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 since 2012. 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." Meghan Presing
Foster Care Services Supervisor - Appleton
Originally from the Washington DC area, Meghan joined the FCS team in April 2017. She earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from Christopher Newport University in 2015 and a master’s degree in social work with a certificate in trauma-informed care from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 2016. Meghan has experience in school-based mental health and working with families impacted by substance use disorders. In her free time, Meghan enjoys spending time outside, reading and cooking.
“My favorite part about working with foster families is getting to see the progress foster children make as they work towards their goals. It never ceases to amaze me how supportive all of our foster parents are of the children in their care.”Appleton
920-730-1343
Please wait while we gather your results.
Meghan Presing
Foster Care Services Supervisor - Appleton
Originally from the Washington DC area, Meghan joined the FCS team in April 2017. She earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from Christopher Newport University in 2015 and a master’s degree in social work with a certificate in trauma-informed care from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 2016. Meghan has experience in school-based mental health and working with families impacted by substance use disorders. In her free time, Meghan enjoys spending time outside, reading and cooking.
“My favorite part about working with foster families is getting to see the progress foster children make as they work towards their goals. It never ceases to amaze me how supportive all of our foster parents are of the children in their care.”Eau Claire Office
877-967-5577
Please wait while we gather your results.
Amanda Riehbrandt
Foster Care Services Case Manager
Amanda joined the LSS Foster Care team in 2017. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work with a minor in Family Studies and a Child Welfare Certificate from UW-Eau Claire in 2012. In her spare time, she enjoys doing crafts, such as crocheting and jewelry making, being out in nature, and experimenting with new recipes.
“It continues to amaze me the capacity of our foster families to open their home and hearts to foster youth and grow into a family that trusts, supports, encourages, and loves one another. It’s an honor to be working for LSS Foster Care.”
Amber Prokopiak
Foster Care Services Case Manager
Amber earned her bachelor’s degree in social work from UW-Stevens Point and a master’s degree in social work from UW-Milwaukee. She joined LSS in April 2017 as a case manager. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, 4-wheeling and spending time with her family.
“It is very rewarding to be a part of a team who ensures that children/youth are safe, happy and healthy.”
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."
Jade Downey
Foster Care Services Case Manager
Jade graduated in 2007 from UW Stout with a bachelor’s degree in Human Development & Family Studies and went on to earn her Social Work certification. She has previously worked with the elderly and disabled in skilled nursing facilities. Although she enjoyed her past positions; Jade wanted to pursue her original desire to work with children, youth, and families. She joined the LSS Foster Care Services team in late 2018. In her spare time she enjoys camping, cheering on the Packers, Brewers, and Badgers, cooking/baking, and spending time with her family; which includes a daughter, a black lab and two Calico cats that she calls her “fur babies.”
“I find it extremely endearing to see so much cooperation and optimism with the LSS Foster Care team, foster parents, counties, and other supporting agencies/programs. Our youth are truly blessed to have such caring folks encouraging and supporting them towards a successful future.”
Mary Kuhnert
Administrative Clerk
Mary has been with LSS since 2012 – 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.”
La Crosse Office
608-788-5090
Please wait while we gather your results.
Janesville Office
608-752-7660
Please wait while we gather your results.
Jamie Ruchti
Foster Care Services Licensor & Case Manager
Phone:608-752-7660 ext. 5126Jamie earned her bachelor’s Degree in Social work from the UW-Whitewater in 2015. Jamie worked as an ongoing case manager in CPS. Jamie joined LSS in April 2018 as a foster care services licensor. When not working at LSS, Jamie works on a dairy farm in southern Wisconsin. Jamie enjoys fishing, hiking and spending time with her family and friends.
“I enjoy working with foster families and my amazing co-workers! It is absolutely amazing to see the foster families and foster children grow.”Milwaukee Office
414-246-2307
Please wait while we gather your results.
Stacy Presley
Foster Care Services Social Worker
Stacy earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services in 2007 and became a certified Social Worker in 2008. Stacy worked in family advocacy until 2017, when she joined LSS as the International Adoption Worker. Stacy joined the Foster Care team in 2018 as a licensor and case manager. Stacy is excited to launch the Foster Care program for Milwaukee and the surrounding counties. In her free time, Stacy enjoys hanging with her husband as they watch their oldest daughter as a competitive dancer and their youngest as a competitive equestrian.
“Getting the chance to be a small part in the lives of amazing children and families is the best job anyone could ask for.”