Sandy was nominated because of her leadership and vision for the Central Wisconsin Children’s Museum. 

She was born and raised in Oconto, Wisconsin and moved to Stevens Point in 1992 and attended University of Stevens Point. She has lived in Stevens point for 26 years.

Sandy went to college for Music Education and along her professional path she didn’t believe she would work with children; however, her life took a very different turn, eventually. She took a year to work in the corporate world and figured out she was meant to work elsewhere. She believes in what is best for humans, not what is best for the company. So, she ended up working part-time at the children's museum and just “moved up from there”. Sandy thought that she really could make a difference there. She knew she could create an environment for parents and caretakers to interact with children and learn skills to help them become productive members of society. 

Sandy has Bi-polar disorder and major depression. She had to overcome a lot, part of the reasons why she left the corporate job, was she ended up in the mental health care system. She now holds a full-time job and she is successful at it. She tries to be an example for those who are going through the same thing. She likes to encourage everybody “that you can do it”. She states, “if I can do it, then anybody can do it”.

Sandy’s Favorites:

• Food- Pizza with pepperoni, mushroom and onion
• Movie- Hope Floats
• Quote- “Give it to God”

What makes you happy?

Sunshine, being surrounded by people you love and positive energy

How does living in Portage County influence you?

Portage County is so family friendly and environmentally friendly. Sandy grew up in a wood, and she says to be in a spot where you can have the best of both worlds is amazing. It’s the perfect size, she can go out to Amherst and have beverages with the farmers, and she can come back to point and be on a first name bases with the mayor. Everything is within a few miles' radius.

Where are you headed?

She is just going to take it day by day

Who’s your hero?

Her mother is her hero, she was an immigrant from Germany that grew up in Chicago. Both of her mother’s parents died when she was a teen. She and Sandy’s dad moved to a farm in Wisconsin. They didn’t have any skills or knowledge on how to run the farm. Sandy’s dad left her mom with the farm and 4 children. So, she took some classes and ended up becoming a teacher. She has taken her life and made something of it, despite her circumstances.

What is your most deeply held belief?

Be kind, always

Do you prefer to donate time or money to those in need? Why?

Time. Its more meaningful. Anybody can write a check.