Ray Knight
President
Ray has served as a volunteer for 1Hope for the last three years. He currently is the Advisory Board Chair, a level one volunteer for the Foster Family Support Network, and he is a Neighborhood Advocate Volunteer for the Uptown Community as part of the Neighborhood Transformation initiative. Ray also currently is the Volunteer Community Outreach Leader for the non-profit Disaster Response Team.
Academically, Ray received a Bachelor of Science degree from St. John’s University in Collegeville, MN, and a Master’s in Business Administration from Keller School of Management.
Professionally, Ray has been working in pharmaceutical drug development for over 25 years. He currently has been with AbbVie of North Chicago for over 21 years working as a Director and Program Lead. Ray’s strengths include collaboration, leading large cross-functional teams, solving problems, communication, speaking in public, and most importantly, building relationships.
Ray’s heart for this organization starts and ends with serving people in our community who are among the most vulnerable. 1HOPE provides Ray with a unique opportunity in a variety of ways to help and love-on foster children and the families that care for them and to help and love-on people in the community who have lost hope or who have fallen on difficult times.
Ray has lived in Kenosha for most of his life, has two beautiful kids, and is enjoying learning to play the piano.
Aaron Kohlmeier
Treasurer
Aaron Kohlmeier is the broker/owner of Welcome Home Real Estate Group and a lifelong resident of Kenosha, WI. He is married to Nikki Kohlmeier and together they have 3 beautiful children, Ella (15), Evan (10), and Eli (9). They are a very active family in the musical theater community with their kids performing in multiple shows per year, Aaron & Nikki also recently performed in community theater again in Kenosha this past spring.
Aaron holds Business Administration and Accounting degrees, along with a minor in music from Carthage College. He has been involved previously on local boards including serving 6 years on the Kenosha County Board of Supervisors. Today he runs a successful local real estate brokerage and loves helping buyers and sellers in real estate!
Aaron has a heart for Kenosha and kids, giving back where he can, and wanting to bring people together. He has long admired the mission of 1Hope and is honored to be asked to serve on the board to help achieve the orgainzation’s goals.
Nicole Kaebisch
Secretary
Nicole joins our 1HOPE Board of Directors as our new Secretary with expertise in working with children and families for over 25 years. Nicole received her bachelor’s degree in Social Science with an emphasis in Psychology & Sociology, then returned to Trinity International University in Deerfield, Illinois to earn her teaching certification.
Most recently, Nicole was an educator at Bristol School and KUSD. Nicole had many opportunities to help others as she moved around the United States while her husband served in the Navy for 20 years. Nicole supported families and children as a Training & Curriculum Specialist for the Marine Corps Community Services Children, Youth, and Teen Program. She also had the opportunity to work as a Social Worker for the San Bernardino County Department of Children & Family Services. Nicole comes with a passion for making a positive impact and helping others.
Nicole grew up in Tomah, Wisconsin, and loves to stay connected with her family with frequent visits to that area. Nicole and her husband, Ricky currently reside in Paddock Lake and have been married for 26 years. Ricky is a retired Veteran of the U.S. Navy. They have been blessed with three amazing children; Rilye serves the community as a Sheriff’s Deputy in Juneau County, Wisconsin. Ella will be graduating from Concordia University in Mequon, WI with her undergraduate degree, and will be continuing her education to pursue her doctorate degree in Occupational Therapy. Reid is a freshman at Westosha Central High School, who loves to fish and participate in water sports. Their rescued dog, Sky, a 5-year-old labradoodle, brings so much joy and completes their family. Her family loves to spend time together playing games, enjoying lake life, and connecting with family and friends. The Kaebisch family values service to others and holds tight to their family motto, “Love and trust God, love others, speak kind words, and set an example.”
Cara Jahnke
Fundraising
Cara is a proud native of Kenosha and currently resides in Bristol with her loving husband and three children, cherishing family life.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish from Lee University, where she developed a deep appreciation for the language and Hispanic cultures. Building on her linguistic skills, she pursued a Master’s degree in Administrative Leadership from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, equipping her with the knowledge and expertise to excel in various leadership roles.
For the past 15 years, Cara has made a significant impact as a high school Spanish teacher, sharing her passion for the language and fostering a love for learning in her students. Her engaging teaching style and commitment to student success have earned her the admiration and respect of both students and colleagues alike.
Alongside her commitment to education and community service, she has also established herself as a trusted local REALTOR®, dedicated to helping individuals and families find their dream homes in the southeastern Wisconsin and northern Illinois region.
Driven by her desire to make a difference in the world, Cara has participated in multiple transformative mission trips. As a translator during a mission trip to Panamá, she facilitated communication between volunteers and locals, bridging language barriers and creating connections. This experience further solidified her commitment to serving others and making a difference in their lives.
One cause that holds a special place in Cara’s heart is supporting the foster community. She is passionate about helping children thrive and ensuring they have access to the necessary resources to succeed. Cara actively seeks out and collaborates with local organizations and businesses that can provide support to foster children, aiming to strengthen community connections.
Embodying the spirit of compassion and service in all her endeavors, Cara strives to make a positive impact in Kenosha and beyond.