Independence * Leadership * Education * Community
Our Team
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Our amazing staff and Board of Directors are fired up about our mission! Their commitment allows us to serve our community with enthusiasm and passion. We wholeheartedly believe in empowering individuals and families to reconnect with the beauty of nature, promoting well-being, and nurturing a deeper appreciation for our environment. Together, we’re on a mission to a positive impact and inspire everyone to be leaders and participants, regardless of their abilities! Everyone deserves the chance to dive into nature and share their love for the great outdoors!

Tracy brings over 20 years of experience in business management and grant administration. Her background includes six years as District Business Manager for River Ridge School District, where she oversaw financial operations, budgets, grants, and human resources.
Tracy is a lifelong rural Southwest Wisconsinite and was raised on a dairy farm. She lives in Mount Hope with her family and is deeply passionate about community development and the outdoors. Her expertise and enthusiasm will play a key role in helping AAW grow and expand its impact!
“I’m thrilled to join Access Ability Wisconsin and contribute to its mission. I look forward to helping the organization continue to thrive and serve communities across Wisconsin.” - Tracy

Ashley brings passion about the outdoors and nature. She understands the need to overcome the barriers society puts in place for those living with disabilities and mobility issues to access nature as both participants and leaders.
Welcome, Ashley!

OPEN for Applications
Operations/Office Admin
Email AAW@AccessAbilityWI.org with your resume and cover letter to apply. In the subject line write "Attention:" with the position
(608) 886-9388
Help us with operations, events, reservations, grants and more...
This is a full-time position - 40+ hours. Evenings and weekends are required based on planned events. Admin duties require attendance at identified HQ Office and program event locations. Evenings and weekends are required based on planned events.
AAW is seeking a person who has knowledge of working with families and people of various ages and backgrounds; experience with people who live with disabilities and mobility challenges; proven technical skills; and a great sense of humor!
Do you have experience specifically with women and families including those living with a spinal cord injury, chronic conditions or general mobility issues?
Are you ready to roll your sleeves up and share your passion for the outdoors with others? Rolling up your sleeves will entail getting dirt on your hands!
Are you a student majoring in recreational therapy or another related field?
Do you love fishing, hiking, and birdwatching and want to ensure that all with mobility issues can access nature with minimal environmental impact?
Are you able to ensure data is gathered, entered, and report any outstanding issues to the AAW Leadership Team?
Are you comfortable in the public, helping with various online and in person programming coordination?
Are you able to pass a background check? Do you have a clean driving record?
Overview: This position provides support to AAW’s President and the team for programming needs and activities in nature including hunting/shooting activities and activities for those living with SCI. The focus of this position is planning and executing these activities to meet grant goals. Promote AAW, its mission and goals with healthcare (occupational, physical, and other), rehabilitation, and conservation organizations. This includes support/community groups for those living with chronic conditions.
Clear communication is required. This includes evaluating next steps and reporting back gaps and successes in a timely manner. Responsibilities include communication and execution of project, events, and program duties as assigned.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Event Planning and Coordination: Assist in planning and coordinating outdoor recreational events and activities, including pre-event logistics, participant registration, and scheduling.
Participant Engagement: Interact with participants before, during, and after events to ensure their needs are met, provide assistance as needed, and gather feedback for program improvement.
Operations Support and Logistics: Assist in planning and coordinating equipment setup and maintenance including pre-checkout logistics, setup, checkout/in scheduling and clean up of equipment.
Outreach and Promotion: Assist in promoting AAW's programs and events through various channels, including social media, email newsletters, community outreach, and partnership development with a focus on healthcare and hunting/shooting organizations.
Volunteer Management: Support the recruitment, training, and coordination of volunteers to assist with program activities and events, ensuring a positive volunteer experience and effective utilization of resources. Manage phone calls, emails, and inquiries that involve wanting to get connected to AAW and client inquiries gathering information in an organized calendar.
Project Support: Coordinate schedules between employees, assisting in presentations, event logistics, and gathering grant reporting material to share with stakeholders, sponsors, employees, and volunteers showing growth.
Efficient Communication: Effectively communicate between stakeholders, staff, and participants using clear language that is both positive and informational.
Fundraising Support: Assist in fundraising efforts including sending letters, making donation requests and following up with thank-you media.
Administrative Support: Provide administrative assistance to the AAW team, including managing databases, filing paperwork, scheduling meetings, and responding to inquiries from participants, volunteers, and stakeholders. Organize data gathered from events, participants, and stakeholders to use for grant reporting, understand our participants needs, and gain knowledge to grow AAW.
Other duties as required.
Qualifications:
Passion for the organization's mission and commitment to making a positive impact.
Ability to be a team player, work independently, and self-motivated.
Associate degree in a relevant field or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.
Strong organizational skills. Professional and has a pleasant demeanor.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders and partners with a focus in healthcare (occupational, physical, and other) and support/community groups for those living with chronic conditions.
Leadership experience and the ability to motivate and guide a team.
Knowledge of Google Suite, Microsoft Excel, e-newsletter and social media tools.
Salary: Competitive/commensurate with experience and other qualifications

