Services and the Disability HelpLine of Outagamie County. Along with those responsibilities, he served as liaison to the Wisconsin Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and AgrAbility of Wisconsin. During his career with Easterseals Wisconsin, Paul has developed a strong sense of leadership and understanding of the intricacies of nonprofit management and looks forward to leading the agency and serving its clients in this new capacity.
Before being named CEO in September 2020, Paul held various leadership positions within the agency. He is known best for his deep commitment to the clients served through Easterseals Wisconsin and has spent much of his career leading the agency's nationally honored FARM Program since its inception in 1989. In response to his promotion as CEO and President of Easterseals Wisconsin, "I'm fortunate to have had the chance to work with and learn from Christine Fessler for so many years and am grateful that she is leaving the agency in a stable and strong position," says Leverenz. "It's also been a true privilege to work with the talented and skilled staff that we have in the organization. I look forward to collaborating with them to move our services forward."
Job Titles:
- Rural Rehabilitation Specialist
During his 30 years at the Wisconsin Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Paul was a knowledgeable advocate for farmers and he continues in this role since joining the FARM Program staff. He works with farmers with disabilities and their families by providing services that help them continue farming and maintain their independence. He provides case management for clients, identifies immediate needs, and provides information and referral to funding and support services. Paul, who grew up on a farm, started working for Easterseals Wisconsin in 2008.
Rachel joined Easterseals Wisconsin in 2018. She is a highly experienced fundraiser with a proven track record, who worked for over 10 years as a Senior Corporate Philanthropy Officer and a Major Giving Officer, conducting major events including many golf outings and galas. Rachel will manage the development budget, coordinate, develop, and execute all special events, and work with major donors to promote the viability of Easterseals Wisconsin's programs and offerings.
Ray LaVigne has been with Easterseals Wisconsin since July 2022. Ray comes to Easterseals Wisconsin with over 20 years of maintenance experience in resorts and apartment complexes. As Maintenance Lead, Ray helps keep our camp property safe, including maintaining vehicles, building repairs and everything else at our Camps. Ray also keeps our roads plowed, trails cleared and responds to maintenance emergencies. Ray will also lead a team of maintenance assistants during the summer season.
As Executive Assistant, Sandee provides administrative support for the CEO, Board of Directors, and Development Director. She assists with database management, agency events, and provides support for our Friends programs, Development events, Community Health Charities, and national corporate sponsor initiatives. Sandee, a Wisconsin native who has lived most of her life in Madison and south-central Wisconsin, joined Easterseals Wisconsin in 2015.
Job Titles:
- Research and Development Communications Manager for Genus Plc
- Secretary, Imperial, MO / Communications Manager, Genus Plc
Sara is the Research and Development Communications Manager for Genus plc, a world-leading animal genetics company. She previously held roles with the Wisconsin Agri-Business Association, Cooperative Network, Wisconsin FFA Foundation, and Agri-View. She is a proud alumnus of UW-Madison, where she majored in Dairy Science and Life Sciences Communications. She completed her Master of Agribusiness degree from Kansas State University in 2018 and is currently working on her Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership from Concordia University-Chicago.
When approached to serve on the Easterseals Wisconsin Board of Directors, she enthusiastically accepted, noting, "It is a privilege to be asked to be a part of this exceptional organization. I consider it an honor to work with the Easterseals Wisconsin Staff and Board of Directors to further the opportunities available to children and adults with disabilities across the state."
Shelby joined Easterseals Wisconsin as Respite Camp Director in January 2024. Shelby first entered the camp and recreation world in 2019 at Easterseals Iowa while working as a cabin leader in their respite program. They grew up in a small town in Iowa before getting their associate degree in liberal arts in Des Moines, IA. Shelby is very excited to get to know the staff and campers here in Wisconsin and their favorite part of respite is being able to provide a safe and enriching environment for campers while the caregivers get a much-needed weekend/week break.
Job Titles:
- AmeriCorps Volunteer Coordinator
Siena served as an AmeriCorps Respite Apprentice in 2022 at Camp Wawbeek and returned the following summer as the Program Coordinator for Respite Camp. She is currently serving another Americorps term as Volunteer Coordinator for Easterseals Wisconsin. Siena graduated with a bachelor's degree in Education Studies and Psychology from UW-Madison in May of 2022 and intends to pursue graduate schooling to expand her knowledge of school-based mental health practices. She is passionate about disability and accessibility, and loves to see campers come out of their shell as they get to know new friends at camp.
Job Titles:
- Director, Marketing & Communications
Stacey joined Easterseals Wisconsin in November 2016. As the Director of Marketing and Communications, Stacey is responsible for the development, implementation, and management of a strategic and comprehensive communications plan, both externally and internally, promoting and marketing Easterseals Wisconsin in conjunction with its programs, services, and events.
Job Titles:
- Rural Rehabilitation Specialist
T brings to the FARM Program 26 years of counseling and case management skills, knowledge of farming, and awareness of how disabilities might affect farmers. She works with farmers with disabilities and their families by providing services that help them continue farming and maintain independence. She provides case management for clients, identifies immediate needs, and provides information and referral to funding and support services. T joined Easterseals Wisconsin in 2000.
Terri has been with Easterseals Wisconsin for over 20 years. As Head Housekeeper, Terri helps keep our camps looking clean and beautiful all year around. Terri assists with laundry, cleaning buildings around camp, stocking supplies and also helps with creating camp menus, ordering food and making sure we are prepared for weekend programs. During the summer season, Terri leads a team of housekeepers to ensure our camps are clean, campers laundry is done and cabinets are stocked. You will always find Terri lending a helping hand, shoveling snow, helping to clear trails and anything else camp needs!
Job Titles:
- Treasurer, Middleton / Wisconsin Financial Group, Financial Advisor
Zach Morley grew up in Maryville, Missouri and moved to Madison to attend the UW and play basketball for the Badgers. After retiring from professional basketball in Europe, he decided it was time to focus his attention on finding ways to be more involved in his own community here in Wisconsin. Zach attended the Starry Night event with a friend, was impressed by the Easterseals Wisconsin programs he was introduced to that night and knew that he'd found an organization he'd be proud to be a part of. When asked to serve on the Board, he quickly accepted and he's excited to do his part in helping enhance the lives of those with disabilities. Zach is a financial advisor with Wisconsin Financial Group and lives in Middleton with his wife, Rachel, and kids Rowan, Fallon, and Collins.