About US
"Alone we can do so little. Together we can do so much."
Helen Keller
OUR VISION
Waunakee is healthy and resilient.
OUR MISSION
The Waunakee Community Cares Coalition creates conditions and opportunities that prevent and reduce substance use.
OUR VALUES
We value engagement, education, collaboration and resiliency in our community and amongst its members.
OUR STORY
Since 2014, Waunakee Community Cares Coalition (WCCC) has been mobilizing partners from all sectors of the community to create a strong coalition dedicated to impactful change. WCCC utilizes local, state, and federal grant dollars to create conditions & opportunities to prevent and reduce youth substance use & support mental wellness and resiliency.
Collaborate
Educate
WCCC currently collaborates with over 20 organizations to build a healthy community. The opportunities to collaborate with diverse group members in WCCC is endless.
WCCC provides a robust library of opportunities and resources available for youth and adults to learn more about healthy choices, prevention, mental wellness, and resiliency.
WCCC engages our community and our youth in authentic ways. Join us today and help us create a healthier environment for all members of the community.
ENGAGE
Meet The Team
The WCCC is led by a committed team of community volunteers and champions for youth prevention and positive mental health. Each sector of the community is represented on our leadership team and plays an integral part of not only the vision for our organization, but also, the impactful work done.
Executive Board Chair
Brian Kersten
Brian has been an educator for over three decades. He served as the principal of Waunakee Community High School for 26 years until his retirement in 2019 and was named the State of Wisconsin High School Principal of the Year in 2001. Currently, he mentors new teachers in the district and coaches new building administrators through the Association of Wisconsin School Administrators. Brian and his wife, Julie, live in Waunakee. They have two adult children, Marjorie and Nathan, and a young French Pointer named Dash.
Project Coordinator
Tim Decorah
I recently retired from a 32-year career in public education, which began in August 1992 in the small school district of Hillsboro, Wisconsin. After three wonderful years there, I joined the Waunakee Community School District, where I spent the next 29 years as a teacher, coach, advisor, mentor, and colleague. Over the past two years, I have also worked as a keynote speaker, sharing my story of mental illness and recovery with communities, businesses, school districts, and universities across Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois. I am passionate about using my experiences to support others and foster understanding around mental health. I hope to bring a skill set that aligns with the vision, mission, and values of the WCCC and look forward to the work ahead.
Communication Coordinator & SEE Advisor
Maddy Zaleski
I graduated from Waunakee High School in 2021 and went on to attend Madison College before earning my degree in Psychology from Edgewood College in 2025. I am currently pursuing a graduate degree in the Family & Marriage Therapy Program at Edgewood College. During high school, I was actively involved in the ATI group for all four years. Now, I serve as the Advisor for SEE (Students Empowering Each Other) at Waunakee High School. I am passionate about supporting student well-being and fostering a positive school community.
Executive Vice Board Chair
Jeff Lafferty
Jeffery S. Lafferty serves as the Executive Vice Board Chair for WCCC. He is an environmental epidemiologist for Public Health Madison & Dane County (PHMDC), where he provides data and policy analysis support. Prior to joining PHMDC, Jeffery worked in cancer research and pharmaceutical development. His current focus is on environmental health and policy for Dane County. He was also involved for nearly a decade in developing the Dane County Youth Assessment, which is administered in middle and high schools throughout the county, including Waunakee High School.
Secretary/Treasurer
Jessica Arline
I currently work for the Waunakee Community School District as the ATODA Prevention Coordinator, Homeless Liaison, and 4K Social Worker. I am originally from Monroe, Wisconsin but got my Bachelors in Social Work & Gender and Women's Studies and then Masters in Social Work from UW-Madison. I like reading, taking care of my houseplants, and going on walks with my dogs.
Board Member
Tanner Weber
Tanner Weber serves as the School Resource Officer for the Waunakee School District. He holds both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. His graduate research examined law enforcement responses to school violence incidents. Officer Weber has contributed to the community through coaching high school wrestling and football, as well as working with his local church youth group. He has also served as a guest lecturer at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and has presented within the Waunakee School District on topics including alcohol and other drug abuse (AODA), sexual assault laws, the Fourth Amendment in law enforcement, and cybercrime. Dedicated to fostering a secure and supportive educational environment, Officer Weber seeks to share his expertise with the WCCC and to provide resources that support the safety and well-being of students and the broader community.
Board Member
Ryan Sheahan
Ryan Sheahan is a Program Coordinator for Public Health Madison and Dane County, and staffs the Dane County Alliance Against Commercial Tobacco. His focus is using evidence-based strategies to promote policy change, building strong alliances, and program management. Ryan lives with his wife and three kids in Waunakee, WI.
Project Evaluator
Mari Gasiorowicz, M.A.
Mari is an Evaluator at Public Health Madison & Dane County (PHMDC), which provides in-kind support to the WCCC. Mari has worked in public health in local, state, and global settings over her 30 plus-year career, including two years in Tanzania with her family when her children were in elementary school (now they are young adults). Mari is particularly interested in evaluating systems-level change work, like WCCC’s efforts.
Board Member
Veronica Castillo
Verónica received her Bachelor’s Degree in Art History with a Minor in Non-Profit Administration from the University of Iowa in 2005 and her Master’s Degree in Bilingual Education from Edgewood College in 2015. She began her career as a Bilingual Teacher with the Madison Metropolitan School District, teaching students from 4K through 5th grade. Since 2017, Verónica has worked in the nonprofit sector, holding roles such as Director of Outreach for Madison Ballet and GED Coordinator at the Latino Academy of Workforce Development. Born in El Paso, Texas and raised in Iowa City, Iowa, her personal and professional experiences have fueled her passion for advocating for communities of color. Verónica strongly believes in the power of community and the importance of uplifting and supporting one another.
Youth Chair/SEE Member
Karinna Zerbel
I am currently a student at Waunakee High School and I have been a member of Students Empowering Each Other (SEE) since my Sophomore year. I am passionate about leadership and making change in not only my school, but my community. I hope you have a positive impact through my involvement in WCCC and demonstrate my enthusiasm for connection and empathy. I love to sing, especially in Waunakee's choir and vocal groups, as well as running on the Track and Field team.
Youth Chair/SEE Member
Finley Dodd
I am currently a student at Waunakee High School and a dedicated member of the SEE (Students Empowering Each Other) club. I am passionate about helping our community and collaborating with others to create positive change. As an involved member in various extracurriculars, I strive to connect with my peers and foster inclusivity. In my free time, I love taking long walks and biking on scenic routes.
Coming Soon
Coming Soon
Coming Soon