OPEN for Applications
Project Assistant
Email Office.AAW@AccessAbilityWI.org with your resume and cover letter to apply. In the subject line write "Attention:" with the position
(608) 886-9388
Help us with events, grants, operations, reservations, and more...
This is a. 40+ hours. Evenings and weekends are required based on planned events. Attendance is required at identified HQ Office days and program event locations.Evenings and weekends are required based on planned events.
AAW is seeking a person who has knowledge of working with families and people of various ages and backgrounds; experience with people who live with disabilities and mobility challenges; proven technical skills; and a great sense of humor!
Do you have experience specifically with women and families including those living with a spinal cord injury, chronic conditions or general mobility issues?
Are you ready to roll your sleeves up and share your passion for the outdoors with others? Rolling up your sleeves will entail getting dirt on your hands!
Are you a student majoring in recreational therapy or another related field?
Do you love fishing, hiking, and birdwatching and want to ensure that all with mobility issues can access nature with minimal environmental impact?
Are you able to ensure data is gathered, entered, and report any outstanding issues to the AAW Leadership Team?
Are you comfortable in the public, helping with various online and in person programming coordination?
Are you able to pass a background check? Do you have a clean driving record?
Overview: This position provides support to AAW’s President and the team for programming needs and activities in nature including hunting/shooting activities and activities for those living with SCI. The focus of this position is planning and executing these activities to meet grant goals. Promote AAW, its mission and goals with healthcare (occupational, physical, and other), rehabilitation, and conservation organizations. This includes support/community groups for those living with chronic conditions.
Clear communication is required. This includes evaluating next steps and reporting back gaps and successes in a timely manner. Responsibilities include communication and execution of project, events, and program duties as assigned.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Event Planning and Coordination: Assist in planning and coordinating outdoor recreational events and activities, including pre-event logistics, participant registration, and scheduling.
Participant Engagement: Interact with participants before, during, and after events to ensure their needs are met, provide assistance as needed, and gather feedback for program improvement.
Outreach and Promotion: Assist in promoting AAW's programs and events through various channels, including social media, email newsletters, community outreach, and partnership development with a focus on healthcare and hunting/shooting organizations.
Volunteer Management: Support the recruitment, training, and coordination of volunteers to assist with program activities and events, ensuring a positive volunteer experience and effective utilization of resources. Manage phone calls, emails, and inquiries that involve wanting to get connected to AAW and client inquiries gathering information in an organized calendar.
Project Support: Coordinate schedules between employees, assisting in presentations, event logistics, and gathering grant reporting material to share with stakeholders, sponsors, employees, and volunteers showing growth.
Efficient Communication: Effectively communicate between stakeholders, staff, and participants using clear language that is both positive and informational.
Operations Support and Logistics: Assist in planning and coordinating equipment setup and maintenance including pre-checkout logistics, setup, checkout/in scheduling and clean up of equipment.
Fundraising Support: Assist in fundraising efforts including sending letters, making donation requests and following up with thank-you media.
Administrative Support: Provide administrative assistance to the AAW team, including managing databases, filing paperwork, scheduling meetings, and responding to inquiries from participants, volunteers, and stakeholders. Organize data gathered from events, participants, and stakeholders to use for grant reporting, understand our participants needs, and gain knowledge to grow AAW.
Other duties as required.
Qualifications:
Passion for the organization's mission and commitment to making a positive impact.
Ability to be a team player, work independently, and self-motivated.
Associate degree in a relevant field or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.
Strong organizational skills. Professional and has a pleasant demeanor.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders and partners with a focus in healthcare (occupational, physical, and other) and support/community groups for those living with chronic conditions.
Leadership experience and the ability to motivate and guide a team.
Knowledge of Google Suite, Microsoft Excel, e-newsletter and social media tools.
Salary: Competitive/commensurate with experience and other qualifications
Board of Directors

