Journey21 is proud to benefit from the leadership of respected professionals who have been selected for their experience, knowledge, and passionate interest in creating innovative solutions for adults with IDD in Wisconsin.
Mike Brauer, Executive Director
Mike was named Journey21’s Executive Director in May 2022. He has been in nonprofit management and fund development for 37 years with a variety of institutions including Messmer Catholic Schools, Milwaukee Catholic Home, Cardinal Stritch University, Milwaukee School of Engineering, and Marquette.
Heidi Hamilton, Program and Enrichment Center Director
Heidi was a Special Education teacher and Transition Coordinator at Arrowhead High School in Hartland, Wisconsin, for 29 years. Growing up with a younger brother who has special needs, she developed a passion for helping students/adults with special needs transition into the workforce and adult life.
Caty Bulgrin, MS, CRC, LPC, Director of Operations
Caty has been serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) for over 20 years. Caty has provided leadership for adult day program, residential services, and employment opportunities. She has worked at a variety of organizations serving individuals with IDD, including Curative Care Network, Milwaukee Center for Independence, and HEAR Wisconsin.
Kim Dion, Administrative Assistant
Kim had a very long career, 28 years, with Arrowhead High School. She began back in 1995 as a Special Education Assistant at Richmond for 4K-8 grade students. Kim loved every minute I spent there with the students. The students taught her so much more about herself and life than she could have ever imagined.
Craig Heinze, 18-21 Transition Academy Instructor
I am excited to join the Journey21 team. I have been caring for people since the early 90’s as an undergraduate at UWM Child Care Center. After graduating with a Bachelor's degree in early childhood education, I moved to public education and taught at Merton Primary school for 27 years in five-year-old kindergarten, first and second grade.
Billy Hirschfeld, Learning Academy and Program Assistant
I’m excited to start this next chapter in my career by joining the Journey21 team. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a Communications Degree in 2019. For the past four years, I worked at Arrowhead Union High School as a Special Education Teacher's Aide, assisting the teachers and students who need help inside and outside the classroom.
Wendy Monson, Program Lead
Wendy has been an educator for the past 33 years, working in a variety of settings and roles. She began as a Physical Education/Health/Adapted Physical Education teacher and Gymnastics Coach in the Germantown School District and found her love for working with kids with special needs. Wendy obtained an MS degree in Adapted Physical Education, which really ignited her passion for creating opportunities for all kids to have meaningful movement opportunities.