Our Consultants

Lauren Ambriz

IRIS Consultant 

I have a degree in Social Work and experience supporting people of all ages and abilities to find employment and other support services through the W2 program. I understand the concerns and challenges of people trying to manage their own health care and personal care services as a result of my experience as an on call crisis worker with a health care agency.

I have a passion for helping others and my ultimate goal is to empower those I help. I am excited to support participants in setting up services they feel meet their needs and goals. I aim to support people to become problem solvers and smart decision makers with the tools to flourish in occupation, wellness, and quality of life at large.

As a parent of a child with a disability I understand firsthand the challenges parents and caregivers face. I am a dedicated advocate for my daughter as well as for any person with a disability. I spend my free time with my two children enjoying their activities and I love to travel when I have the opportunity.

Toll-free: 844-520-1712 | Direct: 608-512-5717 | Fax: 844-638-7723 | Email: lauren.ambriz@lsswis.org

Lauren Ambriz State Bio Form

Jessica Nell-Lessard

IRIS Consultant 

Jessica has both a Bachelors and Master's degree in Social Work. Being an individual with a physical disability, she has made it her life's goal to not let her limitations define her success. Her passion is advocacy and assisting others in living the best life possible despite any limitations they may face.

Not only does she live with a physical disability, she also has experience as a client receiving services through the IRIS program. This unique perspective allows her to have a better understanding of both sides of the situation and has given her the desire to help others live the best life possible. From life transitions to education, employment and housing; she believes the right advocate and support can create a quality life for all.

While she believes we should all be able to achieve our goals, she also understands challenges they may come with and is committed to assisting her clients overcome these barriers while developing problem solving skills of their own to find creative and unique ways to life the best life possible.

In her free time, she enjoy watching movies, shopping, and spending time with friends. She also enjoy getting involved in my community with volunteer activities.

Due to her physical disability, Jessica does use a power wheelchair for mobility purposes. Given this, participants who wish to have her as their IRIS Consultant would either need to have an accessible home or be able to meet at accessible locations in the community.

Toll-free: 844-520-1712 | Direct: 608-640-9246 | Fax: 844-638-7723 | Email: jessica.nell-lessard@lsswis.org

Jessica Nell-Lessard State Bio Form

AnnMarie Willborn

IRIS Consultant 

AnnMarie is a compassionate and caring individual who had an epiphany several years ago, after the death of her parents, to change her career and dedicate herself to making a difference in the lives of others. She has spent several years working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, helping them obtain community employment, creating positions within companies that celebrate their diverse abilities and respecting people where they are at. She has also worked with the aging population, connecting them to community resources to enhance their lives and ensure each day is meaningful, safe and fulfilling. 

AnnMarie's enthusiasm for her work is contagious. She loves getting to know her participants and their supports. She is relentless in assuring the safety and happiness of those she serves. She treats everyone with dignity and respect. 

AnnMarie holds degrees in: Human Services, Journalism and Communications but feels her best education has been life itself. In her free time, AnnMarie loves to spend time with her 17 year old daughter, friends and family. There is always laughter in the air and a deep appreciation for the little things in her life. 

Toll-free: 844-520-1712 | Direct: 414-335-6891 | Fax: 844-638-7723 | Email: annmarie.willborn@lsswis.org

Elizabeth (Beth) Mueller

IRIS Consultant 

Beth Mueller is a Wisconsin native, Calumet and Manitowoc counties, with over 11 years of service with diverse client groups throughout the state.  She is a current resident of Dane County with extensive knowledge of the area and the resources available. 

Beth has a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from UW Milwaukee, as well as education in AODA and Mental Health.   She has worked in AODA residential, Corrections, Mental Health Diversion and all areas of support for individuals, children through adulthood, with developmental disabilities.  She has a very positive outlook and has always focused on the ABILITY of the clients she has served; with a quick smile and encouragement in all situations.

As a residential supervisor she made every effort to support her clients in the community as much as, if not more than in the home.  She has continually advocated for the people in her life and remains an advocate for people she has worked with in the past and plans to into the future.

Beth has always strives for excellence and enjoys working with children as well as adults.  She is involved in her community teaching a religion class to special needs children, is an avid reader, finding time to read to the kids at local schools.  She enjoys spending her free time with her family visiting friends and family throughout the state as well as going to movie.

