Today | One More Thing
Healthy Starts Here
by Angela Halderson
What if becoming healthier didn’t require a complete overhaul of your life? What if it started with a few simple choices you could make today — what you put on your plate, how you move your body, when you go to bed, and what you keep in your kitchen? We are constantly bombarded with messages about the newest diet, supplement, or wellness trend, making healthy living seem complicated or even unattainable. Good health isn’t built on perfection. It starts with the everyday choices that nourish your body, support your mind, and fit into your real life. In this article, we’ll look at a few foundational places where health really starts.
What Does “Healthy” Really Mean?
We use the word healthy all the time: that looks healthy, it says “healthy” on the box, she looks healthy — but what does healthy actually mean? Being healthy doesn’t look the same for everyone, and you can’t determine it by a number on the scale, a clothing size, or how someone or something looks.
A smaller body isn’t automatically healthier, just as a larger body isn’t automatically unhealthy. Someone can appear fit while struggling with high blood pressure, high blood sugar, poor sleep, or chronic stress. Likewise, someone may be working toward better health without their appearance changing at all.
Health is much more than what we see on the outside. It encompasses how well your body functions, how you feel physically and mentally, how well you recover from daily demands, and your ability to participate in the things that matter to you.
And because we are all different, health will look different for each of us.
Your age, genetics, physical abilities, lifestyle, environment, sleep patterns, stress levels, medical history, medications, and nutritional needs all influence what your body requires to function at its best. What supports one person’s health may not be appropriate — or even realistic — for someone else.
Our nutritional needs also change throughout our lives. The foods and habits that supported you in your 20s may not be what your body needs in your 40s, 50s, or beyond. Pregnancy, menopause, aging, illness, medications, and other life circumstances can all change what your body needs.
Even our lifestyles and circumstances play a role. Shift workers have different sleep patterns and nutritional needs than someone who works a traditional daytime schedule. Someone taking a GLP-1 medication for weight management also needs specialized nutritional support to ensure they are consuming enough protein, fiber, fluids, and essential nutrients. If you’ve been told to prepare meals (but can’t cook), work out six days at the gym (while juggling work and childcare), or follow a strict sleep schedule to improve your health, it may not be sustainable, and making a healthy change can feel impossible.
Instead of scrolling through the internet and listening to people tell you what they do to be “healthy,” it may be more helpful to ask, “What does healthy look like for me right now?”
Achieving health isn’t about achieving perfection. It’s about understanding your individual needs and making choices that support your body, your circumstances, and the life you want to live.
Healthy Starts in the Kitchen
One of the simplest places to begin improving your health is in your kitchen. Everyone has to eat; food is medicine, so let’s make sure you are eating the right type of medicine. Not only is food medicine, but I also like to think of it as information. Put the right type of information into your body, and your body will act accordingly. You don’t need a complicated diet, expensive “superfoods” (hint: there is no such thing as a “superfood”; it is just a marketing term used to influence you to buy things), or a counter full of supplements. Start by building meals around nutrient-dense, minimally processed foods that provide your body with the protein, fiber, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and fluids it needs.
Prioritize Protein
Protein is an essential building block for muscle, bones, enzymes, hormones, immune function, and many other bodily processes. Protein tells the body to be strong, build muscle, and lose weight. Protein has very little to no impact on blood sugar (more on that later). If you want to be healthy, make sure you eat enough protein. A general protein target of 1.2-1.6 grams per kilogram of body weight per day can be used for someone who is height-to-weight proportionate. If you want to know how much protein is adequate for you and your personal needs, reach out to Strong Meridian, because, yes … you got it, everyone’s needs are a bit different.
Lean proteins include chicken, turkey, fish and seafood, eggs, lean beef, and lean pork. Plant-based options include beans, lentils, peas, tofu, tempeh, nuts, seeds, and other legumes. Have protein at every meal.
Make Vegetables the Foundation
Vegetables provide fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Non-starchy vegetables should take up half your plate at meals. Some choices are broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, green beans, zucchini, mushrooms, peppers, cucumbers, leafy greens, cabbage, and tomatoes.
Don’t feel like vegetables have to mean a boring salad. Roast them with olive oil and herbs, add them to soups and stir-fries, sauté them with eggs, or keep washed and chopped vegetables available for quick meals. I like to prepare a large batch all at once and just reheat as needed throughout the week to save time.
Don’t Forget Healthy Fats
Fat is essential for a healthy diet. It provides energy, supports cell membranes and hormone production, and helps your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins. Fat tells our body to be full and satiated. Fats also have no effect on blood sugar, so they don’t signal the body to gain weight. (Yes, any foods eaten in excess will cause weight gain, so watch your portions.)
Healthy fats can easily be incorporated into meals through foods such as avocados, olives, olive oil, nuts, seeds, eggs, dairy, and omega-3-rich fish such as salmon, sardines, and trout.
Choose Whole, Minimally Processed Foods
You don’t have to eliminate every packaged food from your diet to be healthy. Frozen vegetables, canned beans, plain yogurt, canned tuna, and other convenient foods like jerky, protein bars, and whole-grain crackers can absolutely be part of a healthy diet.
The bigger goal is to make whole, minimally processed foods the foundation of your meals while reducing your reliance on highly processed foods that are often high in added sugars, refined carbohydrates, sodium, and other ingredients that lead to weight gain, high blood sugar, and illness.
