Skill Development Providers
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Kaitlyn
Hello! My name is Kaitlyn,
I have worked in childcare for quite a few years now. Childcare has always come naturally to me, part of that is because I am one of seven children and was used to caring for my younger siblings. My career in childcare started when I got one of my first jobs at a daycare at the age of 18, since then I have nannied and even participated in some children's ministries while I was living in Mexico. While working with children I got to teach them some kindergarten things such as learning colors, ABCs and so forth, I personally feel like I have learned a lot of patience and perseverance.
I've also always enjoyed being around animals. Growing up I had two of my own horses, right now all I have is a Siberian husky who I enjoy hiking and camping with. I also enjoy working out, hunting with my brothers to put food in the freezer, playing volleyball and most things outdoors. I recently got my own place in the country where I am able to have my own garden and hopefully my own horse again soon and am excited to see what the next few years bring!
Service Array: Individual Skills Development and Enhancement
~Skill Development
~Equine Assisted Services
~Animal Wellness
Caroline
Hello, my name is Caroline!
I am from central Wisconsin and raised on a dairy farm with my four brothers and one sister. From a young age us children had our own barn chores and tasks around the house. My parents taught us strong faith filled values and also good work ethics that I am thankful for today!
When I was preteen my family went through challenges where I suffered from trauma and brought my solid world crashing down, which I then struggled for years remembering my happy early childhood. After years of searching and healing and working through past trauma I am thankful that today I can say my family is back to being ‘healthy’ again. I have also personally navigated cultural differences and have learned how to embrace confidence in myself and be able to do hard things. From my childhood experiences and learning self-worth it has become a passion to help and support others to be the best version of themselves and being able to overcome the challenges in their lives.
I have been with Strides since 2022 offering skill development services. I have expanded my knowledge in the mental health field and have experience in working with depression, anxiety, ADHD, autism, mood disorder, parent psychoeducation, trauma and substance abuse. Working with the many various cases and being there to assist, guide and support individuals who are struggling has been both rewarding and fulfilling. I look forward to continuing to grow my knowledge and being able to assist each individual to live their best lives!
Some of my favorite things to do in my free time are:
- Hiking, kayaking, swimming or anything outdoors.
- Arts and crafts, anything creative.
- Reading upbuilding, positive books.
- Gardening, cooking, baking and making espresso coffee.
Service Array: Individual Skills Development and Enhancement and Psychoeducation
Ray
Hi, I’m Ray!
Originally, I’m from a small town in central Wisconsin, but I just moved to Eau Claire to finish my studies. In just under a year, I’ll have the degree needed to become an accountant. I’ve got three other siblings and have been around a whole slew of different animals my entire life.
My parents got divorced during mine and my siblings’ developmental years which caused us to go through a lot of stress and depression at young ages. All of this in addition to transitioning into middle and high school was very challenging, but we were able to adapt and overcome.
Since then, our bonds have grown stronger than ever and we now have the abilities to help others cope with stress, mental health challenges, and suicidal ideations. By the time I made it to college, I was finally able to embrace who I am and help others find themselves.
I have been providing skill development services through Strides since 2022. In that time, I’ve been able to learn how to work with people experiencing mental health and mood disorders, ADHD, autism, traumas and substance abuse. In addition to that, I’ve become a big advocate for members of the LGBTQ+ community. As always, I’m constantly looking for ways to improve and grow and encourage others to do the same.
My favorite hobbies include:
- Fitness, Athletics, and Nutrition
- Being outdoors or with nature
- Learning new board/video games
- Cooking and Baking
Service Array: Individual Skills Development and Enhancement
Gayle
Hello! My name is Gayle. I was an elementary educator for 35 years and retired at the end of the school year in May of 2022. I obtained my BS Degree (1986) in Elementary Education K-8 and a Master in Science Teaching degree (1991) from the UW-Eau Claire. My love for learning did not end there as I continued to expand my knowledge of working with kids through professional workshops/training, reading professional books and joining book club discussions throughout my entire teaching career..
I have had many different life experiences in working with kids over my 35 years of teaching. During my career, I have educated students from preschool through the 3rd grade level, but I have interacted with kids at all ages as my school district was PreK-Grade 12. I have been told that I have the patience of a saint. I find it relatively easy to talk to and to connect with children as well as with adults. I know and understand the importance of building a genuine bond with the individuals that I work with. I enjoyed my teaching career immensely and have been truly blessed with the students, parents, coworkers and the community that I have worked in. I have been working with Strides since August of 2022 and truly enjoy the new challenge. I have gained new experiences and knowledge in working with clients dealing with high anxiety, depression and suicide. I have also worked on promoting self-care by promoting healthy eating, hobbies and physical activity.
I have been happily married for 27 years and have 3 amazing adult children. We all love the outdoors and have taken many family trips together to WI state parks and our beautiful national parks. Some of my favorite hobbies are hiking, kayaking, fishing, camping, rock collecting, baking, gardening, playing cards and board games and artsy projects. I also enjoy pets as I have 3 entertaining cats and one very lovable dog.
