Kathryne Auerback is the CEO at Movin’ Out, Inc. kathryne@movin-out.org
Rosie Bartel is a widow, mother, grandmother, educator, and advocate. Rosie holds degrees in Elementary Education, K-12 Special Education, and School Leadership and Theology. She serves on numerous national and local advisory councils and collaborates with medical professionals and researchers on projects to improve patient safety. bartel1949@gmail.com
Will Becker is a self-advocate and high school graduate. He has a black belt in Karate and is a Youth Ambassador for the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities’ Center for Youth Voice, Youth Choice project helping to spread the word on supported decision-making and alternatives to guardianship.
Casey Beilke has spent time as both an educator, state ombudsman and benefit specialist. Currently Ms. Beilke is a Program Specialist, with UW Green Bay, Division of Continuing Education and Community Engagement. beilkec@uwgb.edu
Ginger Beuk is a self-advocate. Ginger has had a lifetime involvement with advocacy and community organizations such as the United Cerebral Palsy and People First Wisconsin, where she is currently serving as the President. Ginger is a true leader in her community and has helped numerous community projects including the Inclusive Park Project which created a safe and accessible outdoor recreational environment for all individuals of all abilities and ages.
Julie Burish is a founding member of a Family Governed group that was created 10 years ago to support her daughter, Kathryn, and 7 other adult self-advocates. The group was formed to build great lives that are sustainable after parents are no longer able to provide the primary supports. jaburish29@gmail.com
Kathryn Burish is a 27-year-old woman who has been living independently in herown apartment for the past 5 years. She has been a part of her Family Governed group for 10 years and has benefited greatly from the close relationships with the other member families.
Katie Calmes is the Quality Director of Lakeland Care, Inc. a Managed Care Organization. Katie has been with Lakeland for over 16 years in various roles that focused on member rights, restrictive measures, care management, and quality management. Her experiences include family training, sexual assault victims, at risk youth, as well as advocating for those with disabilities. Katie upholds the Lakeland Values of Kindness, Inclusion, and Trust in her everyday work. katie.calmes@lakelandcareinc.com
Ana Canela is a self-advocate and has a variety of personal experiences related to gaining and maintaining competitive integrated employment in her community. Ana’s lived experiences tell a story of how someone with I/DD successfully transitioned out of a high school program and into long term supports with key transition stakeholders
Christie Carter is the Aging & Disability Program Coordinator at the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center. She has a Master of Education with a focus on instructional design and is part of both the LGBT and disability communities. She uses her personal experiences in both groups to educate policymakers and advocate for the people she works with every day. ccarter@mkelgbt.org
Deborah Carter organized a Microboard around her friend Betty, after Betty’s parents died, and helped Betty live an amazing life surrounded by friends. Deborah now supports people across North America to establish Microboards and Circles of Support around their friends and family. deborahmhcarter@gmail.com
Allison Caudill is a PhD student and researcher at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. She is interested in inclusive research for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She is also interested in learning more about health disparities for people with disabilities. acaudill@wisc.edu
Molly Cooney works for the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities. She oversees the Families Supporting Families grants and Partners with Business employment grants. Molly loves to spread the word about plain language. molly. cooney@tisconsin.gov
Kevin Coughlin has spent the last 26 years in public service for both the Division of Medicaid Service and Division of Quality Assurance. Mr. Coughlin has been a speaker at numerous state and national conferences presenting on the subjects of workforce, assisted living regulatory reform and long-term care quality improvement. kevin.coughlin@wi.gov
Carlen Dupler is 59 years old and has Multiple Sclerosis. He is a member of Incusa/Family Care. He lives a full life, enjoys live music and art shows. He also enjoys watercolor painting. His service Dog (Mimi) goes everywhere with him. Mimi and Carlen are involved with outreach to provide therapy for residents in nursing homes, hospitals and at children’s programs. Carlen is happy directing his own team of helpers and able to schedule his personal time and the time he needs assistance.
Stacy Ellingen n is a college graduate and business owner. Stacy’s advocacy and self-determination have gotten her where she is today. Through her perseverance and resiliency, she has yet to meet a challenge she can’t overcome! Her motto is: never ever give up! sellingen@incontrolwisconsin.org
Andrea Elsmo has worked in a variety of roles related to transition, education, planning and self-direction. With a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Psychology and undergraduate degree in Special Education, her specialty includes blending the two areas and taking a thoughtful approach to supporting families and individuals with their post-secondary goals. elsmo.andrea@countyofdane.com
Tyler Engel holds a Bachelor of Science degree and works to improve the respite care system globally at Marquette University. He has been an advocate for people with disabilities his whole life by being a peer mentor, leading various advocacy groups, promoting adapted sports, and making sporting events and new construction more inclusive. tyler. engel@marquette.edu
Katie Erickson has been an Information and Assistance Specialist with the ADRC of Brown County for almost 13 years. Katie has worked in the aging and disability field for her entire career and has always recognized the importance of lifting up the lives of others. She found her passion in working with transition age youth and their families which was further fueled when her oldest child was diagnosed autistic. Katie lives in Green Bay, is married, and a mom of two boys on the spectrum.
