CORPORATE GUARDIANS - Key Persons
Since 2017, Andrea has been bringing her dedication and determination to her clients and team at Corporate Guardians. Her work ethic and desire to safeguard the assets and livelihood of vulnerable individuals make her a valuable part of the Guardian of Estate team. Though Andrea holds a position in finance, she has a varied background in social work-working with individuals who have been abused, children in need, the foster care system, and adult family homes. Andrea holds a master's degree in social work.
"What I do through Corporate Guardians is important to me because I am able to help vulnerable individuals who may not be able to help themselves get the services they need to have the best quality of life."
Ardie is a finance professional who has been with Corporate Guardians since 2018. With 16 years of experience as a personal banker and 10 years in management, Ardie is a valuable member of Corporate Guardians' Guardian of Estate team. She has a heart for standing watch over clients who have been victims of financial abuse and helping secure their assets and livelihood.
Betsy comes to the agency with an extensive history in healthcare management and social services. Her approach to guardianship is shaped by a solution-focused attitude and determination to give each client the best possible quality of life. Betsy is a licensed social worker that is passionate about serving those in need, specifically the elderly and those with intellectual disabilities. She serves as manager for Corporate Guardians' Social Services Department.
As guardians, we have the opportunity to safeguard and potentially improve the lives of society's most vulnerable individuals and I believe that to be both a responsibility and a privilege.
Job Titles:
- Chief Financial Officer
- Owner
Brian is one of the founders of Corporate Guardians, along with his wife, Kay. He's been part of Corporate Guardians since 2008 after 15 years in the corporate world. Brian has a bachelor's degree in business operations management from the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh and previously worked in the paper industry. As CFO, Brian oversees overall business operations and also directs the finance team of Guardian of Estate Representatives. Brian is Corporate Guardian's primary agent for trustee and personal rep work on estate, and directs investigations surrounding financial exploitation.
Carrie joined Corporate Guardians in June of 2022 as a Guardian of Estate Representative. She has had a successful career in banking, for 17 years, and is passionate about helping people avoid vulnerable situations specifically involving monies. With a strong background in fraud detection, it is her obligation to safeguard individual's assets delivering peace of mind and financial security. At Corporate Guardians, Carrie will hear each client as their own individual. She will work together with them to promote
Heather brings a wealth of financial knowledge and experience to her work at Corporate Guardians. She's been with the agency since 2011 and worked in the financial sector for five years prior to that. Heather possesses an expertise in navigating government programs and benefits for the safety and success of individuals with whom she works.
I joined the CG team in July 2022. I am a certified social worker and graduated from UW-Eau Claire in 2012. I started my career in child protective services and eventually found a home in working with vulnerable individuals with a physical or mental disability, a severe and persistent mental illness, or who are frail elders. I enjoy a challenge and the differentness every day brings. I have experience in CPS, direct care work, working with a local Native American tribe, and most recently as a care manager with a managed care organization. I feel that my experience in all of these will make me a great asset to the CG team. I enjoy advocating for others and helping people find their voice.
I believe that everyone deserves a chance to live their best life and I want to be a part of that.
Kari recently joined Corporate Guardians in March of 2022 as a Guardian of Estate Representative. She brings a unique perspective to the team, having worked in both the realms of corporate finance and human services. Kari holds a double major in business administration and psychology.
One of the founders of Corporate Guardians, Kay has been leading the agency and the industry since 2006. Her passion for protecting the vulnerable and advocating for those under the agency's care continues to beat in the mission of Corporate Guardians. Kay holds a degree in human services and business and has been in the human services field for over 25 years. She's been involved at a state level in providing leadership for the guardianship in Wisconsin as President of the Wisconsin Guardianship Agency (WGA) for four years and a leader in WINGS (Working Interdisciplinary Networks of Guardianship Stakeholders).
"I believe fully that we are here to serve and protect those most vulnerable in our communities while assisting them in maintaining their dignity, advocating for their best interests and encouraging self-determination."
Kellie joined Corporate Guardians in January of 2022 as a Guardian of Persons Representative. She brings a young and relevant perspective to her role and radiates kindness and positive energy to the team. She is a recent graduate from St. Norbert college where she earned a bachelor's degree in psychology and communications. Kellie has an abundant amount of experience working with at-risk youth and individuals on the autism spectrum.