Hydration
Hydration is another simple place to start. Water supports virtually every system in the body, including digestion, circulation, temperature regulation, detoxification, and physical performance. To burn fat, the body needs water. To calculate your water needs, divide your current weight in pounds by two. This is approximately how many ounces of water a person needs in a day. Kidney disease, congestive heart failure, and other health concerns change these needs.
Keep a water bottle nearby and remember that your fluid needs can change with activity, weather, illness, and other individual factors. If your water contains caffeine, it is not hydrating.
Why Blood Sugar Matters
Blood sugar is so much more than a number on a lab report. Glucose is one of the body’s primary energy sources. When blood sugar is well regulated, it supports consistent energy, focus, and mood throughout the day.
When blood sugar rises quickly and then falls, people can experience fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, or increased hunger. This can contribute to snacking, midday fatigue, and feeling “hangry.” When this cycle continues long enough, it leads to prediabetes and weight gain.
Blood Sugar and Long-Term Health
People want to watch blood sugar for long-term health. Chronically elevated blood glucose and insulin resistance are associated with metabolic problems, including prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, elevated triglycerides, and other health complications. Starchy foods and sugar tell the body to gain weight. They do this by causing insulin to be released into the bloodstream. This insulin then stores those starches and sugars to be used later for energy. In excess, that means they are stored as fat. Because starches and sugary foods and beverages are broken down quickly in the body and used for energy quickly, they also signal the body to eat more. This leads to food noise and cravings.
Snacks and meals filled with breads, potatoes, pastas, granola bars, cereal bars, chips, sugary cereals, refined grains, and sugary beverages can make the body unfocused, contribute to weight gain, and increase food cravings. Ultimately, this leads to poor health. It is not about cutting sugar or starchy foods from the diet; it is about the correct portion on the plate. One-third cup of rice, pasta, or other grains is one serving. One piece of bread is one serving. Half a hamburger bun is one serving. One-fourth of a baked potato is a serving. The correct portion is one at each meal if you are still hungry. How many servings a day are you having?
Healthy Starts With Movement
Our bodies were designed to move. Regular physical activity supports much more than weight management — it helps maintain muscle and bone, supports cardiovascular health, helps regulate blood sugar, supports mood and mental health, and can help us maintain independence as we age.
The current recommendation for adults is at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, along with muscle-strengthening activities at least two days per week. More activity can provide additional health benefits, but you don’t have to accomplish it all at once, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
A simple approach is to begin with two days of strength training, followed by regular cardiovascular movement throughout the week. Strength training is important as we age because maintaining muscle mass supports strength, metabolism, balance, and everyday function. Cardio can include walking, biking, swimming, dancing, hiking, jogging, or anything else that gets your heart rate up.
This can look different for everyone.
For someone who is already active, it might mean strength training three days a week, running or cycling several days, and adding walks throughout the day. For a busy parent, it might look like two 30-minute strength workouts at home, a brisk 20-minute walk during lunch, or including the kids on a weekend hike. Someone who works at a desk could start with a 10-minute walk after meals or take the stairs more for both cardio and weight resistance. An older adult or someone with physical limitations may focus on chair exercises, resistance bands, water exercise, balance work, or short walks based on their abilities.
The goal isn’t to exercise as punishment for what you ate. Movement is a way to care for your body, build strength, support your health, and help you continue doing the things you love. You don’t have to complete a perfect workout to benefit from movement. Ten minutes of walking counts. Taking the stairs counts. Gardening, dancing in your kitchen, playing with your children, or walking the dog counts. Being consistent helps improve your health.
Healthy Starts With Sleep
Sleep is one of the most overlooked pieces of good health. We often treat it as optional — something to sacrifice when work gets busy, the kids need us, or there simply aren’t enough hours in the day. But sleep is when the body gets an opportunity to repair and restore.
Most adults need at least seven hours of sleep each night, although individual needs vary. Quality matters, too. Sleeping for eight hours doesn’t necessarily mean you are getting restorative sleep. If you frequently wake up, struggle to fall asleep, or wake up feeling exhausted, your body may not be repairing or restoring itself for the next day.
Poor sleep can affect nearly every aspect of health. It can leave you tired and unfocused during the day, make it harder to regulate emotions, increase hunger and cravings, and interfere with blood sugar regulation. Over time, consistently inadequate sleep is associated with an increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other health problems.
One of the best places to start is sleep hygiene — the habits and environment surrounding your sleep.
Create a Consistent Sleep Schedule
Try to go to bed and wake up at approximately the same time each day, including weekends. A consistent schedule helps reinforce your body’s natural circadian rhythm and can make falling asleep easier.
Create a Wind-Down Routine
Your body needs time to transition from the day’s activity into sleep. Begin winding down 30-60 minutes before bed. Dim the lights, put away work, take a warm shower or bath, read a book, stretch, journal, or practice a few minutes of deep breathing.
Be Mindful of Caffeine and Alcohol
Caffeine can remain in your system for hours, so consider limiting coffee, energy drinks, and other caffeinated beverages later in the day. While alcohol may make you feel sleepy initially, it can interfere with sleep quality and cause more fragmented sleep later in the night.