Toll-free: 844-520-1712 | Direct: 608-260-5775 | Fax: 844-638-7723 | Email: elizabeth.mueller@lsswis.org

Elizabeth Mueller State Bio Form 

Amanda Trieloff
IRIS Consultant 

Amanda has over 8 years of experience working with individuals who have cognitive, developmental, and physical disabilities. When Amanda graduated from college in 2006, she began working in a residential facility, caring for children with mental health diagnoses as well as developmental and cognitive impairments. Amanda gained valuable experience providing direct care for those individuals, many of whom continue to hold a special place in my heart. While the job presented incredible challenges, she learned so much. In 2009, she began serving children and families in Waukesha County through the Children’s Long Term Support Waiver. Amanda has many opportunities to learn about the challenges families experience and the resilience they develop by raising children with special needs. Part of her role as the Service Coordinator was to assist parents with the transition process of enrolling into adult services. Amanda has always wanted to learn more about adult services for individuals and she is beyond excited to take on her new role as an IRIS Consultant within the Connections Team. I look forward to helping individuals feel empowered and confident to self-direct their own incredible life journeys.

Toll-free: 844-520-1712 | Direct: 608-284-1246 | Fax: 844-638-7723 | Email: amanda.trielff@lsswis.org

Amanda Trieloff  State Bio Form

Irina Arndt

IRIS Consultant 

Irina Arndt has dedicated her entire career to human services, helping people with various life challenges lead fulfilling and rewarding lives. From The Republic of Uzbekistan, Irina speaks fluent Russian. Before joining the Connections Team, Irina worked with another IRIS consultant agency, helping older adults and people with disabilities, as well as their families and caregivers, set and achieve goals.

Passionate about public health, Irina has worked as a translator for doctors and patients, translating appointments, medical documents and forms. She also participated in a two-year World Health Organization (WHO) project to help Uzbekistan improve and develop their public health sphere, as well as restructure their health care system to match with international practice. Through this program, Irina took courses within the United Nations Development Program. She also used her human services skills to educate people in the Russian community about domestic violence and spousal abuse.

Throughout her work, Irina believes in open and honest communication with her participants. By guiding them in setting, defining and achieving their goals, Irina helps them live independent, safe and happy lives.

When not working as an IRIS Consultant, Irina loves spending time with her three sons. She also enjoys reading, exercising and painting and repurposing furniture.

Toll-free: 844-520-1712 | Direct: 414-265-6812 | Fax: 844-638-7723 | Email: irina.arndt@lsswis.org

Irina Arndt State Bio Form
 

Robert Brookshire
IRIS Consultant 

Robert Brookshire is an enthusiastic and energetic IRIS Consultant who is very excited to be part of the Connections team. Robert’s passion is to focus on the needs and desires of others, which has successfully developed his skills as an IRIS consultant.

Robert joins Connections with 10 years of experience working with people who are physically and/or developmentally disabled, six of those years with the IRIS program. His ambition is coupled with a passion for working with people who face adversity and the knowledge to assist with the most complex of situations. Robert’s experiences include working with veterans in the mental health division at the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center, assisting those struggling with physical disabilities and mental health issues. Robert has also worked with at-risk teens in a group home setting as a mentor and counselor, providing role modeling behavior, problem solving and conflict resolution skills in an effort to educate, empower and protect our most valued resource -- our children.

Most recently, since 2009, Robert has been a consultant with the IRIS program, working in collaboration with participants, their families and community resources to help improve and change one graced-filled life at a time.

“I pray for a compassionate spirit and expertise to offer those who seek my skills as your consultant. I pray for continued clarity of purpose that I may hold the Connections vision steady and keep my focus on the needs and success of others, which in turn will bring success to our program.” 

414-308-7815 | 414-246-2300 | Email: robert.brookshire@lsswis.org

Robert Brookshire State Bio Form

Marisol Brost

IRIS Consultant 

Marisol has experience working with both children and adults. She has a master's degree in Social Work specializing in children and families. Most recently, she worked in the mental health field specifically in OCD and anxiety-related disorders. Social work has been a calling for her and she believes everyone has a gift to offer to others. She finds joy working alongside people to help them achieve their goals and dreams.

