Staff/Board Bios

President: Jessica Sheldon
Jessica Sheldon is the mother of Audric, a 9-year-old boy with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS). Since learning of her son’s diagnosis, she has become deeply committed to supporting and advocating for the PWS community. Jessica is actively involved in fundraising efforts for PWSA-WI, Inc., including participation in the organization’s annual walk, and remains dedicated to ongoing service and support of individuals and families affected by PWS.

Jessica is passionate about disseminating practical and meaningful components of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to individuals with PWS and their families. She is eager to continue expanding her knowledge of PWS in order to better serve both her own family and the broader community. In July 2023, Jessica presented on Prader-Willi Syndrome at a national conference. In October 2025, she had the honor of presenting alongside PWS advocate Dr. Destiny Pacha at a state conference. She looks forward to continuing to present on PWS at conferences throughout the state of Wisconsin in the coming years.

Professionally, Jessica is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) who works with children ages 2 to 6 years old diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. She provides and supports ABA services for young children and their families, with a focus on collaboration, education, and long-term skill development.

Jessica lives in Muskego, Wisconsin, with her husband, Rory; her 16-year-old stepson, Kian; her 8-year-old daughter, Vesta; and her son, Audric.

Co-Vice President: Melanie Laur  – Oconomowoc, WI
At 21, I began working with Prader-Willi Homes in Oconomowoc and quickly fell in love with the people and the PWS community. Five years later, I joined the PWSA-WI board, and for the past 23 years I’ve had the privilege of serving this community in many meaningful ways.

As both a sibling of someone with special needs and someone who has faced challenges of her own, I deeply understand the struggles families encounter. Over the years, I’ve met countless incredible families whose strength and resilience inspire me every single day. It is truly an honor to support them.

Co-Vice President: Kristen Rathkamp
Kristen has worked with individuals with disabilities in a variety of environments and at different levels for the last 20 years. These environments and roles include group homes, day programs, in home therapist, para in a high school level classroom, respite, job supports and development along with prevocational programs. For the past 4.5 years, Kristen has worked with individuals with PWS. She currently oversees a prevocational program. She has placed and worked with developers who have placed individuals with PWS in the community. Kristen would love to continue to learn, network and advocate for those with PWS as a board member of PWSA-WI, Inc.

Treasurer: Jamie Milaeger – Oconomowoc, WI 
My name is Jamie Milaeger. I have my degree in Psychology and Social Work through the University of Wisconsin Whitewater.  While in school my mentor/professor suggested that after my graduation I seek employment through a company in Oconomowoc that specialized in working with adults with Prader-Willi Syndrome. I was looking to work with individuals with disabilities as I had worked with children diagnosed with Autism throughout my schooling. So in 2006 I took his advice and applied with Prader-Willi Homes of Oconomowoc. Although, I knew about PWS through my education I learned quickly that I had not learned enough. I started as a residential counselor and in less than a year was promoted to manager. I worked at PWHO for 8.5 years and during that time I found a passion to enrich the lives of those I worked with. I think that was because they enriched my life more than I thought could happen. Though in September 2014, I left PWHO; my time there was and always will be some of the most blessed moments in my life. I couldn't leave it all behind though and am currently the PWHO Special Olympic Coach for Aquatics which is an amazing opportunity that I truly enjoy. During my time with PWHO I was very well educated in the support and treatment for adults with PWS.  I learned through running one of the group homes about the everyday struggles of people living with PWS; and the supports needed to get through those everyday struggles. I also had the firsthand experience in seeing the amazing changes and outreach an organization like PWSA provides to individuals with PWS. I participated in many Hobby Days, Walks and other events planned to support PWSA and the fight to provide awareness, education, support and research. I have also had the honor and privilege to travel to several conferences to participate in as well as support the Young Adult Programs which allowed families the opportunity to attend knowing that their child, sister, brother, or grandchild was in a safe, fun, and encouraging environment with people who understood and had experience working with individuals living with PWS. I found that passion over 8.5 years ago to support individuals with PWS as well as their families and now as a Board Member I am happy to be able to do so in another way.  

Secretary: Melissa Sirovina 
My daughter, Kayla, is 28 years old and lives at Abilities Midwest 3. I was on the PWSA of WI board while my children (all 3 girls) were still at home. I left the board to pursue a degree in business as well as coach the kids’ basketball teams, travel for sports, and be the active/supportive parent in their interests while including them in mine. Now that they are grown, I again have time to devote to being an advocate for our individuals with Prader-Willi. I enjoy the comradery with others as well as the chance to educate anyone from the new parent to our family to a doctor who has questions on Prader-Willi. I’ve been through fighting the education system in order to give Kayla all the chances she deserved as well as getting through the government red tape to get her into the Prader-Willi Homes. I believe my experiences will be a benefit to the board.

Board Member: Crystal Boser – Indiana
Crystal Boser lived in Southeastern Wisconsin for 21 years before relocating back to Indiana where she has spent the past two years. She is the proud mother of two amazing young men, Kyle and Kameron. Kyle currently lives in Wisconsin at a residential group home managed by Abilities Midwest while Kameron resides in Indiana.

