Benefits and Employment Counseling

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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™).

Erica is located in the La Crosse area. Erica has a Bachelor’s degree in Professional Studies from Viterbo University. She has worked in the Work Incentive Benefits field since 2015. Prior to working at ERI, Erica worked as an IRIS Consultant. She also worked as an Independent Living Specialist and Peer Specialist for a local Independent Living Center. Erica loves crushing myths that individuals might hear about not being able to work and keep benefits.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.