Marisol enjoys spending time with family and friends, especially her two children. She has a love for animals, bonfires, football Sundays, slow cooking and the outdoors.

Toll-free: 844-520-1712 | Direct: 414-242-7406 | Fax: 844-638-7723 | Email: marisol.brost@lsswis.org

Marisol Brost State Bio Form

Terri T. Carson 
IRIS Consultant 

Terri T. Carson was born and raised in Milwaukee, and has more than 13 years of experience working with children and families who have dealt and struggled with mental health illnesses, as well as developmental disabilities. She is extremely familiar with Milwaukee County and all its neighborhoods, and has worked with many different cultures, as well as diverse social economical backgrounds. 

Prior to joining the Connections IRIS consultant team, Terri served as a mental health supervisor directing a team of care coordinators who partnered with children and families to assemble a child-and-family team. Terri also built rapport and empowered families.

She also used her talents as a supervisor working with children in the child welfare organization. Terri assisted and supported her team by defining problem areas, assembling facts and recommending solutions. She connected families to community resources and helped them utilize them most effectively.

Terri also worked as psychiatric crisis worker with the Milwaukee County Mobile Urgent Treatment Team (M.U.T.T.), responding to crises affecting children under age 18. She also served with the same program in the Milwaukee Public Schools, grades 6 through 12, responding to school truancy and mental health issues.

She has a life-long passion for learning. Terri received her BS degree in educational policy and community studies from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, her MS degree in human service–organization management leadership from Springfield College of Human Services in Milwaukee and is currently working on her doctoral degree in educational leadership from the University of Phoenix.

Terri is a true people person, a social being who enjoys speaking with families, hearing their stories and what makes them excited and happy. In her free time, Terri enjoys attending church services, spending time with her family and friends, going for walks, watching television, shopping, and listening to all types of music especially R and B, gospel and jazz.

Toll-free: 844-520-1712 | Contact number: 414-335-9020 | Fax: 844-638-7723 | Email: terri.carson@lsswis.org

Terri Carson State Bio Form

Mrs. Collins 
IRIS Consultant 

Mrs. Collins is excited to work with the Connections team because she enjoys working with people to assist them with reaching their goals.

She brings more than 16 years of experience working in Milwaukee County. She’s worked with adults, children and families who were in need of independent-living skills, mental health services and community services. Having worked with many different cultures and diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, Mrs. Collins has a wealth of knowledge about community resources.

She received her BS degree in therapeutic recreation management from Alabama State University and an MS degree in counseling. She also holds a certification in family mediation from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee.

Mrs. Collins enjoys building a rapport with families, while assisting them to connect with needed resources in order to reach their life goals. When she isn’t working, Mrs. Collins enjoys traveling with her family, going for long walks, listening to music and planning community events.

Toll-free: 844-520-1712 | Direct: 414-305-8499 | Fax: 844-638-7723 | Email: neaokia.collins@lsswis.org

Neaokia Collins State Bio Form

Wendy Kube 
IRIS Consultant 

Wendy Kube has spent her 30-year career serving as a social worker assisting older adults and people with dementia or disabilities to connect with community resources to help them live fulfilling lives.

Most recently, Wendy served as a social worker on the short-term rehabilitation unit at the Lutheran Home in Wauwatosa. In this position, she assisted clients with discharge planning and securing in-home services prior to discharge. Wendy led regular care conferences with clients, their families and the interdisciplinary team to determine discharge goals and offer recommendations.

In this role, she assisted with setting up needed in-home services including nursing, caregivers, physical, occupational and speech therapy, medical and non-medical equipment and anything else needed to ensure a successful transition home.

In addition, Wendy assisted with finding alternate living environments if the individuals were unable to discharge back to their previous living situations. She also served as the primary contact for client concerns/grievances, and was responsible for completing admission and discharge paperwork, social histories and Medicare-required assessments.

Wendy is very excited about working as an IRIS consultant for Connections because she has a strong belief in people living their lives to the fullest and having control over how they want to live. She looks forward to getting to know individuals in the IRIS program and assisting them with realizing their goals. She has two grown sons, and she and her husband enjoy swing dancing, golfing, biking and traveling. 

A licensed social worker, Wendy earned her BSW in social work from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee.

