Our Team
John Adams, BS, SAC-IT
John Adams is a well-known and successful advocate for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. He utilizes his knowledge of addiction, mental illness, social services, the streets,
Michael Moody, MSW
Michael has a Master's in Social Work, focusing on policy and administration from the University of Wisconsin. He is an advocate for marginalized people and devoted to elevating their voices to
Ruchita Ervin, MS, LPC, CSAC
Ruchita Ervin is the co-founder and CEO of Our Generations Inc. and clinical supervisor at Catalyst
Sarah Fink, LCSW
Sarah Fink graduated with a Master’s in Social Service Administration from the University of Chicago in June of 2021. She is a compassionate and creative individual who is effective and experienced at serving
Emma Stoehr, BS
Emma Stoehr has a bachelor’s in Psychology and a Criminal Justice Certificate from UW-Madison. She has formerly worked at Mendota Juvenile Treatment Center, Attic Halfway House, Just Dane, and
Marjorie Lewis, BS
Marjorie Lewis is a graduate of DePaul University. She has worked to support homeless individuals with severe mental illness and substance use disorders in Dane County since 2015.
Kimberly Tesch
Kimberly holds an associates degree in Business Management. Prior to working as the Human Resources and Finance Officer at Catalyst for Change, Kimberly served as Operations Specialist and then Program Director of The Beacon Day Resource Center.
Maria Tran Andreakos, MSW, APSW
Maria is deeply committed to exploring the interconnected aspects of well-being, striving to create meaningful, lasting impacts in the lives of those she supports. She recognizes that each person’s journey is unique and that early experiences profoundly shape their present.
Abby Kleindl, MS CRC
Abigail Kleindl has a Master’s in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling from UW-Madison.
Shailyn Brooks, BS
Shailyn Brooks has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin – Madison and carries a strong passion for forensic psychology.
Brooke Frion, BS
Brooke Frion graduated from University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire in 2021 with a Bachelor's degree in Social Work and a minor in Sociology. She is passionate about advocating for people experiencing homelessness and mental health struggles, as well as building trust and rapport with the people she works with.
Dr. Erick Sheftic, MD
Erick Sheftic (he/him) received a Bachelor of Science in Biology with minors in Chemistry and Psychology from The College of Charleston, an MD from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, and completed Psychiatry residency at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics.
Kirstie Keith
Kirstie brings a wealth of experience and unwavering dedication to her role, driven by her personal journey of transformation and commitment to making a positive impact. With a steadfast focus on building meaningful connections and empowering others to realize their potential, Kirstie embodies a deep sense of purpose in her work.
Arret Druley, BSW
Arret (they/he) is an outreach specialist at Catalyst for Change. Arret worked for CFC as an intern during their undergraduate program at UW Madison and was hired to work full time after achieving their degree in spring of 2024. They have a passion for family outreach, and they firmly believe that all families deserve to have someone in their corner so they can navigate systems and achieve housing.
Drew Porter
Drew is an Outreach Worker and CCS Provider for Catalyst for Change. Drew’s goals in life are to help as many people as he can discover themselves while at the same time allowing them to be comfortable with who they are becoming.
Lindsey Robertson, BSW
Lindsey holds a Bachelor’s of Social Work from Western Kentucky University. Their academic background, combined with hands-on experience, enables them to approach each situation with empathy, a person-centered approach, and a mindset of ensuring that every individual feels seen, heard, and included.
Jeff Messer, BS
Jeff has a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Pennsylvania State University. He previously worked for a non-profit criminal justice organization, assisting the Wisconsin Department of Corrections with community supervision.
Dan Dreckschmidt, M. Ed
Dan Dreckschmidt has a Master's Degree in Education from UW-LaCrosse and Bachelor's Degrees in Sociology and Education from the UW-Madison. Over the past 27 years, Dan has served the community in several roles, including as a case manager for people with disabilities living in their own homes, a mentor for staff providing in home care, a group home manager providing transitional services for people with mental health and substance use issues, and a high school social studies teacher.
Ashley Retberg, M. Ed
Ashley is a Service Facilitator at CFC. She has a Bachelor's in Community Health from Central Michigan University and a Master's in Special Education from UW-Madison. Before coming to CFC, she worked as a middle school special education teacher in the Madison school district. She’s passionate about restorative & transformative justice and health equity, which includes secure housing and access to mental health services.