Make Your Bedroom Sleep-Friendly
Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet. Consider blackout curtains, an eye mask, earplugs, or a white-noise machine if needed. Your bed should be associated with sleep and rest rather than work, television, or scrolling on your phone.
Get Daytime Light and Movement
Sleep hygiene actually begins during the day. Getting natural light in the morning helps regulate your circadian rhythm, while regular physical activity can support better sleep. Try getting outside early in the day and incorporating movement into your daily routine.
And don’t underestimate your phone’s impact. Scrolling through social media or checking emails right before bed can keep your mind stimulated when it should be slowing down. Permit yourself to disconnect.
You don’t have to create a perfect bedtime routine. Start with one or two changes. Going to bed 30 minutes earlier, keeping a consistent wake time, or putting your phone away before bed can be a meaningful place to start.
Start With One Small Goal
Healthy living doesn’t require you to change everything at once. In fact, trying to overhaul your diet, exercise routine, sleep schedule, and entire lifestyle overnight can leave you overwhelmed and more likely to give up. Instead, choose one area to focus on and turn it into a SMART goal — one that is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
Rather than saying, “I need to exercise more,” make your goal specific: “I will take a 20-minute walk after dinner on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for the next four weeks.” Instead of “I need to eat healthier,” try: “I will include more protein at breakfast at least five days each week for the next month.”
Small goals give you something concrete to work toward and an opportunity to build confidence as you succeed. Once a healthy habit becomes part of your routine, you can build on it with another.
Your health doesn’t need to change overnight. It simply needs a place to start. Choose one small change, make it a SMART goal, and begin. Healthy starts here.
This article was originally published in the October 2026 issue of Appleton Monthly Magazine.
Bringing Outside Plants Inside for Winter
by Holly Boettcher
Where did the summer go? It seems like gardening season just began, and now it’s already winding down. As I look for ways to keep up my gardening spirit, I turn to plants I can dig up and bring indoors, along with all my houseplants that enjoyed summer thriving on my patio.
As I decide what to save, I carefully inspect for insects or disease. Never bring in plants that aren’t completely free of infestation. If needed, some insecticidal soap spray or neem oil should take care of any mild episodes.
Most plants will do best in a bright, indirect light, so assess your indoor spaces. If you have pets, don’t forget to double-check a plant’s safety to eliminate the risk of accidental poisoning. A great resource for pet-friendly plants is aspca.org/pet-care.
My first choice is to dig up some of my herbs. The lettuce leaf basil I started from seed in March has grown tremendously and now has delicate, crinkly leaves. The basil has made it into caprese salads and homemade pesto all summer. Of course, I will grab my shovel, dig it up, and transplant it into a clay pot. It doesn’t like to be overwatered, so I will find a sunny spot in one of my south-facing windows.
Next is the rosemary plant with fuzzy, fragrant, needle-like leaves. It is fuss-free if you do not give it too much water. I have learned by trial and error that planting it in cactus soil helps it last all winter, and I can bring it back outdoors in spring.
Sage is another herb that does well inside. Who can resist velvety, pale green, downy leaves? It will brighten up any dish in midwinter.
And how about moving the potted mint inside for the winter? This one is super easy to care for, and there is nothing like a sprig of mint in your cup of hot tea or a mojito to share with friends. (Reminder: This is one herb you should never plant in the ground because it will take over your entire garden.)
Now I assess my tropicals. The hibiscus tree that I purchased this spring is blooming profusely, and I just can’t bear to let it succumb to winter. What can I do? I move it into my garage for a week or two to transition it from outside into my home. I’ve learned that when you move them directly inside, they tend to drop leaves and make quite a mess until they acclimate. The most important part with hibiscus is not to overwater. A light watering once a week will keep it looking beautiful all winter. In early spring, I will begin fertilizing it to encourage blossoming.
Whatever you bring indoors, these green plants will help brighten your home and lift your spirits throughout the winter ahead!
This article was originally published in the October 2026 issue of Appleton Monthly Magazine.
September Provides a Grand Finale for Outdoor Live Music
by Jim Collar
Don’t let anyone tell you that Labor Day weekend is summer’s last hurrah. In the Fox Cities, September is summer’s bonus month.
Sure, the kids are back in school, but there’s still plenty of time for outdoor fun before temperatures slide into fall. September is packed with opportunities to put an exclamation mark on the warm-weather season, and our outdoor music stages save some of their best for last.
Get started at Fox Jazz Fest. Held Sept. 5-6, the free, two-day festival features both local talent and world‑class performers. The sights are as good as the sounds, with the stage set up near Lake Winnebago at Jefferson Park in Menasha. Matt Wilson’s Good Trouble headlines on Saturday evening, while New Jazz Underground closes the festival on Sunday.
Just down the road, the Calumet County Fair turns up the volume from Sept. 4-7 in Chilton. While carnival rides and agricultural exhibits bring many to the gates, its music lineup has grown into a legitimate draw. This year’s fair includes top regional acts such as Driftwood, Vic Ferrari, Spicy Tie Band, and Johnny Wad. Country star Kip Moore performs Sunday night.
Pairing craft beverages with live performances always makes for a great night out. Head back to Menasha’s Jefferson Park Sept. 10 for Brews on Bago. Enjoy music from Carbon Road, beverages from Stone Arch Brewpub, yard games, and food trucks from 5-8 p.m.
