Ken Saville, VP of Program Development
Ken Saville began his service to Easter Seals and Camp Wawbeek as a camp counselor over 30 years ago. Other than a short time working in Iowa, Ken has spent his entire career at Easter Seals Wisconsin. He now serves as Vice President, Program Development. Ken earned a BS degree in Recreation and Outdoor Education from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale and is a Certified Camp Director by the American Camping Association. When he thinks back on the past 30+ years, Ken can tell you about lots of things that have changed - and two things that will never change. "First, staff and volunteers are tremendously dedicated to the campers. For many, their time at Wawbeek changes them forever. Second, no one ever underestimates what a camper can accomplish. Being amazed is part of the experience." His commitment and service have been recognized by the American Camping Association, which honored him with the Acorn Award in 1999, and by Circle K (organizations sponsored by Kiwanis clubs on college campuses) which gave him the International Humanitarian Award in 1997.
Kelly Housman, Director of Camp and Respite Services
Kelly Housman, Director of Camp and Respite Services, has been with Easter Seals Wisconsin for six years. She comes to the midwest from Philadelphia where she worked with Easter Seals in a similar position. Kelly has been working in in special recreation for over fourteen years in programs throughout the US. “I love providing recreation opportunities to people with disabilities and their families. It is very rewarding to see people participating in activities they may not have the chance to without Easter Seals. Easter Seals Wisconsin is forward thinking in the programs they offer to Wisconsinites. I am proud to be a part of such an innovative agency.”
Valerie Croissant, CTRS, Respite Camp Coordinator
Val Croissant is the Respite Coordinator at the Wisconsin Elks/Easter Seals Respite Camp in Wisconsin Dells. In 2004, Val, who had been working as a counselor for a number of years, was offered the position of Assistant Director. One year after that she moved into her current position. A Wisconsin native, Val graduated from Ripon College with a degree in Athletic Training and earned her masters in Therapeutic Recreation at UW-LaCrosse. Respite Camp has experienced significant growth under Val's leadership. "I'm excited about the growth of the Respite program and about the increasingly diverse populations we serve," she says. "I'm looking forward to working with our families and campers in the years to come."
Keri Jo Bronsdon, Assistant Respite Coordinator
Keri Jo Bronsdon was hired in 2008 as Assistant Respite Coordinator at Easter Seals. She graduated from UW Stout with a Bachelors Degree in Vocational Rehabilitation with a concentration in Special Education in December of 2007. Since 2004 she had been working at camp weekends as well as being a counselor, AmeriCorps member and lead programmer during the summer. As part of her Coordinator position she is running the Fox Valley Day program up in Appleton. "I am excited to be on board with Easter Seals and work to continue to expand and improve the programs," says Keri Jo.
Nichole Singleton, Respite Nurse Coordinator
Nichole Singleton joined Easter Seals Wisconsin in 2008 as Respite Camp Nurse Coordinator. She recently worked as a pediatric nurse at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin in Kenosha. Nichole has been in the medical field for the last 18 years. "As a child, I always wanted to go away to summer camp but never had the opportunity. Being part of Easter Seals lets me give that chance to campers I never had. Caregivers get a much needed rest and campers get to have the times of their lives. Who wouldn't want to be a part of that? I can't wait for camp to start! "