About Us
Our Team
Kelly has over 25 years of experience with the Autism Society of Greater Wisconsin (formerly Autism Society of Wisconsin) as a volunteer, Board Member and now as the Office Manager. She provides support, information and referral over the phone to help individuals, families, and those that work with them to connect to community resources. Whether it’s helping a family find a service provider to evaluate their child, finding a local support group, or helping educators find resources, she’s here to help those who need support. Her greatest accomplishments are her three sons, two on the autism spectrum.
Favorite Quote
“To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.” ― Dr. Seuss
Is your glass half full or half empty?
1/2 full. Always.
What are you happiest doing, when you're not working?
Reading & relaxing Up North (Manitowish Waters) at the cabin in summer.
Why I'm proud to serve on the staff of ASGW
I’m glad to be part of a group where individuals with ASD are honored and valued for who they are.
Katie received her Bachelors of Arts degree in Secondary English Education from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point in May of 2015. After teaching middle school and high school English for seven years, Katie discovered a passion for communications, graphic design, and social media. This passion grew into a career centered around helping people share their stories and connect with others through their social media platforms. As Development and Communications Coordinator, Katie focuses on the fundraising, development, and communications efforts of the Autism Society of Greater Wisconsin. Katie currently resides in Sheboygan, Wisconsin with her husband, their three boys – one on the Autism spectrum, their two dogs, and their two cats.
Favorite Quote
“Never stop learning, because life never stops teaching.”
If I were a superhero, my superpower would be…
The power of flight because I love to travel, and I would be able to fly wherever I want – for FREE!
The best piece of advice I've ever been given is…
“Do what makes you happy.”
My favorite part of the Autism Society is...
Being surrounded by people who want to make a difference in the lives of those on the Autism spectrum.
Denielle (She/Her) is a physically Disabled, Autistic Adult. She also has many extended family members who are Autistic, including her 2 children. After studying Developmental Disabilities in college she worked as a caregiver for Autistic kids, kids with Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, and Spinal Cord Injury. She also assisted in running inclusion programs for a church and the YMCA. Deni previously worked with the Autism Society in 2020 through the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation. She has been a volunteer with Babywearing International, Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra and CASA Fox Cities. Deni likes working on publications and writing. And in her free time is active on many forums helping folks find information and community resources. She, her wife, and 2 children enjoy tabletop gaming as well as PC games (MMORPG).
Favorite Quote
“We are, all of us, our own phoenixes, if we choose to be. Out of the ashes, we can be reborn.” – Christie Golden (Jaina)
If you won a million dollars, what’s the first thing you’d do?
I would build a big house with a large accessible kitchen and extra bedrooms so we could take in more foster teens.
What is your favorite pastime?
I enjoy gaming. Everything from LARP to D&D to World of Warcraft. I met my wife LARPing, and have made so many amazing friends in gaming communities.
My favorite part of the Autism Society is...
I love all events that the Autism Society hosts. It’s a great chance to try something or go somewhere I would otherwise be hesitant to.
Katie Hess is a passionate, resourceful leader with over 20 years of project management experience. Hess’s accolades include the Current Young Professional Future 15, Spirit of Current, and Rotary International’s Heart and Soul Inspired Leader Awards. Her nonprofit boards of directors’ involvement include the Greater Green Bay Chamber’s Partners in Education, Achieve Brown County, Literacy Green Bay, Center for Childhood Safety, and Children’s Museum of Green Bay. In the five years as Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Wisconsin Hess led the organization to the top six percent of highest-performing affiliates in the country and achieved three national awards, a nomination for both board and agency of the year and was a top finalist for the annual Ethics in Action Award. She has been a Rotarian since 2012 and a graduate of Leadership Green Bay. Prior to her role at the Autism Society of Greater Wisconsin, Hess had a diverse professional background including healthcare, digital social health, education, government, and entrepreneurship. She has taught students with mild to moderate cognitive disabilities and has two nephews with autism. She currently lives in Green Bay, Wisconsin with her three children.
Favorite Quote
“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” — Mahatma Gandhi
If I could eat only one meal for the rest of my life it would be...
nachos! All the nachos.
If I could be any fictional character, I’d be...
Wonder Woman. She rocks.
My vision for the Autism community is...
a community where everyone feels safe being themselves.
Amber received her Bachelors of Science degree in Psychology with a minor in Human Development from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay in May 2018. Throughout her time at UW-Green Bay she participated in several internships and leadership roles that ultimately inspired her passion for empowering diverse populations and fostering community development. As Program Director, she plans, develops, and administers a variety of our educational, support, and community outreach programs in support of the Autism Society of Greater Wisconsin mission.
Favorite Quote
“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” – Maya Angelou
If I could invent a holiday, it would definitely involve...
COFFEE!
What's the most daring thing you've ever done?
Zip-lining in Mexico
My favorite part of the Autism Society is...