Then, Sept. 18-19, put on something green and get to Appleton’s Jones Park for Irish Fest Fox Cities. It’s a lively cultural celebration that’s built on a foundation of some incredible music.
Gaelic Storm returns as the Friday headlining act. Starting as a pub band, they gained a national following after appearing in the blockbuster film Titanic.
Skerryvore also returns to Irish Fest Fox Cities and is all the way from Scotland. A four-time winner of Scotland’s Live Act of the Year award, they seamlessly blend pop music with traditional Scottish sounds, including bagpipes, accordion, fiddles, and whistles. They’ll perform before Gaelic Storm on Friday and headline the Saturday lineup.
Finally, the month ends with one of Appleton’s biggest annual events. Put on your walking shoes and bring an appetite to Octoberfest Sept. 25-26. It starts Friday with License to Cruise. Come for the show cars and stay for a performance by Boogie and the Yo-Yo’z at Houdini Plaza from 6-9 p.m.
Saturday’s main event provides a who’s who of great Fox Valley bands across five stages. Highlights include The Glam Band at 3 p.m. at the west end of College Avenue and Kyle Megna & The Monsoons at 4 p.m. at Houdini Plaza. This year, Octoberfest added a country stage at the corner of College Avenue and Morrison Street, with Nashville Pipeline headlining at 4 p.m.
You could consider September as an encore to a great summer. In the Fox Cities, it’s more of a grand finale. Get out and soak up every last moment.
This article was originally published in the September 2026 issue of Appleton Monthly Magazine.
2026 Women’s Inspire Awards
by Alyssa Johnson
Women Making a DIFFERENCE
Five years ago, the Women’s Inspire Awards were created to celebrate women whose impact often happens quietly, behind the scenes. Over the years, we have had the privilege of sharing the stories of remarkable women who lead with heart, serve without expectation, and make our community stronger every day. Their journeys remind us that some of the most meaningful contributions are made not for recognition, but because someone simply sees a need and chooses to help.
That couldn’t be more true of this year’s honorees. They inspire our children, strengthen connections, support those facing difficult circumstances, and help move the Fox Cities forward. While their paths and contributions may differ, they share a common purpose: improving the lives of the people around them. Their dedication to service, leadership, and community impact is evident in everything they do.
Each woman featured in these pages was nominated by someone who witnessed that dedication firsthand and wanted to shine a light on the difference she makes. Their stories are a powerful reminder that inspiration often comes from the people beside us every day: our coworkers, neighbors, mentors, friends, and family members.
We are honored to share these stories with you and offer a glimpse into the lives of six extraordinary women. We hope their journeys inspire you as much as they have inspired us. We also encourage you to think about the women who have inspired you — the individuals whose kindness, leadership, and generosity often go unnoticed but deserve to be celebrated.
Thank you to everyone who has supported the Women’s Inspire Awards over the past five years. This event would not be possible without our nominators, sponsors, volunteers, attendees, and community partners.
And to this year’s honorees: thank you for allowing us to celebrate you. Your impact is immeasurable, and our gratitude is beyond words.
With gratitude,
Alyssa Johnson and Amanda Krueger
Alyssa and Amanda are proud to support and uplift the women who make our community stronger every day. Thank you to American National Bank Fox Cities for believing in this mission, and to Jon Croce and Appleton Monthly Magazine for giving us the opportunity to celebrate these remarkable women!
Kristin McCormack-Schroeder
Arts Advocate | Storyteller | Community Connector
Kristin has spent her career helping people connect through the arts. As Senior Manager of Brand Engagement at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, she helps share the stories behind performances, programs, and initiatives that bring the community together. Through creativity, communications, and a deep appreciation for the arts, she plays a key role in creating experiences that leave a lasting impact.
Kristin is passionate about the power of storytelling and the unique ways the arts can inspire connection, learning, and understanding. Whether someone is attending their first performance, discovering a new perspective, or participating in a community program, she believes meaningful experiences have the ability to bring people together and strengthen communities.
One of Kristin’s greatest passions is helping grow the P.A.C.’s Viewpoint Speaker Series, which brings influential voices and thought-provoking conversations to the Fox Cities. She is inspired by opportunities to create spaces where people can broaden their perspectives, engage with new ideas, and leave feeling inspired. She also remains committed to ensuring the arts are accessible, welcoming, and meaningful for all members of the community.
Kristin credits Maria Van Laanen, president and CEO at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, as one of her greatest professional influences. Having worked alongside Maria throughout much of her career at the P.A.C., she has witnessed firsthand the impact of thoughtful, visionary leadership. Kristin describes Maria as someone who leads with both heart and expertise — always willing to listen, offer guidance, and invest in the growth of others. Watching Maria help shape the P.A.C. into the organization it is today reinforced Kristin’s own belief in the power of connection, community, and servant leadership.
“The things that challenge you are often the things that help you grow the most.”
— Nominated by Erin Kelsey
Melissa Toshner
Educator | Advocate for Striving Learners | Champion for Student Success
Melissa has dedicated nearly 25 years to helping students reach their full potential. As associate director of special education for the Appleton Area School District, she supports educators, students, and families while helping to ensure every learner receives the opportunity, encouragement, and resources they need to succeed.