Toll-free: 844-520-1712 | Contact number: 414-207-3844 | Fax: 844-638-7723 | Email: wendy.kube@lsswis.org

Wendy Kube State Bio Form

Tara Johnson
IRIS Consultant 

Throughout her career, Tara Johnson has shared her strong passion for working with the community by serving the community in a variety of entities, and now looks forward to applying that passion to assist Connections IRIS participants.

Her most recent work experience was helping inmates who had been released to a halfway house setting before their probation/discharge. This program allows inmates to start building and preparing themselves for living in the community through securing employment, and learning about budgeting and planning. 

Tara also served children and their families in the Child Protective and Head Start realms, empowering families to advocate for their loved ones. She has also helped special-needs adults living in a group home setting. In this role, Tara encouraged family communication and correspondence, which she feels is essential in anyone’s life. 

She graduated from Concordia University with a bachelor’s degree in social work and a minor in social sciences. Tara discovered when she was a Brownie in the Girl Scouts that she wanted to devote her career to the social service field. Now she’s excited to share her knowledge and commitment to helping others while serving as an IRIS consultant with Connections.

Toll-free: 844-520-1712 | Direct: 414-524-9354 | Fax: 844-638-7723 | Email: tara.johnson@lsswis.org

Tara Johnson State Bio Form

Amanda Miller

IRIS Consultant 

Amanda Miller believes in providing services that enrich the daily lives and wellbeing of the individuals she serves — mentally, emotionally and physically.

She spent the last eight years working with adults with developmental disabilities and various physical disabilities in a community-based residential facilty (CBRF), adult family home (AFH) and an independent supportive living setting. She worked as a direct care provider for about five years, then in a leadership role for an additional three years. Most recently, she worked with adolescent-aged at-risk youth in out-of-home care services. Her experience working with at-risk youth involved those with mental health diagnoses, emotional disorders, behavioral issues, delinquent behaviors, as well as children in protective services.

Personally, Amanda and her family are avid sports fans.  They even started their own sports program involving AAU basketball teams for a variety of ages.  They travel around Wisconsin and Illinois with youth to different tournaments and are involved with the WAWM park and recreational programs.

Toll-free: 844-520-1712 | Direct: 414-795-0742 | Fax: 844-638-7723 | Email: amanda.miller@lsswis.org

Amanda Miller State Bio Form

Thaimarie Montanez

IRIS Consultant 

Thaimarie Montanez was born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico and was raised in Killeen, Texas with a military background. Thaimarie is bilingual in English and Spanish. She is a single mother of three beautiful children that always keep her busy. Thaimarie received her Bachelor’s degree in Community Engagement and Education with a minor in Child Care from the University of Wisconsin of Milwaukee and her Associate’s degree in Early Childhood from Milwaukee Area Technical College. She spent 9 years as a teacher with the Milwaukee Public School system, serving children and their families of diverse cultural and social backgrounds.

Thaimarie has experience in education, case management and with the IRIS program. She’s excited to share her knowledge and commitment with LSS, assisting families get connected with resources in the community. She enjoys building rapport with families and encourages independence, so each individual is able to discover his or her strengths within the community setting.

When she isn’t working, Thaimarie enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, shopping, dancing, and attends church on Sundays with her children regularly. Thaimarie is a social person. She loves people and she loves to serve. She has a big heart that always spreads her love to others.

Toll-free: 844-520-1712 | Direct: 414-207-3255 | Fax: 844-638-7723 | Email: thaimarie.montanez@lsswis.org

Quiana Robinson

IRIS Consultant 

A Milwaukee native, Quiana Robinson has passionately served the community for more than eight years, helping adults, children and families gain employment and learn skills to live self-sufficient lives. She is excited to be an IRIS Consultant, sharing her knowledge with those she serves in the Connection program.

Prior to joining Connections, Quiana worked as a youth treatment counselor, providing guidance to adolescents with mental and developmental disabilities in a residential setting. She’s also worked as a case manager for the Wisconsin Works (W-2) Program and the FoodShare Employment Training Program, aiding low-income families with employment preparation as well as assisting them through various state programs. She provided direct support to these individuals, helping them overcome personal barriers so they could become productive members of society. Quiana especially enjoyed working as a prenatal care coordinator, where she helped low-income women with high-risk pregnancies receive early and continuous prenatal care services, nutrition education and referrals to other community services.