Crystal is an experienced business professional who currently serves as the Senior Program Coordinator for both the Notre Dame Business Honors Program and the Business Ethics and Society Program located within the Mendoza College of Business at the University of Notre Dame. She earned a Master’s in Business Administration with a concentration in Healthcare Management and a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix. Crystal has been involved with PWSA-WI, Inc. for over 23 years and served in numerous roles, including her current role as President. Crystal also served as a board member for PWSA (USA) for 3 years, served as the Chapter Relations Chairperson for 8 years and has participated in the National PWSA Convention for numerous years hosting the Chapter Leaders Meeting and assisting in the Youth and Adult Program (YAP).

Crystal is thankful for the time she has spent on the PWSA-WI, Inc. board and is looking forward to continuing to help PWSA-WI, Inc. make a positive impact on the lives of individuals with PWS and their families despite living in another state.

Board Member: Bobbi Pogrant – De Pere, WI
I live in De Pere, WI with husband John and 18 year old daughter, Addy. I worked in the printing industry for over 20 years. I have served on the board of directors for PWSA-WI since 2012, and have volunteered at various events held by PWSA of WI, and coordinates the marketing aspect of the organization. In my free time, I enjoy art, photography, volunteering and at my daughter's school and with the Miracle League organization, and spending time with my family.

As a parent of a teen with PWS, I hope to bring a perspective that can relate to others with children as a Board Member. Although raising a child with PWS has its challenges, I believe it has made me a better parent in more ways than I ever imagined. I enjoy problem solving and thinking outside-the-box when other solutions are not working. It's an honor to be a part of and contribute to PWSA-WI.

Board Member: Amanda Nelson

Amanda Nelson is currently the Executive Director for Abilities Midwest, and has spent more than a decade working with individuals and families impacted by Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS). Before this role, she was a Program Coordinator at Stepping Out for 12+ years, and during that time, also offered consulting to parents navigating PWS challenges outside of group home placement. She is a proud UWRF graduate (Class of 2005) and longtime member of the Daughters of the Nile. Amanda loves to give back as much as her time allows, and is honored to be a member on the Wisconsin PWS board.  

Board Member: Pam Toepfer – Machesney Park, IL
I have had the pleasure of working with individuals with diverse limitations for the past 8 years. My professional background is knowledge of how to manage finances for these individuals as well as providing insight to their guardians and representative payees. I also have assisted in fundraising efforts within the company I work, from planning to speaking on how the individuals are benefitted by supporters. I became involved with PWSA-WI when I met board member, Melissa Sirovina. This has been valuable to me in my profession as we do service a few individuals with PWS, but also on a personal level. I have volunteered for the Snowflake Ball in the past and have attended several events. In addition, Volunteering with PWSA-WI has been a pleasure and I would like to utilize my talents more with them.

Board Member: Sarah Glass
After watching my sister Jamie Milaeger and daughters Josaphine and Eva Glass participate with this group, I have seen the joy that comes from their interactions. I have found this disorder fascinating the more I learn about it and would love to see others learn from it as well.

I have first hand knowledge of raising a child with special needs (though not PW) and raising a family of 4 total children I understand the importance of knowledge and education for ourselves and others in order to find new treatments, support and new opportunities for individuals with Prader-Willi or any disability to live a more comfortable life.

I participated for four years on our schools PTO board as VP of Fundraising finding new ideas of things we could do to help engage our community with our school at the same time.

Board Member: Josaphine Glass - Nashotah, WI
I have served many years on the junior advisory board, and now want to join the regular board. I want to help share what we do for people with Prader-Willi Syndrome and to help recruit other young members to join both the junior advisory board and regular board. Throughout my time on the junior advisory board, I have volunteered at the Snowflake Ball, bowling event, Sparkle & Shine gala, golf outing, PWSA|USA National conference, golf outing and walk-a-thon.

Board Member: Gavin Johnson – Oconomowoc, WI
I have worked for going on 6 years next month as a Direct Support Professional in a group home with those with PWS and I have participated in the Snowflake Ball, walk-a-thon and golf outing. I would like to continue making a difference in the lives of those with PWS on a higher level. the people who participate. And learning more about the experiences, medications, symptoms, milestones, and other aspects of PWS is key to advancing our understanding and discovering new therapies and treatments.

Board Member: Tessie Hurd
Tessie is the mom of five beautiful children, three who have special needs (18 year old and almost 9 year old have PWS). Tessie learned about PWSA-WI, Inc. when her almost 9 year old was diagnosed with Prader-Willi Syndrome as an infant. Through the Association, she found a community of people she could relate to and she soon started attending PWSA-WI, Inc. sponsored events and the PWSA|USA National Conference. Tessie also learned about a child with PWS who was looking for a forever home through her connections in the PWS community and ended up adopting her second son with PWS as a result. After almost 9 years of belonging to the Association, Tessie feels like it is time to give back to the organization that was/is her saving grace. She also wants to share her knowledge on raising kids with special needs and PWS along with her knowledge on adopting a child with PWS.