Kimberly Eschenbauch is a Certified Coach and Mindfulness Practitioner. In her role as an Organizational Impact Coach at Lakeland Care, Kimberly helps organizations build the skills and confidence they need to achieve their goals. With a deep understanding of how to harness the power of mindfulness and positive psychology, Kimberly is an expert at helping people overcome challenges and create meaningful, lasting change in their lives, and in turn, generating a positive impact in the organizations in which they work. kim. eschenbauch@lakelandcareinc.com
Brian Felix is an 18-year-old on the autism spectrum who will attend UW Milwaukee to study animation in fall 2023. Daniela C. Freitas is a 29-year-old visual communicator who has been a wheelchair user since the age of 5. She is constantly seeking knowledge and learning new skills as a Community Engagement Specialist for Padres e Hijos en Acción. Daniela is passionate about using her creativity and communication skills to make a positive impact on the world. She loves spending time with family and friends, reading, and traveling.
Daniela C. Freitas is a 29-year-old visual communicator who has been a wheelchair user since the age of 5. She is constantly seeking knowledge and learning new skills as a Community Engagement Specialist for Padres e Hijos en Acción. Daniela is passionate about using her creativity and communication skills to make a positive impact on the world. She loves spending time with family and friends, reading, and traveling.
Tony Freiberg lives independently at a Movin’ Out Apartment. In addition to running his own business, Freiberg’s Hardscaping, Tony works in a restaurant and serves on the Movin’ Out Board of Directors. freibergshardscaping@gmail.com
Cheryl Funmaker, Ph.D., J’apresanacat’iga, completed her Doctor of Philosophy degree in Special Education from the University of Wisconsin in December 2015. She is the first person in the history of the Josephine P. White Eagle Fellowship to complete a Ph.D. Since her graduation, Dr. Funmaker returned to serve her people as the Disabilities Director for the Ho-Chunk Nation Education Department.
Kody Funmaker is an Edgewood college student seeking a degree. He is also a member of the Ho-Chunk tribe and a person with developmental disabilities. After graduating high school in 2019, Kody signed up for Project Search and was the first person to work in the bakery at the Kalahari in WI Dells.
Lexi Galarowicz is an athlete with Special Olympics Wisconsin and a staff member. She has been an athlete for 6 years. Lexi was part of Team Wisconsin for the Special Olympics USA Games in 2022. Lexi has gone through WI Youth Leadership Forum as well as Partners in Policymaking. mgalarowicz@specialolympicswisconsin.org
Nancy Gapinski is the Office Manager and Consultant for People First Wisconsin. In the past she has been a participant hired care worker, a Program Support Specialist for Our Place Day Services and a founding member of Save IRIS. admpfw@gmail.com
Marquis Garner is currently a co-researcher with the Ausderau Lab. His current project is working to help better understand how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted life for people with IDD in Wisconsin. Marquis is also on the Special Olympics Wisconsin Board of Directors, a public speaker, and published book author.
James H (he/him) is a college senior with experience leading a national student organization and advocating for youth mental health. He loves to share his insights on navigating post-secondary education as a person with disabilities, including understanding learning pathways and social communities. Over time, he has found his voice as a champion of LGBTQ+ rights and systems change.
Virginia Harrison is the Bridge Builder Project Manager for LOV Inc. Bridge Builder staff support participants to establish and work toward personal goals (including skill building for increased independence in home, work, and community) and develop community connections in inclusive settings. virginia@lovinc.org
Katie Hart is owner of Katie’s Korner. Katie makes necklaces, bracelets, earrings, hair accessories and sells them through the Milkweed Market in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. Her jewelry is so popular that it’s difficult to keep up with sales. Katie is currently in the process of developing and launching her small business, Katie’s Korner, and is a partner in Opportunity Development Center’s (ODC) self-employment grant. She recently earned her first black stripe in Taekwondo and is a gifted singer.
