Our Board

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Amanda Garcia is currently the Executive director of Casa ALBA Melanie. Amanda is the daughter of Mexican immigrants who came to the Greater Green Bay Area in 1995 and stayed in this community that has welcomed them with opportunities to plant their roots and raise a family. Amanda has a Bachelor of Arts from St. Norbert College and a master’s degree in International Relations from Marquette University. Amanda brings more than 10 years of experience in both volunteer and professional roles with the Hispanic community, recently having served as the NEW Scholars High School Coordinator at College Ready and also as a board member for Casa Alba Melanie from 2019-2021. Her experience in education, community engagement, and nonprofit development has helped her become a key leader in identifying the needs of the Hispanic/Latinx community in the Greater Green Bay Area. "She is passionate about promoting the well-being and autonomy of Latinos in the Greater Green Bay area."

Gratzia Villarroel is currently President of Casa ALBA Melanie. She joined the Casa ALBA Board of Directors in February 2018. Gratzia currently serves on the Marketing Committee. In the community, Dr. Gratzia Villarroel is an Associate Professor of International Relations and Comparative Politics. She is a member of the Executive Board for the International Studies Association Peace Studies Section (2018-present). She served as the Associate Academic Dean for Global Affairs at St. Norbert College (2014-2017) and served as the co-editor for the Latin American Studies Association journal, LASA Forum (2013-2014). She was selected the 2007-2008 Santo Domingo Visiting Scholar at the David Rockefeller Center for Latin American Studies at Harvard University. Dr. Villarroel research interests include Latin American democracies in the 21st century and women in politics in Latin America. She has published on indigenous women and politics in Bolivia (“Bolivian Women Making the Revolution” 2013) and has served as a consultant for Bolivia’s National Museum. She also has published on the interplay of globalization and democratic movements in Latin America (“Diversifying Democracy in Latin America in the 21st Century” 2014) She is currently working on a manuscript entitled Lifting the Gaze: The Seven Myths of Indigenous Women in Latin America. As a member of the executive board of the International Studies Association (ISA) Peace Studies section, Dr. Villarroel is currently working on a conference entitled “Commemorating Violent Conflicts and Building Sustainable Peace” commemorating the 1970 Kent State Shootings. Dr. Villarroel is currently a member of the Academic Council of the United Nations (ACUNS), the Latin American Studies Association (LASA). She is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and has been a member of various committees on diversity including presiding over the SNC President’s Commission on Women and the SNC Global Indigenous Forum. She is a member of St. Norbert College’s Committee on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and she was selected as the President of the Board of Directors of Casa Alba Melanie the Hispanic Resource Center of Greater Green Bay (2018-present).

Dr. Yolo Diaz is currently Vice President. Joined the Casa ALBA Melanie Board in 2021. Dr. Diaz was born and raised in Mexico City. She graduated from Universidad Anahuac’s medical school, and she then moved to Florida for her pediatric residency at University of Miami’s Jackson Memorial Hospital. After completing her training, she moved back to Mexico City, but she and her husband decided to migrate to the United States after two years due to the high crime in Mexico -- this time making Green Bay, Wisconsin their permanent home. Since 2001, Dr. Diaz has practiced at the N.E.W Community Clinic. During her almost 20 years in Green Bay, she has been part of multiple boards and committees representing the Hispanic community. When not at work, Dr. Diaz and her husband enjoy cycling along northeastern Wisconsin’s beautiful countryside.

Thomas M. Olejniczak is currently Treasurer of Casa ALBA Melanie. He has been associated with Casa ALBA Melanie since its inception in 2011. Tom has served on the Casa ALBA Board and serves on the Development Committee. Tom also handled all of Casa ALBA legal matters. In the community, Tom is an attorney and a partner with the law firm of Conway, Olejniczak & Jerry, S.C. He serves on the Boards of: Green Bay Packers, NEW Community Shelter, PMI Entertainment Group, and Taking Wing Stewardship. He is the Treasurer of the North Central Lieutenancy of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.

