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. Collin Vanderhoofspiritual advisor, pastorPastor V currently serves as associate pastor at Pilgrim Lutheran Church, in Menomonee Falls, WI. He is always eager to meet new people and to share Jesus with them. He is excited to be working with New Beginnings and is eager to share the gospel through this important ministry.
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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 mackieTransitional committee Member, 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 DethloffVice President, 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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McKenna Dietze MEMBER, MSW STUDENT AND DORM SUPERVISORI will graduate from Wisconsin Lutheran College with a Human Social Services major and Psychology minor in May 2023 and I will be getting my Master’s Degree in Social Work through The Ohio State University while working as a dorm supervisor for Wisconsin Lutheran High School's International program. I am excited about my position on the board as part of my journey to graduation was interning at New Beginnings for a semester where I started to love the organization and its mission of helping mothers using God’s word. After my internship, I started a major-related club on WLC’s campus that worked to grow a stronger connection between our two organizations. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with such an amazing and life-changing ministry during a time of such growth!
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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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Brenda JashinskyMEMBER, SALES EFFECTIVENESS CREATIVE DIRECTORGrowing up in an economically disadvantaged urban community, I saw firsthand the stress, fear, and struggle of raising a child alone. The kind of transformational support that New Beginnings can provide has the potential to truly change lives. It's a blessing to be able to serve on the New Beginnings Board of Directors. Their ability to walk with mothers, side by side with Christ-like love, provide a safe and nurturing environment along with the tools needed to live a life that thrives not only impacts moms but our future generations and future disciples.
I currently serve as Sales Effectiveness Creative Director for a health insurance company. In this role, I strive to drive behavior change that develops sales skills through the use of creative experiences, sales engagement tools, and training. I also serve on the Board of Directors as Business Chair for St. Marcus Ministries in Milwaukee. |
MEGAN AshendenMEMBER, 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.