EmployAbility: Employment and Housing Solutions
Meet the Talented Staff at EmployAbility
Andrea started EmployAbility in 2014 by meeting a handful of clients out of libraries and can now boast of a thriving company with a growing staff. She has also managed to complete a Master of Social Work degree in the meantime. Andrea has worked in social services since 1999 in a wide range of areas but found her passion for vocational rehabilitation after moving to Madison, in 2007. She also dedicates energy to homeless services after having worked as a Case Manager for women experiencing homelessness for many years. In her free time, Andrea enjoys spending time with her adult daughters, sailing, enjoying outdoor adventures, dancing, going to hard rock and punk concerts, and doing home improvement projects.
Michael joined the EmployAbility team in 2017, a year after he completed his undergraduate degree in Rehabilitation Psychology at UW-Madison. Michael worked as a Behavioral Treatment Technician for children with Autism and as a Mental Health Specialist at a crisis facility before transferring to a career in Vocational Rehabilitation. He chose to work at EmployAbility to help people find success in the workforce. In his spare time, Michael enjoys spending time outdoors, fishing, and being around friends and family.
Betsey joined the team in 2018 after administering workforce training grants with the state Department of Workforce Development. She previously helped people work through various employment challenges as an intern with two different Madison non-profits. Betsey worked as an environmental scientist for many years before obtaining her degree in Human Services in 2016. She joined EmployAbility because she is passionate about connecting people with opportunities. Betsey loves sailing and outdoor music festivals in the summer; in the winter she enjoys the fresh perspective of exploring Madison’s frozen lakes on skates or a bike, and cross-country skiing in the woods.
Annie has her undergraduate degree in social work and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in social work at UW Madison with an emphasis on clinical mental health. She has a variety of work experience helping individuals experiencing homelessness find adequate housing. She also has experience in the criminal justice system guiding justice-involved individuals through the legal process and advocating for treatment goals in court. Annie is passionate about advocating for the rights,
strengths, and equality of all people and is thrilled to be a part of the EmployAbility team. In her free time Annie enjoys baking, practicing yoga, and taking naps with her puppy, Milo.
Crystal graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work and a master’s degree in Educational Counseling, focusing on community mental health. Her professional experiences include assisting people in achieving individual affirming skills, maintaining independence, crisis stabilization services, supporting education around mental illness, effects of substance use, understanding housing systems in Dane County, and employment skills. Crystal works from a person-centered perspective with the understanding that we are the experts of our own lives, are unique, and of many characteristics, our lives intersect within areas of oppression and privilege, and we can benefit from the support of others. Crystal enjoys working as an Employment Specialist to assist others in achieving their vocational goals as it can increase connection, instill dignity, renew interests, bring passion, and support financial needs. Crystal additionally enjoys spending time with her two dogs and two cats, baking, and taking in the views of this precious planet.
Brooke graduated from UW-Green Bay with a bachelor's degree in social work. She has worked for over 5 years advocating for victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse, and helping them heal from their past traumas to thrive in life. She also has certifications in women’s empowerment coaching, and intimacy and relationship coaching. She is passionate about empowering others to live their most fulfilled lives by helping them access community resources and accomplish their desired goals. Brooke is excited to be a part of the EmployAbility team, and to help others obtain and maintain employment. In her free time, she enjoys being outside in the warm weather, and taking walks with her puppy.
Jazmine has always been interested in helping others and began her journey working with young children. She completed an associate’s degree in early childhood education and became a certified teacher. During her education, she became more interested in mental health and graduated from UW-Stout with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She plans to pursue a master’s degree in social work or counseling in the future. Jazmine has professional experience working with children and adults who have disabilities and mental health concerns. Her passions include mental health, environmental sustainability, work/life balance, and the neurological impacts of trauma. In her free time, she enjoys playing video games, practicing yoga, writing, going to music festivals, and cuddling with her two cats.
Alaina graduated from UW-Madison with a bachelor’s degree in Social Welfare and Criminal Justice. Alaina has volunteered at both a youth shelter and a women’s recovery home. In addition, she spent the past two years working in job development for people with disabilities before transitioning to housing services. She is passionate about mental health and social policies, and she is excited to help others in achieving their housing goals. Alaina enjoys musicals, board games, exploring nature, and cross-stitching.
Sami received her undergraduate degree from UW-Milwaukee in Social Welfare. She also attended the graduate school of social work at UW-Madison where she focused her studies on children, youth, and families from a policy perspective. She is devoted to assisting individuals who struggle with mental illness, addiction, involvement in the criminal justice system, and/or housing instability. In her free time, she likes to journal, frequent live music events, and do arts and crafts
Jocelyn graduated with her Bachelors of Science in Spanish from UW-Madison, and her Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from UW-Whitewater. She is formally trained in EMDR and Brainspotting, and frequently uses these treatment techniques with clients. Jocelyn has spent the past year and a half working with individuals on developing coping skills and working through mental health challenges such as trauma, anxiety, mood-related issues, relationship struggles, and more. In her free time, she enjoys board games, singing, painting, and playing with her dogs.
Diana joined EmployAbility in January of 2018 after a three-year hiatus to care for her twin grandsons. Having worked at The Salvation Army prior to that, she knew that she was done with the corporate world and would prefer to work in a human services environment. She loves her position as Office Assistant that allows her to meet all of the fantastic consumers that pass through EmployAbility's door. She enjoys spending her spare time with her five grandchildren and taking long rides with her husband.
Ethan Brown - Office Clerk
Ethan is a lifelong Madisonian who joined the EmployAbility team during the summer of 2019. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts from St. Norbert College in De Pere and enjoys service sector jobs. He also works as a Poll Worker and worked for several years in the theatre. Additionally, Ethan has volunteered in his church's nursery for almost a decade and typed up the church's bulletin for just as long. In his free time, Ethan enjoys drawing and writing.