Journey21 is proud to benefit from the leadership of respected professionals who have been selected for their experience, knowledge, and passionate interest in creating innovative solutions for adults with IDD in Wisconsin.
Journey21 received recognition from Milwaukee Business Journal as one of Best Places to Work in 2025 and 2026.
MEET OUR LEADERS
Judie D. Taylor
President and CEO
Judie Taylor, President and CEO
Judie D. Taylor is a visionary servant leader with more than 30 years of executive leadership experience in business operations, strategic growth, manufacturing, finance, sales and marketing, and organizational leadership. Throughout her career, she has led national companies, managed multi-site operations, and built high-performing teams committed to excellence.
As President & CEO of Journey21, Judie is passionate about creating innovative opportunities that empower adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to live with greater independence, purpose, and belonging. She is committed to advancing Journey21’s mission through exceptional programming, meaningful community partnerships, and visionary growth.
Prior to joining Journey21, Judie simultaneously served as President/CEO of DUECO, Inc. and Utility Equipment Leasing Corporation, leading the 400-person organization serving the electric-utility industry. She also held executive leadership positions with TEREX Utilities, led economic development initiatives in Waukesha County, and successfully ran and guided the sale of a woman-owned staffing firm. She continues to serve as Chairman of the Dalum Family Office.
Judie earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Marketing from Creighton University. She has served on more than a dozen nonprofit and corporate boards and continues her commitment to community leadership through board service with ProHealth Care, St. Camillus, and the Waukesha County Community Foundation.
Outside of work, she enjoys golfing, boating, riding her Harley, hiking, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Heidi Hamilton
Enrichment Center Director
Heidi Hamilton, Enrichment Center Director
Heidi Hamilton is the Enrichment Center Director at Journey21. With 29 years of experience as a Special Education Teacher and Transition Coordinator at Arrowhead High School, she built strong relationships with local business owners, post-secondary institutions, service providers, and agencies to support positive experiences for her students, and she has carried that same energy and network-building approach into her work with Journey21.
Heidi has served as Journey21’s Enrichment Center Director for the past five years, bringing extensive expertise and leadership to the role. Heidi developed the Programming and Learning Academies, including a comprehensive curriculum with specially designed courses that help students build essential skills for independence, employment, and meaningful community engagement. As Director of the Enrichment Center, Heidi oversees daily operations, expands enrichment programming and activities, and conducts intake interviews to ensure prospective participants and students receive the support and services that best meet their needs.
Growing up with a younger brother who has an intellectual and developmental disability, she developed a passion for helping students/adults with IDD transition into the workforce and adult life. Heidi lives in Oconomowoc and has a 27 year old son, Alec and 24 year old daughter, Aubrey. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, being on the lake, and staying active.
Caty Bulgrin
Director of Operations
Caty Bulgrin, MS, CRC, LPC, Director of Operations
Caty is the Director of Operations at Journey21. With 25 years of experience serving individuals with disabilities in the nonprofit industry. She has a Masters Degree in Educational Psychology, and is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor. Caty has been a volunteer guardian for people with disabilities for over 10 years. In her current role, she focuses on human resources, finances, and compliance and is passionate about seeing individuals with disabilities maximize their independence and reach their personal and professional goals.
Caty lives in Pewaukee with her husband, Eric, and cavapoo, Bear. Outside of work, Caty enjoys baking, traveling, cooking, and spending time with her family.
Jessica Greb
Resident Life Director
Jessica Greb, Resident Life Director
Jessica Greb serves as the Resident Life Director at Journey21, where she is dedicated to fostering a safe, inclusive, and innovative community that empowers adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to live independently and reach their full potential.
Jessica resides in Racine, Wisconsin, with her husband, Mike. Together, they have been married for 20 years and are proud parents of three wonderful children, an 18-year-old son, a 16-year-old son, and a 12-year-old daughter. Their family also includes two beloved dogs: Harvey, a mini Goldendoodle, and Millie, a feisty 10-pound rescue.
Outside of her professional role, Jessica enjoys attending Christian and country music concerts and sporting events, planning memorable gatherings, traveling, and spending quality time with family and friends. She is passionate about supporting and advocating for the IDD community and remains actively involved in nonprofit work. Known for her ability to bring people together, Jessica values creating meaningful connections, fostering a sense of community, and making a positive impact in the lives of others.
Emily Kittell
Fund Development Director
Emily Kittell, Fund Development Director
Emily Kittell is the Director of Fund Development at Journey21. With more than 10 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, donor relations, and community engagement, she specializes in building sustainable fundraising programs, cultivating corporate partnerships, and developing strategic fundraising initiatives that advance mission-driven organizations. In her current role, she focuses on growing philanthropic support, strengthening donor engagement, and expanding community partnerships to support Journey21’s programs and future growth initiatives. She is passionate about creating opportunities that empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live meaningful, independent, and connected lives.
