I am married to a wonderful husband named Wayne for 31 years. I have two adult children, Mitchell and Bryce, who make me proud every day. I grew up in Oak Creek and am 9th out of 10 children. Coming from a big Catholic family and being an athlete has really helped me to interact positively with others in ways that are flexible, respectful and always wanting to “do something for the team”. At UW-Milwaukee I received my degree in Occupational Therapy and was on the women’s volleyball team, while my youngest sister played basketball while I was there. We started our family while living in Oregon and Stoughton Wisconsin for many years and loved these small communities. I coached high school girl’s volleyball and basketball for several school districts. I worked in the schools for 27 years as an Occupational Therapist. During that time, I also received my Masters in Special Education with Autism and Transition Specialist certifications. I am a strong advocate for people with disabilities and am active within the state to learn as much as I can to improve the lives of people with disabilities.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have an enormous passion for flower gardening and passed this on to Mitchell, who has a degree in horticulture and was a national flower grower. He now plays a part in the beauty of the flowers and Christmas decorations in downtown Milwaukee and many other communities. I am also a proud mother of this Eagle Scout. My son Bryce has Autism and has blessed us in so many ways. He is a shining light to many he meets. He is an avid Brewer and Bucks fan. He has a new job at Steins Garden Center and is doing “amazing” as he would tell you. My family enjoys nature and spending time with our Golden Retriever Cooper.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
Being a school OT for 27 years was the best job anyone could ever have. I loved the 1:1 attention and intervention that I could provide. I enjoyed working on grants, presenting and training related to Autism. I also loved working with assistive technology to improve school experiences for my OT students. I left the schools in 2015 to start a small business. We provide support services and life skill instruction to young adults with disabilities. I vowed to myself that I would give these young adults experiences that would just “rock”. I wanted to improve and enrich their lives and help them build great futures. I am now the Executive Director of Haase Community Connections, Inc and the Program Director for the Haase House. We provide our life skill instruction out of a quaint home located very close to Field Park. What I love most is getting to know each person with a disability as a whole person, along with embracing and caring about their passions, concerns, health, family, friends and dreams. Every day has a blessing and I know that God had this as a plan for me.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I have frequented many. I love the unique food at Antiqua Real and that is quiet if I want a place to meet a friend or go out with my husband. Mario’s pizza is my favorite pizza in town.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
We have lived in Mukwonago for 15 years. I have only worked in the Village of Mukwonago since 2019. The Haase House is my home away from home.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
I love meeting people and find them all interesting, and I enjoy how people are unique in their own way.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I would choose Alaska. I am all about beauty in nature and feel this would be somewhere really awesome to see and just “take it all in”.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I am old at heart and love Sound of Music and White Christmas.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
BE KIND! Every life experience shapes the “person”. You cannot take that away. It happened. Have some understanding. Also, when you are down or have little hope, know there is always a rainbow after the storm.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I really would like to go on a mission trip and help children (Maybe OT work). I think I know what it means to “give to others” but I know that I am blind to how thankful and grateful I can and should be.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
King and Country on the Christian side. 70’s music when I am in a fun or silly mood.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
I miss the caring and service from Miller Pharmacy. I do remember we had an ice cream shoppe in the Greenwald Shopping Center for a very short time. Miss that.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I would love to have lunch with any person who dreams of pursuing a mission like mine to better the lives of young adults with disabilities I am a good listener and could help them know next steps to work toward their vision. I would choose to have lunch with them on the patio at the Fork in the Road.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I think we have so much nature to enjoy. The Mukwonago River is a gem. We need to preserve it yet find more ways for people to enjoy what we have. We all need something good for our mental health these days.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I hope to see The Haase House serving many more young adults with disabilities at THH and within the community. I hope to be the Executive Director right up to the day I retire. I will likely be an advocate forever. I will certainly be involved in service organizations to keep on giving to others. I think a lot about writing a book.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Besides coming from a family of 10 kids, I think most everyone thinks that I completed coursework and presentations related to Autism to help my son. Actually, I was well immersed in the world of Autism long before my son was born. It has always been a passion and I am blessed to be able to help not only my son, but many people with disabilities move onto their own desires and dreams in life.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
The top of the Rocky Mountains
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
June because all I have is flowers on my mind. Thanksgiving – a day for me that I can focus on family and reflect on all that I have, and not what I want.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
The sunsets looking over the Vernon marsh from my backyard!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My 93-year-old mother and all the wisdom and love she gives me.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
I love lilacs in bloom and brownies while they are baking
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family Time, Safe, Relaxing Environment
