I’ve been an Employment Specialist with The Connection Co. for over three years, where I’m passionate about helping individuals move toward meaningful, sustainable employment. My favorite part of the work is walking alongside people as they pursue their goals, every milestone, big or small, is a win worth celebrating.

In addition to my direct service role, I serve as the Director of Employment Services for The Compass Co., where I lead efforts to support individuals navigating complex and often intersecting barriers to employment. My approach is rooted in looking at the whole person, understanding that employment success is deeply connected to factors like confidence, life experience, mental health, and support systems. I specialize in helping individuals develop practical strategies to address challenges such as gaps in employment, background navigation, and skill development, while building a clear and achievable path forward.

I believe employment is about more than just a job, it’s about purpose, stability, and long-term growth. I strive to create individualized, strengths-based plans that empower people to reach their goals and sustain success.

I’m a proud UW–Stevens Point alumna, as well as a business owner and mom. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time outdoors, playing racquet sports, cooking and preserving, and getting my hands dirty in the garden.

I moved to Stevens Point right after graduating and quickly found my passion in building connections and making a difference in people’s lives. With over five years of management experience, I bring creativity and a person first mindset to everything I do.

My journey into this field started at Goodwill, where I worked as a sales floor manager. That experience truly sparked my passion for supporting individuals with disabilities and showed me just how impactful this work can be. It ultimately led me to TCC, where I’m excited to serve as an Employment Specialist and help others reach their goals and thrive.

When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me out on the golf course, enjoying the outdoors, checking out live music, or supporting local businesses around the community. I love staying active, exploring new things, and being part of what makes Stevens Point such a great place to live!

Hello! My name is Beth Gardner and I joined the TCC team in August of 2024. Prior to joining TCC, I worked at the Welcome Center in the Office of Admissions and Recruitment at University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point. During my time there, I worked with Project SEARCH interns and assisted the front desk with daily operations.

My background is in the nonprofit sector, where I served in leadership roles for arts organizations and educational settings for nearly 15 years.

I am an advocate for the neurodivergent community and have completed ADHD coach training. I also volunteer with Islands of Brilliance, a Milwaukee-based nonprofit that empowers neurodivergent youth and young adults across Wisconsin through creativity, technology, and one-on-one mentorship.

Outside of work, I love spending time with my husband and three kids, singing with Monteverdi Chorale, where I also serve as Vice President of the Board, and enjoying all that the beautiful Stevens Point area has to offer.

Supporting people with disabilities and neurodivergent individuals is work that feels both meaningful and deeply personal to me. I look forward to helping you with your employment goals!

As the Vocational Coordinator for our Wisconsin Rapids branch, I bring over 15 years of experience in servant leadership and I have a deep passion for advocacy, inclusion, and empowering others to succeed.

I am committed to creating meaningful employment opportunities and fostering inclusive work environments where individuals can thrive. Building relationships and connecting people with resources is one of my greatest joys, and I love networking throughout our community to create positive impact. I also enjoy giving back through volunteer opportunities whenever I can, supporting causes and organizations that strengthen our community.

Outside of work, I am a proud mom of three and spend much of my time supporting my family's active involvement in the youth sports scene. I am also an avid reader and lead a virtual book club.

Fun fact: I read an average of 10–12 books each month purely for fun!

My name is Linda Wierzba. My work career started as a Purchasing Agent at a local publishing company. After 20 years I felt I needed a career change and took a position as a Special Education Assistant in the Stevens Point School District which also lasted for 20 years.

At first, I wasn’t sure if this was the right job for me, but as time went on, I found this to be the best decision and most rewarding thing I could have done. The students that I was fortunate enough to work with will always have a special place in my heart.

Now as I continue my career as a Job Coach for The Connection Co., I look forward to helping individuals work toward a career they may be interested in.

When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, especially supporting my granddaughters at their sporting events which include dance, basketball and softball. Some of the other things I enjoy are baking, going for quiet walks, watching the Brewers, and doing Sudoku puzzles.

Hi, I’m Rick and I am a Job Retention Specialist and Job Coach. My main responsibility is supporting our Long-Term Support clients, building relationships with employees and employers to ensure a successful partnership.

I have been with TCC for 3 years and previously worked in Project SEARCH, a school year program where interns are given the opportunity to learn skills needed to obtain employment through 3 ten-week internships.

In my spare time I coach Adapted Recreation through the YMCA. I love anything outdoors, hunting, fishing, camping, kayaking, hiking, and biking. Just being outdoors is relaxing and good for the soul.

Hello, my name is Angel, and I have been with The Connection Co. since the beginning. I am also an Educational Assistant at Stevens Point High School in the special education department.

Before changing my career choice, I was a preschool teacher for 25 years. I am homegrown right here in Stevens Point. I stayed here in Point and raised my son, Braden, he is 25 yrs old and coaches the junior high students in football, basketball and baseball.

Family and friends are very important to me, I spend as much time as I can with them. I absolutely love going to New Kids On The Block concerts, you can call me a Block-head! If I’m not with family or friends, I am relaxing at home with my 2 cats.

I absolutely love my jobs!! I love seeing my students and clients reach their goals, be at work or in school. With encouragement, patience and structure I hope to help all the clients reach their employment goals!! I look forward to meeting everyone!!

I’ve spent over 13 years working in human services across Central Wisconsin working for ODC and now TCC, mostly focused on job coaching (supported employment) and day service programs. Day to day, that means working one on one with people to help them pick up new skills, land jobs, and stay connected to their communities.

On top of my work in disability employment services, for the past five years, I've worked at Stevens Point Area High School (SPASH) as the In-House School Suspension Supervisor. Working directly with at-risk students has taught me a lot about patience, holding people accountable, and meeting kids where they are at when things get off track.

When I’m not working, I love to travel and try local restaurants along the way. I’d make a terrible food critic, though, mostly because I enjoy almost everything I eat.

Whether I’m on site at a job with a client, or working through a tough day with a student, my goal is pretty simple: offer practical, steady support so people can build confidence and handle what comes next.

My name is Tanya Hoffman, I am a job coach for The Connection Co. I have also been a special education teacher for 21 years. I have worked in the elementary, junior high and now the high school setting. I enjoy helping individuals to be successful in the school and work setting.

I enjoy spending time outdoors, traveling with my family, baking and reading. I also love animals, I currently have 2 dogs, 2 cats and a horse.

Hi, I'm Sherry. Before TCC, I worked at Goodwill Industries for more than 30 years in a variety of roles, including management and area leadership. Throughout my career, the part I've enjoyed most has always been working with people and helping them succeed.

I believe in being honest, treating people with respect, and leading by example. I care about the people I work with and want them to feel supported while also encouraging them to do their best. I believe everyone has something to offer, and I enjoy helping people build their confidence and grow.

Outside of work, I enjoy golfing, spending time with my three cats, and being with family and friends.

Hi, I'm Maggie! My professional background includes nonprofit leadership and fundraising, and I'm currently completing my master's degree in clinical mental health counseling. I love helping people recognize their strengths and values, build confidence, and move toward goals that matter to them.

I care about supporting people with disabilities as they pursue meaningful employment and greater independence, and I believe everyone deserves to be treated with respect, encouragement, and genuine curiosity.

I'm known for building strong relationships, listening well, and bringing a sense of humor to the process—growth is hard work, but it doesn't have to be serious all the time. (I'm also known for being ready to jump up and dance or belt karaoke at a moment's notice!)

When I'm not working, you'll usually find me reading with a cat on my lap, playing a board game with my family, sharing coffee with friends, or relaxing at the sauna.

Bio coming soon!