We are Hope Street, The Greenhouse for People. We help broken men, women and children cultivate hope by providing a safe environment for building community, developing self-sufficiency and experiencing the love of Christ.
staff Team
ASHLEY THOMAS
Executive Director
Ashley Thomas joined the Hope Street team in December of 2013 as the Operations Director. In 2015 she was promoted to Assistant Executive Director, and in April of 2017 she was voted in as the Executive Director. Ashley oversees Fund Development, Operations and Programming. Ashley has a pulse on the organizational health from the board to staff, our volunteers, and the Hope Street community. Ashley has a BA in Sociology from the University of Wisconsin - Madison and Masters in Theological Studies from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.
KENDALL SCHOENIKE
Assistant Executive Director
Kendall Schoenike is the Assistant Executive Director. Kendall oversees building operations, grant writing, and spends her time connecting with both members and supporters, as well as other behind the scenes details. She first served as a Summer Intern in 2019, and officially joined the staff in March of 2020. She has a Bachelor of Science in Community & Nonprofit Leadership and Religious Studies with certificates in Sustainability and Leadership from UW-Madison.
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MICHELLE WILLE
Executive Assistant
Michelle Wille is our Executive Assistant. She came on to our team in February of 2022, after about a year of faithful volunteerism. Michelle has a BS in Spanish Education from Mount Mary. With 12 years of teaching experience in middle and high schools, we knew Michelle had a heart for education. We soon found she has a heart for helping wherever she can and has endless gifts. Michelle oversees HR, and supports Ashley with event planning, and other administrative tasks.
HANNAH DIRKSE
Social Worker
Hannah Dirkse joined the Hope Street team in August of 2016 as the Social Worker. She oversees our relationships with community organizations and available resources for our members. Hannah oversees our new initiative Created to Create, which provides opportunities for kids and adults alike to experience healing and the joy of creating something new. Hannah earned her Bachelors in Social Work from UW – Milwaukee in 2011.
RHONDA NORTON
Ministry Director
Rhonda Norton is the Ministry Director and joined the Hope Street team in October of 2020. She was not a new face around Hope Street, as she first arrived as a member of the community with her two sons. Rhonda is fondly known as “mama Rhonda” around Hope Street and comes from a unique position to be able to empathize with people coming out of difficult situations. Her ability to discern, ask hard questions and love people well, makes her the perfect fit to assess whether or not Hope Street is the right fit for a potential member. Rhonda oversees the application and interview process for potential new members, as well as the Flourishing Metric.
STEPHANIE TODD
Programming Director
LISA PERKINS
Shechem Security
MARK BERQUIST
Book Keeper