Juan Corpus is currently Secretary. Senior Culture and Engagement Professional at Humana I am aligned with the goals and focus of [Casa ALBA Melanie]. I would like to use the skills gained in my over 22 years of experience at Humana. This includes years of process improvement, process management, and leadership experience providing support to segment leadership and leading many cross-functional teams and projects. During this time, I have also collaborated on several Inclusion & Diversity councils and affinity groups helping forward Humana’s I&D strategy. I am also Vice-President of the Latino Professionals Association of N.E.W. An organization started in 2021 to build a network of Latino professionals who come together to share professional and personal experiences, heritage and inspiration. We continue to expand across all professions, provide guidance and leadership to Latina/o/x professionals and build paths to success. -Grew up in Green Bay, graduated from UWGB, knows the community

MEMBERS OF BOARD

Father Paul Demuth is a Senior Priest of the Diocese of Green Bay, recently retired from 50 years of diocesan and pastoral service. Over 48 years of his ministry has been in the Green Bay Area, serving in parishes in Green Bay and De Pere. He also served in the Liturgical Commission for the diocese and more recently spent six years as Vicar for Ministers. Currently he is President of Bay Area Community Council (BACC), a think tank for the greater Green Bay area. He has had long history of involvement with the Hispanic community beginning in High School Seminary with catechetical ministry among the migrants that worked in the Mishicot area. In more recent years his involvement with BACC has lead him to an interest in the growing diversity of our community and the wealth of gifts that the many new communities bring to greater Green Bay. Father Paul joined the Casa ALBA Melanie Board in 2018.

Father Ken DeGroot has been associated with Casa ALBA Melanie since its formation was first discussed. Father Ken served on the Casa ALBA Board from 2011 through December 2017; and was again elected to the Board in 2019. He serves as Chair of the Development Committee and serves on the Finance Committee. Father Ken continues to help where needed, spending parts of most days at Casa ALBA, seeing people that come in and participating in presentation to outside groups. In the Community, Father Ken is on the Basic Needs and Self Sufficiency Committee of the United Way and of the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation. Father Ken is on the Advisory Board of St. Vincent Hospital, St. Mary Hospital and Prevea Health.

Patricia Agee-Aguayo joined the Casa Alba Board in Feb. 2016. Patricia is a volunteer teacher for Casa Alba in GED math. Patricia chairs the Casa ALBA Programming Committee. She feels blessed with the opportunity to help young adults and support them in their studies. She graduated from the University of Concepcion, Chile in the area of Math Education. She has an elementary education certification from St. Norbert College, a bilingual/ESL education certification from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, and a Master of Science in Education (MSE) degree in curriculum and instruction from University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. Patricia was selected as the best elementary Math teacher (K - 6) in the State of Wisconsin. President Obama presented her with the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, chosen by the National Science Foundation. Patricia is a member of Lions Club of Allouez and is involved in projects to support the children in our community.

Maria Plascencia joined Casa Alba Melanie in 2012. She started as a volunteer for Casa Alba every Saturday from 9:30 to 1:00. She joined the Casa Alba Board and currently serves on the Development Committee. Maria is currently in charge of the front desk and other office related chores. She has always been very pleased to be part of the Casa Alba family and she shows it. While I am at Casa Alba, I make sure that the clients who use the facility are always safe and happy and help take care of the property. I also, try to spread the word of what Casa Alba Melanie is doing for all of us in the community. Maria participates at her church events and get involved with fund raisings for the ill or needy. I also follow up with some of our most heart touching cases at Casa Alba.

Dennis Rader is past 2nd Vice President of Casa ALBA and joined the Casa ALBA Melanie board in March 2017. Dennis is conversant in Spanish and volunteers at Casa ALBA assisting non-English speakers in completing paperwork dealing with matters such as housing, pensions, employment, and immigration. After practicing Management Labor Law in both the public and private sector for 30 years, he retired from his legal practice in 2005. Dennis served as president of the local Chamber of Commerce and three terms as the president of the Bay Area Community Council, including chairing the Brown County 20/20 Community Summit in 2012. Currently he is a member of the Migration Advocacy Network, has been involved in voter registration, and has served on United Way sub-committees, the Boards of the Greater Green Bay Mediation Center, the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation, SS Edward & Isidore Catholic parish and the UWGB based Learning in Retirement program. He as twice served as president of the Green Bay West Rotary club and has been the Group Study Exchange and Rotary Foundation Chairperson for Rotary District 6220.

