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Ms. Tasker has advocated for abused and neglected children since college. Ms. Tasker ‘s tenure on the Kids Matter Board began as Chairperson of the Community Partnership committee of the Junior League of Milwaukee. This committee spearheaded the ongoing partnership between Kids Matter CASA and the Junior League of Milwaukee. Ms. Tasker’s leadership has increased community partnerships for foster children – particularly increasing the number of free educational and community events open to foster children. Ms. Tasker believes that it is vital to help children heal and thrive in addition to stopping abuse. Ms. Tasker and the Junior League of Milwaukee were instrumental in developing a new space for Kids Matter that will be welcoming to the children and to our many volunteers. Ms. Tasker also initiated the partnership that brought the first children’s art to Children’s Court and making that space more welcoming to the children who spend so much time there.
Mr. Frenn, JD earned his degree in 1976 and has been an attorney with the firm of Petrie & Stocking S.C. for many years. Among his areas of expertise are small business law, real estate, tax, and nonprofit law. He also works in probate and estate planning. Mr. Frenn is Chairman of the Nonprofit Organization Committee of the Business Law Section of the State Bar, as well as his experience with small business law, nonprofit corporations, and other business organizations. Mr. Frenn is a Board member of the Milwaukee Public Museum. Mr. Frenn’s interest in children’s issues is exemplified by his former Board membership for The Ranch Community Services, Inc., a nonprofit rehabilitation agency for the developmentally disabled. He has actively written and lectured to other lawyers on nonprofit and business issues.
Mr. Martorell is a passionate advocate for opportunities for growth and success of Milwaukee’s Hispanic youth. Prior to his retirement, he was Director of Community School Partnerships for Milwaukee Public Schools. He has been involved in school/child welfare partnerships for over 25 years, and is a prior member of the Division of Milwaukee Child Protective Services Partnership Council. Mr. Martorell is currently involved in transnational immigration issues.
The nursing profession has always been Dr. Simandl’s calling, especially in community health. Currently a professor at Columbia College of Nursing, she has taught in university settings for over 20 years while also voluntarily contributing to the profession in a number of ways for 30 years. Gladys is a founder of the Health Center at the United Community Center, and recently added the first free dental clinic in the largely Hispanic community served by the United Community Center. Gladys has published & presented papers at conferences. The experience and wisdom she gained as a foster and adoptive parent make her an ideal Kids Matter board member.
Ms. McGaver joined the Kids Matter Board to share her extensive history of helping disadvantaged children connect with opportunities. She also brings marketing and communications expertise to the Board. Ms. McGaver is an account manager and social media specialist.
Dr. Dries is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Wauwatosa, working with children, adolescents, and families. He has also been a psychology consultant to Aurora Psychiatric Hospital, Rogers Memorial Hospital, and a number of other hospitals and clinics performing psychological evaluations with children and adults. He is recently retired but continues on the Board of the Wisconsin Psychology Foundation and on the continuing education committee of the Wisconsin Psychological Association.
Ms. Spongberg earned her JD from Marquette University Law School in 2005 and currently works as an attorney practicing real estate law at The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company. Ms. Spongberg has been interested in child welfare most of her life having been adopted as an infant herself and having a sister who was a foster sister for multiple years prior to being adopted. Ms. Spongberg completed her CASA training in 2003 while still in law school, had active CASA cases for over 10 years and has remained involved with Kids Matter ever since. In addition to her work with Kids Matter, Ms. Spongberg is currently serving as Treasurer for the Association for Women Lawyers Foundation, having previously served as President of the Association for Women Lawyers. She also currently serves as Vice Chair of the Advisory Board for The Wisconsin Humane Society.
