Leadership Watertown Committee
Meet the Leadership Committee
The Leadership Watertown Committee supports participants in becoming community leaders. Its mission is to cultivate informed, dedicated, and skilled individuals who can offer dynamic leadership within the Watertown area. The committee helps leadership classes to interact with local leaders, understand community opportunities and challenges, and undertake significant projects. They are responsible for organizing educational and influential learning experiences.
Leadership Watertown Committee
First Row: Casey Schuett, Tiffany Nehls, Stephanie Curtis – Chairperson, Stacey Johnson, and Linden Peacy
Second Row: Ben Olsen, Karen Gibbs, Julia Chidley, Sue Trepte, Kim Schooley, and Sarah Oudenhoven
Julia Chidley
Bender, Larson, Chidley, Koppes & Associates SC Attorneys At Law
Julia Chidley
Bender, Larson, Chidley, Koppes & Associates SC Attorneys At Law
I am an attorney and a partner at Bender, Larson, Chidley, Koppes & Associates, S.C., with my practice focused on family law, business law, probate, and estate planning. My passion is litigation.
I graduated magna cum laude from Marquette University Law School and served as a member and an associate editor for Marquette Law Review. Before that, I graduated from a Ukrainian university with a degree in education, Ukrainian language, literature, world literature, and ethnology, with honors; and then, from Madison Area Technical College as a paralegal, with honors. Prior to and during the law school, I worked in Sun Prairie as a paralegal for a general practice law firm for five years, gaining intense hands-on practical experience in the legal areas of probate, criminal law, personal injury, bankruptcy, and family law.
In addition to my legal training, I am certified in grief therapy through the American Institute of Healthcare Professionals. The latter training provides me with the ability to better hear, understand, and help my clients and their families deal with the emotional challenges of their legal situation.
I am married and have a daughter who is a UW Madison neurobiology student and two stepchildren. I am fluent in Russian and Ukrainian languages. I enjoy hiking, camping, gardening, decorating, spending time on water, archery and target shooting, and traveling with my husband. I am married to a licensed falconer and it has been a fascinating journey to learn about his birds of prey. I even got to name some of them!
Stephanie Curtis
Chairperson
Watertown Family Connections
Stephanie Curtis
Watertown Family Connections
Karen Gibbs
Church Health Services
Karen Gibbs
Church Health Services
Midwest girl originally from a Hog farm in Princeton, MN. Moved to Wisconsin when I headed to College at the University of River Falls Wisconsin. After receiving my degree in Organizational Professional Communication, I moved to Fox Lake Wisconsin. Where we currently farm on my husband Jonathan’s family farm. We have two children Hayden 13 and Natalie 11 along with Lily our golden retriever.
Currently I work as the Development Manager at Church Health Services helping connect those that are uninsured, low income or falling through the gaps with Medical, Dental and Mental Health needs in southern Wisconsin. I strive to build relationships and leadership skills through many networks like the community chambers, network groups, services organizations and more. From Beaver Dam Rotary, Waupun Kiwanis, Juneau, and Fox Lake Chamber boards and more you can find me volunteering in many capacities across the area.
I enjoy, baking, singing, running my kids around, making new friends and spending time with family.
Stacey Johnson
Ixonia Bank
Stacey Johnson
Ixonia Bank
My name is Stacey Johnson, currently I’m the Assistant Market Manager for Ixonia Bank at our Watertown East location. I have been in banking for just over 8years after I went back to school and got my Associate Degree in Business Management. Prior to banking I had over 20 years of Retail Management experience. I have a passion for training and development and the greatest success I’ve had is helping others succeed and grow.
Most of my childhood I was raised in Watertown, and I graduated from Watertown (class of 93). I spent 14 years up north in Rice Lake WI. I moved back to Watertown with my three boys when they were young. Two of my boys are Watertown graduates and I have one still in high school. When I’m not spending time with my family and friends, I enjoy going fishing, thrifting, antique shopping, and watching movies.
