Our Staff

Aaron started out his career with ERI as a Job Coach and is now an Employment Support Specialist and is eager to assist consumers pursue work. His prior experience working with the United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County has helped him finetune his skills working with people in all walks of life, in corporate and informal settings. He is an advocate for positivity and self-improvement. He is also very passionate about learning and helping others overcome adversities so they can grow and improve in their lives.

As a Work Incentive Benefits Specialist, Erica provides benefit-related information to beneficiaries that help them make informed decisions about work-related situations. These benefits include benefits through the Social Security Administration, public benefits, and any other financial issues concerning benefits received. Prior to working at ERI, Erica worked as an IRIS Consultant within the long-term care system. However, her Work Incentive Benefits Specialist career started in 2014 while she was already working at the local Independent Living Center. Erica has a B.S. in Professional Studies from Viterbo University.

Chris brings to ERI a background of working with youth, families, and adults within the community. Chris earned his Bachelor of Science in Career and Technical Education from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. He has worked in public and private schools as a Special Education teacher, a Career and Technical Education teacher, a Direct Care Provider, a Peer Support Specialist, a family liaison, and an off-site tutor. Other adventures include volunteering in Latin America, Shelters, Food Shelves, and Habitat for Humanity. Chris resides in northwestern Wisconsin with his wife and two children. They have created a hobby farm where they keep bees, sheep, poultry, gardens, and an occasional guinea pig. Working with people has always been a passion - believing that we are partners on this journey of becoming whole people living to our highest potential.

Jessica is an Employment Specialist and IPS Supervisor working in various programs at ERI. Jessica holds a Master of Science degree in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling and Mental Health Counseling from Thomas University, is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). In addition, Jessica holds a Bachelors of Science degree in Art Therapy/Psychology from Edgewood College. At ERI, she works with individuals seeking employment as part of the Comprehensive Community Services (CCS) program as well as with high school students with disabilities and their families to facilitate a seamless transition out of school into integrated community employment and adult long-term services. Prior to ERI, Jessica worked as the Supported Employment and Educational Specialist in the First Episode Psychosis program at Journey Mental Health Center. She has had internship experiences with Madison College – Disability Resource Services, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, and Arts for All Wisconsin (previously known as VSA of Wisconsin) working directly with individuals with disabilities enhance their lives. Jessica is excited for the next step in her career at ERI to assist individuals reach their goals through employment.

Patty (she/her) is a CESP™ Employment Specialist in Northern Wisconsin with experience serving youth and adults through career exploration and job development. Her past experience includes instructing at the University of Minnesota, serving as an Interpretive Park Ranger for the National Park Service, and working at several non-profit learning centers. Throughout her career, Patty developed programs to meet the diverse learning styles and interests of her audiences. Patty holds a Master’s Degree in Environmental Education from the University of Minnesota in Duluth. She obtained a BS in Business Administration with an emphasis in Management and a Major in Environmental Studies from the University of Montana in Missoula. Patty is motivated to connect job seekers to relevant, meaningful employment opportunities.

Heidi simplifies complex research and concepts into messages that are practical and useful for readers. She has worked in vocational rehabilitation for the past five years. Previously, she was a member of a professional learning community dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion in Wisconsin schools. She has more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit communications, including adult learning and higher education. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stout with a master’s degree in technical and professional communication.

Stephanie started at ERI in 2006. She has worked as a Work Incentive Benefits Specialist (WIBS) in various programs while at ERI. In addition to working as a benefits specialist, she is a lead trainer for the Initial WIBS training offered by ERI.

Mary is an Employment Specialist in Northeastern Wisconsin. Her past experience includes co-developing a Bariatric Surgery Program, that achieved the designation of an ASMBS Centers of Excellence. She has worked as a Behavior Support Specialist at Ethan House, a group home for court ordered adolescents. She has more than 15 years of experience working closely with employer groups, medical review teams and employee health insurance benefits. Mary believes that every life has meaning and purpose. She is passionate about helping people achieve their goals in life. Mary has a Bachelor of Arts in Healthcare Management from Concordia University, Green Bay campus.