The Annual Conference! As Program Director I plan and implement the conference each year. It is so great to get together with people from all around the state who share the same passion of supporting and empowering the autism community.
Marin is so excited to join the Autism Society of Greater Wisconsin as our Healthy Equity Project Coordinator. Marin has experience working and volunteering with nonprofits across Northeastern Wisconsin, Milwaukee, and Cedar Falls, Iowa. She has a Master’s degree in Community Health from the University of Northern Iowa and is a Certified Nonprofit Professional through the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance. Outside of ASGW, she is a personal trainer and high school track and field coach. Marin’s heart in the nonprofit world is to create connections to ensure every family and individual is fully supported and empowered by their community.
Favorite Quote
What are you happiest doing, when you’re not working?
You can find me on a run or at the gym!
Are you an introvert or extrovert?
Biiiiig extrovert!
My favorite part of the Autism Society is...
.. the people! I feel very privileged to be surrounded by such passionate and caring people.
Board of Directors
President
Eric Kissinger
Eric Kissinger received a diagnosis of Aspergers in the fourth grade. In 2016 Kissinger earned a Bachelors of Arts in Public Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, where he also held internships and a part-time job. He now lives and works in Madison and and leads a bi-weekly virtual support group for adults with Autism. Kissinger joined the Autism Society of Greater Wisconsin Board of Directors in 2018 with a goal of helping others on the spectrum.
Favorite Quote: “There cannot be a crisis next week. My schedule is already full” -Henry Kissinger (No relation, I just like the quote)
My vision for the autism community: A better, universal understanding of Autism, recognition and proper utilization of the unique traits people on the spectrum have.
President Elect
Temporarily Vacant
Treasurer
Glen Stiteley
Mr. Stiteley has served as the CFO of County Bancorp, Inc. and Investors Community Bank since August of 2017 and has a wealth of experience in all aspects of operating a business (e.g. finance, marketing, strategic planning, operations, human resources, IT). Glen and his wife Katie have three sons. Their youngest was diagnosed on the autism spectrum and is now five years old. “Our family deals with autism on a daily basis. Katie and I are very passionate about sharing what we have learned and helping other families affected with autism. We are really excited to be joining such a great organization that is dedicated to helping families touched by autism” said Glen.
Favorite Quote: “I have learned all kinds of things from my many mistakes. The one thing I never learn is to stop making them.” ― Joe Abercrombie, Last Argument of Kings
What is your favorite thing about living in Wisconsin? The people and lack of traffic!
Secretary
Stacy Stefaniak Luther
Stacy has been involved in the Autism community in a variety of contexts for over 15 years. She has a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology and undergraduate degrees in education. Stacy is passionate about helping people live their very best lives. She currently works as a licensed mental health counselor and loves hearing people’s stories and being a part of their lives. She lives in Central Wisconsin with her husband, two kids, multiple cats because she’s a proud cat lady, and a dog who is her best friend.
Favorite Quote: “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” ― Maya Angelou
What is your favorite thing about the Autism Society? My favorite part of the Autism Society is how welcoming everyone is. Everyone is so humble and kind and also passionate about advocacy, education, understanding, support, and acceptance. The Autism Society truly appreciates neurodiversity!
Fox Valley Affiliate Representative
Diane Nackers
Diane Nackers is a wife, mother, grandmother, speech and language pathologist and strong supporter of the mission for the Autism Society of Greater WI. She has been on the board of directors for the Autism Society of the Fox Valley (ASFV) for almost 12 years and the president for the past nine years. Diane spearheads coordinating and facilitating social outings for all age groups. She works with public businesses to train their staff about autism, and coordinates the parent/educator workshops. She educates daycare staff members about the characteristics of autism and how best to support children on the spectrum. Diane maintains a passion for working with people on the autism spectrum and their families and thoroughly enjoys sharing that passion with the members of ASFV.
Favorite Quote: “I don’t need to know everything. I just need to know where to find it when I need it.” Albert Einstein
What would you name the autobiography of your life? Yes… She Said That!
Tiffany Born
Tiffany Born, Ph.D., BCBA-D is a licensed psychologist at Bellin Health in De Pere, Wisconsin. Dr. Born provides psychological assessment and treatment services to children and adolescents and their families. She specializes in working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other Developmental Disabilities. Dr. Born has been honored to serve on the Autism Society of Greater Wisconsin Board of Directors since 2018. Dr. Born received her doctorate in Educational Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, completed her doctoral internship at The May Institute in Massachusetts, and completed her post-doctoral fellowship at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore, MD. She moved back to Wisconsin in 2017 and is loving spending time with family, friends, and her dogs.
Favorite Quote: “Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear.” – Ambrose Redmoon
What’s the coolest (or most important) trend you see today? More openness regarding mental health, slowly reducing the stigma.