Melissa’s passion for special education began early in her teaching career when she discovered a love for understanding how students learn differently and finding creative ways to help them grow. She is inspired by the challenge of meeting learners where they are and helping educators create pathways for success. Whether supporting teachers in the classroom or helping guide district-wide initiatives, Melissa remains focused on one goal: ensuring every student feels valued, capable, and supported.
She is especially passionate about empowering the educators who work alongside students every day. Melissa often credits the teachers, support staff, and administrators around her for their heart, perseverance, and commitment to helping children thrive. She believes some of the most meaningful moments in education happen in small daily victories that eventually lead to lasting growth.
The educators she works with continue to inspire her through their compassion, resilience, and unwavering dedication to students. Their example is a constant reminder of the difference one caring person can make in a child’s life.
“If you’ve got grit and you’ve got heart, you can learn everything else.”
— Nominated by Carrie Willer
Dawn Ruchala
Community Impact Leader | Connector | Advocate for Opportunity
Dawn has built a career around creating meaningful opportunities for others. As senior community engagement manager at U.S. Venture, she helps lead initiatives that strengthen communities, support nonprofit organizations, and improve lives throughout Northeast Wisconsin. Through her work with the U.S. Venture Open and Basic Needs Giving Partnership, she helps connect generosity with causes that are making a lasting impact on children and families across the region.
What drives Dawn is a belief that opportunity can change the trajectory of a life. As the first person in her family to pursue higher education, she worked hard to create a future that looked different from the one she knew growing up. Earning both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree required perseverance, determination, and a commitment to continuous growth — qualities that continue to shape her leadership today. Having experienced firsthand how education can open doors, Dawn is passionate about helping others discover what is possible for their own future.
Dawn is especially passionate about helping children and families build brighter futures. Whether through fundraising, community partnerships, or volunteer leadership, she is motivated by the opportunity to create pathways for success and connect people with the resources they need to thrive. She believes meaningful change happens when people come together around a shared purpose and use their gifts to lift others up.
Dawn credits her mother as one of her greatest inspirations. Her mother’s resilience, determination, and ability to connect with people helped shape Dawn’s own approach to leadership and service. Those lessons continue to guide her as she works to ensure future generations have the same opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed.
“Keep focused on the big goals that you set for yourself because you’re going to accomplish all of them and then some.”
— Nominated by Beverly Fesing
Andrea Bartel-Riffle
Retired Educator | Community Volunteer | Advocate for Our Vulnerable
Andrea has spent her life helping others. After a 39-year career in education, she continues to serve the community by supporting individuals experiencing some of life’s most difficult challenges. As assistant shelter manager with the St. Joseph Catholic Church Emergency Shelter, Andrea brings compassion, patience, and a deep commitment to helping others feel seen, supported, and valued.
Andrea’s passion for service is rooted in the values she learned growing up in a large family and close-knit community. After retiring from education, she became increasingly aware of the housing challenges facing individuals and families throughout the Fox Cities. Believing that safe, stable housing is foundational to well-being, she felt called to become involved. Through her work with the emergency shelter, she helps connect people with resources, support, and opportunities that can help them take steps toward greater stability and independence.
Whether helping children in the classroom or individuals experiencing homelessness, Andrea approaches each person with empathy, patience, and respect. She has become a trusted advocate for many of the people she serves, helping them navigate appointments, access resources, and overcome barriers that can feel overwhelming. Andrea understands that lasting change often happens through small, steady steps, and she remains committed to walking alongside people as they work toward brighter futures.
Andrea is inspired by the many generous people she has encountered throughout her life, individuals who quietly give their time, energy, and support to help others. Their example continues to motivate her and reinforces her belief that strong communities are built through compassion and connection.
“Knowing you have someone who has your back is a real confidence builder. Not everyone has that, and that’s why showing up for others matters.”
— Nominated by Melanie Mailand, 2024 WIA recipient
Amy Bertram
Business Leader | Community Supporter | Family-First Entrepreneur
Amy knows that life doesn’t always follow the path you originally planned, and that can be a beautiful thing.
Originally a special education teacher, Amy stepped away from her career to focus on raising her children, embracing the role of full-time mom during a season when her family needed her most. As life evolved, so did Amy’s vision for what was possible. Alongside her husband, Ben, she helped build Fiberglass Solutions into a successful, growing business, eventually stepping into a leadership role she never originally imagined for herself.
Amy is passionate about creating opportunities, not only for her family and employees, but also for her community. Known for her willingness to jump in, support local organizations, and help bring people together, she believes leadership is less about recognition and more about making a positive impact on the people around you. Whether in business, at home, or through community involvement, she approaches every challenge with determination, humility, and a commitment to continuous growth.
One of Amy’s greatest sources of inspiration is her family. Working alongside her husband has given her a unique appreciation for partnership, perseverance, and shared goals. At the same time, she hopes her children see something bigger in her journey: that it is never too late to learn something new, take a different path, or become the person you are meant to be. Her story is a reminder that success isn’t always about following a plan; sometimes it’s about having the courage to embrace the unexpected.
“Life doesn’t always follow the path you originally planned, but that doesn’t mean it won’t lead you exactly where you’re meant to be.”