Tiffany Nehls
Rock River Chimney and Fireplace
Tiffany Nehls
Rock River Chimney and Fireplace
Hello! I’m Tiffany Nehls, the Office Manager at Rock River Chimney & Fireplace. My educational path began at St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Fort Atkinson, continued through Lakeside Lutheran, and culminated in my graduation from Jefferson High School in 2009. Growing up, I split my time between Fort Atkinson, Jefferson and Watertown.
Over the past 13 years, I’ve gained diverse experience working at seven different businesses in Watertown. This experience has enriched my professional life and deepened my connections within the community.
In addition to my role at Rock River Chimney & Fireplace, I’m actively involved with the Watertown Gymnastic Association (Turner Hall), where I serve as Vice President. This role allows me to contribute to local initiatives and foster community engagement.
Family is central to my life. I’m a proud parent to two wonderful children, Addie (13) and Chase (11). We recently moved back to Watertown and are thoroughly enjoying our time here. Our family loves embarking on short road trips, visiting amusement parks, playing miniature golf, crafting, watching movies, indulging in ice cream, and spending quality time together.
I am passionate about my involvement with the Leadership Committee, which offers me opportunities for personal growth, community involvement, and networking. This role not only benefits the community but also supports the mission of Rock River Chimney & Fireplace.
Ben Olsen
Watertown Police Department
Ben Olsen
Watertown Police Department
Ben Olsen is a lifelong resident of the Watertown area, where he has dedicated 18 years to the Watertown Police Department. Throughout his career, he has advanced through various roles, including officer, detective, sergeant, captain, and currently serving as Assistant Chief. His extensive experience in law enforcement, combined with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, has equipped him with the skills and knowledge to effectively serve and protect his community.
Ben is passionate about ensuring the safety and well-being of the community he loves, drawing inspiration from his own upbringing in Watertown. He finds fulfillment in his role and is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of residents.
Active in community engagement, Ben is a proud member of the Leadership Watertown Committee. He values the connections he’s made through the program and found it to be an enriching experience, even as a lifelong resident. The insights gained have deepened his understanding of the community and reinforced his commitment to public service.
Ben’s wife, Mel, shares his passion for community involvement and works for the Oconomowoc Area School District, where she also grew up. Together, they appreciate the opportunity to contribute to the communities that have shaped their lives.
Sarah Oudenhoven
Watertown Unified School District
Sarah Oudenhoven
Watertown Area Unified School District
Sarah serves as the Director of Special Education & Student Services in the Watertown Unified School District and as the Vice President on the Watertown Public Library Board of Trustees. Sarah has served in public education as an elementary and secondary level teacher, associate principal, principal, and director of instructional services, special education, and student services. Sarah also serves as an adjunct professor in the Education Department at Carroll University in Waukesha, Wisconsin guiding the next generation of educators on law, policy, governance, funding and the antecedents of K-12 education.
As an educator in Wisconsin, Sarah is known and respected for her work as a leader blending courage, action, and high expectations with grace, respect, and kindness to create schools and working environments that inspire greatness in students and adults. Her proven track record of transforming public schools has contributed to her reputation as a highly valued leadership coach, speaker, and consultant.
Sarah holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Carroll University and a master’s degree in educational administration from Concordia University. She earned an Ed.S. as a Director of Special Education and Student Services from Carroll University and an Ed.S. as a Superintendent from Concordia University. Sarah is a graduate of the AASA Superintendent Academy.
Linden Peacy
Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce
Linden Peacy
Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce
Linden Peacy is the Event & Marketing Coordinator at the Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce. At WACC she is organizing and promoting events that help local businesses grow and engage with the community. Additionally, she’s the Parent Education Coordinator at Watertown Family Connections, where she supports families by providing resources and educational opportunities. Linden works with various community organizations to provide Parenting Classes and Support for families in Dodge and Jefferson County. Her commitment to enhancing the well-being of her community is clear through her collaborative efforts and passion for creating a vibrant, supportive environment for all residents. She has a bachelor’s degree in Community Education and Engagement from UW-Milwaukee.
