our board OF DIRECTORS

rev. robert fleischmann

founder, national director of clr

I have been the National Director of Christian Life Resources since 1988. I recently completed 5.5 years as the part-time Administrative Pastor at St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church in Slinger, WI. I am an adjunct instructor at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary and teach an online master's certificate course at Concordia University on Bioethics and Biotechnology. I speak throughout North America on the Biblical approach to various life and family issues and counsel people with God’s Word in correct decision-making.

pastor christian marquardt

spiritual advisor, pastor

I’m the pastor at St. James Lutheran Church. I agreed to serve on the New Beginnings board because I had the time to serve and because I think it’s an important ministry effort in our city. It’s one thing to say that you’re pro-life and hate abortion, but it’s another thing to make an effort to continue to support women in need when they have infant children.

Joann Gromowski

board president, attorney

 I am an attorney at Gromowski Law Firm. Being a single mother myself I know some of the difficulties these women are going through and I want to assist them and New Beginnings any way that I can.  It is difficult being a parent in any circumstance, but when you don't have the resources or a spouse it makes being a parent a 100 times more difficult.  New Beginnings can provide the support, finances, and education to make these women stronger parents and a role model for their children.  But most importantly, New Beginnings teaches these women and their children about Christ and God's love.  I love knowing that I can be a part of all what New Beginnings offer!

Dee Dee mackie

Vice President, professor

I am a Professor and Practicum Coordinator at Wisconsin Lutheran College Human Social Services. I am honored to be part of New Beginnings and a member of their Board of Directors.  I was drawn to this particular agency because New Beginnings gives new mothers a safe place to live while being given the opportunity to learn about Jesus.  

beth shiels

secretary, business owner

I am the office manager at Elite Sport & Spine, a chiropractic clinic my husband and I own. Serving on the New Beginnings board has been a wonderful opportunity to stay involved in a ministry I have loved for many years, after helping it get its start in Milwaukee. It is a huge blessing in the Milwaukee community and I love seeing the progress the program has made!

Christine Plough

treasurer, amazon associate

I currently work at Amazon as a Fulfillment Associate. I became a board member shortly after New Beginnings relocated to the Milwaukee area.  It is a pleasure to be involved in an organization that assists, supports and mentors women during this time of their lives. By providing  a safe environment that offers spiritual guidance along with education opportunities, parenting skills, financial skills and much more; these women are learning skills that will guide them through life. 

linda Gittins

member, project manager
​& business owner

I am a Project Manager at GE Healthcare and the owner/photographer of Lulu B. Photography. I was asked to join the board a few years back as I do quite a bit of event and activities planning at my church (Jordan Lutheran, West Allis). At the time, I was unsure of what I might be signing up for, but after meeting the wonderfully gifted board members, staff, the lovely ladies that benefit, and those cute babies, I knew it was a great fit for me to serve New Beginnings and more importantly to serve the Lord.

​liz jensen

​ member, production supervisor

I am a Production Supervisor at Hillrom which manufactures heart monitoring equipment. I agreed to serve on the New Beginnings board after I volunteered here for a while and wanted to help in the efforts of sharing the gospel message to those in need in our community.

karen fischer

member, professional counselor

Currently I serve WLCFS Christian Family Solutions as a Licensed Professional Counselor and Program Manager. It’s my privilege to work with individuals and to design and lead group programs that use evidence-based psychological practices along-side the precious truths of the gospel to change thought patterns and improve mental wellness. Serving on the New Beginnings board is an opportunity to offer prayer and encouragement for an under-served population and the staff who love and support them!