Laura Kuehl

Having spent a significant portion of her youth in the child welfare system, Laura Kuehl was resolute in breaking the cycle. Though she seemed determined to continue the cycle, she ultimately earned a degree in Criminal Justice Client Services and embarked on a career in victim and survivor advocacy. Over time, Laura's passion and firsthand experience led her to become a foster provider, connecting with children in a unique way. It was during this time that the vision for HeadsUp was born, inspired by two remarkable teenagers. Laura firmly believes that nobody is destined to become a statistic and is thrilled to serve as a founding board member of HeadsUp.

Nikki Gerhard

Nikki Gerhard spent seven years collaborating and supporting numerous nonprofits throughout the Fox Cities through her role in municipal government. During her tenure, she became acutely aware of youth program needs in our community but felt unable to dive deep into addressing them. Now, as the Executive Director of LEAVEN, she has the flexibility to directly implement extremely necessary programs, approaches, and perspectives. Nikki feels honored to further serve our community and help others in need as a founding board member of HeadsUp Fox Cities, and is excited to be part of this up-and-coming organization that will continue collaborating and partnering with others to serve our youth. 

Susan Schuldes

Susan has over thirty years’ experience in the accounting world, working as a staff accountant for Wipfli in Green Bay and as a Senior Territory Manager in the Internal Audit Department for US Bank prior to establishing her small business consulting business. She was a trustee for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Wisconsin and served on the Finance Committee for the United Way Fox Cities.  She is excited to help this organization grow and provide needed resources to Transitional Age Youth in the area.

Heather Lawrence

Heather Lawrence, with over two decades of experience in public child welfare, has worked in various roles, including direct social work, supervision, and management in Child Protective Services and Youth Justice. Currently serving as an Assistant Teaching Professor at the University of Wisconsin Green Bay Social Work Department, Heather aims to educate future social workers on serving children and families with compassion and a trauma-informed approach. She has received extensive training in evidence-based interventions for youth, addressing disproportionality in child welfare, and understanding organizational culture in child welfare agencies. Heather is fueled by her field experiences to improve the child welfare system to better meet the needs of families in the area, and excited to be part of the change effort with HeadsUp Fox Cities.

Shawn Balke

Shawn is a Youth Advocate, both personally and professionally. They view their work as an advocate as a way to live with love and intention. Even at home with their kiddos and partner, Shawn always talks about safety being number one. Everyone deserves to be, and to feel, safe. Having been a foster parent, Shawn understands the value and importance of nurturing people's inner child - the child that is, and the child that was but is now in grown-up form. We all have an inner child that deserves love, safety, and support. Shawn joins HeadsUp to help support and advocate for young adults within our community to have the future they want and deserve.

Libby Jacobs

Libby comes to HeadsUp Fox Cities with over 10 years of experience in human services and education, with an expertise in project management and strategic planning centered in equity. Investing in youth has been an area of passion for her since serving as a youth board member on her local Shelter Care board at just 16. Libby, now being a mom with lived experiences with our systems, leads her youth advocacy philosophy with her core values of authenticity, compassionate curiosity and justice-- believing that all families and kiddos have the ability and right to thrive.

Jennie Micke

Jennie brings her fun sense of humor to HeadsUp Fox Cities along with years of working with youth who have experienced trauma. She values connection and looks forward to ‘showing up’, being present, and allowing young people to be their most authentic selves. Jennie strives to support and empower Transitional Age Youth to reach goals they set for themselves. She’s mindful of the importance of intersectionality and anti-racism. She is committed to listening and uplifting the voices of those with Lived Experience in the child welfare system. Jennie has two adult children of her own and enjoys gardening, lots of coffee, and small talk with squirrels.