Kaitlyn was nominated as a hidden hero because of her tireless efforts to help bond multi-generational groups together.  Before and during the pandemic she has helped keep lines of communication open at her church, St. John Lutheran Church in Kellner.  Prior to COVID-19 she brought these groups together with her cooking skills.  While being a stay at home mom she also takes time to be passionate about the well being of her community and those around her.  

Kaitlyn is originally from Pittsville, and now has lived in Portage county the past 10 years. While growing up, Kaitlyn's mother is her hero and inspiration. Her mother's positive influence on her effects how she parents her children and lives her life today. In 2016 her mom passed away after battling an illness for three years. She spent a lot of time caring for her during those years and they got very close. Her mother instilled a strong Christian faith in her and from that she got her passion and desire for volunteering through her church.  

Early on Kaitlyn had a passion for cooking, she loved bringing joy to people with her meals. Then she was accepted into a culinary program at Fox Valley Technical College with the intentions of opening her own chef business. After working in delis and schools for a few years, she started her own business called Kaitlyn's Home Cooking. For five years, she went into people's homes and did everything from the shopping, planning, prepping, to the warm home cooked meal on their table. During that time she also had her first son. When she had her second son, she became a full time stay at home mom, which she love's doing. Kaitlyn still enjoys cooking occasionally for a couple of friends, and especially when she knows someone who has a baby; she always likes to give them her special Chicken Pot Pie. She might consider starting the business back up in the future, once her two (2) year old is in school full time, but she is open to other opportunities too. 

Kaitlyn has been cooking meals on Wednesday night's before Advent and Lenten services at church for three (3) years (this of course is prior to the last year with Covid). She also, organized a small group of volunteers to make desserts and do set up/clean up for each meal.

She also maintain's the church Facebook page; posting pictures, weekly news updates, and use's it as an outreach especially for our members who are still not attending church at this time during Covid. 

Kaitlyn's Favorite's:

Song: This is a hard one! My favorite is always changing, but my favorite band for the past few years has been Starset, and I can say anything by them would be a favorite.
Food: Cherry Pie.
Book: I love J.K. Rowling's writing style and her mystery series under her pseudonym, Robert Galbraith are fantastic and I recommend them to everyone.
Quote:"Happiness is like a butterfly which, when pursued, is always beyond our grasp, but, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you." -Nathaniel Hawthorne

Recipe: Slow Cooked Goulash.

This is a delicious and satisfying stew that is fantastic served over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. It's easy to throw together in the crockpot too.

Slow Cooked Goulash
2 lbs stew meat
1 C chopped onion
1 tsp minced garlic
2 Tbsp flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 1/2 tsp paprika
1 can diced tomatoes
1 C sour cream

Cut stew meat into 1 inch cubes. Place meat, onion, and garlic into slow cooker.
Add flour, salt, pepper and paprika and stir to coat meat mixture. Stir in tomatoes.
Cover and cook on high 4-5 hours or low 7-8 hours, until meat is tender.
Add 1 cup sour cream and stir.
Serve over noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes.

You can also cool this and freeze it as a freezer meal.

What makes you happy?
Going to concerts with my husband, traveling and exploring new places, spending time with my kids, cooking and reading.

How does living in Portage County influence you?
Because I live in a smaller community (Town of Grant) I've had to make it a point to stay informed on our local issues. I make it a point to try to get to know my neighbors and we all do what we can to keep each other in the know and look out for each other.

Where are you headed?
That's what this pandemic has shown in particular, that I can't necessarily predict where I will be 5 years from now in the way I used to be able to. My kids are 6 and 2, so as they get older I'll be more involved in their schools and activities. I will always remain active in church and in my community as much as I can be. I would love to be able to travel again but I'm okay waiting on that a bit till my kids are a little older.

What can people from the community learn from you?
I hope that I can show people that it's good and important to be involved in your church and community, especially as a young person. We all need to work together to keep the things that are important to us working and moving forward. You can be a parent and still be involved, but it is about deciding exactly where your priorities lie and spending your time wisely.

What is your most deeply held belief?
My most deeply held belief would be my faith in God and Jesus as my savior. In these tough times that we've all been through this past year, I lean on my faith to see me through. I also heavily believe that it is our duty to be involved in our community and care for each other. We need to stay informed and all do what we can to work as a team. Everyone has something that makes them unique and we are all important.

Do you prefer to donate time or money to those in need? 
Both, as a mom of two with a husband who works long hours and overnights I don't necessarily have the time and freedom to give that time in a way I would ideally like to at this stage of life. That's where giving monetarily comes in for me. But when I am able to, I enjoy sharing my time and talents with others.