I grew up in Colorado and came to the La Crosse area to attend UW-La Crosse. I earned my degree in Public Health, Psychology, and At-Risk Youth Care, driven by a passion for serving others and finding ways to make a positive impact in my community.
I met my husband, Kaleb, in college, and we decided to stay in the area post-graduation. We are new parents to our 2-month-old daughter Nova, who has the best, fluffy big brother Beau (our goldendoodle pup). In my free time, you can find me walking all over town with Beau, reading, baking, and spending time with my family. We also love finding opportunities to explore and travel, made easier by my family living in all different states!
My professional background has primarily been in nonprofit development and community-focused work. Most recently, I spent four years at the La Crosse Area Family YMCA, where I worked in fundraising, grants, donor stewardship, and special events. I am excited to bring that experience to Great Rivers United Way as the Development Director.
My first experience with Great Rivers United Way was working on the Compass Report as a Public Health student. I was drawn to GRUW because of its commitment to bringing people and organizations together to address the needs of our community. I am excited to be part of an organization that is working to create meaningful, lasting change throughout the Coulee Region and to build relationships with the many people who make that work possible.
15 Questions for KJ
- What are you most excited about as Development Director? Building relationships and connecting people with opportunities to make a difference in our community.
- Favorite color? Blue
- Any pets? Beau, our 2.5 year old goldendoodle
- Least favorite household chore? Dishes
- Latest tidbit you’ve learned about Great Rivers United Way? The accessible born learning trail at Chad Erickson Park!
- Favorite recreational activity? Walking/hiking with my family and reading
- Genre of music? Indie-folk/alternative
- Most likely to order on a menu? Anything gluten free – I’ve had celiac disease since I was 12
- Favorite movie? Turtles All the Way Down (the book is better, but the movie is still great)
- Most looking forward to the first Great Rivers United Way campaign? Seeing all the good made possible by our community coming together!
- Favorite holiday? Christmas
- Favorite place to visit? National Parks – my goal is to make it to all of them!
- Guilty pleasure? Buying my dog toys even though he destroys them in less than 5 minutes
- Memorable moment in the new job thus far? My first kickoff breakfast
- Favorite thing about our community? All the ways to enjoy being outside!