Meara Holmberg is a graduate of Waukesha South High School and Project SEARCH. She does data entry for People First. In her spare time, she is a ventriloquist. Tami Jackson is the legislative liaison and public policy strategist for the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities. Tami has led and worked with diverse coalitions to advance and pass many pieces of legislation, state budget initiatives, and advocates for new or improved state agency policies. tamara.jackson@wisconsin.gov
Edward Kastern is currently a co-researcher with the Ausderau Lab. His current project is working to help better understand how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted life for people with IDD in Wisconsin. Edward is also a Special Olympics Wisconsin athlete, a co-author on research articles, talk show host, and most importantly, a dad.
Desi Kluth is a self-advocate from the Waukesha area and a board member of Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities (WI-BPDD). She says, “I have helped teach local police how to work with folks with disabilities and how to help with mental health needs.” Desi also loves animals and really enjoys her time volunteering with the humane society.
Stephanie Lally is a Self-Determination Manager with Inclusa. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Disorders from UW-Stevens Point and a Master of Science degree in Vocation Rehabilitation from UW-Stout. She was a DVR counselor for 8 years prior to joining the Inclusa team. She and her husband have three children, ages 8, 5 and 3 who keep them very busy and active in their community. stephanie.lally@inclusa.org
Heidi Lehman is the parent of 4 children with Autism residing in northern Wisconsin. She is a Family Engagement Coordinator with the WSPEI grant and sits on the board of directors for WI Family Ties and the Autism Society of Central Wisconsin. She can be reached at hlehman@cesa9.org
Zach Lillo is a Bridge Builder at LOV Inc. where he works with individuals to form community connections and increase their independence. He has been involved in the disability community his whole life, having grown up with a brother with a disability. zach@lovinc.org
Mary McKeown is the Managed Care Ombudsman for Dane, Jefferson, Rock, and Walworth counties, providing advocacy to members of Family Care and Partnership programs. Mary started with the Board on Aging and Long Term Care in 2016, initially working as a Regional Ombudsman. Mary’s previous work experience includes advocacy for survivors of domestic violence as well as students in alternative education programs. Mary also holds a master’s degree in community counseling. mary.mckeown@wisconsin.gov
Shannon McKinley has been actively supporting self-advocates and families within the Portage County area for 26 years. She is employed by Inclusa as a Member Support Manager and by the Stevens Point YMCA as a Fitness Instructor. She enjoys being active, spending time with her large family and supporting her kids in their chosen activities. shannon.mckinley@inclusa.org
Erin Miller lives in the Milwaukee area with a small sassy cat. She works as an Advocate Specialist for People First Wisconsin and has a passion for mental health advocacy. Erin enjoys nature walks, writing and Broadway musicals.
Todd Moely is a recipient of the Governors Committee for People with Disabilities award. He was uniquely involved in creating self-directed supports in Fond du Lac County. Todd is a dedicated employee at Target, where he has been able to build a rewarding career while also staying connected to his community. Todd was part of the original crew that opened the Target store in Fond du Lac. Todd’s dedication and hard work were recognized by Target, where he received a 30 years of service award.
Jenny Neugart is Co-Lead of the WI Disability Vote Coalition and the Grassroots Community Organizer for the Board for People with Developmental Disabilities. She has worked with youth with disabilities for the past 20 years to be stronger self-advocates. jennifer.neugart@wisconsin.gov
Kate Norby is the Director of Development at the Opportunity Development Center (ODC), Inc. Kate is committed to advancing person-centered practice and systems of support that honor full citizenship and inclusion for all. A firm believer in the principles of self-determination, Kate encourages individuals and organizations to actively build welcoming and diverse communities. Kate has worked in human services, business and education for more than two decades and holds undergraduate degrees in education, sociology, and human and community development. knorby@odcinc.com
Kyle Novak is a Program and Policy Analyst for the IRIS Program at the Department of Health Services. Prior to coming to the Department, Kyle held many roles supporting individuals with disabilities receiving long-term care, including providing residential services, behavioral supports, and direct caregiving. kyle.novak@dhs.wisconsin.gov
Andrew Patterson is 28 years old with Down Syndrome. Andrew is highly driven and does not let anything slow him down. Andrew has a love of music, sports and spending time with his girlfriend. Andrew enjoys DJing for events, working at his two jobs, walking his two dogs and spending time with his friends.
Chris Patterson grew up with a sister that has a developmental disability and brings a wealth of experience to our Night Owl Support Systems team. Chris has volunteered his time to serve on the Access to Community, Avenues to Community, Oregon Youth Basketball, and Wisconsin Badger Camp’s Board of Directors. He resides in Stoughton, WI with his wife and two sons. He enjoys playing basketball, music, golf, and spending time with his family. chris@nossllc.com
Aracely Portillo is a Bilingual Family Support Specialist at the Waisman Center. She is a mother of a 22 year old nonverbal young man with autism and co-founder of Padre e Hijos en Acción, which serves parents of children with special needs.
aracely.portillo@wisc.edu
Erika Portillo is currently studying at Madison College in the Liberal Arts Transfer Program: Pre-Professional Health Pathway. She has a brother with Autism. Because of her brother, she is interested in supporting other youth with autism/special needs. Erika is the new Youth Coordinator for the non-profit organization Padres E Hijos En Acción.