Sarah is a Community Benefits Specialist and helps people obtain Social Security benefits. Sarah has worked in the Dane County area for 27 years supporting people with various disabilities in several different capacities, including residential, service coordination, guardianship, planning, and rep. payee services. She has a Bachelor's degree in Social Work from UW-Whitewater and a Master of Science in Social Work from UW-Madison. Sarah enjoys spending time with her family and pets.

Bethany is an Employment Specialist in the Green Bay area. She holds a Master’s of Science degree in Organizational Leadership and Strategic Change and Innovation from the University of Denver. Before moving to Wisconsin in 2020, Bethany served at Easterseals Colorado as a Job Placement Service Provider. Bethany has visited and lived in 26 different countries. Her extensive travel has fueled her passion for service, leadership, and connection.

Michael brings over 16 years of experience in the technology industry architecting and implementing solutions for websites and third-party tools. Michael is passionate about improving user experiences and creating more efficient processes and believes that there is always a way to make things easier in everything we do. He is driven by challenges, helping others, and dark roast black coffee – no cream or sugar.

Miriam comes to this position with a wide range of financial management experiences for both nonprofit organizations and small businesses. Her experience includes 13 years as the Executive Director of REAP Food Group, a non-profit building a healthful, just, and sustainable food system in southern Wisconsin. She has also managed the finances for a national environmental nonprofit, a childrens’ play equipment manufacturer, and for an art gallery that she owned and managed for eight years. With a degree in Mathematics, Miriam has had a long-standing love of working with numbers. She is delighted to now lend her number-crunching skills to advancing the mission of ERI.

Lisa is the Quality and Design Lead for ERI and is a member of the design team. This means that Lisa is involved with e-Learning, training, event marketing, and has various administrative duties around the office. Previously she worked for non-profit associations coordinating and executing projects for print and web-posting. Lisa’s eye for detail was honed over the years working in retail advertising, printing departments, and educational settings. She received her BA with an emphasis in Communication Arts and Art History, and she believes that learning should be never-ending.

As a Work Incentive Benefits Specialist, Ellen provides benefit related services to beneficiaries regarding Social Security Administration work incentives. This includes public benefits, health care systems, as well as other financial issues concerning benefits received. Ellen enjoys helping people get the most out of the many benefits available to them. Ellen has a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing Science and a Master of Science degree in Education.

Megan coordinates WDBN outreach and training projects and is a work incentives benefits specialist. Megan holds a Master’s of Science degree in Rehabilitation Psychology from the UW-Madison. Megan is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC). She attended the Wisconsin Disability Benefit Network (WDBN) 10 day training for Benefits Specialists in October/November of 2006 while she was working at Employment Resources, Inc. as an intern. Her many past experiences working with individuals with disabilities include internships working at the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), the Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired, and Community Living Alliance (CLA).

Theresa is a long-time promoter and advocate for programs and services for people with disabilities. She brings extensive experience in marketing, design, and promotion; information management; website administration and design; and online learning development and training. She currently oversees ERI’s information management, marketing, communications, and training activities. Theresa speaks on a variety of technology, social media, and e-learning topics at local, state and national conferences with a disability focus. With degrees in English and Education, Theresa has a real passion for learning and enjoys sharing her experiences and expertise in this area.

Amber has been a Work Incentives Benefit Specialist at ERI since 2008. As a Work Incentives Benefit Specialist, Amber provides benefit-related information to beneficiaries that help them make informed decisions about work-related situations. In addition to providing direct services, Amber is the Program Director for the Wisconsin Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) Project. Amber holds a Master of Science Degree in Social Work from the UW-Madison.

As a Senior Web and Graphic Designer, Dawn brings extensive experience in web, graphic and multimedia design/development, digital marketing, content and communication strategy planning, social media campaign development, and a true passion for fulfilling needs and providing elevated solutions. Dawn’s passionate about using her experience to support the goals of individuals with disabilities, as well as the staff and organizations that work with them, to be successful in their communities. She received her education in Website Design & Development and Liberal Arts Studies through Madison College and believes strongly in continued growth through a commitment to life-long learning. Outside of work, you’ll find Dawn spending time in nature, “enjoying the little things,” with her son Jaden, a variety of family pets (mostly rescues), and volunteering for local/international non-profits providing support to women and children in desperate economic conditions, animal and wildlife rescue, at-risk child/rescued-pet therapy and committee work for local small businesses.