Emily lives in Waukesha with her husband, daughter, and family dog – Stevie Nicks. Outside of work, she enjoys supporting her daughter’s activities, playing music in a local band and in local theater companies, singing karaoke, and baking yummy desserts.
MEET OUR TEAM
Nancy Berry
Learning Academy Assistant
Nancy Berry, Learning Academy and Program Assistant
Nancy started as a volunteer with Journey21 in 2023 and currently works year-round as an Instructional Assistant for the Life Academy, as well as the Summer and Winter Academies. In Fall 2025, Nancy became a co-leader of the Journey21 Girl Scout Troop, the first intergenerational troop in the country for individuals with IDD. This role has been particularly rewarding.
Nancy’s background includes more than 30 years of sales and marketing experience, and she has lived in several cities throughout the country. A Lake Country native, she is thrilled to be back in her hometown community and is grateful to be working with such incredible individuals. In her free time, Nancy enjoys sports, travelling and trying new adventures.
Dasha Cuske
Life Enrichment Assistant
Dasha Cuske, Learning Academy Assistant
I am dedicated to creating a positive and inclusive environment and take pride in helping individuals discover new interests and experiences. I had the pleasure of volunteering with the Waukesha Special Olympics, supporting athletes in both basketball and swim. An experience that helped grow my passion for inclusion and community engagement.
Outside of work, I enjoy staying active and being around friends and family. I enjoy bringing my camera with me when taking walks/hikes, capturing the beauty of nature. I am so excited to be part of the team at Journey 21 and look forward to building relationships and learning from both the staff and the participants.
Christina DeCheck
Marketing Manager
Christina DeCheck, Marketing Manager
Christina is an experienced marketing and project management professional, spending more than 15 years supporting nonprofit organizations and creative teams. With a background rooted in graphic design she also has experience with event planning, photography, and operations. She brings a thoughtful, organized approach to collaboration and marketing in a mission-driven environment.
As the Community Program Director at The Ability Center, Christina managed recreational programs, partnerships, and volunteer initiatives while strengthening relationships with nonprofit and community stakeholders. While working with Islands of Brilliance Christina mentored and worked alongside individuals on the autism spectrum. She is excited to join the team at Journey21 and see some familiar faces in the participants we serve.
She lives in Milwaukee with her husband, Chad, and their golden retriever, Annie. Christina enjoys gardening and volunteering with Milwaukee County Parks.
Kim Dion
Administrative Assistant
Kim Dion, Administrative Assistant
Kim serves as Journey21’s Administrative Assistant and is the first person many people meet when they come to Journey21. Every morning Kim welcomes participants, families, and visitors to the Enrichment Center. She is a bright ray of sunshine when students walk through the door.
Kim comes from a very long career supporting students. She began in 1995 as a Special Education Assistant at Richmond for 4K-8 grade students and then spent 28 years with Arrowhead High School. Kim thrives on the energy and environment that Journey21 offers. Kim is grateful for everything all the students, throughout her career, have taught her as she has listened, observed and worked alongside them.
Kim has a son, Adam, whom she absolutely adores and a daughter-in-law, Natalia. They are both Firefighter/Paramedics in the area. Kim feels so blessed to have her family and two dogs, Watson and Georgia, both rescues that keep her entertained with their shenanigans. Nashotah Park is their favorite place to relax after a long day. Kim loves to read, watch movies, go for quiet walks, and spend summers by the pool with family and friends. Kim loves to enjoy the simple things in life!
Ryan Dodge
Life Academy Instructor
Ryan Dodge, Life Academy Instructor
I am excited to begin working here at Journey21. I am deeply passionate about teaching and helping students of all abilities. Getting to know students and diving into what they enjoy learning has always been what drives me to be the best teacher and person I can be.
I originally have a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Wisconsin Whitewater. I worked in the business field for a couple of years before realizing that education was where my passion was. I began my education career 9 years ago, working as an aide at Arrowhead High School, while I was going back to school to earn my teaching license. After obtaining my license from Marian University, I became a special education teacher at Arrowhead where I have been the Reading Specialist for the past 3 years.
I have been married to my wife, Trina, for 7 years. I also have an 11-year-old son, and a 3-year-old dog named Cooper. Much of my free time is taken up with endurance sports such as triathlons and marathons. I have been lucky enough to complete 2 Ironman distance triathlons, 4 half distance Ironman triathlons, 3 marathons, and many half marathons. I believe living a healthy lifestyle is not only important for my physical health, but also my mental health and I am grateful to be able to participate in these events.
I look forward to working with everyone at Journey21 and am excited to for the school year to start.
