A native Central Wisconsinite, I was born and raised in Wausau and graduated from a local Catholic High School. I started college at UWSP-Wausau – then called UW-Marathon County – and quickly transferred to the main campus after a year. I eventually moved to Stevens Point for undergraduate in 2009. I graduated in 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, and double minors in Anthropology and Religious Studies. My professional work history for the last 12+ years has been spread across traditional human services and education, both of which I’m extremely passionate about. I’ve supported hundreds of diverse individuals from all walks of life, including youth and adults of all ages (6-102) diagnosed with varying physical and mental health disorders. I served as a therapeutic mentor for youth at risk of out-of-home placement, and for nearly 5 years as a Medicaid-Family Care Case Manager, supporting a caseload of 40-65 adults with physical, cognitive and memory impairments. I worked at UWSP for over two years with the Student Government Association as Professional Support Staff, and years later, as a Youth Educator, teaching an interactive, 8-hour, substance prevention and resilience-building curriculum to middle schoolers and high schoolers in Wood County. My most recent role was as Community Engagement Coordinator for a local refugee resettlement agency in Wausau, where I was responsible for building community partnerships with key stakeholders, strategic communication, managing the volunteer program and fundraising/philanthropic efforts.
As a lifelong learner, I am currently a graduate student, pursuing an MBA in Applied Leadership and Decision-Making here at UWSP. I started the program in September 2023; I plan to graduate in May 2025. My long-term goal is to establish my own social enterprise, doing consulting, coaching and workshop facilitation with both individuals and organizations. My personal philosophy is rooted in the foundational principle of Cor Ad Cor Loquitor, Latin for Heart Speaks to Heart. When I know what’s in my own heart, I can speak to what’s in yours – it is only then, when we will walk forward together. With this in mind, my goal is to inspire all I meet to engage in resilience-building, trauma-informed care and holistic wellness practices, through increasing their knowledge and awareness of GEDI-EQ framework (Gender, Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity taught through a Social/Emotional Intelligence lens). When I’m not doing homework, I enjoy spending time with my spouse, breaking up fights between my two obnoxious cats, drinking WAY too much coffee, watching professional wrestling, thrifting, shopping at Bath & Body Works, going on nature walks, meditating, yoga, and crafting. I also deeply believe in the healing power of the arts, as I have a background as a professional vocalist. From 2004-2015, I was a frontwoman for several regional rhythm and blues / traditional blues bands, traveling and performing throughout Wisconsin and Minnesota. I am an avid community theater participant and have been involved in over 30+ productions, either on stage or behind the scenes, with companies in Stevens Point, Mosinee and Wausau.
I am thrilled to be back on campus serving the incredible students of UWSP and overjoyed to join the DCA family! When we work together to build a community where we genuinely show up for each other, “anything can happen if you let it” (Mary Poppins, the Musical)!