Our Staff

Kelly Ruppel

Outgoing Executive Director

Stephanie Hayden

Incoming Executive Director

Deborah Still

Director of Development

Joining RMHC-Madison in January 2020 was both serendipitous and humbling. This inspiring organization has touched my family personally for more than a decade. We witnessed how important comfort, care and kindness can be, even, or perhaps especially, in the throes of heartbreak. RMHC has become a daily reminder of how much good exists in this world.

My great-great grandfather and his sons were founders of the Jackson Clinic, the first medical practice in Madison. Growing up we heard their stories. House calls were a daily routine, and not infrequently, family members went along to care for the ailing patient’s family, much the same way RMHC takes care of families today. The simple notion that supporting the entire family during a medical crisis can be the strongest medicine, was as important then as it is today. Coming full circle, it is rewarding to watch my two sons get involved in this rich mission.

So much love and attention went into every detail of the recently expanded Ronald McDonald House. Many friends and colleagues were part of the journey to make it possible and I am grateful and humbled to continue that good work.

Shauna Thayer

Director of Marketing & Communications

Michael Rosenblum

Ronald McDonald House Director

Teresa Van Den Wildenberg

RMHC Family Room at St. Mary’s Manager

Nan Thompson

Business Manager

Kristen Drake

Development Manager

I am so proud to be part of an organization that helps families all over the world! My previous experience in higher education and the nonprofit sector has provided me ample experience in alumni relations and fundraising, but the role of Development Manager at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Madison will allow me to realize that impact in a more personal way, and for that, I am both excited and grateful. Seeing the families who benefit from using the Ronald McDonald House and its programs is hugely rewarding and motivating; it means so much to be able to contribute to the mission.

After living out of state for several years, my family and I recently moved back to Wisconsin and couldn’t be happier to be closer to friends and family in our beautiful home state. We look forward to all the wonderful new opportunities life has to offer here.

Dan Herzig

Guest Services Manager

Sonia Spencer

Volunteer & Operations Coordinator

I’m honored to join RMHC-Madison and its mission as the Operations and Volunteer Coordinator. Before this role, I served as the Community School Resource Coordinator for Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) at Mendota Elementary Community School. My work there was focused on providing and building wrap-around services for Scholars and their families, as well as managing the many different volunteer activities from 1:1 tutoring to organizing a block party with 100+ volunteers. My experience and background align with RMHC’s mission and vision, ensuring every family is valued and supported. While also building a strong network of dedicated, devoted, and passionate volunteers.

My family and I are long-time Madison natives, east-side residents, and proud empty nesters. Our twins are both college seniors, and our youngest is a college freshman! It’s a privilege to see them transitioning and becoming adults. I look forward to this new journey, new job, and new possibilities.

Sandy DeFino

Gift Processor & Database Coordinator

I am proud, excited, and humbled to be a part of the wonderful mission at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Madison as the Gift Processor/Database Manager. Before coming to RMHC-Madison, I worked with the nonprofit, Sisters of Mercy, as their Gift Processor.  The support and mentorship I received while there will benefit me in my position here at RMHC-Madison.

My husband, Derrick and I have recently moved to Wisconsin from South Carolina and look forward to making new friends and memories and finding new adventures in Madison for many years to come. Our three children are finding their way in the world and still reside in South Carolina, but we are hoping they will follow us here to Wisconsin soon!

Julie Mascitti

Administrative Assistant

Jane Steiner

Housekeeping

James Rodin

Housekeeping

George Falor

Maintenance

Amanda Parnell

Night & Weekend Supervisor

I am so lucky to be part of the RMHC-Madison team as a Night and Weekend Supervisor. My work here has helped me become a better person and I’m always learning something new. I enjoy time with family, making jewelry and watching movies in my free time.

Barb Carey

Night & Weekend Supervisor

Mariel Lund

Night & Weekend Supervisor

I am a native Madisonian. After retiring in 2014, I have filled my time with the 3 G’s – gardening, golf, and grandchildren. I also enjoy knitting, painting (rocks), reading, volunteering at the library, mahjong, swimming, and napping.

I joined RMHC-Madison in 2019, working as a Night/Weekend Supervisor. I like to think of my fellow Supervisors and myself as Lighthouse Keepers and RMHC is a port in the storm. – we are there to see that our guests have a safe, comfortable place to rest and refuel.

Joel Clark

Night & Weekend Supervisor

Henry Dern

Night & Weekend Supervisor

I am one of the newest Night/Weekend Supervisors at RMHC-Madison. I graduated from UW-Madison in 2021 with degrees in History and Political Science. While at UW I enjoyed rowing on the Men’s Crew Team as well as attending Badgers sports events with friends. I am currently completing a Master’s of Public Policy and Public Administration (MPPA) at Northwestern University. Outside of RMHC, I work full time in the Wisconsin State Legislature as well as The Beacon, a nonprofit day resource center for homeless Wisconsinites.

Theresa Larsen

Night & Weekend Supervisor

Emily Tumble

Night & Weekend Supervisor

My name is Emily Trumble and I am excited to start working at the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Madison as a Night and Weekend Supervisor. In the past, I have volunteered at RMHC in Milwaukee as a hospitality volunteer and I am looking forward to continuing my experience with the organization. I am currently a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin Madison, majoring in political science on the pre-law track. My favorite things to do in Madison include exploring the city with my friends, trying all of the cute coffee shops, shopping at different boutiques, and studying at the Union. I look forward to getting to know everyone and helping in whatever way I can!

Sue Ziegler

Family Room Supervisor

Michelle Potter

Family Room Supervisor

Nick Peterson

Family Room Supervisor

Rachel Kabara

Family Room Supervisor

Shannon Belmonte

Ronald McDonald Care Mobile Coordinator

Toni Ellingson

Ronald McDonald Care Mobile NP/Manager