Meet Our Staff & Board

Our staff and board members’ have extensive experience in advocacy and health & human services across Wisconsin. This means that our members have immediate, 1:1 access to help developing relationships with policymakers, workforce training, and—above all—a community that supports them and the work they do to ensure Wisconsin’s children and families reach their full potential.

Our Staff

Kathy Markeland, Executive Director

Kathy joined the WAFCA staff in 2007 and was selected to serve as Executive Director in 2019 to guide the continued growth of the Association.  

Prior to joining WAFCA, Kathy served for eight years as an associate director for the Wisconsin Catholic Conference—the public policy voice for Wisconsin’s Roman Catholic bishops. She also served for seven years at the Wisconsin Counties Association, where she provided both member support and public policy advocacy services to elected representatives on Wisconsin’s 72 county boards. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Behavioral Science and Law in 1992 from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. More about Kathy...

 

Allyson Forseth, Director of Education & Communications

Allyson joined the WAFCA team in 2020 and stepped into her current role in 2024, bringing a strong background in education, facilitation, and trauma-informed practice. She has over a decade of experience supporting children, families, educators, and teams through direct service, inclusive group facilitation, and systems-level capacity building. 

At WAFCA, Allyson leads communications and educational initiatives—including social media and email management, planning and direction of professional learning opportunities, and facilitating a Committee dedicated to ABIDE (Accessibility, Belonging, Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity).

She earned a Bachelor of Science in K-12 Education from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 2015 and is a proud first-generation college graduate. Allyson is bilingual in Spanish and English.

Sandy Plascencia Karri, Manager of Policy & Member Engagement

Sandy joined WAFCA in 2025, bringing experience in policy and social work supporting children and families in Wisconsin. She has over five years of experience working with families and community partners to develop trauma-informed, and culturally responsive community reintegration plans. Sandy uses storytelling to support advocacy and policy work, working closely with stakeholders and system-impacted communities to help move initiatives forward.

She earned a Master of Public Policy from the University of Chicago in 2024 and a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee in 2018. Sandy is bilingual in Spanish and English.

Kyla Wussow, Operations Assistant

Kyla joined WAFCA in 2025 with a strong foundation in customer service, banking, and event planning. Her background provides a unique combination of organization, financial sense, and a knack for fostering positive interactions. From managing complex logistics in event planning to ensuring accuracy and efficiency in banking, Kyla is committed to bringing her diverse skillset to support our organization's goals.

 

Board of Directors 2025

Chairperson:
Alan Loux, President and CEO, Rawhide Youth Services 
Vice-Chairperson:
Mechele Shipman, CEO, Anu Family Services
Treasurer:
Mark Mertens, Executive Director, Norris, Inc.
Secretary:
Tanya Lettman-Shue, CEO, Journey Mental Health Center

Members-at-Large:

Katy Christian, President, Family Works Programs, Inc. 
Crystal McClain, Executive Director, Revive Youth & Family Services
Stacey Parke, Executive Director, Orion Family Services
Scott Radtke, Chief Clinical Officer, Catalpa Health
Vicky Raml-Glider, Executive Director, Genesee Lake School
Rachel Roloff, Executive Director, Tomorrow's Children
Tara Treglowne, Chief Operating Officer, Lutheran Social Services of WI & Upper MI, Inc. 
Tita Yutuc, President & CEO, Family & Children’s Center