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, watching live music, and doing home improvement projects.
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.
Kaitlynn joined EmployAbility in the fall of 2023 with a passion for recognizing others for their strengths and connecting them with equitable resources to improve their quality of life. She provided behavioral therapy to children and young adults with disabilities for more than 4 years and still occasionally provides respite care. Kaitlynn graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Psychology from UW Madison and plans to pursue a master’s degree in the future—though she is still deciding which area of human service is the right fit. In her free time, Kaitlynn enjoys snuggling with her dachshund and two cats, playing Nintendo Switch games, watching reality competition and game shows, and spending time with friends and family.
Piper has her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Education and is currently pursuing her Education Specialist degree in School Psychology at UW-Madison. Piper aims to improve mental health in schools and provide support to students and families. Piper has a variety of experiences with children and adults with disabilities. She also has experience providing mental health support, specifically regarding grief. Piper is passionate about creating equitable spaces and is thrilled to have joined the EmployAbility team. In her free time, Piper enjoys reading, sewing, and spending time in nature.
Ciara has worked extensively in youth development and education, and is currently pursuing a masters degree in Counseling at the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater. She began her career as a music teacher in 2018, where she worked with students in elementary school through high school. After transitioning out of teaching in 2021, Ciara worked in the Madison-area as a college and career readiness program coordinator and advisor for high-school students. She is enthusiastic about working with young people and adults to find their voice and passions, while forging meaningful partnerships with schools, workplaces, families, and other communities of importance. In her free time, Ciara enjoys playing with her two cats, spending as much time outside as possible, reading, and crocheting cute animals.
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 B - 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.