Staff/Board Bios

President: 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.

Vice President: Eva Glass - Nashotah, WII have served on the junior advisory board for many years and I am now interested in joining the regular board because I have a desire to do more. I love the organization and have a passion for helping people in need. I feel I can bring a different perspective as a young person and I can help encourage people my age to get involved. During my time on the board, I volunteered at the PWSA|USA National conference, Snowflake Ball, Sparkle & Shine gala, walk-a-thon, bowling event, and golf outing. In addition, I work part time for residential care facilities that services individuals with Prader-Willi Syndrome.

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: Bobbi Pogrant – De Pere, WI
I live in De Pere, WI with husband John and 17 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: Melanie Laur  – Oconomowoc, WI
Melanie is the Admissions Coordinator at Prader-Willi Homes of Oconomowoc (PWHO). She has been working with individuals diagnosed with PWS since 2002 and helping out as a volunteer for PWSA-WI since 2005. Melanie has helped plan the annual golf outings, is on the Walk-a-Thon and Winter Social committee, and handles all of the PWSA-WI financials as their Volunteer Accountant. Melanie is passionate about helping others and takes great honor in having the opportunity to support families from around the country with the day to day challenges they face with PWS. She is also a trainer at PWHO and enjoys teaching and motivating others.  In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends.  She is a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity of Waukesha County, and a proud member of her church.

Board Member: Katelyn Schmidt
I am the owner of Abilities Midwest, a new PWS-specific residential provider located in River Falls, WI. Opening Abilities Midwest was a dream come true for me. I first learned about Prader-Willi when I was a child when my cousin was diagnosed with it. It was my cousin having PWS and my interest in what his life may look like over the years that later caused me to come across a group home provider called Stepping Out, which is located in Hastings, MN. Upon coming across their website, I saw they were hiring for Direct Care Staff. I applied, and ended up spending over 6 years there, working directly with adults with PWS. I later went on to go to school for Human Services, and eventually started working as a Behavioral Modification Assistant for the MN Department of Human Services. However, I still couldn’t leave Stepping Out. Through my experience at both jobs, I learned what I thought worked well, as well as what I believe didn’t. I knew over the years that I wanted to open up my own group home, so I took my experiences along with my husband and we opened Abilities Midwest.

Although it was not easy starting our company from scratch, I have truly enjoyed loved my career path. The saying “Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.” couldn’t be more true for me! Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband, two rescues dogs, and our foster children.

By joining PWSA-WI I believe I can provide a lot of prospective as a provider, as well as contribute from my experience working in a number of roles within the Human Services field. I am passionate about advocating for individuals with Prader-Willi and continuing to help increase services whenever and wherever I can.

Board Member: Brandon Schmidt
I am the co-owner of Abilities Midwest, where my primary position is the company’s Athletic Coordinator. My job is to conduct initial and ongoing fitness assessments, where I determine each resident’s strengths and weakness to develop fitness plans. I then assist each resident with their nearly daily exercise routines. I also help coordinate other athletic opportunities for our residents, such as Special Olympics participation while educating others on the components of PWS. I strive to ensure they are receiving a good workout, while also learning to love fitness to in return live a healthy, happy life! I first learned about Prader-Willi from my wife, who has a cousin with the syndrome. My wife always spoke about how much she enjoyed her job. At that time, I wasn’t happy in my career path and chose to make a complete change to the Human Services field. I began working at a Prader-Willi specific provider in Minnesota in order to gain direct PWS experience while my wife and I worked to open up our own group home. Watching our company come together was an amazing experience, and I look forward to watching it continue to grow.

Outside of Abilities Midwest, I coach high school soccer and play recreational softball. I enjoy spending time with my wife, our dogs, and being a foster dad.

I believe I would be a good addition to PWSA-WI as I can provide prospective as a provider and a former direct care staff. I also would love to help families however I can with finding athletic opportunities for their loved ones to help them too live a healthy, happy life.

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 / Representative Payee Specialist: 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: 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.

Board Member: 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.

Board Member: Jessica Sheldon
Jessica Sheldon’s son, Audric, has Prader-Willi Syndrome. Once learning about his diagnosis, participating and supporting the community is something she feels passionate about. She would like to continue to support the PWS community. She has participated in fundraising efforts for the PWSA-WI, Inc. walk and bowl-a-thon. It is her hope that she is able to disseminate components of Applied Behavior Analysis to individuals with PWS and their families. She hopes to learn more about PWS to better support other families including her own. She had the honor of presenting on PWS at a national conference in July of 2023 . She anticipates continuing to present on PWS at other conferences throughout the state of Wisconsin in the upcoming year(s). She currently works with children with autism spectrum disorder; ages ranging 2 years to 6 years; she provides and supports ABA services for these children and their family(s).