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.

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.

Michaela is a Web and Graphic Designer on the design team at ERI. She is enthusiastic about creativity, design and helping others, and has spent most of her professional career working in the human services field. Michaela graduated with a B.A. in Mass Communications: Journalism from Winona State University in Winona, Minnesota.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Lucy has been working in the healthcare field for the past 10 years. She began her career as a caregiver and subsequently transitioned into management roles at various home health agencies. In her most recent position, she served as an eligibility specialist, assisting individuals without healthcare coverage in finding appropriate resources based on their specific needs. Due to her current academic pursuits, Lucy does not have much free time. She is currently enrolled in a doctoral program in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. However, when she finds time to relax, she enjoys spending time with family, traveling, painting, watching movies, and engaging in outdoor activities.

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.

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.

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™).