Liliana Ramírez joined the Casa ALBA Melanie board in February 2018. Liliana is a registered Dietitian in Mexico as well in the USA. Currently employee at Brown County UW-Extension FoodWIse program as nutrition educator. She conducts exercise and nutrition classes for Latina women, “Strong Women” program twice a week and works with the nutrition education for our Green Bay Kids and Youth Training group as well with the Senior group at Casa ALBA.

Elias Rivera joined the Casa ALBA Melanie Board of Directors in 2019. Elías currently serves on the Marketing Committee. In the community, Elías works as an International Account Manager in the Exports division at Schreiber Foods.

Luis Sanchez has been with Casa Alba since its inception in 2011. He serves on the Development Committee. Joined Casa Alba Melanie since 2011 as a Board Member and volunteer. Luis works for St Willebrord’s Church as a deacon and active member of the Hispanic community in Green Bay. Assists members for the Hispanic community by making referrals to other agencies, assisting people at the jail, translating, and helps Casa Alba with the maintenance of the grounds.

Debbie Stein is a retired Brown County nurse and joined the Casa ALBA Melanie Board in 2020. Debbie recently retired from Brown County Public Health after almost 32 years of service. At Public Health, Debbie offered nursing case management for families that have a child with a special health care need. This included helping them understand their child’s health condition, helping them navigate the health care system, and referring them to resources in the community. She worked with the Angeles Parent Support Group at Casa ALBA. She also worked to implement early childhood screening for children at Casa ALBA. Debbie will serve on the Programming Committee.

April Leon MSN, RN Manager Nursing Education Aurora BayCare Medical Center (ABMC) in Green Bay, WI First Hispanic and of the youngest in leadership at ABMC. I am the manager of the nursing education and professional development team at our hospital. I also have a commitment in building community alliances and seeking different pathways into healthcare, such as high school students/programs, youth apprentice programs, technical and university alliances. Member of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee in the North Market with Advocate Aurora Health (AAH)-assure DEI efforts are accomplished and incorporated into nursing practice. Member of the Green Bay Hispanic Outreach Team with AAH, serving as a leader and facilitating active listening sessions with leaders in our community, working towards identifying barriers and bridging gaps. Advocate for the Hispanic community in the Green Bay area: involved in Hispanic and Hmong COVID-19 vaccination clinics operations, involved with CASA Alba (Hispanic community center) Health Navigator Program support and collaboration. Member of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN)-Milwaukee Chapter, active in the nominating committee for leadership positions. Member of the Latino Professionals Association of Northeast Wisconsin (LPA), assisted in the early discussions and development, focused on building a network of Latino professionals, sharing professional and personal experiences, heritage and overall inspiration. Mentor for nursing professional development specialists and mentoring high school students in the CollegeReady program. Statement of Intent: As a CASA Alba board member I intend to continue my commitment towards identifying and bridging gaps for our Hispanic community. I plan to support and implement processes that are effective and thoughtful, re-analyzing approaches as necessary and executing goals. Another focus will be on community partnerships to meet the vision of our organization and overall effect and improve lives.

Rogelio Contreras: Wello, Community Project Coordinator and Founder XpresaT Radio I’m Rogelio Contreras and I'm the Community Project Coordinator for Wello. At Wello, part of my responsibilities is to support the implementation of Wello's portfolio of well-being projects for the Greater Green Bay community. I have had the privilege to be actively within the Green Bay Community for the last 10 years, from educating, tutoring, volunteering and mainly focus with the Hispanic community. My position in Wello is to focus on community contact and make connections to keep building the well-being of everyone that lives in brown county. I have fought for the rights of the immigrants and DACA students since day one and increment the level of participation from the Hispanic community into the city. My experience on managing big projects and logistics background has given me the capacity to organize big events and put together the first celebration of the Hispanic heritage month for Casa ALBA Melanie. I’m also a Member of the Latino Professionals Association of Northeast Wisconsin (LPA) and contributed to the early conversations of creating a network for Latinx professionals that could share their knowledge, culture, background and creating a community for Latinx professionals. Coco Rivera and I created Xpresat Radio after seeing the need for a voice and lack of participation from the Latinx community. Radio’s focus is on making those connections that no one had taken the initiative to do so. For the past year we have focused on creating content and those bridges with the Hispanic Community and the city they live in. Also, creating a voice for local Hispanic businesses. As a Casa Alba Melanie board member I intend to try to pass those bridges and create new connections to have a voice for our Latinx Community and find those specific spots where our community has low participation. In me you find support to find new partnerships that will contribute to Casa Alba’s goal, to manage projects, make close relations with the Green Bay community and find the support from local leaders that can add knowledge, resources and even time to Casa Alba Goal