— Nominated by Ben Bertram
Leah Suprise
Community Volunteer | Foster Parent | Advocate for Families and First Responders
Leah has dedicated her life to helping others feel supported, valued, and cared for. As executive director of Project SIX, she works alongside first responders, families, and community members to provide meaningful support during both everyday challenges and life’s most difficult moments. Beyond her leadership with Project SIX, Leah has spent nearly a decade serving local families through her work with the Girl Scouts and has opened her heart and home as a foster parent, helping children feel safe, supported, and loved.
Leah’s commitment to service is deeply personal. Throughout her life, she has experienced challenges that shaped her perspective and strengthened her appreciation for the people who offered guidance, encouragement, and support along the way. Those experiences reinforced her belief that even the smallest act of kindness can make a lasting difference and continue to influence the way she serves others today.
Whether through Project SIX, foster parenting, the Girl Scouts, or countless volunteer efforts, Leah is passionate about ensuring people know they are not alone. She believes some of the most meaningful acts of service happen in everyday moments — showing up, listening, offering a helping hand, and reminding someone there is hope ahead. Her dedication to lifting others up has strengthened countless lives throughout the community.
Leah credits two high school teachers, Mr. Jack Wendt and Miss Linda Radke, as some of the most influential people in her life. Their encouragement, belief in her potential, and willingness to invest their time helped shape the person she is today. Their example continues to inspire her commitment to helping others recognize that their story is still being written and that their circumstances do not determine their future.
“I wouldn’t be where I am without the people who showed up for me, and I hope to be that person for others.”
— Nominated by Sarah Peterson
What brought you to your work?
Kristin: My career has taken a few different paths, but the common thread has always been creating experiences that bring people together. I started in entertainment marketing and public relations, worked with sports organizations and live events, and loved seeing how a shared experience could create excitement and connection. That passion eventually led me to the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center. Being able to connect people through storytelling, creativity, and the arts has been incredibly rewarding, and I still get excited seeing someone experience the P.A.C. for the first time.
Melissa: I knew pretty early in college that I wanted to go into special education, and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. What intrigued me was trying to figure out how to help learners when the typical approach wasn’t working. It became this challenge of, “How do I help this student succeed?” That opportunity to meet students where they are and help them grow is what has kept me going for nearly 25 years.
Dawn: I originally thought I would work for an advertising agency after studying marketing at UW-Madison. Instead, I found myself on the client side, working in marketing, communications, and events. Over time, I realized what I enjoyed most wasn’t marketing itself. It was bringing people together around a purpose and creating something that made a difference. That eventually led me toward community engagement and the work I do today.
Andrea: Many people have been touched by homelessness or housing insecurity in some way, whether through a family member, friend, or neighbor. I’ve always been interested in affordable housing because housing is such a key component of stability. I grew up with a home. I grew up knowing where my meals would come from. After I retired, I attended a meeting at church about homelessness and affordable housing, and my passion just grew from there.
Amy: I always assumed I would spend my career teaching. When I stepped away from teaching to stay home with our children, it opened the door to a path I never expected. My husband had always dreamed of owning a business. I remember him coming home one day and saying, “If we’re going to work this hard, we’re going to do it for ourselves.” What started as his dream became something we built together as a family, and it completely changed the direction of my career.
Leah: My passion for helping others comes from the people who showed up for me throughout my life. Growing up, first responders were often some of the people who made me feel safe and reminded me things were going to be okay. Teachers, mentors, and community members did that for me too. Those experiences stayed with me. Whether through the Girl Scouts, foster parenting, or Project SIX, I’ve always felt called to give back and be that person for someone else.
What motivates you on your most challenging days?
Kristin: Seeing the impact our work has on people is always a cup filler for me.
The P.A.C. is so much more than a place where performances happen. It creates opportunities for people to learn, connect, and experience something meaningful. Watching someone discover a new perspective or leave feeling inspired reminds me why this work matters.
Melissa: I am surrounded by incredible educators every day.
When I’m having a hard day, I go into classrooms. I watch teachers do what they do best. That’s where the magic happens. Seeing the care, compassion, and perseverance they bring to students reminds me why this work matters and why it’s worth continuing to fight for every learner.
Dawn: I’ve always been gritty.
If something is challenging, I’m going to figure out a way to get it done. But more importantly, I try to keep things in perspective. Any challenge I’m facing at work is small compared to what many of the families we’re helping are experiencing. Remembering our mission and the people we’re serving helps keep me focused.
Andrea: My faith really drives me.
I’ve learned that I can only do my small part and trust that others will step forward to do theirs. The older I’ve gotten, the more I’ve realized what really matters. It’s how we treat one another. It’s the love we share and the ways we care for others. That’s what keeps me going.
Amy: I’ve learned that I need to break things down into steps.
When things feel overwhelming, I focus on what absolutely has to get done first and what can wait. It sounds simple, but it has helped me manage a growing list of responsibilities and keep moving forward. You can’t do everything at once, and that’s okay.
Leah: Giving back.
When I got sick, I was overwhelmed by the number of people who reached out, sent cards, and showed support. I didn’t realize how many people I had impacted because I never do it for gratification. I do it because we should be doing it. That reminder and those connections keep me going.
What do you envision for the future of your work?
Kristin: I’m excited to continue creating opportunities that bring people together through the arts. The growth of the Viewpoint Speaker Series has been especially rewarding because it brings unbelievable stories to our community and gives people the chance to broaden their horizons.
