LeadingAge Wisconsin held the first session of the 2026-27 John Sauer Leadership Academy (I-LEAD) on October 14-15 at Green Lake Conference Center.

We have an incredibly engaged and dedicated group of 15 Fellows from diverse backgrounds across the state:

• Connor Allen (Rehab RN Manager, Trinity Senior Services),
• Lily Alpert (Administrator in Training, Rennes Group),
• Sydney Comp (Care Manager, Elaine's Hope Memory Care),
• Kim Denny (RN Clinical Coordinator, St. Paul Elder Services),
• Dawn Hover (Director of Nursing, Christian Community Homes & Services),
• Sarah Lenz (Executive Director of Moses Hall, Wisconsin Veterans Home at King),
• Stephanie Maciejewski (Director of Social Services; CBRF Program Administrator, Trinity Senior Services),
• Emily Martel (Administrator, St. Paul Elder Services),
• Relindis Oyebog (Director of Nursing, Christian Community Homes & Services),
• Kelle Staszak (RN Supervisor, Trinity Senior Services),
• Jon Stolp (Finance Manager, Grace Lutheran Communities),
• Emma Sullivan (Assistant Director of Assisted Living, Skaalen Retirement Services),
• Gina Waterworth (Clinical Coordinator, St. Paul Elder Services),
• Brianna Webster (Member Fundraising and Outreach Coordinator, Attic Angel), and
• Beth Wishau (Administrator of Assisted Living and Health & Wellness, Harwood Place). 

In addition to Amber Schroeder (CFO, St. Paul Elder Services), Marissa Kornack (Administrator, Norwood Health Center) joined the program as a facilitator this year. We also have a new coach on the team this year, Dave Fulcher (CEO, Trinity Senior Services), who will be coaching Fellows alongside Mark Radmer (Administrator, Harbor Haven Health & Rehabilitation) and Jill Gengler (President, Chippewa Manor Corp). Dave and Marissa have been valuable additions to the I-LEAD Design Team, and we are so grateful for their support of the program!

The theme of the first session was Learn and focused on the Fellows' exploration of their learning style, understanding the principles of leadership, developing their personal and authentic approach to leadership, and fostering leadership based on values. Fellows were introduced to the overall structure and cornerstones of the program and began collaborating with their coaches and team members.

Special thanks to our Leaders in Residence for being guest panelists and speaking about their leadership experiences with our Fellows;

• Nicole Schingick (President, Rennes Group),
• Jason Skolaski (VP of Business Development, Healthcare Services Group), and
• Kathy Cavers (President & CEO, Lutheran Home & Harwood Place).