EMERITUS OFFICERS

Sister Melanie Maczka was the Executive Director of Casa ALBA Melanie. She was a member of the original group of people that got together to develop the idea of a Hispanic Resource Center in 2010. In the community, Sister Melanie is involved with Hispanic lay ministry formation in the Catholic diocese. She serves on the Board of Directors of ABC (Achieve Brown County). She is a past Board member of the YWCA and the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) in Green Bay. She is active in the Migration Advocacy of Brown County and is an active advocate for justice and equality for immigrants.

Mike Welch served as Secretary of Casa ALBA Melanie. He joined the Casa ALBA Melanie Board in February 2015. Mike chaired the Casa ALBA Marketing Committee. He is retired from Integrys Group working most of his 33-year career in the Marketing field. In the community, Mike has been a Minister of the Word, Eucharist and Alter at St. Willebrord Parish in Green Bay for over 30 years. He has served on the St. Willebrord Parish Finance Council. Mike has served as a Commissioner on the Brown County Housing Authority for 21 years including time as its Vice Chairman and Chairman. Mike has also served on the Board of Directors and as Vice Chairman of Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation.

Keith A. Kolb joined the Casa Alba Board of Directors in February, 2016. Keith currently oversees the activities of all of the Baird Public Finance offices and is responsible for maintaining a variety of client relationships. Under his direction, Baird has become a leading municipal financial advisor and bond underwriter in the nation. Before joining Baird, Keith practiced municipal bond law for three years, specializing in federal taxation and general finance areas. He received a JD degree from Marquette University Law School and a BS degree in Business from Marquette University. Keith and his wife Maureen volunteer and support and are on boards for a number of important community organizations, including the United Community Center, Pearls for Teen Girls and Casa Alba Melanie.

Valerie Corrigan is past President of the Casa Alba Melanie Board and served as a Board member and volunteer since 2014. She served on both the Marketing and Programming Committees. Valerie has a degree in Business Administration and has worked for the Green Bay Area Public Schools for the Head Start Program since 2006. She assists the Hispanic families in Brown County with issues related to housing, food, counseling, education, doctors’ appointments, translations, etc. Valerie is a certified translator and interpreter (English and Spanish)

Kathryn Dykes, MSN, APNP served as Secretary to the Casa ALBA Board and was a founding member of the Casa ALBA Melanie board of directors. Katie serves on the Casa ALBA Marketing Committee. She is a full-time Geriatric Nurse Practitioner at Prevea Health in Green Bay. Katie was named the 285th “Daily Point of Light” by President George H. Bush on October 27, 1990, a Presidential Award for Community Service. She also has a citation from the State of Wisconsin for community service. Among her many volunteer activities are faith formation at Green Bay Correctional Institute, ESL tutor at Literacy Green Bay, Board of Directors of the Alzheimer’s Association of Green Bay, CPR instructor, among many other volunteer activities.

Elvita Erdmann served as President of the Casa Alba Board of Directors from its opening in 2010 until 2016. Elvita served on the Programming Committee to ensure that support services are available to individuals with language barriers or who lack knowledge of basic services. In the community, Erdmann has worked as a Crisis Counselor for sexual assault victims in Brown County, since 2001, providing advocacy, prevention and support services to the Hispanic population. She is also a past Board Member for Encompass Early Education and Care, the Hispanic Advisory Council, the United Way advisory subcommittee for minorities, and the Immigration Task Force. She has ongoing participation with Community Coordinated Response (CCR) and the Sexual Assault Resource Team (SART) in Brown County.

