Our Staff

Melissa brings over ten years of nonprofit experience supporting community programs, operational workflows, and client-centered services to ERI. With degrees in Political Science and Business Management, she has blended policy insight with practical organizational knowledge to strengthen the systems that help people thrive. Her work spans finance and operations support, communications, and direct service roles within mission-driven organizations across Dane County.

Melissa is passionate about learning, equity, and creating environments where individuals feel supported and empowered. She value collaboration, clear communication, and meaningful service, and is committed to contributing to ERI’s mission through both compassion and excellence.

Jessica is the Mental Health Services Manager 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.

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 brings over two decades 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.

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.

Janna has a background in Elementary Education and home child-care, and she follows a deep commitment to helping improve her community through teaching, team-building, advocacy, and collaboration with people young and old, while striving to raise her own children to be good humans. She loves meeting and teaching new people and helping them feel empowered to dream and achieve. In brief moments of “me time,” she loves creating art, gardening, renovating her century-old home, learning to play the ukulele, and snuggling and making memories with her family. She lives in a rainbow home with her husband and four children, just minutes away from the great Gitchi Gami, Lake Superior.

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.

Devante is Stein Scholar Alumni and Employment Specialist in the Milwaukee area. He combines his experience in digital marketing and extensive knowledge in nonprofit work to maximize his success in this position. Graduating with awards like most likely to succeed, Devante used his motivation and love for others to work with organizations like Wil – O – Way Grant and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America in programs that catered to those with disabilities. Knowing the ins and outs of social media and its importance in the working field is one of his strongest traits.

Greg came to ERI with 20 years of nonprofit experience. He has held management roles in several nonprofit organizations including Wisconsin Literacy and the YWCA of Greater Portland. He brings a wide variety of skills including: financial modeling, payroll administration, audit management, and an extensive background in financial accounting across several industries.

He has a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting from the University of Vermont and holds a number of professional credentials including: Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP), and a certification in internal controls from COSO. Outside of work, Greg enjoys cross country skiing, sewing, and sailing with the UW Hoofers program.

Zach is a Benefits Specialist and Employment Specialist in ERI’s Ticket to Work Program. Zach has over 3 years of experience in Benefits Counseling in the state of Wisconsin. He is dedicated to helping people reach their goals and build meaningful, independent lives. With prior experience as a Special Education Teacher and a Community Health Worker in Southeast Wisconsin, he brings a compassionate and practical approach to supporting individuals as they navigate employment, benefits, and personal growth.

Jeff has over 7 years of experience in disabilities. For the first half of his career, he worked in Applied Behavior Analysis working as a Behavior Technician. He then moved over to supported employment where he worked with the transition program in Washington in the greater Seattle area. Jeff moved from Seattle Washington to Madison Wisconsin to be with his girlfriend who is pursuing her Master’s in Public Affairs and a PHD in Neuroscience with UW Madison. On his off time Jeff enjoys working out, drawing, watching movies, and playing games.