Service Array: Individual Skills Development and Enhancement and Psychoeducation
~Outdoor Activities
~At-Risk Adolescents
~Youth and Adolescent Guidance
~Resilience Support
Bruce
My name is Bruce Jahnke. I have had 50 years of ministering to people, especially youth. While in college my life goals changed from working with plants and genetics to people and helping each one to mature from one level to another, convinced each one can make a difference in the world. I worked as a Christian disciple in college, a high school teacher in agriculture and biology, a coach for over 45 years and a youth worker. I had the privilege of being a board member and speaker at youth camps. Mission trips to Mexico and French speaking Africa have given me many cultural and religious experiences that have broadened my understanding and choices in life. A wonderful highlight in my life was to be trained and given the opportunity to help start 15 Christian schools and later to be a consultant to 20 schools. The greatest platform I was graced with is to be a pastor for 43 years and be the principal of the schools that the church had as a ministry. Shepherding both youth and adults has been an avenue to give my life away to teach, train, comfort and love others.
~ISDE Provider
Justine
Hello, my name is Justine! I love using my certified emotional support dog to help those in need! I grew up around family members who struggled with mental illness. This created a desire to learn how to help people in those same situations. I Started with nannying jobs for children who had hearing impairments and autism. In the healthcare field I began as a CNA, and then moved on to being a Respite provider, before realizing my life experiences could be perfectly suited for helping others with Skill development work. Recently, I began to work as a parent coach. I have a goal to complete the Peer Specialist Certification in order to extend help to more adults who have experienced similar challenges and trauma.
In my life I have had the benefit of others’ compassion, patience, love and kindness when I’ve needed healing the most. I’ve learned to use my mental perseverance caring for others and I’m passionate about using the same effort I was given into helping each person who crosses my path.
While working as a CNA I had the opportunity to work in the psych ward, dementia units, nursing home and rehabilitation units. Through this I’ve obtained my CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention) certificate and have learned to see things from my clients’ perspectives. I currently work with Luna (pictured), an emotional support dog, who I love to bring along with me to help my clients.
In my spare time I am a mother of a toddler who is right by my side as much as possible! He is definitely a momma’s boy! Typically, you can find us on a lake kayaking/paddle boarding, playing in the dirt with Tonka trucks, watering our garden or playing at the park. In addition to that, I set aside time for myself around nature, music and singing, outdoor activities, working out and doing art projects! I enjoy what life has to offer and am grateful to have additional opportunities to help others do the same!
Service Array: Individual Skills Development and Enhancement and Psychoeducation
~Outdoor Activities
~At-Risk Adolescents
~Youth and Adolescent Guidance
~Resilience Support
~Parenting Support
Nicole
Hello, my name is Nicole Rogers. Besides working as a Skill Provider, I am an Elementary Librarian and a special education paraprofessional. I have had many positive experiences working with young people during the years that I worked in the school setting. I earned a degree in Communication Disorders from UW Eau Claire which I used both in raising my own children and working as a speech and language assistant. This knowledge has also served me well in other work settings. For the past several years I have developed a close connection with a boy with autism and feel I have gained much knowledge from working with this population. Over the years, I also coached youth basketball and track. I found participating in sports teaches youth to be team players, to handle disappointments in a positive way, to reap the benefits of success and to acquire lessons that will benefit them in all stages of life even into their elder years.
As I have gained my own life lessons, I learned to appreciate my quiet and calm demeanor which I believe allows me to connect with others in need with ease and in a nonjudgemental manner. I have empathy and compassion for all people no matter how they decide to live their lives. I have a special place in my heart for those who have been unfairly treated in our community due to race, gender, special needs, sexual orientation, or cultural differences.
In my personal life, my greatest blessing has been raising three strong, independent and caring daughters. Later in my life I have the additional blessing of adding into the family, three step sons, two of which are transgender. And now, I have the privilege of being a big part of my four granddaughters’ lives. I did not grow up on a farm but raised my family on a dairy farm. Raising a family on the farm was a challenge but it was rewarding and I learned many new skills including how to drive a tractor, side rake hay, move round bales, deliver calves and chase cows that always seemed to get out of the fence in the most inopportune times.
I love to use my hands to create many forms of art. I crochet, sew, and make a variety of crafts. I have played piano since I was age 10 and continue to play for enjoyment and for church services. My former passion was raising chickens and writing about the experience in a weekly newspaper column. I found raising chickens to be soul enriching and if I can fit it into my busy schedule, I would like to have a backyard flock again. People tell me I have a flair for creative writing and I find it very healing, especially when life feels frustrating and unfair. I love to learn and through my work with Strides, I hope to gain even more insights and skills to help others navigate through challenging times and reach their life goals.
Service Array: Individual Skills Development and Enhancement and Psychoeducation
~At-Risk Adolescents
~Youth and Adolescent Guidance
~Resilience Support
~Parenting Support
-LGBTQ Support
Rebekah
Hello there, my name is Rebekah!