Terri is a Benefits and Employment Specialist working in the Ticket to Work program as well as providing Work Incentives Benefits Counseling. In addition to working at ERI, she has also held various other positions that focused on benefits counseling and employment services.

Sarah manages ERI’s Ticket to Work Program (ERI PLUS). Sarah oversees program operations and works closely with the Ticket to Work team to continue to grow the program and provide consumers with high quality benefits and career counseling services. Prior to working for ERI, Sarah worked as an intake case management specialist for the Wisconsin-Works (W2) program in Milwaukee. She is passionate about helping individuals move forward with their employment goals. She holds a B.S. degree in Human Development and Family Studies from UW-Madison.

Ashley is an Employment Specialist in the Madison area. She obtained a B.A. in Criminology & Law Studies and Psychology from Marquette University. Prior to working at ERI, Ashley worked as a Vocational Case Manager for a non-profit in Madison to provide long-term support for individuals with disabilities to maintain employment. While attending Marquette University, she interned at Word of Hope Ministries, Inc. in the ATODA department. During Ashley’s internship, she worked with people in Milwaukee to overcome their substance abuse. Ashley is very passionate about working with individuals to integrate them into the community in order to achieve their goals and live out their purpose. In Ashley’s spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, listening to podcasts, watching the Milwaukee Bucks games, exercising, and snuggling with her two cats.

Danielle has extensive experience assisting people with reaching their employment goals. She was a vocational instructor for the past nine years and co-founded and facilitated a soft skill employment preparation program. This program included introducing the entire job search process and teaching the soft skills needed to maintain employment. Danielle also attained an A.A.S. in Management Development from Milwaukee Area Technical College (graduating with honors). She truly understands the barriers people face when attempting to gain employment and is passionate about assisting people with leaping over these barriers! Danielle also managed a doggy treat bakery that specifically employed people with disabilities.

Jolin has been a Community Benefits Specialist at ERI since June 2009. He earned a B.A. from Grinnell College with an independent major and a M.S. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Rehabilitation Psychology. In between these academic adventures, Jolin worked for five years at a group home for people with mental illnesses.

Kayla is an Employment Specialist located in the Milwaukee area. Previously, she was an Employment Specialist in North Dakota and worked with the Free Through Recovery Program. She assisted individuals involved with the criminal justice system and individuals with dual diagnosis, obtain and maintain employment. Kayla has also worked with at-risk youth enrolled in the Job Corps Program working as a Recreation Specialist, an Outreach and Admissions Counselor, and a Career Counselor. She provided guidance to students through individual and group counseling sessions and addressed personal needs, career goals, and resolved issues. She also served as a contact person for career development and provided outreach efforts in the community. Kayla has a Bachelor’s of Science Degree from Minot State University in Corporate Fitness. She is passionate about people and assisting them gain meaningful employment.

Claudio’s expertise and interests center on learning innovative ways to convey messages through emerging media including websites, social media, and video. At ERI, he brings his design eye and web development experience to a variety of projects including Wisconsin Promise, Project E3, and PEQATAC. He previously worked for RedLine Milwaukee, an organization dedicated to bringing art education and galleries to Milwaukee youth. He helped expand their social media presence by bringing remarkable ideas and up-to-date expertise to their social media content. He also worked and interned as a creative for Fleishman Hillard Chicago, the House of Harley-Davidson, and Madison College. He earned a BS in Advertising and Communications from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee and an AA in Graphic Design from Madison College.

Previously, Cori worked for almost 20 years at Yahara House, a Clubhouse model program, providing recovery-focused opportunities for adults with severe and persistent mental illness. Cori has worked as an employment specialist, and as a case manager at Blacksmith House Community Support Program. She holds a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Delaware, and a M.S. in Rehabilitation Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Lisa is an Employment Specialist in Northeastern Wisconsin. She earned a Bachelors Degree in Vocational Rehabilitation and Special Education from University of Wisconsin-Stout. She has experience working as a teacher, job coach and case manager. Lisa is excited to be able to focus on assisting people in finding fulfilling employment.

