Our Staff

GiGi is a Benefits Specialist with ERI, Inc. She has worked in the human services field for all of her career in various roles including residential, case management, economic support and representative payee services. GiGi has a Bachelors Degree in Psychology from UW- Eau Claire. She is eager to assist others in gathering information and making plans for their employment and personal goals.

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.

Erin is passionate about creating meaningful communications that help make the world a better place. Her past life as a communications director at environmental nonprofits led her to the opportunity to grow her skills in digital communications. After working for many years with a web development agency, Erin is excited to return to the social good field and the opportunity to contribute excellent training and communications for those making a difference for people with disabilities and their families.

Carly is a LaFollette High School graduate. After high school, she participated in postgraduate studies through LaFollette with a focus on employment skills and training. Carly has years of experience working in school and clerical environments and has held volunteer positions at LaFollette High School, St. James School and MMSD - Doyle Administration Building. In her free time, Carly enjoys being with friends and family, going to the library, listening to music, and enjoying hockey games with her family.

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.

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.

Michael brings over 18 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.

Paige graduated in 2015 with a BS in Web and Digital Media Development. She brings to ERI a creative eye, a passion for problem solving, and uses her skillset to support the community in her own way.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Bree is on the Design Team, as well as a member of the DEI group. She is based in Milwaukee and is extremely passionate about using her experiences being disabled to make work, life and the world a more accessible and inviting place for everyone. Her main passions include using Universal Design and technology to improve conditions for disabled people, both at home and in the workplace.

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.

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.

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.

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.