Caleb Dorothy
CORE Program Lead
Caleb Dorothy, Program Lead
Caleb has had the privilege of growing his understanding of life in the IDD world through many different roles — seeing what life is like in a group home setting, working inside the school district, serving as a Job Coach, and most recently as General Manager at Inclusion Coffee Company. Together, these experiences have given him a well-rounded perspective on what matters—dignity, growth, choice, and inclusion.
At Inclusion Coffee, Caleb worked closely with staff, with IDD, to build their workplace skills, customer service, daily tasks, and confidence. At Pantheon Industries, he learned how to plan supports, teach job-specific skills, and gradually fade assistance so individuals could step into more independence. And in the school system, Caleb saw how early supports, structure, transition planning, and collaboration help young adults build foundational skills for life beyond the classroom.
Caleb is beyond excited to be a part of Journey21 as our CORE Program Lead. He loves that this role helps expand opportunities for inclusion, ensure people with IDD have chances not only to learn and grow, but to belong, contribute, and shape their own lives. Caleb believes that inclusion isn’t just a goal — it’s the path to richer, more meaningful lives for all.
When he is not working, you can find Caleb traveling with family and friends, exploring new places or experimenting with making beef jerky.
Paige Fassbender
LAUNCH Academy Instructor
Paige Fassbender, Life Academy Instructor
Paige is the LAUNCH Academy Instructor at Journey21, a graduate-style program dedicated to enhancing the vocational, independent living, and social skills of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Originally from Slinger, Wisconsin, Paige earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Special Education from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater. Prior to joining the Journey21 team, she worked with the UWW-LIFE program at UW–Whitewater, another postsecondary education program designed to support adults with disabilities as they pursue greater independence and personal growth.
In Paige’s free time, she enjoys running, going for walks, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends. She is passionate about the work she does at Journey21 and is proud to lead LAUNCH Academy students as they build meaningful skills, confidence, and independence.
Craig Heinze
18-21 Transition Academy Instructor
Craig Heinze, 18-21 Transition Academy Instructor
Craig has been caring for people since the early 90’s as an undergraduate at UWM Child Care Center. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education, he moved to public education and taught at Merton Primary school for 27 years in five-year-old kindergarten, first and second grade. Craig was blessed to work with so many great families and coworkers during his tenure at Merton.
Craig believes every student can be independent and in charge of their own learning. Students are most successful with routines and procedures. School is not just about academics, but rather the growth of the whole person. Relationships drive the classroom community, as well as, professional cohesiveness. Content can be delivered with enthusiasm and personality. Humor is an important part of teaching and life. Learning and teaching is fun!
Craig lives in Delafield with his wife, Michele, and they have been married for more than 30 years. They are proud parents of two adult children and now share their home with their dog, Lulu. Craig is passionate about competitively sailing on Nagawicka and Pewaukee lakes, curling at the Kettle Moraine Curling Club, as well as, bonspieling throughout the midwest. He also enjoys working with his hands in construction/carpentry.
Craig’s favorite part of the day is the morning, when participants and staff arrive and a unique energy, joy, and connection fills the Enrichment Center. If you ever want to see the true impact of our program, come be a fly on the wall for a morning. You’ll quickly understand why working and being part of the Journey21 community is so rewarding.
Olivia Kresse
Community Engagement Coordinator
Olivia Kresse, Community Engagement Coordinator
Olivia is incredibly grateful to be part of the Journey21 team, where she has the opportunity to connect people, build community partnerships, and support a mission that makes a meaningful impact. Before joining Journey21, she served as the Volunteer Services Manager at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Wisconsin. There, she developed a deep passion for bringing people together through service, compassion, and shared purpose.
Those experiences taught her the power of connection and the importance of inclusion – values that continue to guide her work at Journey21. She holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Community and Nonprofit Leadership, which have strengthened her dedication to creating inclusive spaces and empowering others through meaningful engagement.
As Community Engagement Coordinator, she is excited to build relationships, welcome new volunteers and partners, and help create opportunities where adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities can thrive with independence, purpose, and joy.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, staying active through fun sports leagues, and finding creative ways to bring the people she loves together. She is energized by shared laughter and the small moments that highlight how connected people are.
She is proud to be part of this extraordinary organization and looks forward to helping Journey21 continue to grow, inspire, and make a lasting difference.
Sandra Malkin
Learning Academy Assistant
Sandra Malkin, Learning Academy Assistant
Sandra brings many years of experience teaching elementary level special education students. She is a compassionate educator who is passionate about empowering learners of every ability, while creating a supportive environment where every individual can learn and thrive. She has had a variety of experiences including coaching Special Olympics and Destination Imagination.
Outside of work, Sandra loves spending time with my family and friends. She is a proud mom of two sons and two lively dogs, all of which keep her very busy! She enjoys immersing herself in good books and spending time outdoors. Sandra also is a big fan of all Wisconsin sports teams.
