Meet the Wisconsin PATCH Staff!
Kendra Block (she/her)
PATCH Green Bay Teen Educator Program Coordinator
Hey everyone! I'm Kendra, the PATCH Coordinator in Green Bay, WI. I’m originally from Ripon, WI. After High-school, I spent a year in South Florida before attending college. Recently, I earned my Technical Diploma as a Human Services Assistant through NTC and I'm on track in becoming a Certified Doula by the end of 2024. I currently volunteer at a local non-profit called Lovin’ The Skin I’m In as a youth mentor, which led me to PATCH!
During my downtime, I enjoy practicing yoga, spending time at cozy coffee shops, going hiking, and spending quality time with both mine and my partner's family - they bring so much joy to life!
Reflecting on my teenage years, I recall feeling nervous and uncomfortable while going through changes with my mental and physical health. Now looking back, I know that having a program like PATCH could have amplify my voice and advocacy for myself and others. There's immense power in asking questions and nurturing curiosity. I wholeheartedly believe in PATCH's mission, and I hope to see it grow to meet the vital needs in our communities.
Kiana Gasch (she/her)
Wisconsin PATCH Communication and Partnership Specialist
Hello! My name is Kiana and I am the Communication and Partnership Specialist for Wisconsin PATCH! I love the mission and passion the staff here at PATCH have and am beyond excited to be a part of this organization where advocacy and empowerment are at the forefront for our youth.
I grew up in a small, rural town about 30 minutes south of Green Bay, though I am adopted from Texas! I was heavily active in 4-H and FFA and also played softball competitively for 8 years. After high school, I earned my BA in Communication from UW - Milwaukee. I have since moved to Green Bay where I live with my son and our cat! I’ve recently found a love for cooking and experimenting with new recipes in my free time. This spring, I even plan to grow my own herbs in my backyard garden (and probably get some chickens - my son and I are obsessed)! Additionally, I work part time as a barista as I love all things coffee, as well as have plans to complete my CESA 6 training to become a substitute teacher!
I can’t wait to connect with you and share my passion for helping others and promoting positivity!
Paula Greuel (she/her)
PATCH Wausau Teen Educator Program Coordinator
I grew up in Gurnee, IL where my first job was at Six Flags Great America. I completed my Master of Public Health through George Washington University in 2017 and moved to Wausau shortly after. I have been part of PATCH since 2019 and also currently work as the Public Health Educator for Healthfirst Network, Inc.
My husband and I enjoy traveling and usually target national parks for our adventures. We hope to visit them all and have recently checked off Haleakalā in Hawaii and Olympic and Mount Rainier in Washington. We currently have plans to visit North Cascade, Yellowstone, and Grand Tetons.
I also enjoy baking in my spare time. I try to be an avid runner (but mostly just hope to not be too lazy) and love reading new books. I’m currently working my way through the Reese Witherspoon book club list.
I love working with the teens and supporting them to speak up for themselves, not just in healthcare but whenever something matters to them.
Delanie Johnson (she/her)
PATCH La Crosse Teen Educator Program Coordinator
Hello everyone! I’m Delanie and I use she/her pronouns. I am currently a senior at the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse studying Public Health and Community Health Education. Right now, I currently volunteer at Gundersen Health Systems, working as a community resource connector, where I am able to work with Gundersen patients all throughout the Midwest and get connected to resources within their own communities.
I grew up in Waukesha, WI and moved up to the La Crosse area when I started school. In my free time, I love to cook, play tennis, go on hikes, be crafty and enjoy nature. I recently just got into crocheting, and have been making little succulents, dish scrubbies and blankets.
I feel so lucky to be involved with PATCH. It’s amazing to see the youth empowered to make a change, advocate for their health, and the health of their peers.
Hadiya Johnson (she/they)
PATCH Milwaukee Teen Educator Program Coordinator
Hello folks! My name is Hadiya and I use she/they pronouns. I'm a Milwaukee native and went to Rufus King High School. After graduation, I double majored at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in Women's and Gender Studies and Communications. During my undergrad, I realized my passion for advocacy while working as a Student Researcher to help co-pilot a community-centered Black Lives Matter Uprising Digital Archive Project called Wisconsin CAN (Community Activism Now).
In junction with school, I worked as an In House Program Coordinator with a local non-profit, PEARLS for Teen Girls before finding my way to PATCH. In that role, I served as a mentor to high school girls where I taught and helped foster leadership skills and sisterhood through activity and education. I joined the PATCH team with anticipation to bridge together my passions of community wellness and youth advocacy.
In my spare time, I love crocheting, playing video games with friends and falling back in love with dance! I am also learning Korean and finding a love for cooking and gardening!
Nailah Johnson (they/them)
PATCH Fellowship Coordinator for Returning Youth
Hi! My name is Nailah, and I use the pronouns they/them. I currently serve as the PATCH Fellowship Coordinator for Sexual and Reproductive Health.
I am a wellness facilitator and creator passionate about guiding people through their own wellness journey and curating transformative healing experiences. I enjoy songwriting and dancing. I also run my own wellness business Creating Aliveness LLC! I have a B.S. in Exercise Physiology and a minor in Psychology.
I am excited to work with PATCH because I strongly value empowering youth to take ownership of their sexual and reproductive wellness.
Faith Ogungbe (she/her)
Youth Advocacy Learning Series Lead
My name is Faith and I’m a PhD student at University of Wisconsin Milwaukee.
I’m very excited to be working with the PATCH Youth Advocates this year. Learning and speaking up about health issues affecting women and young people is important to me. I’m looking forward to connecting, learning, and having thoughtful conversations with this year’s advocates and beyond.
Outside of school, you can catch me reading (for fun!), spending time with loved ones, and randomly dancing and singing.
Kayla Sippl (she/her)
PATCH Wisconsin Teen Consultant Program Coordinator
Hi! My name is Kayla and my superpowers are love of learning, creativity and curiosity. I am currently learning Spanish (and how to drive a manual car) and I love to read, do puzzles, visit coffee shops, and explore markets!
I studied Biology and Global Health at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. There, my job was to collect ticks and test them for different diseases! After graduating, I worked as a Youth Coordinator for a project that was trying to improve the mental health system for young people and then spent nine months solo traveling through countries in Southeast Asia!
I love how PATCH works directly with young people and am really excited to be a part of a program that puts youth voice at the center of their work and is open to continual improvement! I also think it is super important to have conversations about social and emotional health and am excited to work with the teen consultants and PATCH team to create change!
James Woods (he/him)
PATCH Madison Teen Educator Program Coordinator
Hi there my name is James Woods, I also go by Jay, and my pronouns are he/him/his. I’m from Madison, Wisconsin and I went to Sun Prairie High School. After I graduated from high school I attended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee where I received my bachelors degree in social work. I also received two minors, one in psychology and the other in theater.
While I was studying social work, I hoped to find a job in advocacy, healthcare, education, and supporting underserved populations. I didn't think it would be possible to find all of these things in a job but then I found PATCH and it turns out I really could have it all! My favorite thing about working for PATCH is seeing how teens grow in their confidence around healthcare advocacy and being able to support them on that journey. I also love how supportive my colleagues are!
In my free time I love to spend time outdoors. I enjoy biking, hiking, and camping. I also enjoy going to all of the different festivals Madison has to offer. One of my other favorite things is to spend time with my fur babies! Daisy is pictured here and I also have a cat named Blu. I'm looking forward to hopefully connecting with you soon!