Erica Bessert
Benefits Specialist
Email Erica |
Mobile: 608-769-8417 or Toll-free: 855-401-8549
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.
Sarah Brandt
Employment and Benefit Specialist
Email Sarah |
Phone: 608-906-2740 or Mobile: 608-333-5745
Sarah is an Employment and Benefit Specialist working in various programs at ERI. Sarah holds a Master of Science degree in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling from UW-Madison and is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC). 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, Sarah worked as a Health Benefits Advocate assisting individuals as they applied for Social Security and Medicaid benefits at a local nonprofit. She has had internship experiences with ERI, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, and Expert Vocational Consulting where she provided direct services to individuals with disabilities. She is excited to return to ERI to assist those seeking fulfilling and meaningful employment.
Patty Carpenter
Employment Specialist
Email Patty |
Mobile: 715-577-2796, Office: 608-906-2739, Toll-free: 855-401-8549
Patty is a Customized Employment Specialist in Northern Wisconsin with experience in education and human services. She instructed within the University of Minnesota Health and Human Services Department, served as an Interpretive Park Ranger for the National Park Service, represented Wisconsin’s Focus on Energy Program, and worked for several non-profit learning centers. Throughout her career, Patty developed programs to meet the diverse learning styles and interests of her audiences. As a lead wilderness therapy guide, Patty guided youth and adults with individualized therapeutic treatment plans and supported their transitions to aftercare. Patty holds a Masters of 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 foster relevant, meaningful employment opportunities for job candidates.
Stephanie Drum
Benefits Specialist Manager
Email Stephanie |
Phone: 608-906-2711 or 608-246-3444 x229
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.
Mike Edwards
Employment Specialist
Email Mike |
Phone: 608-906-2745
Mike is a social worker who works with people who are seeking employment as part of the Comprehensive Community Services (CCS) program. Previously, he worked on the Pathways to Independence and the Medicaid Infrastructure Grant projects, and at Yahara House, a clubhouse program in Madison that supports the right of everyone to be employed.
Mary Elliston
Employment Specialist
Email Mary |
Phone: 920-676-4393 or 855-401-8549
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.
Michael Gandy
Web Development
Email Michael|
Phone: 855-401-8549
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.
Orieal Gilbert
Employment Specialist
Email Orieal | Phone: 414-588-6148 or 855-401-8549
Orieal is an Employment Specialist in the Milwaukee area. In 2007, she gained her Bachelors degree in Human Services, while 9 months pregnant, at Upper Iowa University (graduated Cum Laude). Her background is in child welfare social services and she had the opportunity to work with Wraparound, Child Care Coordination, The Wisconsin Works (W-2 program), The IRIS program, and most recently the Department of Child Protective Services (DMCPS).
Miriam Grunes
Senior Financial Manager
Email Miriam |
Phone: 608-906-2727 or 608-246-3444 x225
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 Horton
Quality and Design Lead
Email Lisa |
Phone: 608-906-2718
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.
Ellen Jungbluth
Benefits Specialist
Email Ellen |
Phone: 608-906-2731 or 608-246-3444 x232
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 Koch
Benefits Training Program Manager
Email Megan |
Phone: 608-906-2719 or 608-246-3444 x230
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).
Heidi Kodesh
Employment Specialist
Email Heidi |
Phone: 715-642-4892 or 855-401-8549
Heidi is a Social Worker working as an Employment Specialist in Northwestern Wisconsin. She holds a Bachelors degree of Social Work from the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minnesota and also holds a Certificate of Massage Therapy. She has experience working as a Long-Term Support case manager, has owned and operated her own self-employed business for 20 years and looks forward to helping individuals find self fulfillment and satisfaction gaining meaningful employment while contributing to their community and sense of self.
Theresa Kulow
Assistant Director
Email Theresa |
Phone: 608-906-2720
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 Kwiatkowski
Work Incentives Benefits Specialist
Email Amber |
Phone: 608-906-2721 or 608-246-3444 x227
As a Work Incentive Benefits Specialist, Amber 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. Amber also provides ongoing training and community outreach for individuals and professionals on a variety of benefits-related information and community resources. Amber holds a Master’s of Science in Social Work from the UW-Madison.
Dawn Lalley
Senior Web and Graphic Designer
Email Dawn |
Phone: 608-906-2715 or 608-246-3444 ext. 225
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 Lannan
Employment and Benefits Specialist
Email Terri |
Phone: 608-906-2724 or 608-246-3444 ext. 238
Terri is an Employment and Benefits 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 Lyngdal
Ticket to Work Program Manager
Email Sarah |
Phone: 608-906-2713 or 608-246-3444 x240
Sarah works closely with the Ticket to Work team to continue to grow the program and provide consumers with high quality and efficient services. Prior to coming to 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.
Jolin Mitchel
Community Benefits Specialist
Email Jolin |
Phone: 608-906-2722 or 608-246-3444 x231
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 Montgomery
Employment Specialist
Email Kayla |
Phone: 414-550-5410 or 855-401-8549
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 Moya
Web and Graphic Designer
Email Claudio | Phone: 608-906-2723 or 608-246-3444 x233
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.
Cori Olson
Community Benefits Specialist
Email Cori |
Phone: 608-906-2725 or 608-246-3444 x248
Previously, she 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 Puishis
Employment Specialist
Email Lisa |
Phone: 920-676-2811 or 855-401-8549
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 Reed
Employment Specialist Peer Mentor
Email Jessica |
Phone: 608-906-2726 or 608-246-3444 x245
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 Reese
Employment Specialist
Email Kim |
Phone: 715-577-7174 or 855-401-8549
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 most recently owned and operated her own restaurant in the small town where her family resides. She has strong community ties and believes that everyone can work and be included in their community!
Heather Schintgen
Employment Specialist
Email Heather |
Phone: 715-533-9172 or 855-401-8549
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.
Sarah Schroeder
Community Work Incentives Coordinator (CWIC)
Email Sarah |
Phone: 608-906-2716 or 608-246-3444 x226
As a Community Work Incentives Coordinator (CWIC), Sarah provides benefit related services to beneficiaries regarding Social Security Administration work incentives. She also administers pre-driving assessments as one of ERI’s Driving Services Specialists. Sarah has a degree in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and a Master’s Degree in Library Science. She was a public librarian for many years in Illinois before returning to her home state of Wisconsin.
Lindsey Schultz
Office Coordinator
Email Lindsey |
Phone: 608-906-2728 or 608-246-3444 x226
Lindsey is the Office Coordinator and focuses on providing administrative support to the ERI team. Lindsey recently 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.
Jolene Wanek
WIPA Project Manager
Email Jolene |
Phone: Toll-free: 877-826-1752 | Phone: 920-676-2324
Jolene provides benefit related services to beneficiaries regarding Social Security Administration work incentives. A priority for Jolene is to assist individuals in removing barriers to employment. She provides information, referrals, benefit support, planning, problem solving, advocacy, analysis of benefits, and management of benefit and work-related issues. Jolene also collaborates and organizes with other agencies in the community in distributing appropriate and accurate information to individuals regarding Social Security and work incentive programs. Jolene is a past President of WIBSA – the Work Incentives Benefits Specialist Association of Wisconsin. Jolene holds a degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire.
Beth Wroblewski
Executive Director
Email Beth |
Phone: 608-906-2730 or 608-246-3444 x222
Beth brings over 25 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.
