Our Team

Worker Smiling in Tractor

For more information about us, call

(608) 755-4123

LEADERSHIP TEAM

KANDU’s 100+ staff members — led by a 7-person leadership team — are dedicated to empowering our clients in employment, social, and daily activities in order to give them the opportunity to achieve their maximum potential and independence.

Kathy Hansen

Kathy Hansen

Executive Director

Julie Smith

Julie Smith

Client Services Director

Jake Reed

Jake Reed

Operations Director

Linda Diedrich

Linda Diedrich

Marketing Director

Isaiah Vance

Isaiah Vance

Client Services Compliance Director

Denise Schardt

Denise Schardt

Finance Director

Lynne sumpter

Lynne sumpter

Human Resources Director

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The KANDU Board of Directors and Endowment Board of Directors are accomplished and dedicated community leaders who guide, support, and advocate for the KANDU mission.

Michael C. Davis

Michael C. Davis

President

Nowlan Lawn LLP

Aron Bussan

Aron Bussan

Vice President

First National Bank & Trust

Matt Bordwell

Matt Bordwell

Treasurer

Summit Accounting Group

Kim Hesgard

Kim Hesgard

Secretary

Exact Sciences

Joel chappelle

Joel chappelle

President Emeritus

Food Industry Counsel

Ethan Lee

Ethan Lee

City of Janesville

Betsy Nelson

Betsy Nelson

Parent Advocate
Board Emeritus

Amanda Pellizzi

Amanda Pellizzi

Prent Corporation

Tracy Pierner, Ph.D.

Tracy Pierner, Ph.D.

Blackhawk Technical College

Rick Wilson

Rick Wilson

A-Team, Parent Advocate

MICHAEL PROSSER

MICHAEL PROSSER

Henrici’s Management Corporation

Endowment Board

Pat Lyons

Pat Lyons

President

Lycon

Prudence Harker

Prudence Harker

Vice President

LifeCircle

SHANNON KENNEDY

SHANNON KENNEDY

SASid

Connect With Us

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Nothing starts the day quite like a warm, delicious breakfast—especially when it’s made with a little extra fun! Clients kicked off the morning with heart-shaped and Mickey Mouse-shaped waffles, turning an ordinary meal into something special. 💙

Love isn’t just for one day—we're celebrating all month long at KANDU! Using paint and jewels, clients made one-of-a-kind Valentine's masterpieces filled with festive colors and a whole lot of heart. 💕

Watching each client's creativity shine is a reminder that ...self-expression is just as important as other life skills. Every day, we create opportunities for our clients to explore, connect, and share their gifts with the world. 🎨✨

A heartfelt thank you to Congressman Bryan Steil for visiting KANDU this morning! Representative Steil met with our Executive Director Kathy Hansen and toured our beautiful new facility in Milton, Wis. We were joined by KANDU Board President Michael Davis, Board Vice President Aron Bussan, ...Endowment Board President Pat Lyons, Board Members and Parent Advocates Rick Wilson and Betsy Nelson, and Joel Kleefisch, who represented A-Team Wisconsin. Together, we had a great discussion on the importance of 14(c) special wage certificates for KANDU and similar organizations.

These certificates are crucial as they help people with disabilities access job training and employment. They allow approved employers like KANDU to pay wages based on individual productivity and adjust jobs and work environments to meet employees' needs. Our programs also provide trained supervisors, opportunities for physical activities, socialization with peers, career counseling, and specialized job training.

We are fortunate to have Representative Steil’s support. Keep an eye out for coverage tonight or tomorrow on Madison’s WKOW 27 (ABC 27) and WMTV 15 News (NBC15), and in the Janesville Gazette.

Here are photos of young adults with disabilities in KANDU's Livin' & Learnin' program participating in the last of six nutrition education classes with UW-Madison, Division of Extension Rock County FoodWIse program. We learned about mindful eating, reading nutrition labels, and ...trying out new recipes. Along the way, our clients put their cooking skills to the test, making everything from fruit smoothies and banana pancakes to cheesy broccoli soup and homemade French fries. A huge thank you to Karen from FoodWIse for sharing her knowledge, time, and some seriously tasty recipes with us!

This free talk will be about Alzheimer's disease and healthy brain aging for women. Dr. Van Hulle will provide an overview of dementia and Alzheimer's disease, current treatment options and recommended lifestyle changes with a specific focus on women's health.

Registration ...is required—for details on how to sign up, visit the Facebook event page.

👏 Can we get a big round of applause for the incredible students of Marshall Middle School?

Their student council went above and beyond, raising $1,000 for KANDU! These young leaders are proof that kindness, generosity, and community spirit start early—and we couldn’t be more ...grateful. 💙

Drop a 👏👏 in the comments to show them some love for their amazing efforts!

📸 Pictured: The inspiring students of Marshall Middle School’s Student Council with KANDU’s Executive Director & some staff members.