Karisa Wenberg
Executive Director
Karisa enthusiastically joins 1HOPE after working at KUSD as a special education teacher for 12 years, followed by a Dean of Students for 8 years at Bullen Middle School. Karisa earned her bachelor’s degree at UW-Oshkosh in Education, has worked for 20 years in Kenosha, and has built many relationships with community members.
During the pandemic, Karisa with some friends and family, felt called to take care of her students and their families. What initially started out as a “small” focus quickly turned into a network supporting families in the community that needed support. Karisa earned the “Spark” award for starting the “Circle of Kindness” group that built circles around those in need to help them during unprecedented times in their lives.
Karisa is from Fond Du Lac, WI, and graduated from Goodrich High School. Karisa and her husband John currently reside in Kenosha and have been married for 12 amazing years. Karisa has 2 children; Jack Rose is currently a freshman at UW-Green Bay and on the Men’s Basketball Team and Ella is a 5th grader and loves to play sports and hang out with her friends and family. Karisa and John love to be outdoors and enjoy sporting events and spending time with family and friends as much as possible. The life motto for the family is “Everything happens for a Reason; God has a plan”.
Kelsey Littel
Foster Care Network Manager
Kelsey has joined our team after working for KUSD as a Registrar for two years. Previously, she worked as a Business Office Coordinator at an assisted living home here in Kenosha. Kelsey earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Studio Art from Carthage College.
Kelsey has been volunteering for 1Hope for the past three years and has been supporting the same family. She loves spending time with their kids, building relationships with them, and being able to watch them grow up. Kelsey comes with experience working with all ages and diverse backgrounds. Her passion is to love people where they are and show them the love of Jesus in all that she does.
Kelsey was born and raised in Kenosha, Wisconsin. She is recently married to her husband, Jordan, and they are currently residing in Kenosha as they begin their lives together. Together, they stand on Matthew 6:33 which says, “Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all of these things will be added to you.” Jordan and Kelsey serve as Area Directors in their Church family as they recruit, teach, and equip new volunteers. They love hosting game nights with friends, traveling to new places, and staying active. Kelsey loves long-distance bike rides, creating and crafting, and spending time with family.
Terri Thillens
Foster Family Support Network Manager
Terri, from the Appleton area originally, has lived in Kenosha for the past 10 years with her husband Bob, Tucker 14, Cam 6, and new puppy Rosie. Over the past three years, God has used Terri in many ways through the 1HOPE Foster Family Support Network to support foster families and foster children in Kenosha County.
She began as a Family Advocate, working directly with multiple foster families and leading a small team of volunteers to provide wrap-around support. Later, she took on the role of a Church Ministry Leader for the Foster Family Support Network at Journey Church, leading, mentoring, and training a large team of Family Advocates to support foster families.
Terri is strong in her faith and lives out Matthew 5:16 “In the same way, let your light shine before others that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – We are so grateful for Terri choosing to shine her light through her new role at 1HOPE! In her free time, Terri enjoys family time, exercise, and watching her children in sports.
Candace Timokhin
Meet Candace, a dynamic addition to our team who brings experience and a heart full of passion. After a rewarding twelve-year tenure as an Executive Secretary with the Lake County court system, Candace is ready to channel her skills and enthusiasm into our mission.
Candace holds an Associate of Arts Degree and is also an entrepreneur, reflecting her proactive and driven nature. Her journey with 1HOPE began with volunteering, and her dedication quickly deepened, leading her to immerse herself even further in our cause. Her genuine love for children shines through in her interactions with families, where she delights in building meaningful relationships.
As a lifelong resident of Lake County, Illinois, Candace has deep roots in the community. She shares her life with her husband Roman, with whom she has celebrated 14 years of marriage, and their adorable first-grader, Aria. Together, they cherish their time spent camping, crafting art projects, attending car shows, and enjoying cozy movie nights.
Candace draws strength and inspiration from her favorite verse, Philippians 4:6-7, which speaks to her faith and commitment to finding peace through prayer and gratitude.
