Chris Latterell, Board Chair

---

Senior Director, Client Management Services
OneAmerica

Chris Latterell is a Senior Director with the Retirement Services division of OneAmerica. Chris brings his management and relationship skills to the Playworks Advisory board as well as his enthusiasm for helping others. Chris has worked within the employer-sponsored retirement plan services space for over 27 years, which includes positions with BMO Retirement Services, M&I Trust Company, US Bank, and Fidelity Investments. Chris is recognized by associates and colleagues for his approachable style, ability to relate well with others, and for his experienced leadership.

Chris is a Marquette Warrior, having received his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Finance from Marquette University. He is supporter and avid fan of Marquette men’s basketball team.

“The Playworks organization never ceases to amaze me. The positive spirit of the Playworks team is contagious and inspiring. The influence of these programs on young people is an immeasurable force with lifelong impact for those who participate.”

 

Kyle Hager, Board Vice Chair

---

VP Compliance Officer and Legal Counsel 
WaterStone Bank

Kyle joined WaterStone Bank in 2022 as Compliance Officer and Legal Counsel after more than a decade in compliance in the financial services industry.  Kyle is responsible for the bank’s Compliance Management System, including regulatory compliance, anti-money laundering, security, fair lending, ensuring the credit needs of the local communities are met, and assisting the bank with loan documentation, contracts, employment issues, litigation, and any other legal obligations. Kyle is thrilled to be a part of Playworks Wisconsin’s Advisory Board. He is passionate about ensuring children have the best opportunity to succeed as well as the benefits of fair play, teamwork, leadership, and fun.

Kyle is originally from the Green Bay area, but fell in love with Milwaukee and the surrounding communities after attending Marquette University for both undergrad and law school.  Kyle enjoys spending time with his family, sports, especially the Green Bay Packers and Marquette Golden Eagles basketball, reading, gardening, and going up north.

 

David Hartmann

---

Global Director of Continuous Improvement
Johnson Controls

David Hartmann is Global Director of Continuous Improvement at Johnson Controls. Born and raised in Milwaukee, David has lived in a number of different states during his career with Johnson Controls but always making his way back to his home state. Dave has a passion for helping children realize their full potential and is excited to be part of the Playworks team supporting our youth. Dave brings his experience with achieving results and developing continuous improvement skills to the Playworks Advisory board and as a member of the Development Committee. In addition to serving on the Playworks Board, David is the President of the Johnson Controls Business Resource Group UNlimited, which support employees with disabilities, both visible and invisible as well as a local Scout leader.

“Our children are our future, and I feel a personal responsibility to lend my time, experience and passion to support their growth and development. I am excited and honored to be part of the Playworks Board, serving an organization whose vision, mission and programming brings significant value to the development and future success of our youth!”

 

Denise McDowell

---

Community and Member Engagement Manager
Children’s Community Health Plan

Denise McDowell joined Children’s Wisconsin in 2000, bringing over 20 years of Healthcare experience. Her career has provided the opportunity to work in a variety of roles within Children’s Wisconsin which include Ambulatory Management, Human Resources, Process Improvement and Organizational Development. Denise is currently the Community and Member Engagement Manager for Children’s Community Health Plan. In her role, she is responsible for the development and implementation of strategies to improve CCHP member health outcomes, community organization partnerships, member engagement and retention for over 145,000 members. Denise is passionate about the serving in the community and understanding the needs of underserved populations in Milwaukee.

 

DeShaun E. Robinson

---

Manager of Initiatives 
Greater Milwaukee Committee 

DeShaun is the Manager of Initiatives with the Greater Milwaukee Committee. He is a graduate of Oak Creek High School and Concordia University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing. He has a long history in sports and marketing with organizations like the Milwaukee Bucks in 2012-2017 as an Analytics & Data, TMJ4/ESPN Milwaukee Radio in Partnership Development , and LW Branding. Currently, DeShaun is working with the Greater Milwaukee Committee as a Business Coach where he is focused on helping facilitate accelerators programs, increase membership services, and to provide economic development initiatives. Additionally, he is the Wisconsin Playground Club’s AAU Head 17U National Coach. Most recently, DeShaun served as support staff for the 2024 USA Men’s Basketball Olympic Team. His favorite playground games are two square-four square, tether ball, tag, red light green light, basketball, and football.

“Why I serve? It gives me an opportunity to pay it forward for our future leaders of today and tomorrow. Recess, physical activity, and sports were a huge part of my youth; they still has a great impact on me today. So the ability to join an organization that has a focus on safe play and also its impact on the community excites me. I love Playworks and their passion for safety while having fun. I want to help be involved in bringing young people from different cultures, genders, and ages together in a common place where nothing else matters but the joy of running around, coming together , trying to figure out the best way to compete and being a kid in a positive environment!”

