April 2023 Champion of the Month, Beth Wilke, was a licensed daycare provider for 22 years before joining our Team at Rise. She initially joined us as a Direct Support Professional on our Spring Lake Park work floor about 8 months ago, but she recently moved to lead our second supported community employment team at Marmon Link in Brooklyn Park.

“Having family members with disabilities and limits of my own, I’m aware of the [lack of] opportunities for disabled individuals,” Wilke shares. “I wanted to be part of a team that supports and encourages each person’s goals and achievements.”

According to a colleague, “Beth goes above and beyond Rise’s mission every day…She has taken the time to get to know our persons served on an individual level, encouraging them to try new things and keep challenging themselves.”

Wilke truly embodies the person-centered nature of our work at Rise, noting that one of her favorite parts of her role is creating new ways to help everyone be successful and feel appreciated for their hard work. “My favorite thing so far,” she shares, “is seeing a person served reach a goal they set for themselves. It’s been so exciting to celebrate these achievements.”

After the workday is done, you can find Wilke woodworking, painting, and doing anything and everything in the outdoors. “My husband and I spend nearly every summer weekend camping and building a log cabin on our property. We also provide and preserve many of our own foods.”