She received her bachelor’s degree in communications from Concordia University in 2007 and is currently working towards the completion of her master’s degree in human services.  Quiana invites challenges as she views them as additional opportunities to learn and grow.

Toll-free: 844-520-1712 | Direct: 414-323-9347 | Fax: 844-638-7723 | Email: quiana.robinson@lsswis.org

Quiana Robinson State Bio Form

Jodi Schneeweis
IRIS Consultant 

Jodi enjoys working with frail older adults, individuals who are developmentally and physically disabled, youth in transition, and those experiencing mental health issues. Her passion is helping these people live the life they want to live — to empower them to be the person they want to be and to be the catalyst for change they want to see in their lives. She gets great satisfaction helping others live their greatest lives, such as helping:

• Individuals identify and secure employment opportunities;
• Developmentally disabled individuals find meaningful connections in their communities;
• Young adults who are transitioning to IRIS how to use assistive technology, such as tablets and phones, to gain greater independence; and
• Those with mental health issues to maintain the life they want in their own home and in their own community.

Jodi is creative and very active. She loves to cook, sew, knit, crochet, paint, swim, walk, rummage and garden. She's a past member of 4-H, Girl Scouts, Daughters of the American Legion and the H Club of Hartford Sports. She has two grown children and three grandchildren.  Her favorite pastime is spending time with her family.

Toll-free: 844-520-1712 | Direct: 414-232-9325 | Fax: 844-638-7723 | Email: Jodi.Schneeweis@lsswis.org

Jodi Schneeweis Bio Form

Carla Schultz

IRIS Consultant 

Carla began her career in social services over 29 years ago. She has a desire to help people maintain their quality of living in the most independent setting possible. Empowering people to not just survive, but to live their life to the fullest. She is eager to assist participants in creating a plan that helps them succeed in their career, health and personal life. She has a son who has grown because of services available through IRIS and is excited to offer the services to participants. Navigating all the resources available can be overwhelming and challenging; she is excited to be part of Connections helping you to create your Vision, so you can take your path, while being your partner along the way. She has three children and a dog and enjoys spending time with her family, reading, creating projects with rubber stamps, bowling and volunteering in the community. 

Toll-free: 844-520-1712 | Direct: 414-380-9067 | Fax: 844-638-7723 | Email: carla.schultz@lsswis.org

Carla Schultz State Bio Form

Beth Zopfi-Selig

IRIS Consultant 

Beth Zopfi-Selig has been an IRIS Consultant since 2011. She is thrilled to be working at Connections where our mission to “help people improve the quality of their lives” isn’t a marketing slogan but a real commitment.  She knows that self-direction is different for everyone at different times in their lives. She finds working with participants and the people who support them to be extremely gratifying and exciting. Beth has significant experience supporting individuals as they work towards their employment and independent living goals. She is also passionate about working with students in their high school transition programs and partnering with DVR to help them secure training programs and jobs.

Beth has lived in Milwaukee most of her life, and enjoys much of what the city has to offer. When not working, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, at Special Olympic events, on home improvement projects and walking her dog. She especially enjoys sunny days.

Toll-free: 844-520-1712  | Direct: 414-238-3752 | Fax: 844-638-7723 | Email: beth.zopfi-selig@lsswis.org

Beth Zopfi-Selig State Bio Form

Lori Sandine  
IRIS Consultant 

Lori has found great reward in working with youth who have a variety of special needs and teaming with families to support them. She has extensive experience working with families who have a child or children with autism.  Lori understands the challenges for families as they advocate for their child for education and independence into adulthood. She enjoys talking with families and listening to their concerns and celebrating the successes they have.  Lori has worked with a local librarian and started a story time for children with Autism, and have coached Special Olympics basketball in my free time.