 

Steph La Haye

---

Grants Specialist Advanced
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

Steph La Haye is a Grants Specialist with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, working with the Student Services, Prevention, and Wellness Team (SSPW). Steph La Haye is a Grants Specialist with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, working with the Student Services, Prevention, and Wellness Team (SSPW). She helps schools elevate their mental health and out-of-school time programming through state and federal grant initiatives. Steph brings social-emotional learning and trauma-informed practices to the table, always focused on creating safe and healthy spaces where students can thrive. With a background in government, nonprofits, and education, her lens focuses deeply on creating education equity and using student-centered approaches. 

Serving as a Playworks coach in 2013, Steph’s passion for supporting schools hasn’t changed. “I believed in Playworks’ mission then and still do, today.”

 

Jake Via

---

Partner Manager
Go1

Jake Via works with forward-thinking organizations to develop training programs that promote a love of learning with definable ROI. Jake believes the line between playful and professional is not as big as believed and through infectiously authentic training we bridge the learning gaps to bring people together. He is passionate about encouraging a focus on learning as an engine for unleashing creativity, increasing organizational efficiency, and building better relationships.    

After nearly two decades in senior leadership non-profit roles, including 3 years as a Playworks PRO National Trainer, Jake pivoted to bring his passion for learning to the corporate world when he joined Go1.  He is a Certified National Trainer for multiple organizations, an avid High-Fiver, and a global adventurer with a passion for water sports, tasty food, and a good game of 4-Square.   

Jake holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Thomas Edison State University and resides with his wife and 3 dogs in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

 

Callie Padway

---

Customer Success Manager
Rippling

Callie is currently a Customer Success Manager at Rippling. She was first introduced to Playworks as a Program Associate in 2014 for the Playworks WI office. After working with Playworks for two years, she left to pursue a Masters in Public Service and Administration through the Trinity Fellowship at Marquette University. She often refers to those two years working at Playworks as the BEST JOB EVER and has continued to be a champion for the work Playworks does and a strong believer in the importance and power of play. She is excited to increase her involvement and is ready to play!

 

Trishya Brown

---

Vice President Human Resources
Greater Milwaukee Patient Service Area & AAH Behavioral Health

 

 

 

 

Courtney Curry

Principal and Assistant Director of Special Education and Pupil Services
CESA 1

Courtney Curry is Principal and Assistant Director of Special Education and Pupil Services for CESA 1. In this role, she supports the 45 school districts in CESA 1, in ensuring students with disabilities are able to access their education in the least restrictive environment. 

She found her passion for working with children while participating in service learning at Brown Street Academy while she was attending college at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Courtney enjoyed her time at Brown Street Academy, and some of her favorite memories were when Playworks staff were onsite.  She received her bachelor’s degree in social work at UWM, her Master’s of Social Work from George Williams College, and her MBA in educational leadership at MSOE.

Courtney is passionate about ensuring all students are receiving a high quality education. She feels the socialization during recess is a vital part of that, where students learn the importance of social skills and physical activity. Courtney is excited to serve her community in another way by being a part of the Playworks board!

 

Kiana Ayala

Program Manager
SecureFutures

Kiana Ayala was born and raised in Milwaukee, WI. She attended the University Wisconsin – Milwaukee where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work in 2018. During this time, she developed her love for working with young people. After college, she worked as a Lead Youth and Family Specialist at Walker’s Point Youth & Family Center and later transitioned into the role Director of AmeriCorps and Volunteers Programs. Currently, she is one of the Program Managers of the Money Coach Program at SecureFutures. In this role she works with high schools and community based organizations to provide financial literacy mentorship to teens. 

 

Jaquilynn Huff

Project Coordinator – Social Impact 
Kohler Co. 

Jaquilynn is a project coordinator on the Social Impact team at Kohler Co. supporting their Global Stewardship and Arts/Industry program. Prior to Kohler Co. she was the Community Relations Manager for Familia Dental in Milwaukee and Madison where she was responsible for the strategy and execution of community impact and outreach initiatives. Jaquilynn holds her BBA with a major in marketing and minor in communications from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee.

The beginning of her career was spent with the Boys and Girls Clubs and COA Youth and Family Centers, running after school programs for school age youth. While at her last school (shout out Hopkins-Lloyd Community School) she was first introduced to Playworks and saw the energy of the staff, joy of the students and the impact play had for everyone! She is so excited to join the board and continue to support opportunities for students to play!

