About. Our Team

Laura is an entrepreneur at heart and passionate about her work at Bloom360 and Vista360. She believes in recognizing and nurturing strengths in all people, including neurodivergent individuals. She thrives in an environment that values authentic relationships and teamwork. Those values and experiencing first-hand her daughter’s need for a more nurturing learning environment are what led her to develop Bloom360’s Day School and what continues to inspire her to create new programs like BizPath and the Community Learning Lab to meet the needs of our neurodivergent learners and their families. Laura brings more than 30 years of business experience to Bloom360. As important, her perspective as a parent of two children brings the understanding and wisdom to the development and management of Bloom360.

Laura’s business experience includes serving as Managing Partner at Vista360, a consulting firm she founded more than 20 years ago where she has advised 150+ companies and executives in the investment management industry.  Prior to Vista360, she served in senior management roles in the investment management industry at large financial services companies . Her experience also includes public accounting audit experience with PricewaterhouseCoopers and leading the finance and operations functions for mid-size and large investment management firms.

Laura has engaged in multiple training opportunities provided by the VIA Institute of Character in the areas of using character strengths at work, building effective teams and one-on-one strength based coaching. She also has completed the advanced practice course, “Character Strengths Interventions.” Laura has a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. She maintains her license and is a member of the AICPA.

Laura’s personal interests include spending time outdoors walking the trails at Wehr Nature Center, vacationing with her family in Door County, playing at the beach and trying new restaurants with friends and family.

“I believe all children can learn and thrive when we presume competence and then provide a nurturing environment built around their strengths and interests.”

Signature Strengths: Honesty, Bravery, Perspective, Self-regulation, Hope, Leadership

With more than 30 years of experience supporting individuals and organizations, Cindy now serves as Director of Programs, where she guides the development and implementation of our Bloom360 educational model rooted in whole-person growth and human development throughout all four programs. Cindy is also co-creator and facilitator of our Learning Lab workshops and professional development trainings designed for parents and professionals.Topics include understanding the eight sensory systems and how they impact behavior and emotions. In addition, Cindy guides our Parent Circle monthly gathering where parents and Bloom360 leaders come together to connect in a supportive space and exchange ideas/resources and offer support and encouragement when needed.

Prior to co-creating and developing Bloom360 Learning Community in 2014, she was an early childhood teacher, school social worker and college professor of Sociology, Social Problems and Organizational Psychology. She also was the designer and facilitator of professional development courses (face-to-face and online platforms) and workshops within continuing education programs for adult learners. In addition, she facilitated support groups for children and parents, provided short-term strength-based counseling and facilitated social/emotional programs within classrooms, clinics and work environments.

Cindy has completed the Institute for Multi-Sensory Education’s (IMSE) Comprehensive Orton-Gillingham Training. This is a multi-sensory phonics approach for reading, writing and spelling instruction. She also has engaged in multiple training opportunities provided by the VIA Institute of Character in the areas of using character strengths at work, building effective teams and one-on-one strength-based coaching. She has completed the advanced practice course, “Character Strengths Interventions.” Cindy also completed the Holistic Mastery Coaching Program through Wisdom of the Whole Coaching Academy. Cindy earned her master’s degree in social welfare from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee and her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Mount Mary University. She has received her lifetime certification as a School Social Worker and Early Childhood Teacher from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Cindy currently serves as a board member for Bloom360 Learning Community.

Her interests include traveling, hiking, kayaking, running, yoga, time with friends and sharing adventures with her three adult sons and daughter.

“Be the change you want to see in the world.” – Ghandi

Sarah brings more than 20 years of marketing and communications experience to this role, as well as the perspective of being a parent of neurodivergent children. She understands firsthand the importance of inclusive, strengths-based education and is passionate about connecting others to Bloom360’s vision. She also serves as a founding member of her local school district’s Special Education Advisory Team, partnering with educators to shape supportive programs and culture.

She earned her B.S. from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and an M.B.A. from Alverno College.

When she’s not at Bloom360, Sarah loves spending time with her husband and kids. She enjoys being outside—whether it’s walking the family dog, hiking, or testing out new gardening experiments—often squeezed in between her children’s busy schedules.

“Behind every young child who believes in themselves is an adult who believed first.” – Matthew Jacobson

Signature Strengths: Honesty, Prudence, Perspective, Teamwork, Judgement

Andrea has over 20 years of experience as an Occupational Therapist and has been a Learning Guide at Bloom360 since the Day School opened in 2017.  Andrea is also a co-creator and facilitator of our Learning Lab workshops and professional development trainings designed for parents and professionals.  Topics include understanding the eight sensory systems and how they impact behavior and emotions.  Prior to Bloom360, she worked in a variety of settings including skilled nursing facilities, Fraser Child and Family Center in Minnesota, school-based practice in the Chicago suburbs, Giant Steps School in Illinois, and in pediatric outpatient practice at New Berlin Therapies. She has worked with children ages infancy through adulthood with a wide variety of neurological needs. Andrea also has past experience working with Special Gifts Theatre in Illinois, a non-profit theatre program that puts on major musical productions with neurodivergent children and young adults. Andrea takes a special interest in sensory processing; not only learning more about the science behind it but also helping others to understand their own sensory preferences and differences. She enjoys public speaking about the topic and helping families understand and recognize the impact that individual sensory differences can have on one’s own quality of life.

