our board OF DIRECTORS
rev. robert fleischmannfounder, national director of clrI 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.
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Rev. christian marquardtspiritual advisor, pastorI’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.
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Joann Gromowskiboard 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 that New Beginnings offers!
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Dee Dee mackieVice President & Secretary, professorI 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.
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Alicia Dethloff MEMBER, Clinical PharmacistI work as a hospital pharmacist and half of my patient population are neonates/pediatrics. This makes kiddos and their moms a special part of my life. I am also a wife and mother to a daughter as well as prior foster mom to two young ladies. New Beginnings interests me because I love the mission to provide a safe place for the most vulnerable--mothers and children--while also setting them up for success spiritually and professionally.
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LINDA GITTINS MEMBER, PROJECT MANAGER & PHOTOGRAPHERDuring 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.
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Samantha haynesMember, History major & Childcare aidI 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.
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MEGAN SAMELSONMEMBER, COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALISTWorking as the Communications Specialist at the Milwaukee Rescue Mission since 2018, and serving women and children during my mission work in China prior to that, I have grown to care deeply about God’s flock in all walks of life. For women in crisis, simply having someone to listen can make a world of difference; yet how much more profoundly can their lives change—and how much brighter a future can they secure for their infant children—after finding not only safe shelter at New Beginnings, but the resources and encouragement to help them rebuild their lives on the firm foundation of Jesus Christ. What a blessing to be a part of this life-transforming ministry!
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HEIDI WESTLUND MEMBER, GENERAL MANAGERI am currently the General Manager of a regional shopping center in Lakewood, Colorado. 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.
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We're currently seeking new members to welcome on to our board of directors. Please contact us if you're interested in learning more.