Lori is married and have two adult children. Her daughter is a nurse and her son who has special needs has successfully completed training and job support and loves his job at a garden center. Lori volunteers in the community.  She loves to knit, read, watch football, as well as participate in outdoor activities, especially attending local festivals

Toll-free: 844-520-1712 | Direct: 414-322-6594 | Fax: 844-638-7723 | Email: Lori.sandine@lsswis.org

Lori Sandine State Bio Form

Matthew Staab  
IRIS Consultant 

Matthew has a diverse education and vocational background. He last graduated with a masters in Social Work.  Matthew also studied gender, communication, sociology, mediation, and more.  Matthew's work history has included vocational service for adults who have disabilities, respite care, automotive service, sales of all kinds, massage therapy, and more.  He volunteered at animal shelters, anime conventions, ESL classes, support groups, and more.  Through all of these experiences, he has found he is at his best when contributing to something bigger than himself.  This is what has brought him to LSS and his role as an IRIS Consultant.  Matthew is honored to be part of your life, and play a part in you. 

Toll-free: 844-520-1712 | Direct: 414-232-6022 | Fax: 844-638-7723 | Email: matthew.staab@lsswis.org

Matthew Staab State Bio Form

Alesia Tweedie

IRIS Consultant 

Alesia has dedicated her continuing education to support individuals in living a purposeful and meaningful life. She has worked in the mental health field since 2009 and will continue to bring her education and experiences to my community. Alesia is currently completing her Masters of Science in Community Psychology -LPC with intent to continue to serve her community. Some areas of expertise include, Mental Health, AODA, LGBTQ Services, Trauma, Marriage & Family counseling, Aging & Disability and Grief counseling. Alesia takes pride in supporting you to begin your healing journey.

Alesia loves anything and everything to do with being outdoors! Being in nature is her serenity; she enjoys camping, hiking, kayaking, rock climbing and backpacking. Aside from her roles in her career and as a student, she loves to connect with her community; Alesia is an active participant advocate for the Mental Health community and Women’s support in Milwaukee.

Toll-free: 844-520-1712 | Direct: 414-207-2919 | Fax: 844-638-7723 | Email: alesia.tweedie@lsswis.org

Alesia Tweedie State Bio Form

Vicki Linton

IRIS Consultant 

Vicki has had the pleasure of working with youth transitioning from high school as they figure out what they would like to do as they adventure on in their lives. She has experience working with people with varying physical and developmental disabilities, at home and in the community and employment settings including Project Search. She appreciates and is respectful of working with elderly folks who desire to continue to be independent and live in their own homes with support of family or friends. She has enjoyed being a part of supporting people in employment goals as well as teamed up with people and their families to be a part of the communities they enjoy being part of. She also has experience working with people who have Down Syndrome and Autism, as well as people who have a mental health diagnosis.

She is also experienced teaming up with people with Renal Failure and have an understanding the challenges they face including transportation to and from dialysis. Finally, she has personally cared for and supported her grandma with Alzheimer’s and her mother with Vascular Dementia. 

Toll-free: 844-520-1712 | Direct: 414-345-7977 | Fax: 844-638-7723 | Email: vicki.linton@lsswis.org

Vicki Linton State Bio Form

Barbara Bohr-Schroeder
IRIS Consultant 

Barbara Bohr-Schroeder is excited to work with the Connections team because she loves people and has a strong desire to help people achieve their dreams.

She has more than 20 years of experience working with individuals who are physically and mentally disabled and elderly. Barbara has also worked in various capacities such as in case management, group home management, day program facilitation, and served as an independent living skills counselor. Plus, she has experience assisting hospice patients

Barbara also offers her skills as a massage therapist where she performs massage therapy for clients at various venues. Prior to that, she worked at United Health Group where she assisted members to help them select the best benefit plan options, including enrollment in specialized care programs. She also recently worked for Community Care where she provided case management services to disabled adults and frail older adults. In that position, she collaborated with other professionals to ensure members’ needs were met.

Barbara earned a BS degree in psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. She also graduated from the professional massage program at Sister Rosalind Gefre Schools and Clinics of Massage and is certified in massage therapy.

She very much enjoys helping others, and is passionate about helping people with disabilities. Barbara enjoys finding resources for people to help improve their lives – and loves to spend time getting to know people. In her free time, she volunteers with hospice organizations, and spends time with her family and friends. 

