Chris Latterell, Board Chair

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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

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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.

 

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.

 

Amy Lynn Zwart

Director of Marketing and Community Outreach
PEARLS

Amy Lynn Zwart is a marketing and community engagement leader with decades of experience advancing mission-driven organizations through strategic storytelling, partnership development, and inclusive leadership. She currently serves as Director of Marketing & Community Outreach for a Milwaukee-based nonprofit focused on empowering girls, where she leads brand strategy, fundraising communications, community partnerships, and large-scale campaigns that strengthen access, equity, and long-term sustainability.

Amy brings a systems-level approach to her work, blending data-informed strategy with deep relational intelligence. Her background includes leading integrated marketing teams, supporting capital and annual campaigns, stewarding donors and volunteers, and translating complex missions into compelling public narratives. Across roles, she is known for building trust, centering youth voice, and aligning values with measurable impact.

She is honored to serve on the board of the local Playworks chapter and is excited to contribute her skills in marketing, community engagement, and strategic growth to support Playworks’ mission of helping kids stay active, build confidence, and develop essential life skills through play.

As a parent of three, Amy is especially passionate about social-emotional learning, play-based development, and creating environments where children feel safe, seen, and empowered to thrive.

Amy lives in Milwaukee and is deeply committed to strengthening the well-being of children, families, and communities across the region.

 

Carolyn Muckelberg

Senior Director of Development
College Possible Wisconsin

 

 

 

 

 

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!

 

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.

 

DeShaun E. Robinson

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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!”

 

Elizabeth Melville

Physical Therapist
Body Mechanics Physical Therapy

Elizabeth grew up in the Milwaukee area, where she enjoyed participating in a variety of sports and activities through which she gained invaluable relationships, experiences, and life skills. She attended Marquette University, receiving a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. In addition to her career in physical therapy, she has experience as an undergraduate and graduate school lab instructor, youth mentor with a physical activity focus, and youth recreational sports coach. She and her husband have three young boys and watching them grow has reinforced the importance and beauty of learning through play.

Elizabeth was impressed watching Playworks in action, and she knew right away how valuable the program is for kids and schools. What she likes most about Playworks is its focus on play as an avenue to serve the whole child: encouraging personal, social, physical, and academic growth by meeting kids where they are and creating an inclusive environment in which they can thrive. Elizabeth is excited to support the mission and help Playworks reach even more kids.

Frances Thomas

Public Health Strategy Supervisor
Waukesha County Health and Human Services

Frances Thomas is the Public Health Strategy Supervisor for Waukesha County Health and Human Services, where she leads strategic planning, cross-sector partnerships, and initiatives that strengthen community health. She holds a Master of Public Health and brings more than 10 years of experience working across public health, youth development, and recreation.

Earlier in her career, Frances led youth sports programs with Milwaukee Recreation and served as Assistant Director of Recreation at the University of North Carolina Asheville. These experiences shaped her belief that play is a powerful foundation for lifelong physical, social, and mental well-being.

Frances is passionate about the connection between play and public health and is honored to serve on the Playworks Advisory Board, supporting safe and inclusive opportunities for children to learn, build relationships, and thrive through play while passing forward the lifelong value of play in her own work and community.

 

Heather Rodriquez

Community President
WaterStone Bank, West Allis-National Branch

Heather Rodriquez is the Community President at WaterStone Bank’s West Allis-National branch. Before transitioning into banking, she spent over a decade leading hiring and recruiting initiatives as a Project Lead at Walgreens. With a degree in business management, Heather quickly found her stride in the financial industry, where she enjoys building strong relationships with her customers and team. 

Heather takes pride in supporting local businesses and community events. Her approachable leadership style and customer-focused mindset have made her a trusted presence in the branch and throughout the community. 

Heather can’t wait to bring her enthusiasm to Playworks because she believes success starts at a young age and everyone should have the same access to success. 

In her free time, Heather enjoys traveling, swimming,  going to Sporting Events (Admirals and Brewers are her favorite), Hiking, trivia, and reading. 

 

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!

 

Jennifer Raymond

Executive Director of Member Experience
Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee

Jennifer Raymond serves as the Executive Director of Member Experience at Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, where she oversees operations and programming that support thousands of youth across the city. She leads efforts to ensure safe, high-quality, and engaging environments that foster academic success, belonging, and positive youth development.

Jennifer brings more than 20 years of experience in education and nonprofit leadership. Prior to her executive leadership roles, she spent 12 years as a bilingual and special education teacher with Milwaukee Public Schools, where she supported K–8 students and collaborated closely with families and multidisciplinary teams. Her background in both classroom instruction and large-scale program management gives her a deep understanding of how systems, relationships, and joyful learning experiences impact children’s growth.