Andrea is one of the first practitioners in Wisconsin certified in The Greenspan Floortime Approach®. This licensing is the highest licensing in the world involving the DIR Model and Floortime Therapy.  Andrea has a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy from the University of Wisconsin Madison and a Minor Certificate in Gerontology.

Her interests include music (any and all kinds), taking weekly dance classes, yoga, kayaking, shopping, coffee/tea with friends and spending time with her loving husband and two creative and inspiring daughters.

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

Signature Strengths: Gratitude, Love, Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence, Curiosity, Zest

Nicci has more than 20 years of education experience working with children and young adults and joined Bloom360’s Day School as a Learning Guide when it opened in 2017 and now co-leads Bloom360’s BizPath program with Tina Paschke. She has always enjoyed and had a strong calling to work with neurodivergent individuals nurturing social and emotional well-being, strengths, interests, and life skills.  Nicci believes having a relationship with not only the individual but also family members helps one truly know them and their strengths and interests. Working from this perspective has helped Nicci to create the best approach to help each person learn and be successful.

Nicci is one of the first practitioners in Wisconsin certified in The Greenspan Floortime Approach® This licensing is the highest licensing in the world involving the DIR Model and Floortime Therapy. (Note: the only other certified practitioner in Wisconsin also is a Bloom360 Learning Guide.) Nicci has continuing education through Lakeshore Technical College. She participates in ongoing training on VIA Character Strengths and Mindfulness and incorporates in Bloom360’s programs.

Her interests include reading and crafting (thanks Pinterest). She enjoys drinking tea while cuddling with her cats and spending time with family and friends.

“Be the reason someone smiles today.”

Signature Strengths: Honesty, Love, Prudence, Humor, Fairness, Kindness

Zach joined Bloom360 when the Day School opened in 2017 as a Learning Guide and has 13 years of experience working with neurodivergent youth and young adults.  Zach helps Learners grow in the five core elements of mind, body, spirit, social and emotional.  Zach completed PBL101 training from Project-Based Learning Works, which included a focus on the design, assessment and management of PBL. This approach is guided by a research-informed model of Gold Standard Project Based Learning, that sets a high bar for implementing rigorous, standards-based projects. This training and Zach’s natural hands-on approach helps him plan and deliver project-based learning, which is our main curriculum.

Zach has helped Learners expand their knowledge of bridges, golf course design, rockets, all kinds of animals as well as their emotions and feelings. He has a special ability in explaining and using hands-on activities to help Learners understand complex math concepts. Whether guiding Learners’ projects or nurturing a specific skill, Zach’s kindness shines through.

Prior to Bloom360, Zach worked with children and young adults as an adaptive personal trainer. As an adaptive personal trainer, he acquired techniques to modify a variety of exercises and create personalized workout plans to assist his clients in reaching short and long-term goals. He was inspired by his clients to become an occupational therapy assistant. Zach completed clinical fieldwork at St. Francis Children’s Center, Goodwill Industries – Work Services Program, and West Allis Medical Center. During these clinical experiences he worked with children from infancy through adulthood with various neurological needs.

He has a bachelor’s degree in exercise science from Carroll University and an associate’s degree in occupational therapy assistant from Milwaukee Area Technical College. Zach earned the National Board Certification in Occupational Therapy and is licensed by The State of Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services to practice as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant.

Zach is a Boy Scouts of America Eagle Scout. His interests include the outdoors, spending time with family, playing and watching sports, hunting, and playing with his family dogs.

“You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” – A.A. Milne

Signature Strengths: Fairness, Kindness, Teamwork, Judgement, Prudence

At Bloom360, Laura’s goal is to create and expand on experiences for Learners to practice real-world learning at their own pace. She helps integrate the school’s social-emotional and project-based learning programs that support whole-person growth while interweaving their interests.

Prior to joining the Bloom360 team in 2021, Laura served as Program Manager for a local nonprofit serving young adults with special needs. In this role, she assessed the clients’ academic needs, created curriculum goals, facilitated academic learning and daily living skill enhancement, worked as a job coach in the community and communicated closely with families. In other prior roles, she taught as a special education teacher at the elementary and middle school levels. In both settings, she worked directly with students and provided insight, knowledge, and collaborative guidance for general education teachers.

Laura has a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and holds a Lifetime Teaching License in K-12 Cross Categorical Special Education with an emphasis in Cognitive Development (CD) from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.