Monica Spaeni
President & Founder
(608) 886-9388 or (608) 285-2522
Founding member and President: Monica has a passion for the outdoors, nature, and conservation. Her passion extends to wanting others to have easy access to the beauty she greatly enjoys. Out of that passion in her came Access Ability Wisconsin; where she can truly share “Outdoors Access 4 All!” She has many family members who are Navy, Army, and Marine veterans. Steve and she positively impact the community together. He is her true friend in life and her accomplishments.
Monica has served on the board of directors of conservation, health, natural resources, and various other nonprofit and public organizations. In addition, she graduated from the University of Illinois (Champaign-Urbana) with a BS in Mathematics and later graduated with an MS in Instructional Design and Distance Education. A few accomplishments include: Receiving State Organization of the Year from Wisconsin Wildlife Federation; Conservationist of the Year (2022) Wisconsin Wildlife Federation; AARP Purpose Prize Awardee (2018); Safari Club International Pathfinder Awardee (2016); Jefferson Awardee (2016); Certified Hunter Education Safety Instructor (2010 · present), Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources; Certified Living Well With Chronic Conditions Facilitator (2011-2019), Stanford University Graduate School of Business; NYC Marathon 6th place in female handcycle division (2008); Ms. Wheelchair WI (2007, 2008).

Tim Chaussee
Board Chair & NW WI Regional Ambassador
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(608) 886-9388 or (715) 933-0125
AAW Board Chair (2025) and AAW Northwest Wisconsin Regional Ambassador (2023-present, Rice Lake, WI).
Tim has been the Blue Hills Sportsmen’s Club Board Chairman for the past 6 years. Chaussee served 12 years in the Army Reserves as a Heavy Mobile Equipment Repairer and worked for the Department of Defense during that same time in the same capacity. He comes from a long line of Military Veterans dating back to the Spanish –American War. Chaussee joined the Chippewa County Sheriff’s Department and had been working as a Reserve Deputy for several years before leaving the military. He served the Sheriff’s Department for 26 years as an Emergency Medical Dispatcher, Recreational Patrol Officer, Patrol Deputy, SWAT Officer and Department of Justice Certified Firearms Instructor. Chaussee was also a volunteer firefighter with the Fire District Station 1 out of Lake Hallie where he served as a 1st Responder, Firefighter, Crane Operator and Dive Team Boat Captain. He is the owner & Lead Instructor at Center Mass Academy, LLC a firearms instruction business, teaching firearms safety, concealed carry and personal defense classes. Chaussee and the team of volunteers from the Blue Hills Sportsmen’s Club have been attending community events with the all-terrain outdoor wheelchairs getting the word out about this amazing service.

John Kilian
Board Member & Assistant Director of Operations
-
(608) 886-9388
Board Member and Assistant Director of Operations (2018 to present, Sun Prairie, WI):
John grew up in Sun Prairie, WI and is a member of the North Bristol Sportsman's Club, an AAW partner where John was able to try an AAW Outdoor Wheelchair (OWC) for the first time. John has been an AAW volunteer ever since a pivotal point in 2010 and enjoys using the chair most for ice fishing. John serves AAW as a Board Member and Assistant Operations Director where he represents AAW at many events, meets many clients as they check out AAW equipment, and works to maintain AAW equipment including the enclosed trailers. John’s favorite part of volunteering is seeing the smiles on the clients faces when they experience the freedom and independence the OWC provides.

Steve Spaeni
Board Member & Director of Operations
-
(608) 886-9388
Board Member and Director of Operations: Steve grew up in the beautiful outdoors of Wisconsin. He retired after 35 years with Madison Metropolitan School District. Throughout his childhood, he developed a love of all things outside: hunting, fishing, boating, bird watching. And, don't forget, grilling! Steve has been part of the backbone of support getting Access Ability Wisconsin up and running to help others access the magnificence he experiences when he is in nature. In addition to volunteering with AAW, Steve is an active Wisconsin Certified Hunter Education Safety Instructor (2010 · present) and Angling Instructor (2024) with Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources and has served on conservation boards. He has many family members who are Navy, Army, and Marine veterans. His love for his wife and friends keeps him striving to help share “Outdoors Access 4 All!”

