Board of Directors

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.

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.

Samantha haynes

Member, History major & Childcare aid

I am currently a History major at UW Milwaukee and work part-time as a child care aid. I started on the board in 2018 after I initially started volunteering with New Beginnings. Being raised by a single mother I was drawn to New Beginnings and I love the fact I get to share God’s word with those in need.

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.

LINDA GITTINS

MEMBER, PROJECT MANAGER, & PHOTOGRAPHER

During the business day I am a Project Manager at GE Healthcare. I manage the planning of all aspects for installation and go lives for Diagnostic Cardiology equipment. I am also 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 and 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.

JENNIFER LINDNER

MEMBER, PROJECT MANAGER

I am an IS Project Manager at The Medical College of Wisconsin. It’s an honor to serve and be a part of New Beginnings. A special place resides in my heart for single mothers. Having grown up with 3 other siblings in a single mother household I’ve seen sheer determination on so many levels from my Mother to give her children the best she could – alone! I have the utmost respect for single mothers who are faced with unimaginable challenges every single day. It is a great privilege to serve as a Board of Directors member with New Beginnings where there is support and resources for them all while being wrapped in Jesus’ love.

HEIDI WESTLUND

MEMBER, SENIOR GENERAL MANAGER

I am currently the Senior General Manager of a regional shopping center in Sugar Land, Texas. Having experienced the life-changing ministry firsthand while serving as the Home Manager of New Beginnings in Aurora, Colorado for over 3 years, I am truly honored and excited to once again have the opportunity to play an active role in the future of New Beginnings as a board member.