Rachael Merryfield
Life Academy Instructor
Rachael Merryfield, Life Academy Instructor
Rachael Merryfield is our Sophomore Life Academy Instructor at Journey21. Before joining Journey21, Rachael worked as a Special Education Teacher and 18–21 Transition Program Lead Teacher at Fort Atkinson High School for 5 years where she supported young adults in developing life skills and preparing those for their future beyond high school. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Special Education with an emphasis in Intellectual Disabilities from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater. She developed her passion for working with individuals with disabilities at a young age and has always sought out opportunities to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Throughout her career, she has gained valuable experience supporting young adults both in the classroom and within the community, helping individuals develop practical daily life and employment skills.
Outside of work, Rachael enjoys spending quality time with her wonderful husband Drew and creating memories with the family and friends she loves. She also loves to attend country concerts, traveling to new places, spending time outdoors, and being a dog mom to Nova.
Rachael is beyond grateful for the opportunity to serve young adults as they navigate their transition into post-secondary adulthood. She is passionate about creating meaningful opportunities for every individual and is committed to continuing learning, growing, and making a positive impact throughout her career. Rachael looks forward to building strong and meaningful relationships within community members, participants, families, and staff as she continues her journey at Journey21.
Shea Piette
Recreational Therapist
Shea Dooley, MS CTRS, Recreational Therapist
Shea is the Recreational Therapist and Life Enrichment Program Leader at Journey21. With experience in community recreation, inclusion services, and long-term care, she focuses on developing engaging, goal-oriented programs that support physical, emotional, social, and cognitive well-being. In her current role as the Life Enrichment Program Lead, Shea is passionate about creating opportunities for her participants to experience increased independence, community engagement, and overall quality of life.
Shea lives in Oconomowoc with her husband. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors, exploring local coffee shops, crocheting, caring for her collection of houseplants, and spending time with friends and family.
Kaitlin (Kaity) Powers
Art Teacher and Program Assistant
Kaity Powers, Program Assistant
Kaity was born and raised in Wisconsin and earned her BA in Art Education and Adaptive Art from Alverno College. She currently teaches art classes at Journey21 during the academic year and Summer Academy. She supports the Life Enrichment Program, the Academies, and the CORE Program. She is adaptable, reliable, and always willing to step in wherever she is needed. With a background as a Daily Living Skills Trainer, caregiver, and personal care assistant, Kaity is deeply committed to supporting individuals with IDD. She strives to break down barriers through creative solutions, empowering people to embrace their authentic selves with confidence and creativity.
In her free time, Kaity enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and her dog, Emmy. She loves relaxing by the lake and unwinding with a good movie after a creative day.
Kaity is grateful for the opportunity to share her creativity and artistic passion with the Journey21 community. She finds deep fulfillment in building meaningful relationships with both staff and participants, believing these connections are just as powerful as the art itself. She is proud to be part of a community that celebrates creativity, connection, and the limitless potential of every individual.
Dr. Sarah Scherwinski
Occupational Therapist
Dr. Sarah Scherwinski, Occupational Therapist
Sarah Scherwinski is the Occupational Therapist at Journey21. She has experience in early intervention outpatient, elementary school, and hospital settings. In her current role, she focuses on setting up student internships, training job coaches, teaching life skills, and providing education to staff, students, and the community. Sarah is passionate about helping others reach their full potential, gain meaningful independence skills, and improve overall quality of life.
With a bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience and a doctoral degree in Occupational Therapy, Sarah is interested in promoting health and wellness, emotional regulation, and executive functioning to the Journey21 community. In spring 2024, Sarah completed her doctoral capstone project with Journey21 by introducing a leadership and self-advocacy program to the academy students.
Sarah lives in Waukesha with her husband. Outside of work, she enjoys sending time outdoors, playing sports, being on the water, and spending time with family and friends.
Heather Stein
Learning Academy Assistant
Heather Stein, Learning Academy Assistant
Heather has a personal connection to the special needs community through her son, Cal, who is autistic. As he entered young adulthood, she discovered Journey21 while searching for resources and was inspired by its unique mission and supportive community.
A graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Madison with a degree in business, Heather began her career in marketing before transitioning to education. She spent eight years as a Special Education Paraprofessional at Pewaukee Lake Elementary, where she was passionate about supporting students and their families with compassion and care.
Heather joined Journey21’s 18–21 Transition Program in September 2025. She enjoys building meaningful relationships with participants through trust and genuine connection, and she finds their growth and enthusiasm to be the most rewarding part of her work.
Heather and her husband, David, live in Pewaukee and have two adult sons, Colin and Cal. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, home décor and design, family game nights, music, dancing, and spending time at her home in Florida.