Toll-free: 844-520-1712 | Cell: 715-460-6939 | Fax: 844-638-7723 | Email: barbara.bohr-schroeder@lsswis.org

Barbara Bohr-Schroeder State Bio Form

Anne Fischer

IRIS Consultant 

I am a problem solver. For the past 12 years, I have been helping residents of Shawano County who are elderly or disabled untangle an array of complicated benefits while advocating on my clients’ behalf.  I understand that sometimes life can be difficult, and my desire is to help people make their path a little easier. I find joy in helping people achieve their goals, and I take great satisfaction in successfully matching people with solutions that meet their needs. 

My career reflects an attitude of service. Although I majored in agricultural business, I have always been drawn to vocations focused on serving others. A former social worker, preschool teacher, 4-H and youth agent, and nursing assistant, I feel most fulfilled when helping people make connections that improve their lives.

In my spare time, I enjoy gardening, working with horses, making maple syrup, quilting, reading and spending time with family.

I am excited to bring my experience in benefit-related issues to LSS Connections and to join a team devoted to elevating the quality of life.

Toll-free: 844-520-1712 | Direct: 715-216-7928 | Fax: 844-638-7723 | Email: anne.fischer@lsswis.org

Anne Fischer State Bio Form

Kelly Guy

IRIS Consultant 

Kelly has experience working with at-risk youth, clients with physical and mental disabilities as well as those with employment barriers and transition students. Kelly has over 20 years of case management experience and specializes in community employment, supportive employment, and on the job training.

Kelly enjoys spending time with her family doing outdoor activities; such as hiking, playing football, and nightly walks with her two dogs; Maverick and Millie. Kelly also enjoys attending her children’s sporting events (football, wrestling, baseball, and softball).  Kelly enjoys traveling and her goal is to visit all 50 States. She has made it to 27 States so far. Lastly; Kelly is an avid Packer fan, win or lose, they are her team!

Toll-free: 844-520-1712 | Direct: 715-701-6230 | Fax: 844-638-7723 | Email: kelly.guy@lsswis.org

Kelly Guy State Bio Form

Angie Lider
IRIS Consultant 

Angie has spent the last 20 years working with children and adults with a variety of abilities. She brings both professional and personal experience as a mother of a child with disabilities to her position with Connections as an IRIS consultant.  

Previously, Angie worked as a case manager in a prevocational setting in Appleton, teaching employment skills to individuals with a range of abilities and mental health conditions.  Angie has also worked in a Day Services Program, Personal Care Worker and Sign Language Interpreter.

Angie is also a parent mentor for families who have a child with deaf blindness and hearing loss.

She received an associate’s degree in Educational Interpreting, a Psychology Certificate from Northcentral Technical College and a bachelor’s degree in Human Services Leadership from the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh.

Angie is enthusiastic to work with individuals in surrounding communities. She believes everyone deserves to have access to their community. Her knowledge personally and professionally is a great resource for others to help them live their best life.

Angie enjoys spending time with family and friends. In her down time she likes to camp, kayak, read and practice yoga. 

Toll-free: 844-520-1712 | Office: 920-730-1326 | Cell: 920-309-9105 | Fax: 844-638-7723 | Email: Angela.Lider@lsswis.org 

Angie Lider State Bio Form

Kerry Walker 
IRIS Consultant 

Kerry brings more than 20 years of work, and personal experience as a mother of a child with disabilities, to her position as an IRIS consultant for Connections.

Prior to her IRIS consultant role, she spent 20 years working for Specialized Services in Sturgeon Bay, which provides nurses and in-home care providers to serve Door County-area residents. For the last 15 years, Kerry served clients as the office manager in charge of billing, payroll, scheduling, client contact and service coordination.

Kerry also serves as the parent liaison for the Southern Door County School District with the Wisconsin Statewide Parent Educator Initiative (WSPEI). She assists other parents who have children with disabilities as an advocate to help them find resources, training, and offers IEP or personal support.

She received a BS degree from the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay majoring in Human Development.

Kerry is excited to put her deep community knowledge to work for IRIS participants – so they can connect to needed resources and get what they truly desire for their lives. She lives in southern Door County and enjoys time with her family attending local sporting events and campfires.