I’m also passionate about continuing to expand accessibility efforts so everyone feels welcome and able to experience the arts in a way that works for them.
Melissa: I want to continue developing RISE, supporting our teachers, and advocating for special education funding.
I’m also passionate about helping grow the profession. By the time I’m ready to step away from education, I want to know I’ve helped prepare and support the next generation of educators so they’re ready to carry this work forward and continue advocating for students.
Dawn: I see tremendous opportunity ahead.
Through the U.S. Venture Open and the Basic Needs Giving Partnership, we’re in a position to make an even greater impact throughout Northeast Wisconsin. There is so much opportunity and impact we can have in bigger, broader ways throughout the region, and that’s what gets me excited.
Andrea: Of course, I’d love to end homelessness, but there will always be new challenges to address.
What I hope for most is a community that continues to come together to support one another. We are only as strong as our most vulnerable members. If we can bring people together, lift each other up, and help people move forward with dignity and hope, we’ll all be stronger because of it.
Amy: We definitely plan to keep growing, although I’m usually the one saying, “Let’s figure out where we’re at first.”
What excites me most is helping preserve and grow small businesses that may not otherwise have a succession plan. There are so many good businesses in Northeast Wisconsin whose owners are ready to retire, and we love helping continue what they’ve built while creating new opportunities for employees and families.
Leah: I want to make Project SIX bigger.
I want it to be something that continues long into the future and reaches even more first responders and families. I also want to do more for youth aging out of foster care because I’ve been there and understand how important support can be. Ultimately, I want people to know they have someone in their corner.
What would you tell your younger self to inspire her?
Kristin: Take more chances.
I wish I would have studied abroad. I wish I had worried less about getting everything right. Looking back, I’d tell myself not to be afraid to fail, to stay curious, and to keep learning. Some of the most meaningful growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone and trust yourself.
Melissa: Keep going.
Keep your faith. Trust God’s plan. Even in really dark places, those experiences can shape you and refine you into a better version of yourself. Looking back, some of my most difficult seasons taught me lessons I never could have learned otherwise.
Dawn: Keep focused on your goals.
I always had big goals for myself and kept setting new ones every time I reached another milestone. Looking back, I would tell my younger self: keep focused on the big goals you set for yourself, because you’re going to accomplish all of them and then some.
Andrea: Believe in yourself and trust yourself.
Don’t be afraid to try new things, and don’t worry so much about what everyone else might say or do. Find out who you are, know your strengths, and believe in them. You can make a difference just by being who you are.
Amy: Take advantage of every opportunity.
You never know which person you’ll meet, what experience you’ll have, or how a situation will impact your life years down the road. Every little connection matters. Stay open to possibilities, trust your gut, and surround yourself with good people. Things may not always make sense in the moment, but they often come full circle.
Leah: Don’t be so angry. People are only trying to help you.
For a long time, I was upset because life didn’t seem fair. Looking back now, I realize everything I went through shaped who I am. There is light at the end of the tunnel, and the impact I’ve been able to make in the lives of others outweighs the difficult things I experienced growing up.
This article was originally published in the September 2026 issue of Appleton Monthly Magazine.
Baking and Bonding With Family
by Tim Froberg
HOW ENTREPRENEUR CARLA MANNS FINDS JOY IN BUSINESS
Whenever Allayah Manns has a dilemma, she uses an old-school approach that consistently delivers better answers than modern-day information technology tools like Google or AI.
She simply asks herself, “What would mom do?”
Mom is Carla Manns, a busy and successful Appleton entrepreneur who runs two businesses in the same downtown building at 207 W. College Ave.: a hair salon known as Shear Images by Carla on the second floor and Appleton Bundt House, a main floor bakery she opened in January.
“It (Appleton Bundt House) has been an amazing experience,” Carla said. “It’s gone better than I expected, better than I projected, better than I had budgeted for.”
Appleton Bundt House has a family feel. Allayah and her sister, Alexsis, both work with Carla at the bakery. Allayah is the manager and also rents a chair at Shear Images where she and Carla work with all hair types, but specialize in ethnic hair needs. Alexsis is the customer service supervisor/content creator for Appleton Bundt House.
“The three of us work really, really well together,” said Allayah. “My mom has always been the pillar of any success I’ve had. She has great ideas and clearly knows what she’s doing. Whenever we have ideas, she’s always open to listening to them and trying to incorporate them into the business. It’s like she’s old school, we’re new school, and it balances out really, really well.”
LEARNING CULINARY SKILLS AS A KID
Carla is exceptionally skilled with her hands, whether she’s clipping hair or creating decadent desserts. She has more than 20 years of experience as a hairstylist, and although she’s new to the baking business, she has years of experience whipping up tasty baked treats, including her specialty Bundt cakes. Carla learned to bake while growing up in Coldwater, Miss., a small town about 30 miles from Memphis, Tenn.
“I’ve always loved desserts — desserts and I always had a love relationship,” said Carla with a laugh. “I grew up in the South, and we had lots of family get-togethers. I would always go to the dessert table first and then to where the main food was because I wanted to make sure I had room for the desserts.
“My aunts were all beautiful cooks and bakers, and that’s where I learned to bake. And I made sure that I taught my kids how to cook and bake.”