She is an active volunteer in the community and has served as a Night to Shine Chaperone, Daily Living Skills and Respite Provider and volunteered and led a fundraiser for an orphanage for children with special needs in Mexico and Nicaragua.

Her interests include travel, the outdoors, reading, spending time with her family and friends, and taking long walks with her four-legged friend.

“Enjoy the space between where you are and where you are going.”

Signature Strengths: Kindness, Love, Humor,  Appreciation of Beauty & Excellence, Creativity

Since 2021, Jess has served as a Learning Guide, helping to support Learners to try new experiences and integrate the school’s social-emotional and project-based learning through a broad offering of customized learning opportunities.

She also works with individual Learners and small groups to offer music therapy based on the Learner’s interests and learning goals. Jess is instrumental in helping to inspire Learners and organizes two performance programs each year that showcase Bloom360’s Learners singing, dancing, playing instruments and/or other creative expressions. For some Learners this may their first time feeling ready and willing to participate in a performance. Jess identifies opportunities for each Learner to participate to the extent they feel comfortable, and often before long, the Learner feels ready to take on a larger part of the program.

Jess has 17 years of experience working with neurodivergent youth and young adults. Prior to Bloom360, she worked as a music therapist for a music therapy clinic for 13 years where she served in a variety of settings that included clinics, in-home, schools, daycare centers and adult day facilities. Jess was a part of Bloom360 before she began working here exclusively as she provided music therapy weekly to Bloom360 since the Day School opened in 2017. Her comprehensive experience blends assessing individuals’ needs, creating music-based interventions, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, supervising music therapy college interns and evaluating individual progress.

Jess earned a Bachelor of Music – Music Therapy degree from Alverno College in Milwaukee and holds certifications as a Music Therapist – Board Certified (MT-BC) and Wisconsin Music Therapy Registry (WMTR),

Her interests include: Spending time with her husband, son, dog Stella, and two cats Jara and Elly, making memories with family and friends, camping, live music/concerts, and traveling.

“Almost all children respond to music. Music is an open-sesame, and if you can use it carefully and appropriately, you can reach into that child’s potential for development.” –Clive Robbins

Signature Strengths: Kindness, Love, Creativity, Gratitude, Hope

As a Learning Guide, Mikayla helps Learners grow in the five core elements of mind, body, spirit, social and emotional. She works with small groups of Learners to support their social emotional and sensory needs through individualized projects and activities which serve as practice grounds for growth.  Mikayla was integral in the co-creation of Bloom360’s Makerspace where Learners experiment with hands-on activities including art, science and building projects.

Prior to joining Bloom360 as a Learning Guide, Mikayla gained college fieldwork experience at the VA Medical Center and Bloom360.  She also served as a Special Needs Aide for a child with a rare syndrome, as an anatomy and physiology tutor at Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) and as a volunteer leader for mission trips for high school students.

While earning her Associate in Applied Science – Occupational Therapy Assistant degree at Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC), Mikayla served as vice president of the college’s Student Occupational Therapy Association. She is a member of two Honor Societies: National Technical Honor Society and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

Mikayla’s interests include binge-watching TV shows, crocheting, traveling, spending time with family, friends, and her little dog Brewer, and being outdoors.

“The things that make me different are the things that make me ME.” –Piglet (Winnie the Pooh)

Signature Strengths: Love, Gratitude, Kindness, Teamwork, Fairness

Throughout Tina’s career, she has served both as a classroom teacher and as a reading specialist, sharing her deep love of literacy with students, colleagues, and the community. One of Tina’s proudest accomplishments was being named Teacher of the Year, receiving the Werbel Award in 2023.

Working with young people gives Tina a strong sense of purpose, and she believes that she learns as much from her students as they do from her. Guided by the character strengths of love, kindness, and gratitude, Tina strives to create an environment where every learner feels valued, supported, and inspired.

In her free time, Tina loves spending time with family and friends, exercising, and traveling. Her most recent adventures have included climbing Mount Fuji in Japan, hiking the National Parks of Utah, and wandering the charming streets of the Italian countryside.

“Be someone’s sunshine when their skies are grey.” –Author Unknown

Signature Strengths: Love, Kindness, Teamwork, Forgiveness, Social Intelligence

“If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” – Wayne Dyer

Signature Strengths: Kindness, Humor, Love, Gratitude, Teamwork

“Nothing is impossible, the word itself says ‘I’m possible’.” – Audrey Hepburn

Signature Strengths: Honesty, Humor, Kindness, Fairness, Teamwork, Love of Learning, Perseverance

“I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious.” – Albert Einstein

Signature Strengths: Spirituality, Love of Learning, Perspective, Creativity, Curiosity

“Life is tough, darling, but so are you.” – Stephanie Bennett-Henry

Signature Strengths: Love, Humor, Judgement, Humility and Honesty

“It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.” – Walt Disney

Signature Strengths: Judgment, Humor, Forgiveness, Fairness, Love of Learning