I grew up alongside one older sister and was raised by parents that taught me the importance of faith and integrity, of which these values have greatly shaped and impacted my life. Things were not always easy, and I endured many challenges with friendships, family, and identity.
Currently, I serve on the events team at my church, dedicated to bringing hope to families all across the state of Wisconsin. A few years ago, I had the opportunity of a lifetime to serve as a Kids/Teens Leader in Estes Park, Colorado at a wonderful place called Wind River Ranch. This experience was transformative, as I engaged with guests to help them develop skills, overcome their fears, and give them the best experience possible. When I wasn't working with the Kids/Teens there, I was busy helping out wranglers, housekeeping, kitchen staff and filling in wherever my help was needed. The work was sometimes difficult however, the reward far outweighed the exhaustion and hard times. After that I spent the next 5 ½ years of my life working as a bank teller and gathered more knowledge and skills to help out in life and it was a joy to work with each customer.
In my spare time, I love to either be outside enjoying the beauty of nature or perhaps curl up and read a good book inside. I have quite a few hobbies, some of which include photography, hiking, camping, arts and crafts, cosplay and you can almost always find me listening to music. Life can get very busy, so I am always looking to appreciate every moment and enjoy whatever it may bring.
Service Array: Individual Skills Development and Enhancement and Psychoeducation
~Outdoor Activities
~At-Risk Adolescents
~Youth and Adolescent Guidance
~Resilience Support
~Parenting Support
Seth
Howdy, my name is Seth!
I am from southeastern Wisconsin and was raised by my Mom and Dad with my two brothers. My parents taught me to be strong in who I am and showed me how to have a great work ethic. My brothers and I are all very close in age so with them we learned how to work together even with opposite opinions. From a young age my brothers and I were always involved in sports and other extracurriculars. I moved up to the Eau Claire area back in 2022 to find out what I want to do with my life, and it has brought me here. I will be going back to school in fall of 2025 for animal science and use my degree either for an animal specialist or become an agricultural teacher. My goals and aspirations are to help people find who they are and what they want to be. I know that everybody comes from different backgrounds and may need some support through their journey, I know I did.
Some of my favorite things to do in my spare time are:
- Anything outdoors (Hiking, fishing etc.)
- Anything to do with animals!
- Crafting and or creating projects
- Cooking and baking
- Board games
Service Array: Individual Skills Development and Enhancement and Psychoeducation
~Outdoor Activities
~At-Risk Adolescents
~Youth and Adolescent Guidance
~Resilience Support
Stephanie
Greetings!
Hello, my name is Stephanie, and I’m honored to join this team as a Skills Development Provider. I was born and raised in central Wisconsin, where my journey to finding strength, compassion, and resilience began. Growing up, my life was anything but ordinary. I was raised by a single mother alongside my half-sister; and half-brother; me being the oldest child. My childhood was shaped by challenges, including living with a mother who struggled with addiction, mental health, and the trauma of her past. Despite the chaos, I found solace in caring for my siblings and relying on the strength of my faith and the support of a few key people in my life.
At the age of 14, I moved in with my father, who also battled his own demons with substance abuse. This change gave me the independence to focus on my education, and with determination, I graduated high school, even welcoming my first child just two weeks before graduation. My experiences shaped me into a caregiver at a young age, and I began working as a CNA at 16. Over the years, I have dedicated myself to helping others, especially through my CNA work and now as part of this program.
My journey has not been without challenges, from navigating single motherhood and co-parenting to overcoming unhealthy relationships. However, I’ve been blessed with an incredible support system, including my fiancé and his family, who welcomed my children and me with open arms. Together, we have built a loving and stable home, where I’ve also embraced holistic healing practices, meditation, and the joy of connecting deeply with others.
Today, I’m proud to offer empathy, guidance, and skill-building to others. I believe in the power of connection, understanding, and fostering resilience. I’ve been told I’m a source of wisdom, compassion, and strength, and I strive to embody these traits in everything I do. My passion lies in helping people, especially youth and families, navigate their challenges with patience, care, and a genuine desire to see them thrive.
In my free time, I enjoy being outdoors with my children and fiancé, whether it’s hiking, camping, or fishing. I’m an avid reader, a lover of music across all genres, and a curious learner fascinated by science and astrology. I also find joy in meditation, crystal healing, and exploring holistic arts, which I plan to study further in 2025 as I pursue a degree in Integrative Holistic Healing Arts. I recently took up hip-hop dance classes just for fun and love discovering new ways to bring light and joy to my life.
I am truly excited to contribute my experiences and passions to this program and look forward to connecting with each individual I work with, helping them on their path to growth and healing.
Service Array: Individual Skills Development and Enhancement/Psychoeducation
~Skill Development (ISDE)
~Psychoeducation
~Fitness & Athletics
~Outdoor Activities
~At-Risk Adolescents
~Youth and Adolescent Guidance
~Resilience Support
~Adult Support