Toll-free: 844-520-1712 | Office: 920-730-1345 | Cell: 920-365-2594 | Fax: 844-638-7723 | Email: kerry.walker@lsswis.org 

Kerry Walker State Bio Form

Heidi Heuring

IRIS Consultant 

Heidi Heuring’s desire to work with older adults started in high school when she worked part-time as a nursing assistant at a local nursing home in Dodgeville, Wisconsin. After graduating from high school, she started her 14-year career with Elder Care of Wisconsin, where she worked with adults with dementia, developmental disabilities and mental illness in the adult day centers.  During that time, she also attended MATC where she received her associate’s degree in human services. She continued her work with Elder Care of Wisconsin as a supervisor for their adult day center, which specialized in irreversible dementia and memory loss.  In 2005, she relocated to Appleton with her family and took on the role of a full-time mom.

In her free time, Heidi enjoys spending time with her family, reading, gardening and sewing.  She is thrilled to be a member of the Connections team, where she is able to make a difference by helping participants get the resources needed to remain independent in their communities. 

Toll-free: 844-520-1712 | Direct: 920-843-3549 | Fax: 844-638-7723 | Email: heidi.heuring@lsswis.org

Heidi Heuring State Bio Form

Armintta Franklin

IRIS Consultant 

Armintta Franklin is a life-long resident of Racine. She has six years of experience working with adults and families. Her focus is making sure individuals have access to resources needed to live self sufficiently.

Armintta’s many years of volunteer experience and 25 years working for the City of Racine have connected her to a variety of resources. She is passionate about making sure members of the community live a fulfilling life and maintain their independence.

Armintta prefers a pet-free environment.

Toll-free: 844-520-1712 | Direct: 262-321-1240 | Fax: 844-638-7723 | Email: armintta.franklin@lsswis.org

Armintta Franklin State Bio Form

Brian Polk 
IRIS Consultant 

Brian Polk is excited to work with the Connections team because he’s a passionate and steadfast advocate for self-empowerment and is committed to assisting others to achieve their goals.

Brian brings more than 10 years of experience in the human services field working with at-risk youth and adult populations. Before joining Connections, Brian worked at St. Charles Youth and Family Services, Inc., as a program manager and served as the vice president of 24-hour residential programs. In these roles, he assisted youth with emotional, behavioral and mental health issues. Brian has also worked in various capacities of case management, implementation of individual services and crisis plans, and aftercare planning for individuals. 

A life-long resident of Racine, Brian is married and the proud father of two daughters. He serves as a committed role model and advocate for youth and others through athletic coaching. Brian is also elated to be a founding member of Positive Men Making a Difference, which is a non-profit organization comprised of African American businessmen and leaders. The organization is currently working with the Racine Unified School District and the Violence-Free Zone Project.

Brian earned a bachelor of arts degree in criminology and legal studies from Marquette University and later a juris doctorate from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. 

Toll-free: 844-520-1712 | Direct: 414-617-0682 | Fax: 844-638-7723 | Email: brian.polk@lsswis.org

Brian Polk State Bio Form

Jane Ruh 
IRIS Consultant 

Jane Ruh is very excited to bring her direct experience and dedication to serving IRIS participants to her position as an IRIS consultant for Connections. She brings more than 20 years of work and personal experience to this position. Jane previously served for six-plus years as an IRIS consultant working with people from numerous cultures and diverse social backgrounds, including Hmong, Russian and Palestinian participants.

In addition, Jane managed a staff of 13 caregivers working within her home to care for her nonverbal quadriplegic son with very complex needs. Plus, Jane supports her mother to meet her long-term care needs in her home.

She feels exhilarated when she can partner with a person to achieve his or her greatest goals, whether it’s finding free or minimal cost social events, day services or day care within their community, achieving a driver’s license, finding a job or going to school. Jane also feels joy in helping a woman or man get connected with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and realize his or her dreams of community-based employment.

Jane embraces the self-direction aspect of the IRIS program, and is excited to help individuals to self-direct support and services as an IRIS consultant team member. She cares about spending time getting to know people, and she has strong beliefs regarding people living their lives to the fullest and having control over how they want to live.

In her spare time, Jane loves spending time with her family and grandchildren, gardening, going to Harley-Davidson events on her motorcycle, and she enjoys preserving her own food/jams and baking cheesecakes. 

Toll-free: 844-520-1712 | Direct: 414-639-5589 | Fax: 844-638-7723 | Email: jane.ruh@lsswis.org

Jane Ruh State Bio Form