Linden and her husband Mike have three kids, Jacob, Grayson, and Charlotte as well as a cat and a dog, all of which keep her and her husband (Mike) remarkably busy. Her family moved to Watertown in April 2020 and has loved every minute of it. They have enjoyed attending events and getting to know all the wonderful people in Watertown, and they’ve felt welcomed into the community.
In their free time, the Peacy family enjoys cooking, hiking, spending time outdoors, and exploring the Watertown Community.
Kim Schooley
Watertown Area YMCA
Kim Schooley
Watertown Area YMCA
Kim serves as the Branch Executive Director for our Watertown Area YMCA. Kim has 20 years of experience in the Y movement and has served in many leadership roles with the Glacial Community YMCA throughout her career. Kim started her career as the Inclusion Specialist, developing and implementing programming for individuals with disabilities. She moved to a role in Operations and then became the Executive Director for Youth Development where she led the Association’s licensed care programming for both branches. In 2023, Kim transitioned into her role as the Executive Director for the Watertown Branch.
Kim holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and Therapeutic Recreation from the University of WI- LaCrosse. She is a certified trainer and educator in Emergency Medical Response, Leading Others Leadership Training and Youth Development/ Early Education. She is committed to expanding the Y’s services across the area to meet the community needs. The Y strives to create a place where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and committed to a healthier positive lifestyle.
Kim enjoys spending quality time outdoors with her family and is a proud mom of Lily and Samuel. As a family, they enjoy camping, hiking, and traveling.
Casey Schuett
Watertown Family Practice
Casey Schuett
Watertown Family Practice
Casey Schuett, a Watertown, WI native, holds a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration from Carroll University, which he obtained in 2019. He has a strong background in healthcare, having worked as a Long-Term Care Administrator before becoming the Practice Administrator at Watertown Family Practice in October 2022. Married to Autumn since 2020, Casey is a devoted father to their daughter Lainey, born in April 2024. He enjoys spending quality time outdoors with his family and their Bernese Mountain Dog, Daisy Mae.
Sue Trepte
Haus of Peace
Sue Trepte
Haus of Peace
I have had a diverse and colorful history. I served as a youth leader and women’s leader in our church, and I participated in numerous mission trips, with my favorites being to India and Africa. After working for 18 years as a lunch lady in the Watertown Unified School District, I retired in 2014. During that time, my husband John and I served as foster parents for 10 years, welcoming 50 children into our home. In addition to my work as a lunch lady and foster parent, I have also worked in retail, directed a daycare, managed a flower shop, and served on the board for The Watertown Players.
My husband and I believe we have been called by God to be the innkeepers at the Haus of Peace, where we provide care and support to those who are lost and broken. I consider myself a philanthropist, as I volunteer my services to support homeless and abused women and children in our community. Our focus is on empowering women to be strong advocates for themselves and their children. We offer individualized programs and education to help women overcome homelessness, abuse, and trauma, with the ultimate goal of breaking the cycle of abuse.
Through our research, we have found that mental health issues are a common factor in homelessness and abuse. To address this, we have partnered with two mental health care clinics and their clinicians to provide individual services and facilitate mental health care workshops. We work closely with women to help them secure employment within 10 days, and we celebrate their successes in gaining strength and independence on a weekly basis.
We are fortunate to have teams of volunteers who generously share their gifts and talents with our women and families. We are always looking for compassionate leaders who can meet a wide range of needs. For example, we have a businesswoman mentoring a house guest who aspires to be a business owner, and we have collaborated with a law firm to provide legal guidance to women fighting for custody of their children from their abusers.
Speaking on behalf of our team, I can say that this work is our passion and a life-changing journey for both us and our house guests. Through our faith, we have found the strength and determination to be the hands and feet of Christ, helping those in need.
