Eau Claire, WI

Ardyth66@charter.net

My background is that of a mom of a now adult child with Asperger’s, a social worker specializing in working with persons with all types of disabilities, a social work professor, and currently, an elected public official on the Eau Claire County Board. In this most recent and most public position, for the first time in my life I have been public and open about my mental health disability.  Indeed, I am thrilled to announce, the truth has set me free.  The basis of my desire to serve on the board of directors for the Grassroots Empowerment Project is strongly related to my experiences.  Deeply embedded in the “grassroots” of my own soul is the knowledge that anything worth its while (to borrow from one of us, Abraham Lincoln) is “of the people, by the people, and for the people.”  By joining the leadership of Grassroots, I hope to promote this wisdom in relation to our own people.  We need our voices heard, in all of our diversity, our beauty and our depth.  The world would not be as good as it is had it not been for us.  It’s about time people knew this.  Folks need to know us-- each and every one of us-- for the whole of potentials, so they can learn we are not to be pushed away in fear, but instead embraced for all the gifts we have to give. 

Madison, WI

markdclark@live.com

I'm interested in GEP to continue to carry to carry the message of the consumer movement. I'm currently the AFRA Statewide Coordinator in partnership with WAAODA. I'm also the co-chair of the Recovery Implemation Task Force and am a self-identified person in dual recovery.

Milwaukee WI

AveryJr@wi.rr.com

I was born and rasied in Chicago, went to elementary and high school in the Chicago Public School system. Obtained my undergraduate degree in English from Chicago State University. In the past, I've worked for Illinois Bell, Ameritech, US Bank, among others. I have over 35 years of experience in IT (Information Technology). Hobbies include writing, photography and fishing.

Waukesha, WI

jsabatke@gmail.com

I'm Jim Sabatke from Waukesha, WI. I work for Friendships Unlimited where I have just been promoted to Program Supervisor.  I have worked there for just over two years as a Facilitator; Certified Peer Specialist; and I do a whole load of CCS related tasks, everything from billing, month end summaries to log checking.
I have a BS with majors in computer science and communication from Carroll College in Waukesha. I have a Master of Project Management (a kind of MBA) from Keller Graduate School of Management.

I love animals, old blues music, photography, cooking and travel.
I bring to the board experience in business practices and communication skills.  I have managed multi-million dollar projects around the world, so I am used to dealing with listening to requirements and honoring diversity.
I decided to run for the board because I want to give back to the people who helped me along in my own recovery, and be a voice for those who can't speak.

La Crosse, WI

coffeebandit2007@hotmail.com

To love deeper and empower others!

Watertown, WI

misty.barnhill@yahoo.com

I wanted to make a difference in GEP and use the board membership to further the consumer movement in Wisconsin.

Sun Prairie, WI

asmartinez260@hotmail.com

I currently am the program Coordinator at NAMI Dane County.  My term as chair of the NAMI Dane County Consumer Council is just now ending.  Since begining my original position with NAMI Dane County a little over four years ago, I have seen my own recov

ery process blossim and grow.  As I have come to terms with my own mental illness, I have also come to a point in my life where I want to give back to others and help them in their own recovery journeys.
 
I feel like GEP does this in the many things that they do.  I like the way that GEP helps to empower people through the many activities such as Empowerment Days and their Leadership Trainings.  I felt like by becoming a member of the BOD for GEP, this was the next step in my 
own recovery journey.

Brillion, WI

adlerscott1971@yahool.com

I want to use my knowledge and experience to promote acknowledgement of mental health, reduce stigma, improve rights for consumers and help needy veterans. Most importantly, I want to help the project improve.

La Crosse, WI

b4sati@gmail.com