Robert Gagan served as Treasurer for Casa ALBA Melanie Board of Directors. He joined the Casa ALBA Board of Director in February 2017. Bob chaired Casa ALBA Melanie’s Finance Committee. Bob was an attorney with O'Neil, Cannon, Hollman, Dejong & Laing SC, Green Bay. Bob is now an attorney with the law firm of Conway, Olejniczak & Jerry, S.C. He has coordinated monthly attorney consultations for Hispanics for more than eight years.

Elizabeth Kostichka has served on the Casa Alba Board since its inception and has served as Vice President of the Casa Alba Board of Directors. She serves on the Development Committee. At Casa Alba, Elizabeth assists Hispanics with insurance questions, on-line enrollment of Medicaid, Medicare and applying for disability. For those without insurance or do not qualify for medical insurance due to status, Elizabeth helps people apply for medical assistance through other means and helps work out payment arrangements. She coordinates the Hispanic Senior group. At St. Willebrord Parish she helps with the Quinceaῆera group, and is a catechist assistant on Saturday mornings. She serves on the Board for the Center for Spirituality at St. Norbert and volunteers for their events.

Randy Kostichka served as Secretary to the Casa Alba Board between 2010 and 2016. He served as a lead member of the Marketing Committee. In the community, Randy is a member of St Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish where is the choir director of the all generations choir. He helped to form the St. Willy’s Jam at St. Willebrord Parish in 2006. He is employed at Express Scripts, a prescription benefit management company, as a Senior manager of software development. This is a Fortune® 25 company located in St. Louis Missouri. Randy has lived in Green Bay since 1982. He is married with two adult children.

Eileen Littig served as Vice President and Chairperson of Casa ALBA Melanie. Eileen has been on the Board since its inception, before its by-laws and building. She served on the Development Committee. She is an advocate for Casa ALBA in the community. She is on the committee to help develop the 2017 Latino Exhibit with the Neville Museum. In the community, Eileen serves on the Board of the YWCA, Educational Television Production of NE Wisconsin and Wisconsin Educational Communications Board. She is a member of AAUW, Brown County Drug Alliance, Migration Advocacy, and the Brown County Homeless and Housing Coalition. She works part-time with NEWIST/CESA 7 on various television and radio programs.

Veronica Sanchez Dominguez served as Treasurer to the Casa ALBA Melanie Board of Directors. She also served as Chair of the Finance Committee. She has been involved with Casa ALBA Melanie since its beginning in 2011. Veronica joined the organization as it had an idea of what was needed but the organization needed to define when and how. Veronica serves on the Casa ALBA Melanie Board and is Treasurer for the organization. She is responsible for the finances of the organization including: payroll, paying bills, creating budgets, reconciling accounts and other financial tasks. Veronica is also involved with young people particularly students and recent graduates who are looking to network and with minorities who are looking for a mentor.

Natalia Sidon is past 2nd Vice President of Casa Alba and has been a member of Casa Alba Melanie since its inception in 2011. Natalia joined the Casa Alba Melanie Board of Directors in 2013. She serves on its Programming Committee. Natalia helped start the Green Bay Youth group at Casa Alba. Natalia has been working with the Green Bay Police Department as a Crime Prevention Coordinator for the last 15 years and she is our on-site police liaison here at Casa Alba Melanie.

EMERITUS BOARD MEMBERS

Aurora Cortes, PhD, Assistant Professor in the Professional Program in Education at the University of Wisconsin Green Bay, began collaborating with Casa Alba in 2014 by inviting UWGB students to reach out and become involved with the Hispanic community in Green Bay. Education students receive credits for working at Casa Alba with Pre-K children and their parents introducing literacy and preparing them for pre-school. Other UWGB students volunteer as GED instructors helping Hispanic adults prepare for their Certificate of High School Equivalency. In the community Aurora has done consulting work for Scholarships Inc. developing a curriculum for their NEW Scholars program that serves mostly Hispanic middle school students in Green Bay. She has also begun a UWGB student initiative, Latino Outreach, to mentor high school students to further their education.

Olga Santana served the Casa ALBA Melanie board from 2018 through 2020. Olga is mother of three adult children, long-time active member of St. Willebrord Church, and advocate for immigrant rights.