Stefanie Primm is the Executive Director at LOV Inc., Living Our Visions Inclusively, which unites people with developmental disabilities to engage and build their best lives. stefanie@lovinc.org
Matt Purfuerst has been involved in Best Buddies since high school. He was a Best Buddies leader and keynote speaker at their Champion of the Year event. Matt works at Kessler’s Diamonds and Inclusion Coffee. Matt made his television debut alongside Inclusion Coffee on Project Pitch It this year.
Jasmin Rojas is 18 years old and has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). She loves animals and will follow her passion to work with them. This fall Jasmin started at Madison College to study to be a veterinarian. In her spare time, she loves to go shopping, listen to music, and draw.
Brook S (they/them) is a PhD candidate at Marquette University studying the experiences and needs of autistic adults. As a self-advocate, clinician, and researcher, they have used their experience and training to improve autism services in the Milwaukee area through their work with the Next Step Clinic and the On Your Marq college support program. Brook has also interned in LGBTQ+ services at Ripon College and Marquette University to provide resources and support for students. They have conducted educational workshops on disability, neurodiversity, and LGBTQ+ topics.
Delores Sallis is the mother of five children, her youngest son, Albert, had multiple disabilities and passed away in January 2021. Delores is the founder of Parent University, which serves as a resource center to help families in the Milwaukee area navigate systems to help their loved ones with disabilities. She helps families ask for what they need but don’t know how to ask. deloressallis@gmail.com
Lisa Schneider became the Executive Director of the Respite Care Association of Wisconsin (RCAW) in 2017. She works collaboratively to create new programs to better meet the needs of family caregivers throughout the State of Wisconsin. Being a caregiver herself, Lisa brings a unique perspective to her role with RCAW. lschneider@respitecarewi.org
Kayla Smith is a graduate from Marian University with a bachelor’s degree in social work and a specialty in psychology, with fourteen years of experience within the IRIS LTC program. Kayla is an IRIS Ombudsman Specialist with the Board on Aging and Long Term Care, and advocates for IRIS participants 60 years and older, statewide. Kayla strives to assist individuals in living their best lives. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling and being outdoors. kaylaj.smith@wisconsin.gov
Julie Strenn has more than 25 years of experience in long-term care, having worked for provider agencies, managed care organizations, and state and local government agencies including the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. She has consulted with service providers, funders, and multiple state governments in transforming the long-term care system to focus on community employment and community living for people with disabilities. Julie is currently the President/CEO (Chief Executive Officer) at ODC. jstrenn@odcinc.com
Junior Sotelo Ramos is a recent high school graduate and a member of the National Honor Society. He is on Special Olympics, is a manager for the boy’s b-ball team, and a Supported Decision-Making Youth Ambassador.
Blue T (they/them) has been an active part of the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center’s Disability Support Group for 2 years. They mix advocacy, inclusion, and adaptation with their interests as they connect with digital communities. They live with their family in rural Southeastern Wisconsin.
Leslie Thede’s passion for helping people led her to hold various roles in the care industry working with people across the lifespan. She is a fierce advocate for those in need of supportive care, a strong believer in mental health, and an avid champion about promoting the benefits of respite care. lthede@respitecarewi.org
Kevin Thayer is a young adult on the autism spectrum who is interested in attending Madison College and currently works at Hy-Vee. He enjoys participating in various events and activities through LOV’s Bridge Builder Project. His personal interests include music, game shows, and reading.
Megan Walch has always had a love for animals. Especially dogs and horses. At a younger age, Megan belonged to a 4-H Club and participated in showing her horse Goose. Due to her own health issues, she is no longer riding, however, she still sits with and watches the horses. Megan lives in her own apartment. While appreciating her independence, Megan has some support to be successful. Megan is employed with the YMCA, working 20-24 hours per week in the child watch and kid zone areas. Megan has been told she has a “calming disposition with the elderly.”
Stacey Wargowsky has 22 years of experience in the health and human services field. Stacey has spent a significant amount of time over the last few years exploring innovative approaches to support individuals in their communities with a focus on technology through her work at Inclusa. Additionally, Stacey has supported the development of the Technology First Coalition of Wisconsin and is on the training and education committee. stacey.wargowsky@inclusa.org