Chelsea Budde, Founder

Chelsea Budde has lived in Waukesha, Wis., since 2001 with her husband of 12 years, Pete, and their two children, Justus (age 9) and Noelle (age 6).  She graduated from St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wis., in 1995 with a B.A., and worked in public relations for several years before leaving to care for her family.  Justus’ and Noelle’s special needs have kept her engaged in the community as an advocate and a resource for other parents and professionals.

“Parenting children with autism, mood issues, and medical challenges is nothing I would have hoped for, but has turned out to be greatest blessing of my life,” she says.  Her faith in and reliance upon God have sustained her these years, as have the prayers and support of her many friends and family, both in southeast Wisconsin and throughout the country.

Chelsea serves with Heyer Elementary’s PTA (Waukesha), helps lead the School District of Waukesha’s Special Education Parent-Staff Support Group, sits on the Waukesha County Partnerships for Children’s Mental Health Coordinating Committee, has done several volunteer presentations as an ambassador for 4 Paws For Ability™ (Xenia, Ohio), and is an active member of and Missionary Team captain at Grace Bible Church (West Allis).  She has attended Tony Attwood’s Asperger’s continuing education seminar (2004) as well as the Autism Society of Wisconsin’s annual conference (2007), along with many other lectures and presentations on autism and children’s behavioral and mental health issues.

As President of Good Friend, Inc., Chelsea is a de facto member of the Board of Directors and serves as its Chairperson.

Denise Schamens, Founder

Denise Schamens has been married for 15 years to husband Mike and has three children.  Her eldest son Jacob is 10 and has ADHD.   Sam, who is 9, has been diagnosed with PDD-NOS, an ASD.  And the Schamens have a 5-year-old daughter, Anna. Since Sam’s diagnosis in 2001, Denise and her family have worked with the public school system to develop his educational plan, in addition to coordinating intensive in-home therapy programs, various natural forms of therapy, and some special massage and chiropractic therapies to help Sam progress.

Prior to staying home with her children, Denise’s career background has been in the networking and employment placement fields.  Before that, architecture and retail sales.  Her work experiences have developed her people skills as well as her ability to network and communicate with all kinds of people.

She has attended many Wisconsin conferences and trainings, including Circles of Life, IEP Process, Communication, Alternative Assessment, and Statewide Transition as well as continuing education courses on ASDs.  As the Special Education Parent Liaison for the Waukesha School District, she started a support group for families of children with all disabilities and helped coordinate two in-service autism training agendas.

“I am committed to assisting parents and educators in working together to promote effective partnerships through positive communication, collaboration, and training for the purpose of improving education for children with disabilities,” she says.

Denise is Good Friend’s Vice President and Treasurer, and a de facto Board member.

Ken Genin, Director

Ken Genin is the Development Director for The Women’s Center, located in Waukesha, Wis. He is married to Linda Rounseville. Linda is a psychotherapist and co-owner of Systemic Perspectives, an outpatient mental health clinic. They have two children, Renee (31), who is a child therapist, and Rachel (30), who does interior design, and one grandson Desmond (soon to be 3). Ken has lived in Waukesha since 1985.

Born in Madison, Wis., Ken is the eldest of eight children. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1972 with a B.A. in Business Administration. After graduation, he spent 33 years as an executive, focused primarily on marketing and sales, in the food and feed ingredient business. He worked for 24 years with a large food ingredient company based in Denmark. He has traveled extensively nationally and internationally while involved in this business. He has been employed with The Women’s Center for the past two years.

Ken has twice served on the Board of Directors of the American Feed Ingredient Industry Association. He was a Board member of Pro-Ag Services and Fermented Products. He is also a member of the Waukesha Noon Rotary. 

Lynnette Kalmadge, Director

Lynnette Kalmadge has lived in Waukesha, Wis., since 1997 with her husband of 12 years, Kyle, and their two children, Aaron and Allison. She graduated with honors from St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wis., in 1993, with a B.B.A. in International Business and minors in French and Marketing. While in college, she spent time living in both England and France.

She worked in the telecommunications field in several management and training and development roles before moving into the staffing industry in 1997. While in staffing, she managed a branch office and held several recruiting and development roles. In 1999, Lynnette stepped back from a her full time career to focus on her family. She now enjoys a flexible work schedule and writes client and associate newsletters, as well as maintains the website for Nissen Staffing Continuum in Waukesha. Lynnette is also a fitness instructor at the Waukesha YMCA.

In addition to her role on the Good Friend, Inc. board, Lynnette has been active in the Heyer Elementary PTA, where she now serves as its president. She is also a board member of the preschool at St. John's Lutheran Church in Brookfield. She frequently volunteers at her church, handling payroll and teaching high school Sunday School and music. When she has spare time, she enjoys biking, traveling, spending time with her family, cheering on her kids, and playing the guitar.

Gail Kolvenbach, Director

Gail Kolvenbach resides in St. Francis, Wis., with Paul , her husband of 27 years, along with children Paul III (age 21), Heather (age 20), Deric (age 19), and Bobby (age 16). Upon the birth of her son Paul who was initially diagnosed with cerebral palsy due to developmental delays and a seizure disorder (later diagnosed with autism), she immediately began her role as advocate. Struggling with the responsibilities of a first-time mom and a child with special needs, she knew she needed further assistance. This task became frustrating due to limited information, training, and resources in the community. Her journey and experiences along the way motivated her to assist families to help shorten their journey by providing them with information, training and resources on a volunteer basis. She also continues to be involved at the local and state level serving on several disability related councils and boards. Her attendance at workshops and conferences keeps her up to date on disability related issues, reveals new resources, and gives her the opportunity to connect with families.  

Les Schamens, Director

Les Schamens and his wife Jeannette have been married for 43 years and reside in Delafield. They are the parents of four married children, and the grandparents of ten grandchildren.

Schamens has an Associates Degree in Business and is the owner of Badger Blueprint Company with offices in Waukesha and Oconomowoc, Wis.

In addition to serving on the Board of Directors for Good Friend, Inc., Les is the past president of the North Central Reprographic Association, and is the Chairman of the Parish Pastoral Council at the Basilica of Saint Josaphat in Milwaukee.

Cheri Sylla, Director

Cheri Sylla is employed as the Parent Education Consultant for Cooperative Educational Services Agency #1 (CESA #1) in Brookfield, Wis. Her role is to support families and educators in the special education process and disability areas by providing information, referral, and training opportunities. She has been employed for over four years in this position.

Cheri and her husband, David, have four sons (ages 18, 17, and twins, 14). One of her sons has an intellectual disability and epilepsy and attends his local high school. She also serves on the Board of Education of the Elmbrook School District and has done so for over seven years.

An active member of the communities she serves, Cheri is also affiliated with Wisconsin Association of School Boards, Best Buddies Wisconsin, Association for the Rights of Citizens with Handicaps (ARCh). Milwaukee County Transition Advisory Board (MCTAB), and the Ozaukee and Waukesha Counties’ Transition Advisory Councils (TAC).

She earned her B.S. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1987.