Karisa Wenberg
Executive Director
Karisa enthusiastically joins 1HOPE after working at KUSD as a special education teacher for 12 years, followed by a Dean of Students for 8 years at Bullen Middle School. Karisa earned her bachelor’s degree at UW-Oshkosh in Education, has worked for 20 years in Kenosha, and has built many relationships with community members.
During the pandemic, Karisa with some friends and family, felt called to take care of her students and their families. What initially started out as a “small” focus quickly turned into a network supporting families in the community that needed support. Karisa earned the “Spark” award for starting the “Circle of Kindness” group that built circles around those in need to help them during unprecedented times in their lives.
Karisa is from Fond Du Lac, WI, and graduated from Goodrich High school. Karisa and her husband John currently reside in Kenosha and have been married for 12 amazing years. Karisa has 2 children; Jack Rose is currently a freshman at UW-Green Bay and on the Men’s Basketball Team and Ella is a 5th grader and loves to play sports and hang out with her friend and family. Karisa and John love to be outdoors and enjoy sporting events and spending time with family and friends as much as possible. The life motto for the family is “Everything happens for a Reason; God has a plan”.
Nicole Kaebisch
Foster Care Network Manager
Nicole has been working with children and families for over 25 years, in a variety of ways. Nicole received her bachelor’s degree in Social Science with an emphasis in Psychology and 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 and Curriculum Specialist for Marine Corps Community Services Children, Youth, and Teen Program. She also had the opportunity to work as a Social Worker for San Bernardino County Department of Children and 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 Sherriff’s Deputy in Juneau County, Wisconsin. Ella will be graduating from Concordia University in Mequon, WI with her undergraduate degree, and will be continue 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.”
Terri Thillens
Foster Family Support Network Manager
Terri, from the Appleton area originally, has lived in Kenosha for the past 10 years with her husband Bob, Tucker 14, Cam 6, and new puppy Rosie. Over the past three years, God has used Terri in many ways through the 1HOPE Foster Family Support Network to support foster families and foster children in Kenosha County. She began as a Family Advocate, working directly with multiple foster families and leading a small team of volunteers to provide wrap-around support. Later, she took on the role as a Church Ministry Leader for the Foster Family Support Network at Journey Church, leading, mentoring, and training a large team of Family Advocates to support foster families.
Terri is strong in her faith and lives out Matthew 5:16 “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – we are so grateful for Terri choosing to shine her light through her new role at 1HOPE! In her free time, Terri enjoys family time, exercise, and watching her children in sports.
Josh Covelli
1HOPE Marketing Manager
Josh previously managed all the marketing efforts for the Village of Pleasant Prairie for the past 16 years. A lot of his responsibilities were focused at the RecPlex, the largest municipal recreation facility in America. He graduated from Carthage College with a bachelor’s degree in Communication, Digital Media & Graphic Design. Josh was born and raised in Kenosha and lived there his whole life minus the time he spent in the military. While enlisted in the United States Marine Corps after high school, Josh was the Finance Director for an Engineer Battalion and stationed in California and North Carolina.
Josh has served the community for numerous non-profits and strong mission-based organizations such as the Kenosha Chamber of Commerce – Board of Directors, Education Foundation of Kenosha – Board of Directors, The Hope Council – Board of Directors, Lakeside Curative Services – Board of Directors, Kenosha Literacy Council – Board of Directors, Pleasant Prairie Convention & Visitors Bureau – Commission Task Force, Leadership Kenosha (Class of 2019) – Steering Committee, and many more.
Josh has been involved with the foster care community for the past few years and has grown a passion for helping those in need and is very excited to begin a new chapter with 1HOPE. In his free time, Josh is extremely involved with his family and is very active in the community, and attends a lot of events, festivals, and almost anything involving sports or recreation. Since a lot of his career involves advertising, marketing, and business partnerships, he likes to support local businesses, restaurants, and establishments whenever possible.