Kelsey joined Corporate Guardians as a GOP in the La Crosse area in April of 2022. She completed her bachelor's degree in Psychology with a minor in Gender Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in 2013, and has been working to serve the vulnerable and disenfranchised in the Coulee Region ever since. She's a leader that walks behind the group, encouraging forward movement. She grew up as the youngest in a big family, and developed a passion for helping others discover and embrace their individuality and realize the value of being true to oneself. She is dedicated to helping others identify their life choices and advocating on their behalf.
Lisa joined Corporate Guardians in October of 2022 as a Guardian of Person Representative. She brings her passion for research and broad Psychology background assessing situations with a wholistic view. Lisa obtained her Master's in Experimental Psychology from Idaho State University and recently worked as a service coordinator for adults with developmental disabilities.
Lisa has been with Corporate Guardians since 2014. After 16 years in banking, financial, and administrative fields, as well as four years in the United States Air Force, Lisa joined our team as a Guardian of Estate Representative. In 2021, she transitioned into an administrative assistant role. In this role Lisa loves being part of the team and working behind the scenes to help the agency run as efficently as possible so that it can stand watch over those in vulnerable situations.
Lisa's experience in finance and the Air Force brings a high level of dedication, organization, and problem solving to all she does.
I love helping those who can't help themselves. I'm dedicated to helping the most vulnerable--getting their financial life in order and and give them peace of mind knowing that their lives are being secured, monitored, and protected.
Patrick thrives in complex cases. He combines outside-of-the-box thinking, a team-centered approach, and a person-centered focus in all his work for the success of the individuals he's working with. He's been with Corporate Guardians since 2016 and has been in the mental health and direct care field for 10 years. Patrick holds a degree in business management.
"I strongly believe that every vulnerable individual deserves a voice and the best opportunity to be themselves to the extent they are capable. Through working with the individual and their teams, I believe that we give them the best chance for success."
Sarah Sparks joined Corporate Guardians in May of 2023, having been drawn by the alignment of CG's values with her long-term career aspirations. Coming with a bachelor's degree in psychology and a wealth of professional experience in finance, Sarah also has worked in direct care positions in AFH and CBRF settings, giving her firsthand experience with the communities and individuals Corporate Guardians serves.
Sarah's blend of a financial background and a degree in social sciences positions her ideally for the role of a Guardian of Estate Representative. Her overarching goal has always been to engage with finances and numbers while simultaneously making a positive impact on the lives of others. As a Guardian of Estate Representative with Corporate Guardians, Sarah has found fulfillment in both these dimensions. Each day, she brings her financial acumen and compassion to her work, contributing meaningfully to her role and the lives of those she serves.
Shannon is a helper to the core. Her passion to support clients and advocate for their needs consistently results in personal and compassionate care for each individual with whom she works. She is a strong communicator and holds a degree in business administration with an emphasis in human resources and psychology. Shannon has served as a Guardian of Person representative since 2013.
"I get to be an advocate for those that do not have anyone to serve. I am their voice, and it feels good to ensure they have what they need and that they are being properly cared for."
Shannon joined the CG team in the summer of 2022. She brings to the team experience working as a director at assisted living facilities and as a case manager for adults with physical and mental health challenges. She has worked with a wide variety of individuals over the past 20 years in human services and loves being able to work with people to help them have the life they want and deserve. Shannon enjoys problem solving and advocating for individuals.
Steph joined Corporate Guardians in 2021 as our first ever dedicated case manager. In this role she works hands-on with clients to provide them assistance and care at the level they need. Steph has a relentless attitude in all her work and a compassionate approach to case management. She has extensive experience and education in working with alcohol and drug abuse and in corrections. Together, this experience and attitude makes her well-suited to meet clients where they are and work with them to meet their goals.
*Sometimes people don't have the support they need and I love being able to help better someone's life and give them clarity when things feel chaotic.*
Zach joined Corporate Guardians as Program Manager in 2020. In this role, he supports the staff and agency by developing and refining internal process and directing marketing and strategic planning. Zach holds a Master of Divinity degree and 8 years of experience as a pastor. His leadership experience and organizational coordination help Corporate Guardians consistently work its mission in pursuit of its vision to make ethical and excellent guardianship accessible to all.