 

Lynn Debilzen

Founder & Chief Confidence Builder
Lynn Debilzen Coaching

Lynn Debilzen is Founder & Chief Confidence Builder at Lynn Debilzen Coaching and Co-Founder at Laughter & Leadership, both of which allow Lynn to help individuals and organizations tap into their potential by activating their superpowers. As a coach, she brings out the best in her clients and inspires them to move out of their comfort zones to transform their lives. As a skilled strategist and facilitator, Lynn uses tools like results-based facilitation, play and improv, and continuous improvement to support teams to reach their goals and maximize their impact. As part of her 15+ year career in the social sector serving educators and youth across the US and abroad, Lynn was a National Trainer for Playworks from 2014 to 2017, during which she developed her passion for the power of play. She is a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (Philippines ’08-’10) and two-time AmeriCorps alum. 

She holds an MBA in Social Impact Management from Brandeis University, an MA in Intercultural Youth & Family Development from the University of Montana, and a BS in Social Work from UW-Milwaukee. Having spent her first three years in college at Marquette however (studying civil engineering!), she splits the space in her heart for undergrad between the two Milwaukee rivals. She enjoys traveling, learning languages, spending time in any hammock anywhere, and scooping ice cream at the family business. Her favorite recess games are wall ball, four square, I Love My Neighbor, and Band-Aid Tag.

 

Joe Domina

Finance Manager
General Mills

Joe Domina is the Finance Manager at General Mills, where he leads financial strategy for the Milwaukee manufacturing plant. Joe attended UW – La Crosse for an undergraduate degree in finance; once back in the Milwaukee area, he attended Marquette University for his MBA. As a Milwaukee native, Joe is grateful to have most of his professional career centered in Milwaukee and its surrounding communities.  Joe is overjoyed to be part of Playworks and is eager to learn from the contributors that execute Playworks mission every day. He believes the lessons learned through sports and games have shaped him into the leader he is today. Joe has a passion for helping others and is honored by the opportunity to positively impact the lives of children.

 

 

Danielle Schmitz

Quality Engineer
Johnson Controls

Danielle is a Quality Engineer, specializing in New Product Introduction at Johnson Controls (JCI), where she has been making an impact for the past three years. An ASQ Certified Quality Engineer and Reliability Engineer with an MBA, she combines technical expertise with strong leadership skills. As the North American Vice President for the Parents and Caregivers Together (PACT) Business Resource Group, the lead for the External Impact workstream of the JCI Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Council, and the Milwaukee Chapter Director of the Women’s Global Network, Danielle is dedicated to fostering inclusive workplaces. Additionally, she serves as the Outreach Chair for the Community Preschool of Whitefish Bay Board and is a new member of the United Way Emerging Leaders Council. Outside of her professional pursuits, she enjoys hiking and going on other adventures with her husband and their two small children. 

“As a child who often felt left out on the playground, I deeply resonate with Playworks’ mission of inclusivity and team building. I value the impact of these principles on kids’ lives and feel privileged to contribute to this important work.

 

Julie Wiech

Controller
American Deposit Management LLC

Julie graduated from Marquette University in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. In 2016, she earned her Master of Business Administration from Cardinal Stritch. Julie started her career working as a Staff Accountant for a Milwaukee-based investment advisor and then worked her way up to Accounting Manager at a global software company headquartered in Milwaukee. She continued her accounting career at a local nonprofit as the Controller for all three of its agencies and is currently the Controller at American Deposit Management LLC in Pewaukee. She also serves on the Board of Trustees for Family Promise of Waukesha County. Julie has lived in Southeastern Wisconsin her whole life, and currently lives in Waukesha with her husband and daughter.

 

Carolyn Muckelberg

Managing Director of Development
City Year

 

 

 

 

 

Barry Holcomb

Senior Manager of Provider Finance
Ucare 

Barry is a lifelong learner and finance professional. He has spent most of his career in the healthcare industry and is currently the Senior Manager of Provider Finance at UCare, a health insurance provider across Minnesota. Barry is proud to lead his team as they work to improve the accuracy and efficiency of financial models, ultimately resulting in a better overall patient experience. Prior to UCare, he worked at Northwestern Medicine, Ernst and Young, and BlueCross BlueShield of Utah in various finance and accounting roles.

He has a dual B.S. in Finance and Economics from Utah State University and a Master’s in Accountancy from UW-Madison. He is a licensed CPA and has designations and certifications in healthcare finance, financial modeling, and Python programming. Barry is excited to bring his passion for learning and financial expertise to Playworks. “After seeing Playworks in action on the playground, and hearing about its effectiveness from school staff, I knew that I wanted to get involved to support its continued success and contribute to a stronger community.”

He recently moved from Chicago to Wauwatosa with his wife, two boys, and their dog. He enjoys exploring all the Milwaukee area has to offer either on a run, dining out, or by visiting as many playgrounds as possible with his kids.