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.
Aubrey Stetter-Hesselberg (she/her)
PATCH La Crosse Teen Educator Program Coordinator
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Hi everyone! My name is Aubrey, and I am located in the La Crosse area. I have lived in Wisconsin most of my life and although traveled around the U.S. for a bit after graduation, joyfully ended up back in the Midwest. I attended the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse where I completed my undergraduate and graduate studies in the Community Health Education program. Throughout my time at UW-L and after, I have tapped into the public health world in a number of ways - conducting needs assessments, facilitating higher education health classes, program coordination, and am currently working in the world of tobacco enforcement.
I absolutely LOVE to learn so sign me up for that in almost any capacity! Whether it's audiobooks, podcasts, or in-person structured learning and/or conversation, I am fascinated by better understanding the origin of uniqueness for every individual. We all come to the table with so much diversity, yet, seem to ultimately share so much in common.
PATCH is a space where we are encouraged to bring our authenticity while finding ways to work together for the betterment of our individual and community health advocacy, particularly among the youth in our communities. I am so grateful to be a part of this important work!
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!
Paula Greuel (she/her)
PATCH Wausau Teen Educator Program Coordinator
Hey there! I’m an Illinois native who came to Wausau after completing my Master of Public Health from George Washington University in 2017. Since 2019, I’ve been rocking it with PATCH and now I’m also the Public Health Educator for Healthfirst Network, Inc.
When I’m not diving into public health, you’ll find my husband and I plotting our next national park escapade. We’re on a mission to visit them all and have already checked off Haleakalā in Hawaii, and Olympic and Mount Rainier in Washington. Next up? Hopefully Arches and Canyonlands!
In my downtime, I’m all about crafting kits (guided creativity), trying to outpace my laziness as an avid runner, and devouring books from some silly subscription boxes. I’m passionate about helping teens find their voices and stand up for what matters, both in healthcare and beyond. Let’s chat if you share any of these passions or just want to swap travel stories!
Kayla Sippl (she/her)
PATCH Wisconsin Teen Consultant Program Coordinator
Hi all, I'm Kayla! I currently live in Madison and am pursuing a Master's in Human Ecology at UW-Madison. I love to read, learn new things, try new foods, visit new places, and do puzzles!
I originally studied biology for my undergrad degree, but during the course of my studies I discovered and fell in love with Public Health. Yay prevention! :D Since graduating, I've been on a delightful journey with many different positions- I've studied ticks and mosquitoes, worked at the State Department of Health, completed an internship at a community garden, taught English online, and spent time at the University for Peace Centre for Executive Education...all of which led me to PATCH!
I've been a PATCH Coordinator since 2021 and love how the programs put youth at the center of the work, and support (and pay!) young people to learn about adolescent health, advocacy, and how to use their voices for systems change. It brings me a lot of joy to see the different teams grow together and I've found that I've learned so much about adolescent health, barriers, history, stigma, and much more, myself! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!
Kiana Gasch (she/her)
PATCH Milwaukee Teen Educator Program Coordinator / PATCH Wisconsin Communications & Partnership Specialist
Hi friends! My name is Kiana! 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 the Madison area 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.
I began working with PATCH in January and have found my passion within this organization where advocacy and empowerment are at the forefront for our youth. In addition to my Communications position, I recently took on the role of Milwaukee Coordinator and have had the privilege to experience working both with external partners as well as directly with our youth. It's truly the best of both worlds!