Supey
I joined the RISE UP team as an Office Dog with Iyah in September 2014 when we retired from racing. I currently work a couple days a week and am responsible for morale boosting, pet therapy and greeting guests. My favorite pastime is napping but I am are also very fond of begging for anything I can get to eat. I often can be found begging for fortune cookies, tortilla chips and empty yogurt containers. My sweet puppy eyes will have you handing it over before you know it.
Amy Melton-White, Executive Director
Hello my name is Amy Melton-White, an original Incorporator of RISE UP, Inc. I have served as the Executive Director since our inception on 4/1/2002. I have my BFA Degree from the University of Iowa/Iowa City and have over 30 years’ experience supporting people with disabilities and 25 years’ experience leading teams. My career began as a Vocational Program Coordinator/Job Developer (1990-1996) then transitioned to a position as a Supported Living/Residential Case Manager (1996-1999) for a small program housed within a larger organization where I was able to help people move from State Centers and Orchard Hill into their own homes in the community. As the minimum age to enroll in the program at the time was 55 and older, this began our history and expertise in supporting older & elderly people. I was promoted to Supported Living/Program Coordinator (1999-2002) and worked in that position through the program closure. With the encouragement and support of our funding source, my managers and staff, the people served and other providers, RISE UP was created! My prior work/life experience undoubtedly gave me skills that benefit me in my current position; retail/service industry (money management/customer service/payroll), driving a bus (including paratransit and dispatch), working as summer camp counselor (teamwork/community), de-tasseling corn (hard work) and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree (creative problem solving). My hobbies outside of work include cooking/baking, gardening, bird watching, hiking, canoeing, camping, wrangling my cats and music..
Brittany Filo-Hudson, Director of Operations
My name is Brittany Filo, I’m a Supportive Services Manager with RISE UP. I have a bachelors in Psychology from UWM. My focus has always been to help people, I found a passion working with individuals with disabilities. Over the years I have worked to strengthen people’s independence and involvement in the community while working in residential living facilities and community employment. I believe in using empathy, compassion and education to advocate for and build up individuals. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my fiancée and two cats Neko and Nemo and traveling whenever possible.
Nyembezi Hendrickson, Director of Talent and Development
Greetings!
My name is Nyembezi(Bezi) Hendrickson. I am the Director of Talent and Development with RISE UP Inc. I have a M.A in Special education/visual impairment emphasis from University of Northern Colorado. I immigrated from Zimbabwe in 2000, and I have since made Madison WI my home. I started working for RISE UP in 2004 as a part time Direct Support employee, and I also worked as a Home coordinator as well. I have experience working with individuals with disabilities in different settings namely state residential facilities, adult family homes, and home care facilities in different role capacities.Even after trying out different career paths, I have always found myself drawn back into the human/health services field. I enjoy supporting individuals with disabilities with their active treatment goals so that they can live fulfilling lives; and reach their potential. I advocate for full inclusion in the community, and the ability to make individual choices in all spheres of the lives of individuals with disabilities.
I enjoy trying out different foods, reading on a variety of topics, spending time outside during the summer with my husband, and collecting fresh chicken eggs from our backyard. I am looking forward to many great years of fulfilling, respectful working partnerships with everyone.
Jane Thomson, Supportive Services Manager
My name is Jane Thomson and I am a Supportive Services Manager with RISE UP Inc. I received my Master’s degree in Counseling from UW-Whitewater in 2004. I regularly attend the University of Wisconsin’s continuing education programs to remain current on topics, such as addiction, dementia, Alzheimer’s, and mental health with adults. I have been providing support to adults with disabilities for twenty-five years and have been a case manager in both vocational and residential settings. I enjoy the collaboration that takes place amongst my peers at RISE UP which allows for creativity to flow. I am grateful that I have the opportunity to build relationships with our consumers and families. Outside of work, I love to travel and attend live music concerts. I enjoy remaining active through yoga, weight training and playing golf. Spending time with our rescue dog Jura, brings me much joy!
Kelly Kittle, Residential Case Manager
Hi there, my name is Kelly. I’m a healthcare veteran with more than twenty years of experience in providing direct supportive care. Over the years I have participated in many roles on the healthcare spectrum from direct personal cares in home settings to assisting with on-call & scheduling. I have experience as a new-hire staff trainer, as well as in the position of being a Lead Staff/ House Coordinator. Throughout my career, I have worked closely with consumers to provide the highest possible quality of care both in-home & in the community, always putting the people I serve first. I work diligently to help consumers maintain a high standard of life and remain independent within their homes. I feel that I offer a great combination of perception, planning, listening, empathy, and caring to support consumers, staff, and external team members. In my free time, I enjoy spontaneous road trips, live music of all genres, cooking new recipes for my family, and anything outdoors near the water. I look forward to meeting and connecting with all of you and getting to know everyone better.