Brittany Cahill
Brittany Cahill is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and licensed Supervisor with Milestones Behavioral Pediatrics in De Pere, WI. Brittany’s career path started while working in a Campus Autism Program at the University of Wisconsin Eau-Claire (UWEC) in 2010. She received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Behavior ‘Analysis from the UWEC and received her master’s degree in Behavior Analysis and Therapy from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale (SIU). Following the completion of her master’s degree, Brittany moved to Massachusetts to work at the May Center School for Autism and Developmental Disabilities. During her time at the May Center School, Brittany specialized in the treatment of challenging behavior using the principles of applied behavior analysis. In 2016, Brittany had the opportunity to move back to Wisconsin and has been working in center-based ABA therapy in the Green Bay area for the past 5 years. Brittany and her husband, Matt, live in Ashwaubenon with their son, Everett. In her spare time, Brittany enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.
Favorite Quote: “People will forget what you said, People will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou
What I wish everyone knew about the Autism Society of Greater Wisconsin…
I wish everyone knew about all the wonderful resources that the Autism Society of Great Wisconsin offers. When I attended my first board meeting, I was so amazed and humbled by all the work that is put into each event and resource that is developed by the organization. I feel honored to being working with such an inspirational organization.
Alex Gloudemans
Alex Gloudemans is a pharmacist for Thedacare and loves serving the people in the community he lives in. He grew up in Little Chute and now lives in Darboy. Alex has a beautiful wife, Siraya, and 3 amazing kids. His oldest, Nolan (8) is autistic and non-verbal. He loves to jump, drum, swim, and steal his mom’s chocolate and soda. His sister Stella (6) is the most loving child and loves princesses and dancing. His youngest, Bryce (3) has the funniest little personality and loves all things construction. He also has two (extremely annoying) dogs. 😊 In his free time, Alex enjoys visiting his in-law’s cabin, playing with his kids, and obsessing over the Green Bay Packers. He hopes to bring value to ASGW using his experience as a parent of a child with special needs and as a health care worker.
Favorite Quote: “There is no person in the whole world like you, and I like you just the way you are.” Fred Rogers.
My vision for the Autism community…
My wife and I make a point to try to normalize special needs parenthood. My hope is that autistic people and their families do not feel like they have to hide, but rather that they feel welcomed and accepted by their peers, schools, and communities. I also hope parents feel like they have the tools needed to best prepare their child(ren) on the spectrum for success.
Betty McCluskey
Betty McCluskey is an Outpatient Psychotherapist in private practice in Tomahawk, WI. She worked as an administrative assistant until she went to college at age 32, graduating from Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, TN in 1995 with a MS in Guidance and Counseling. She and her husband, Jim, have one daughter, Colleen, who was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome at age 8. ASD has become her specialty area in psychology and she supports many individuals with ASD and their families. She is excited to be a member of the Board of Directors for ASGW and looks forward to serving our community in the future.
What I wish everyone knew about the Autism Society of Greater Wisconsin: I would like everyone to know that ASGW is based on inclusion and individual success for those in the Autism community.
Megan Puddy
Gail Wilke
Gail Wilke has worked in the field of special education for over thirty years predominantly as a special education teacher at the secondary level and as a program support teacher/coordinator specializing in support for autistic students. She received Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Special Education from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee where her focus was on supporting inclusion in public schools. Gail is currently retired from public education and now enjoys a part – time job as a workplace literacy instructor in Sheboygan County. Gail’s belief that all students deserve high expectations and that schools should welcome neurodiversity was strengthened even more when she became a stepmom to an amazing son with autism. Gail is thrilled to be part of such a dynamic organization like the Autism Society of Greater Wisconsin. Her passion is with helping parents find their voice in the educational system and in assisting schools in recognizing the benefits of embracing neurodiversity at all levels.
Favorite Quote: “Look at how a single candle can both defy and define the darkness.” – Anne Frank
People would be surprised if they knew: I have swam with sharks on several occasions
Become a Board Member
The Autism Society of Greater Wisconsin and many of its local affiliates are looking for skilled and motivated candidates to join its Board of Directors. Directors commit to at least a three year term providing support to the organization through board meetings and committee work. Candidates should be willing to provide 2-4 hours of work per month on top of quarterly board meetings and monthly committee meetings.
The Board is particularly seeking candidates from its 53 county service area, with a connection to the autism community, who also have skills/expertise in the following areas: information technology (IT), legal practice, fundraising, public policy, and marketing/media, etc. The organization is committed to increasing board diversity, including but not limited to racial or ethnic background, neurodiversity, gender diversity, geography, and professional background. Autistic individuals are encouraged to apply. The Board will make appointments based on strategic goals, geography and demographic diversity.
Those interested should submit a resume and a completed Candidate Questionnaire to Kirsten Cooper, Executive Director, kcooper@autismgreaterwi.org.