Loading ...
Fourth-generation to lead the Jos. Schmitt Construction Company, Steven is a Sheboyganite dedicated to his community. His philanthropic nature has led him to work diligently to help bring the ideas of others to fruition to benefit the entire community. Sheboygan County Humane Society, The Shaw Family Playground, and the Purple Octopus at Above and Beyond Children's Museum are examples of the wonderful things Steven helps to create.
A dedicated husband, father, and grandfather, Steven is paving the way to a brighter future for the citizens of Sheboygan County.
Nena is a loving mother of four children. As early as she can remember Nena wanted to be a teacher. This emerging passion compounded with a high interest in the human psyche led her to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, which she followed up with a master’s degree in School and Community Counseling.
Through her studies, Nena found a particular interest in working with children who were struggling with mental health or crisis and children with special needs. She has volunteered with Rainbow Kids as an early childhood grief group counselor, lead small group activities with children temporarily housed at Safe Harbor domestic violence shelter, and served as a mentor with Big Brother/Big Sisters of Sheboygan for 10 years.
Nena’s studies and volunteer experiences lead her to a realization that often the special needs child population, as well as children struggling with mental health, get “left behind” in different venues of their lives. They often find an absence of quality services, including childcare, often resulting from lack of funding. This belief was further solidified as she encountered different obstacles while raising her oldest child, who has special needs. Because of this, her passion emerged to advocate for children in need and help their voices be heard, and to find ways to support the family as a whole in times of need by empowering them with proper tools. As she and her co-founder, Angel, agree: “Everyone needs a village “. This is where the dream of A Million Dreamz started … with endless possibilities for children of all abilities and their families.
Recently retired from her position as CFO of Polyfab LLC, Carol had been a dynamic and integral part of developing a one-man shop into a manufacturing facility known worldwide. Her experience and expertise with financial matters, human resources, business planning and management are welcomed with enthusiasm. Carol is happy to be on board.
Jennifer Irish is the Early Childhood Education Instructor and Program Chair at Lakeshore Technical College. Over the last 20+ years, she has worked with young children in a variety of settings including licensed child care centers, public schools, and private schools. She now prepares and guides adult students to be leaders in the early childhood classroom focusing on positive guidance, anti-bias perspectives, and developmentally appropriate practices.
Jennifer earned her first bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation Psychology from UW-Madison, gaining knowledge and experience working with individuals with differing abilities. She then earned her second bachelor’s degree, PK-6 teaching license, and master’s degree from Cardinal Stritch University. Jennifer’s passion is sharing her love of children and their holistic development with others to build a brighter future for all. Jennifer lives in Sheboygan with her husband and two children.
Joseph J. Voelkner was born and raised in Grafton, Wisconsin. Joe currently resides in Sheboygan with his wife, Melissa. Joe is a partner of Olsen, Kloet, Gunderson & Conway and presides on several non-profit boards throughout Sheboygan County.
Joe is an avid sports fan and tennis player, he enjoys playing tennis, golf, hockey, basketball, and softball and enjoys traveling at every opportunity.
Britney is first and foremost a mommy to a two year old little girl and one of the first little dreamers at A Million Dreamz, Madisyn. She works full time for Sheboygan County Department of Public and Environmental Health and lives with her boyfriend, Scott. She has 10 years of work in Childcare and has a passion for helping families be the best they can be.
Larry Samet, a proud graduate of Lakeland University with a BA in Sociology, has dedicated his life to serving the Sheboygan community. His journey began at Willowglen Academy where he worked for 10 years before moving on to serve Sheboygan County HHSD for an impressive 30 years as Wraparound Coordinator SW III.
Now retired from his professional career, Larry continues to make impactful contributions through various roles. He is currently the Citizen Representative on the HHSD Board and serves as President of both the Sheboygan Police & Fire Commission and Kiwanis Club of Greater Sheboygan. Additionally, he sits on the boards of Camp Evergreen and Sheboygan Senior Community.
In his past board services, Larry was a founding member of Safe Harbor and also served Hearthstone diligently. Beyond his professional commitments, Larry cherishes family time with Mary Kay Vincent-Samet (his wife of 38 years), their two daughters Lauren and Leah and grandchildren Harper and Grayson.
Interested in volunteer or employment opportunities? Join our team!