Wisconsin

Jennifer Pester, Age 20 Pronouns: She/Her Jennifer is pursuing an Associates Degree in Business Management. She plans to work for multiple non-profits before opening her own to help children in unstable living environments. Some of Jennifer’s hobbies are crafting earrings, playing guitar, hiking, and doing yoga. She enjoys activities that... Read more

Brad A. Thompson, Age 19 Pronouns: He/Him Brad Thompson is from Colfax, Wisconsin. He is 19 years old and has 11 years of experience in foster care in South Carolina, New York, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. He loves playing sports, and even has state championships in football and basketball under his... Read more

Henry Cordle, age 24 Pronouns: He/Him 4 years in Wisconsin foster system Henry is from Madison, Wisconsin. This fall, he will start classes at Madison Area Technical College, studying business and real estate. Henry is passionate about music, art, and design. He entered foster care after his father passed away... Read more

Theresa Wintersdorf, age 20 Pronouns: She/Her 5 years in Wisconsin foster system Theresa is from Westby, Wisconsin. She is attending University of Wisconsin-Platteville studying Psychology and Criminal Justice, and wants to get her Social Work certificate. Theresa says, “ There were times that I didn’t get the adequate care that... Read more

Rowan Arwood They/Them or She/Her 19 Years Old 2 Years in Wisconsin’s Foster Care System Rowan entered care in the Wisconsin foster care system at the age of 16 and aged out at 18, with six placements within that time. These ranged from kinship to group homes, and rehabilitation centers... Read more

Aleks Talsky is a legal assistant at Michael Best & Friedrich. Aleks is a passionate child welfare advocate who serves on the advisory board for the National Association of Counsel for Children as well as the ACF- Youth Engagement Team for the Administration for Children and Families. I’m “ALL-IN” because... Read more

Shannon D. Gonzales 3 years in California Foster care system and 2 years in Wisconsin Foster care system 18 years old She/her/hers Shannon entered care around the age of 7. She experienced foster and kinship placements. Shannon currently is attending Wild Rose high school. Some of Shannon’s hobbies include ring... Read more

Rebo Olson 2 years in Wisconsin Foster Care System 19 years old They/Them Rebo is a freshman at the University of Wisconsin - Stout. They spent 2 years in kinship care before being placed into a legal guardianship. Though they faced a lot of challenges, they wouldn’t change anything about... Read more

Jason McCleanning, 19, spent 6 years in Wisconsin’s Child welfare system. Jason entered foster care at 12. He experienced 5 different placements. His last placement was a kinship placement, where he stayed until aging out of care at 18. Jason is a member of the Regional Youth Advisory Council and... Read more

Brandi Beyer 2 years in Winconsin ’s foster care system 19 years old She/Her/Hers Brandi entered the foster care system at 16 but was in kinship/relative care at 13. Brandi was adopted 2 weeks before her 18th birthday. Brandi is an active member of her local state and local youth... Read more