A passionate advocate for equity and whole-child development, Jennifer is committed to creating spaces where young people feel safe, connected, and empowered. As a member of the Playworks Wisconsin Advisory Board, she champions the power of play to strengthen social-emotional skills, build community, and support lifelong success.

I believe I already completed the board commitment form.  If not, please let me know.  I also think we discuss the committees and I’m happy to serve where you need me and think that I will make the biggest impact.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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. 

 

Matt Hayden

Director of Corporate Philanthropy
Children’s Wisconsin

Matt Hayden is Director of Corporate Philanthropy at Children’s Wisconsin. In this role,  he develops philanthropic partnerships to advance the work of a top-ranked, independent health care system and one of the largest social services agencies in the state of Wisconsin. Before he transitioned to focusing solely on fundraising efforts, Matt gained 15+ years of non-profit experience working in marketing and program roles.

The intersection of sports and community has always been a passion for Matt. He began his career working for the Atlanta Braves while pursuing a Sport Management degree. He then spent two years working in Minor League Baseball before moving to the youth sports focused nonprofit, Positive Coaching Alliance. With a mission similar to Playworks, this reinforced his interest in keeping youth active and engaged. Matt is excited to be a part of the board and have the opportunity to employ his experience from various regional and national nonprofits to advance Playworks for youth across Wisconsin.

 

Monica Vargas

Director of Student Services
LUMIN Schools

Monica is a student-centered educational leader and Director of Student Services at LUMIN Schools, with a background in school social work. Monica has led work in multi-tiered student support, focusing on behavior, attendance and social-emotional supports, while also overseeing special education compliance, collaborating on student wellness initiatives and supporting school safety efforts. Earlier in her career, Monica served as a Program Coordinator with Playworks, strengthening school climate through structured play and engagement strategies. Monica is committed to building safe, inclusive and supportive learning environments through strong collaboration with educators, families, and community partners. 

 

Samson Williams

Lead Software Engineer
Brady Corporation

 

 

 

 

 

Stephanie Bennett

Stephanie Bennett is a seasoned sales and marketing leader with many years of experience in the Ad/Tech and Automotive industries, where she has driven revenue growth, built strong client partnerships, and led strategic initiatives. She brings her real-world expertise into education as an adjunct instructor for business courses and currently manages online learning programs for Ziplines Inc., an EdTech company focused on scalable, modern education. 

She holds a B.A. in Mass Communication from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and an M.B.A. from Alverno College. Stephanie has lived in Milwaukee for the past 25 years, spending the last 14 years in the North Shore with her family. She is the proud mom of a son who is a senior at Nicolet Union High School, a daughter who recently graduated from the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities, and a pug named Patty. Outside of work, she is passionate about reading, volunteering, continuous learning (always thirsty for knowledge), and international travel.

Teon Austin

Director of Inclusion and Belonging
Marquette University School of Dentistry

Teon Austin is an educator, leader, and advocate for belonging who serves as the Director of Inclusion and Belonging at Marquette University School of Dentistry. In this role, he develops and leads initiatives that strengthen cultural competence, student success, and community engagement while fostering environments where all students, faculty, and staff can thrive.

With more than two decades of experience in education and youth development, Teon has dedicated his career to removing barriers to opportunity and increasing access for underrepresented and first-generation students. He has held senior leadership roles in higher education focused on retention, student success, and inclusive excellence, and has facilitated professional development for hundreds of educators across Wisconsin.

A proud TRIO alumnus, Teon earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Marquette University and is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Leadership at Tiffin University, where his research centers on belonging and faculty-student relationships. He is a graduate of the African American Leadership Alliance Milwaukee’s African American Leadership Program and was recognized by the Milwaukee Times for Excellence in Education.

As a father and longtime youth basketball coach, Teon is deeply committed to empowering young people through mentorship, leadership development, fun, and positive play. All values that align strongly with the mission of Playworks.

 

Ty LeRoy

Facilitation and Coaching Manager
Fathers Making Progress

Ty is a committed and transformative mentor and mediator in Milwaukee who dedicates his work to strengthening families and uplifting fathers and youth. He provides both one-on-one guidance and group support, helping men build stronger, healthier relationships with their children through practical parenting strategies, emotional awareness, and effective communication skills. 

He is especially passionate about supporting fathers as they navigate co-parenting, reunification, and the everyday challenges of parenting with purpose. With a mentoring style rooted in empathy, accountability, and real-world resources, he creates safe and empowering spaces where growth is encouraged and families can begin to heal.  
 

His leadership and consistency have made a lasting impact across the community, and he continues to serve as a trusted role model dedicated to breaking cycles, rebuilding connections, and inspiring youth and fathers to show up with integrity and love.