Lutheran Social Services of
Wisconsin and Upper Michigan
Foster Care Services Staff
Leadership Team
Please wait while we gather your results.
Allison Novak
Foster Care Services Supervisor - Eau Claire
Allison has worked with the foster care services program for about five years. She's been in the roles of case manager, licensor, and the supervisor for the Eau Claire office and has worked in the child welfare field for over more than eight years. What she loves most about her job is working with the awesome staff, the wonderful foster parents, and the amazing children in the foster care program.
"I absolutely love seeing children become successful and meet their goals with the help of our foster parents and staff." Jacki O’Flahrity
Foster Care Services Program Manager
Since 2011, Jacki has served in many different roles on the foster care services team: foster care case manager, licensor, supervisor and the program manager. Jacki’s family, including a son and daughter, enjoys camping, hiking, fishing, swimming, movies, and music, and she enjoys painting, and photography.
“I find and support foster families so every child has a sense of family, belonging, love and support.”
Kim Westfahl
LSS Director of Program Services
Kim has been the director of the Adoption, Foster Care Services, and Out of Home Care programs for LSS since 2014. She began her career in 1991 as a counselor at an LSS adolescent group home for those in need of protective services. Kim has a bachelor’s degree in psychology.
“I have a passion for working with children and families and I’m proud to be a part of the foster care services team.”
Monica Hinkle
Foster Care Services Program Supervisor - Janesville, La Crosse and Appleton
Monica joined LSS in 2013. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from UW-Platteville and a master’s of social work from Aurora University. In her spare time, she likes hanging out with her nephew, traveling, spending time with loved ones and watching baseball.
“What I love about LSS is watching the kids we work with accomplish their goals.”Janesville Office
608-752-7660
Please wait while we gather your results.
Amanda Schaefer
Foster Care Services Case Manager
Amanda graduated from George Williams College in 2015 with a master’s degree in clinical social work. Her passion is studying infant mental health/early childhood trauma, how it impacts neurodevelopment and adult mental health issues and how systems can better support new parents to prevent these issues.
Amanda has three children. When not at work, she home schools her oldest daughter, is involved in her church, makes greeting cards and continues her research on the neuroscience of early childhood trauma. She is also serves on the board of directors for Stateline Pregnancy Clinic in Beloit.
“I am very grateful to be able to work at LSS.”
Caitlin DeCremer
Foster Care Services Licensor
Caitlin earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from UW-Whitewater in 2012 and a master’s degree in social work from Aurora University in 2017. She joined the LSS foster care team after serving as an intern with the RAYS program. In her free time, Caitlin spends time with her fiancé and her Alaskan Malamute, Moose. Eau Claire Office
715-883-0992
Please wait while we gather your results.
Ashley Stark
Foster Care Services Licensor
Originally from Webster, Wisconsin, Ashley graduated from UW-Stout in 2007 with a degree in Human Development and Family Studies and obtained her social work certification. She worked as a care manager for eight years, assisting individuals with physical disabilities, cognitive disabilities and the elderly in need of long-term support. She joined LSS in September 2016. During time off, she enjoys spending time with her husband, son and step-daughter.
"I really enjoy working with my co-workers, foster families and children."
Emma Lutzke
Foster Care Services Case Manager
Emma graduated from Luther College in 2007 with a degree in social work. She began her career with LSS, working with adults in a group home setting and has been with the foster care program since 2010. She likes to tell people she intends to be a lifer with LSS! Emma is fortunate to combine her career with her hobbies and enjoys taking senior photos for youth in care.
"I love the youth, the families and the staff I have the privilege of working with! I love seeing young people start to believe in themselves and realize how incredibly capable they are."
Lisa Hudson
Foster Care Services Licensor
Lisa is a foster care licensor in the Eau Claire Office. In her 15 years of working at LSS, she has worked as an in-home therapist and a foster care services case manager, licensor and supervisor. Lisa also works as a mental health professional in the Equine Psychotherapy Program at the Trinity Equestrian Center. She completed her education in social work at UW-Eau Claire and UW-Madison. She is an adoptive parent of three teenagers who teach her so much about parenting and life. Her hobbies include soccer, enjoying nature and scrapbooking.
“I am blessed to have two jobs I love and feel like I can make a difference for children and families."
Mary Kuhnert
Administrative Clerk
Mary has been with LSS for four years – initially as a volunteer working with senior citizens.
Her main job is to keep the client and foster home charts up-to-date and any other office work needed. Mary has many years of experience in the administration and bookkeeping business and calls that her passion.
“I have a wonderful team to work with. They make my job very enjoyable.”
Mitch Nelsen
Foster Care Services Case Manager
Mitch works to build relationships with families who are making a difference in foster care and to come alongside foster children who are often facing difficult transitions. His hope is that he can make a positive impact in their lives.
“Thank you for allowing me to play this role in your family and foster child’s life.”
Renee Berthiaume
Foster Care Services Case Manager
Renee graduated from UW-Eau Claire with a bachelor’s degree in social work in 2007. She has been with the foster care program since 2014, after joining LSS in 2009. She enjoys teaching the Foundations class to new foster care parents and seeing the change and growth that foster parents and children go through
In Renee’s free time, she enjoys time with family fishing, cheering on the Badgers, Blugolds, Packers, and Brewers and cooking and baking.
“My philosophy in life and work is that an ounce of action beats a ton of words.” La Crosse Office
608-788-5090
Please wait while we gather your results.
Michael Witzke
Foster Care Services Case Manager
Michael graduated with a bachelor’s degree in social work from Viterbo University in 2011 and started working in the LSS foster care program shortly thereafter. He supervised the La Crosse and Janesville offices before taking a year off to earn his master’s degree in Social Work from the College of St. Scholastica. He returned to LSS in 2016, and in addition to working in foster care, he teaches undergraduate social work classes at Viterbo. Mike’s self-proclaimed hobbies include playing goalie on the hockey rink and trying to drink more water.
“I enjoy working with children in foster care; I find the work very rewarding.”Sara Meyer
Foster Care Services Licensor
Sara graduated from Viterbo University in 2014 with a degree in social work. Outside of work, Sara has a knack for music and theatre. Every now and then you may see her perform with the La Crosse Community Theatre or hear her sing at local events. Off the stage, you might also find her fishing or hiking.
"I enjoy working with children and families, and I have found it exciting to learn more about foster care."Stephanie Valerik
Foster Care Services Student Intern
Stephanie is a practicum student from Viterbo University majoring in social work and psychology. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends, family, and her pets.
“I am very excited to learn more about foster care and LSS.”