Jessica provides benefit related services to people working with DVR, to identify work incentives that will assist them when they begin, have a change in, or return to paid work. Previously, she supervised the Pre-vocational Work Center at Chrysalis, Inc., a small non-profit in Madison, dedicated to providing work related services to people with serious mental illness. She also provided consumers with assistance related to Social Security and county benefits. Jessica received her M.S. degree in Rehabilitation Psychology from UW-Madison. She is also a former librarian.

Kim is an Employment Specialist in the Northwestern part of the state. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree from UW-Stout in Hotel and Restaurant Management and has over 20 years of management experience. She also holds credentialing as a Certified Employment Support Specialist (CESP™). During her time with ERI, she has enjoyed working with and assisting those we serve with finding their true potential by exploring and obtaining community employment.

Heather is an Employment Specialist in the Northwestern part of the state. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stout in Vocational Rehabilitation. She most recently has been homeschooling her children, but before that was a Community Patrol Officer for the Eau Claire Police Department while going to school. Heather believes with the right tools and steps all people can find their niche in the workforce. People who are happily employed have a higher quality of life through gained relationships in the community they live in.

Malisa is a Youth Transition Coordinator with the VFPS (Vocational Futures Planning and Support) service, for students transitioning to adult long-term support services. Malisa comes to ERI with over 20 years of experience with both children and adults, with intellectual and other low incidence disability categories. She trained and worked as an Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) which helped her learn how to focus on independence and person-centered goals. She most recently taught special education for students with intellectual and other low incidence disabilities for eight years. Four of those eight years were spent with students ages 18-21, coordinating successful transitions for students into community engagement and paid employment. Malisa is passionate about finding and designing meaningful employment and purposeful opportunities for individuals to be a part of their community.

Sarah provides benefits counseling to help people with disabilities make informed decisions about going back to work. She also administers pre-driving assessments as one of ERI’s Driving Services Specialists. Sarah has a degree in social work and is also a former librarian.

Lindsey is the Office Manager and focuses on providing administrative support to the ERI team. Lindsey joined ERI with a strong background in administrative support, by developing her skills with an organization in Madison that helped provide daily support to seniors, adults with disabilities, and youth with behavioral and mental health disabilities. Lindsey’s desire is to continue to work in an organization that helps provide the support to people that will allow them to continue to thrive in their communities.

Katy is an Employment Specialist in Madison, Wisconsin. She obtained a degree in social work from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, as well as certificates in gerontology and child welfare. Prior to working at ERI, Katy held an internship at the Chippewa Valley Correctional Treatment Center, working with incarcerated men with a history of substance use. Katy is very passionate about helping individuals with disabilities find and maintain employment as well as helping people reach their goals.

Melissa is an Employment Specialist working in the Northern Wisconsin region. She has been a Paraprofessional for 10 years and a Job Coach for two years. Melissa is excited to be able to work with others in her community assisting them find employment.

As a Work Incentives Benefits Specialist, Zach provides benefit-related information to beneficiaries that help them make informed decisions about work-related situations. These benefits include benefits through the Social Security Administration, public benefits, and any other financial issues concerning benefits received. Prior to ERI, Zach worked as a Special Education Teacher in both Wisconsin and Illinois for five years. He has also worked as a Residential Treatment Specialist at a Residential Treatment Center for children with behavioral needs. Zach is motivated by helping others achieve their own personal, work-related, and financial goals.

Jolene is the ERI Employment Services manager. She oversees a team of ERI Employment Specialists statewide to support and encourage them to have the best possible outcomes for the people they support in employment endeavors. She actively provides direct Employment Services as well as Work Incentive Benefits Counseling services to individuals. Jolene holds a degree in Psychology from University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire as well as credentialing as a Certified Employment Support Specialist (CESP™).

Beth brings over 30 years of experience in long-term care programs, including leadership positions with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. As a leader in long-term care, Beth’s career has focused on people with disabilities having opportunities and participation in all aspects of community life, including employment. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Madison and is a Certified Public Manager. She has received recognition for her work in this field as a recipient of the Victor J. Contrucci Outstanding Leadership Award, the Elliot Shaw Award which honors a professional who goes above and beyond the call of duty, and the Die Hard Award from the Wisconsin Self-Determination Network in 2016. Appointed by Governor Tony Evers, Beth currently serves on the Wisconsin Equity and Inclusion Council.