Foster Care Team
Appleton Area Office – 920-730-1343
Meghan Pressing – Leadership Team
Foster Care Services Lead – 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.”
Caitlin Simonsmeier
Foster Care Services Licensor
Eau Claire Area Office – 877-967-5577
(Also covers La Crosse and South Central areas)
Allison Novak – Leadership Team 
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.”
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.”
Paula Zurek
Foster Care Services Case Manager