Carla has always found baking to be soothing and relaxing. She has baked for her family for years and decided to jump on a business opportunity when the first-floor property previously used as a restaurant became available. Carla had previously dabbled in the baking world with cookies, selling them to a pair of local restaurants, but chose to focus on Allayah’s favorite baked treat: Bundt cakes.
“Sunday is always our family day,” Carla said. “We put everything down and just turn our attention to family. We take turns going where everyone wants to go to lunch. Allayah always wanted to go to Nothing Bundt Cakes in De Pere.
“After a while, I was like: ‘I know how to make Bundt cakes. Let me make you some.’ She was like, ‘Oh my gosh, they’re so good.’ I knew I always wanted something to do with that space downstairs, so when it became available, I was like: ‘We should do Bundt cakes.’ It was something Appleton didn’t already have and was in a great place in the hub of the downtown area.”
Appleton Bundt House offers freshly made-from-scratch Bundt cakes available in 12 flavors along with other sweet treats. Cakes are available in bite-size, single-serving, 8-inch (serves 8-10 people), 10-inch (serves 10-12), or larger tiered cakes. Cakes can be designed for special occasions such as weddings, birthdays, office celebrations, baby showers, gender reveals, anniversaries, religious occasions, and retirements.
Popular flavors at Appleton Bundt House include chocolate velvet (an early favorite that features three layers of chocolate), lemon love (a lemon cake with lemon cream frosting), pineapple upside down, German chocolate, red velvet, carrot cake, confetti delight, strawberry kiss (featuring chocolate with strawberry cream cheese frosting), peanut butter bliss (peanut butter cake swirled with peanut butter frosting), turtle (chocolate with caramel frosting and topped with toasted pecans), cookies and cream (chocolate with crushed cookies and creamy vanilla cookie frosting), and sweet potato.
Each cake on the menu has suggested drink pairings that match its flavor profile, including coffee, cold brew, lattes, matcha tea, water, milk, and Celsius.
FAMILY TIME AT WORK
“I have a love for baking — a love for creating something that makes people happy,” said Carla, who holds a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. “It’s great to be able to celebrate special occasions with our customers.”
What’s even more satisfying for Carla are the everyday moments she gets to spend at the bakery with her daughters and other family members. Her son, Elijah, also helps out at the bakery along with Carla’s husband, Bishop Gerald Manns, her mother, Lula Coleman, and her nephew, Rashad.
“It’s fun working with my daughters,” she said. “Right now they’re both single and don’t have any kids, so it gives me a chance to spend some quality time with them. It’s been really easy working with them. They want the same success I do, and we’ve always had a very open, honest relationship. I know that I can trust them and they will do the very best they can.”
Working two jobs can be tricky, but the three handle the challenge with ease and never seem to be running on fumes. Alexsis also owns her own art business, Art by Alexsis.
“You know it’s all about balance and making sure the customers in both entities feel very much appreciated and taken care of,” said Carla. “When I’m working upstairs, I focus on what I’m doing up there. When I’m downstairs, I focus on what I’m doing down there.
“The thing is that because I have a passion for both businesses, it doesn’t feel so much like work. Don’t get me wrong, it’s work, but it’s not stressful work. It’s joyous work. That makes it a lot easier.”
Allayah, who holds a master’s degree in higher education from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, added: “Honestly, we’re blessed with both businesses being in the same building. I think of it as I’m getting my cardio in running upstairs and downstairs to each business. But no, it really doesn’t feel like it’s too much.
“I think God put us in these situations for a reason. We’ve been thriving. Both businesses have been successful. As a matter of fact, they’re both growing. I don’t know how we’re doing it, but we’re doing it.”
THE THREE ENTREPRENEURS
Carla feels that it’s important for her daughters to follow her lead and be entrepreneurs.
“They’re not just my daughters, they’re fellow entrepreneurs,” said Carla. “I taught them how to be entrepreneurs, so we all have the business mindset to get things done. We’re all learning together about how to grow a business.”
Carla and her daughters have done that with their sublime baking skills and outgoing personalities. The vibe at Appleton Bundt House is friendly and welcoming. The business offers seating and tables for those who want to kick back and enjoy a warm drink and a delicious baked treat.
“We offer a warm, cozy atmosphere,” said Carla. “We’re very much a small, mom-and-pop-type shop where we get to know our customers and know their names. We offer free taste testing for wedding parties where the bride and groom can come in with whoever they want to bring, and that’s a lot of fun.
“Our neighbors across the street like Home Burger (Bar) and Gibson (Community Music Hall) have been amazing and very supportive, coming here to buy stuff for their crew. We patronize each other all the time.”
Appleton Bundt House has become a regular at the Downtown Appleton Farm Market and won first place during the Downtown Appleton Cultural Cuisine Walk for its sweet potato Bundt cake infused with warm spices.
When she’s not tending to her busy work schedule, Carla enjoys walking, playing pickleball, tending to her dog, Pluto (a Lhasa apso), and traveling with Gerald, a senior pastor at Appleton Sanctuary Outreach Ministries Inc. The couple has been married for 34 years.
“We’ve been to quite a few different countries and love traveling, but we also love just hanging at home with our kids and walking our little dog,” said Carla. “We still have family days on Sunday where we drop everything and family is the focus.”
This article was originally published in the September 2026 issue of Appleton Monthly Magazine.