Meet the Team

Education: PhD Religious Studies, University of Iowa; BA (with honors) Journalism, Religious Studies, University of Iowa.

Why ACAP?: I’ve served as an education and non-profit administrative professional for 25 years. I’m honored to serve the community at ACAP!

Favorite Area of Programming: I love everything I’ve tried so far! Tae kwon do, Silk Yoga, Sailing, Hoops, the list goes on!

Education:

Why ACAP?: 

Favorite Area of Programming: 

Education: BS, Therapeutic Recreation; Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

Why ACAP?: Luckily heard about ACAP through a professor at the University, who thought it would be a good match for me; turns out, it was!

Favorite Area of Programming: From joyful movement such as Aerial Silk Yoga and Hooping, to creating music and art as self-expression, the diversity of opportunities available at ACAP inspires me to continually push the envelope professionally. A new endeavor, “The Amazing Race,” consists of members finding clues and solving missions as they navigate throughout the community, via city bus. I appreciate that this offering enables individuals to gain life skills and actively advocate for their right to affordable and accessible transportation, while having fun through team-building and exploration!

Education: BS, Business Management

Why ACAP?: I came in and I can’t find the exit.

Favorite Area of Programming: My favorite area is theatre arts and in particular audiovisual arts

Education: BS, Therapeutic Recreation

Why ACAP?: I started with ACAP after I graduated from UWLaCrosse in 1982!!! While I experienced a variety of professional opportunities within the the area of therapeutic recreation in the years that followed , my passion for community work drew me back to ACAP.

Favorite Area of Programming: I enjoy the arts but I also like teaching classes in disability history and disability etiquette- I feel these are two very important classes for our members!

Education: Certified Brain Injury Specialist; CNA

Why ACAP?: I originally started at ACAP as a volunteer and now here I am 25 years later!

Favorite Area of Programming: Cooking is my passion as is hiking, reading, and gardening. All leisure activities and skills I get to share with the ACAP membership is very rewarding!

Education: BS, Social Work

Why ACAP?:  Interned at IndependenceFirst in Milwaukee which introduced me to ACAP and advocacy. ACAP seemed like a perfect fit so I applied after I completed my internship with IndependenceFirst.

Favorite Area of Programming: I am very passionate about advocacy for the new accessible icon and hope to see it more places within our own communities very soon!

Education: BA, Music

Why ACAP?: I was a volunteer through J. K. Lee’s Black Belt Academy working with a weekly ACAP class, which led to me becoming an official ACAP volunteer with the Bike Club. Almost two years later, I acquired the position as a full-time ACAP staff member.

Favorite Area of Programming: I really enjoy tapping members’ creativity through music and storytelling/writing classes. I also thoroughly enjoy facilitating active offerings such as the Taekwondo club, as well as outdoor/nature-related programs like Landscape Discovery and Enjoying the Outdoors.

Education: The Foundations of Teaching – UW-Eau Claire

Why ACAP?: After my first semester of college, I was unsure of what I wanted to study in school. My dad was working at ACAP at the time, and I was introduced firsthand by becoming a volunteer and then was hired as an assistant community guide by Carol Kay. I worked at ACAP when I was home from school for summers and holiday breaks. ACAP gave me the opportunity to discover my value as a person which helped me finish school to then be hired as a full-time community guide.

Favorite Area of Programming: Anything involving our health whether it is our mind or our body.  I have some of my best ACAP memories from helping facilitate a hooping class where members could use hula hoops to express themselves through movement and dance.

Education: BS, Therapeutic Recreation; Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

Why ACAP?: Interned at the YMCA and Special Needs Recreation Department, Denver, CO. This set me up on a path of working with people with disabilities!

Favorite Area of Programming: My favorite type of program to facilitate is the Outdoor Adventure Activities, as it allows members to try new things!

Education: BS, Nursing

Why ACAP?: I was originally a volunteer at ACAP and would later go on to be a part time staff member!

Favorite Area of Programming: I have two favorite areas of programming- community service and health promotion. For community service, I enjoy implementing and facilitating aspects of daily living, such as cooking. I also enjoy health promotion and enjoy facilitating classes that involve being physically active as well as healthy nutrition.

Education: BS in Elementary Education from UW-Milwaukee

Why ACAP? I love that the program allows members to participate more fully in the community, especially volunteering their time and talents. It also offers excellent opportunities for recreation and artistic expression.

Favorite Area of Programming? I really enjoy activities that get members active, such as swimming at the YMCA and visiting the local parks.

Education: BA in Art Therapy from Alverno College

Why ACAP? I’ve previously worked with individuals with disabilities for my first Art Therapy field placement and loved the population! I was drawn to ACAP because of their inclusive environment and variety in programming. I love being able to learn new things and explore new activities with the members.

Favorite Area of Programming? Art Links! I love anything in the arts and being able to be hands on. I also enjoy healthy leisure activities that connect the mind and body such as mindfulness or being out in nature.

Education: BS in Computer Science from Carroll University

Why ACAP?: I started volunteering with the ACAP PlayMakers as a community theater actor when I was 12 years old. I loved it so much that I continued to volunteer with the PlayMakers in various roles for the next 15 years. I am now an official part of the ACAP team as the director of PlayMakers.

Favorite Area of Programming: My favorite area of programming is, of course, PlayMakers. I love the sense of teamwork and community that this program fosters. I enjoy seeing the confidence and skills of the actors grow with each production.

Education: BS, Occupational Therapy

Why ACAP?: While I was an OT student, I had an internship at ACAP and upon graduation I was offered a job as a Community Guide in the early 90’s. Now a few years later, I’m returning to ACAP as a Personal Cares Assistant.

Favorite Area of Programming: ACAP was the first place I worked at that really emphasized putting the person first and not their disability.

Education: BS in Therapeutic Recreation from UW-La Crosse; Certified Therapeutic Recreation Therapist

Why ACAP?: I started at ACAP as a summer intern and absolutely loved it! I was first drawn to ACAP’s focus on community, and my passion for community connection has only grown. ACAP’s mission for advocacy, community involvement, and inclusive recreation is what makes me so happy to be here.

Favorite Area of Programming?: I love being out in the community and have a passion for outdoor recreation. Community service and inclusive recreation in the community are my favorites!

Education: I studied Psychology and Exercise Sport Science at the University of Wisconsin La Crosse. I also have done coursework for Physical Therapy Assistant at MATC.

Why ACAP?: My background includes caregiving and life enrichment activities. I was drawn to apply to ACAP when I remembered that my Uncle Richie had been one of the very first members back in the 80’s.

Favorite Part of Programming?: I am looking forward to learning more about Advocacy, some of the art classes offered at Art Links, as well as the adaptive recreation and fitness classes.