Ron French
Board Member & Grants Manager
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(608) 886-9388
Board Member and Grants Manager: Ron is a board member and a United States Air Force Veteran. French served in the Air Force during the Vietnam-era conflict. He was stationed at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California and was assigned to the 394th Strategic Missile Squadron. He enjoys outdoor activities, particularly fly-fishing and cycling, and is active in a variety of environmental organizations in the state. Ron is Chairman of the City of Fitchburg’s Resource Conservation Commission which provides input to the Mayor and Common Council on environmental activities occurring within the city. He currently is assisting AAW with the preparation and management of grants, volunteering to support AAW activities at various events statewide, and working with other Board members to advance the goals and objectives of AAW. Ron is also a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Certified Angler Instructor. He is President of Great Lakes Ecological Monitoring, a Veteran Owned Small Business in Wisconsin

Afton Yentor
Board Member
-
(608) 886-9388
AAW Board Member, (December 2024 - present, Lake Mills, WI). Afton is passionate about access and independence to everyone. Working for a mobility vehicle company has helped Afton see what a difference independence makes in people’s lives. Installing a set of hand controls or providing a wheelchair accessible van for example are life changing for people who would otherwise have to rely on someone else. Sometimes just having an accessible van available makes the difference on attending a wedding, a funeral or another special event. Without equipment that makes it possible for independence some people are left at home or are unable to fully live their lives. Access Ability WI offers the same thing, independence to go out and enjoy the world. It is so unique and life changing to those who use them. She would love to help Access Ability grow throughout the state helping veterans and their families. Her wishes align with AAW - a dream to have hosting sites around the country. Imagine all of the people, especially veterans and their families, who could go hunting, camping, hiking and exploring with their loved ones!

Chris Worley
Board Member
-
(608) 886-9388
AAW Board Member, (January 2025 - present, Verona, WI).
Chris has always enjoyed the outdoors, from fishing and hunting, to winter camping in the Boundary Waters and birding. His interest in AAW aligns with the goal/mission of opening opportunities for everyone to enjoy the outdoors and making connections with other groups to hopefully provide a synergistic movement throughout Wisconsin. Knowing that there are groups and clubs in Wisconsin that may not be aware of their potential to improve access opportunities throughout the state, Chris hopes to share AAW’s mission and stories. The outdoors should be enjoyed by all who would like that experience and should not be hindered by restricted mobility or other issues such as the lack of mentors. Chris hopes to contribute in a positive manner to continue moving AAW’s mission forward. Chris has served on board of the Dane County Conservation League.
Chris is married with 2 adult children and living in Dane County. He received my Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and Master’s degree in Biology. He worked at the Wisconsin State Laboratory as a chemist-supervisor in the Environmental Inorganic Chemistry unit and is now retired. He has a Small Munsterlander dog and invests a fair amount of time training within the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association.

Pat Devereaux
Board Member
-
(608) 886-9388
AAW Board Member, (March 2025 - present, Chetek, WI).
Pat is a proud Wisconsin native, born and raised in Waukesha County, where he lived for 34 years before relocating north to enjoy the outdoors and a quieter pace of life. He is a lifelong hunter and fisherman. In his early career Pat owned and operated a tree and landscape business. Over the years, he also worked in truck driving, plumbing, agriculture, and heavy industry. His professional background includes significant experience in human services. Pat has served as a respite provider for abused and neglected children, as well as children with special needs, through organizations such as the Centers for Independent Living. At Aurora Residential Alternatives, he supported adults with developmental and physical disabilities. Pat has worked as a youth mentor with Northwest Counseling and Guidance Clinic and facilitated court-supervised visitations, and monitored individuals through a contractor working on behalf of the State of Wisconsin.
Volunteering has always been a core part of Pat’s life, beginning within the fire service. Since then, he’s been involved with organizations including Stepping Stones of Menomonie, Hope Gospel Mission, and medical transport services in and out of state. Pat has also shared his personal experience with traumatic brain injury (TBI) during Minnesota CIT trainings attended by over 230 law enforcement officers and served as a volunteer crisis responder and victim advocate. Currently, Pat is an active member and volunteer at the Blue Hills Sportsman’s Club.
