Who We Are

Elisa Fosco

Animal Care Director

Elisa has a B.S in Biology and Chemistry from the University of Illinois and has been a licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator since 1987. She is a licensed Veterinarian Techician and holds a Wildlife Society Certification as a Professional Wildlife Biologist. Elisa has been the Director of Animal Care for the Ohio Wildlife Center, Walden’s Puddle, Wildlife Center of Greater Nashville, TN, Wildcare:Terwiliger Nature Education Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in San Rafael, CA, Rehabilitation Manager for the Toronto Wildlife Center and Field Biologist and Head Vet Tech for the Peregrine Fund Condor Project in Vermillion Cliffs, AZ. Lisa has also been an International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (IWRC) Skills Seminar Instructor for 14 years and has a passion for learning & teaching. Elisa enjoys camping, hiking, yoga, music and spending time with her dogs.

Debbie Verhalen

Marketing and Administrative Manager

Deb joined the WINC team in November 2018 as Marketing & Administrative Assistant. She has 25 plus years of marketing experience to share with us. Her nonprofit involvement has included working with The Hunger Task Force of Milwaukee, Wreaths Across America for our Veteran’s and Girl Scouts of SE Wisconsin.  Deb enjoys nature walks, nature photography and bird watching. She loves seeing the bird and squirrel activity right outside her office window.

If you have questions about membership or fundraising events, email Email Debbie

Helen Holtz

Education Coordinator

Helen Holtz grew up just a few miles away as the crow flies from the Wildlife In Need Center on her family’s farm in Mukwonago. For the past 10 years she has worked across the country for environmental nonprofits and several State and National Parks. Helen and her dog, Dobby, recently just finished hiking in every continental state together and are happy to finally have a permanent spot right here in Wisconsin with her husband Ryan.

Email Helen

Judy Dollhopf

Marketing and Administrative Assistant

I started at WINC as an animal care volunteer in February 2020; however, a month later the pandemic hit and limited volunteers. In August 2020 I was lucky enough to find this amazing opportunity to help the Marketing Team as an assistant. I have a passion for helping animals and feel blessed I am able to contribute to this amazing team. I was born and raised in Wisconsin and currently live in Pewaukee with my husband. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, major in Finance from UW-Milwaukee and worked in the financial institution industry for over 20 years. I have volunteered for Dog Rescues in the past and have three beautiful rescue mutts that I adore. I am also a full time Realtor, I love to run and truly enjoy the great outdoors!

Email Judy

Cherish Streit

Animal Care Rehabilitator

I graduated from Iowa State University in spring 2021 with a B.S in Animal Ecology and Environmental Studies. I grew up on a farm in Minnesota and have been interested in working with animals since I was young. Wildlife rehabilitation has been an interest of mine for a while. I started working in the wildlife rehabilitation field in 2017.

Email Cherish

Logan Schafer

Animal Care Rehabilitator

I graduated from UW Stevens Point in 2019 with a biology degree hoping to pursue a career in wildlife rehabilitation. I have had many jobs along the way, including being an intern at your facility, but am glad to have finally found a animal care position with you. I like to relax in the summertime outdoors, especially to go on runs with my dog. And I enjoy fitness and working out in general, as well as reading when I have the time.

Email Logan