Prevent Blindness Wisconsin is pleased to announce our 2023-2024 Annual Meeting award recipients in support of healthy vision for all Wisconsinites.
Children’s Healthy Vision Award
Susan Wollmer , Nursing Supervisor
Milwaukee Public Schools
Born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Susan is a proud graduate of Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS). Her passion for outdoor activities includes biking, hiking, boating, and four-wheeling. She cherishes the moments spent watching her two beautiful grandchildren and enjoys quality time with her husband, family, and friends.
With a career primarily in pediatric nursing, Susan has dedicated much of her professional life to caring for children. Her commitment to the health and well-being of young individuals extended to a four-year term on the Wisconsin Association of School Nurses (WASN) Board.
Driven by a vision for equitable health care, Susan aspires to ensure that all communities have access to affordable health services. She is deeply committed to educating communities on the importance of health screenings, nutrition, and physical activity.
Looking ahead, Susan’s goals include retiring and dedicating more time to volunteering within the community, continuing her journey of service and care.
Adult Healthy Vision Award
Amber Price, Economic Support Specialist
Amber recently started a new career journey as an Economic Support Specialist with Outagamie County in February 2024. In this role, Amber assists with processing Wisconsin Medicaid and FoodShare applications and provides various other community resources as needed.
Before this position, from March 2018 to February 2024, she served as a Health Advocate at Partnership Community Health Center. During that time, Amber helped individuals experiencing homelessness connect with essential health services, including insurance enrollment, and access to medical, dental, vision, and behavioral health care. Additionally, Amber was honored to serve on the Clinician’s Steering Committee for the National Healthcare for the Homeless Council.
Amber is deeply passionate about supporting community members in need and dedicated to making a positive impact in their lives.
Excellence in Vision Education and Leadership Award
Katie Daily Pickart, PhD , Director of Salvatorian Service
Divine Savior Holy Angels High School
Katie Daily Pickart is director of Salvatorian Service at Divine Savior Holy Angels High School in Milwaukee. She loves working with students at her alma mater and guiding them to engage in meaningful service in our community. Katie holds an undergraduate, master’s, and doctorate in journalism and mass communication, and a master’s in religious studies. She and her husband, Joe Pickart, are the parents of five children, three of whom are daughters who attend(ed) DSHA. They have lived in Wauwatosa for the past 25 years and love calling Milwaukee home.
Prevent Blindness Wisconsin 20/20 Service Award
Catholic Community Foundation
The Star Pupils-Milwaukee Catholic Program supports healthy vision for children in Milwaukee Archdiocese Schools. This program, vital to Prevent Blindness Wisconsin’s mission, helps us address gaps in preventative vision health programming caused by lack of school personnel to administer preventative screening services to students. With over 80 elementary schools within the Archdiocese, the need for vision screening implementation for preschool and school- age students is great. Thanks to funding from the Catholic Community Foundation, Prevent Blindness Wisconsin has been able to serve these students, expand our High School and University Vision Screening Partnerships, and thereby build our network of certified vision screeners who will continue to serve these schools.
Since 2012, the Catholic Community Foundation has supported PBW’s efforts to ensure healthy vison among vulnerable children enrolled in both the Archdiocese of Milwaukee’s schools as well as additional Catholic schools.
Prevent Blindness Wisconsin is deeply grateful for the generous and sustained financial support of the Catholic Community Foundation and is proud to present the Foundation with our 20/20 Service Award.
Gae Lach Sight Saver Award
Jean Phelan & Mary Stroebel, Volunteer Vision Screeners
The Christ Child Society
Jean’s journey with Prevent Blindness Wisconsin began 15 years ago, inspired by Betsy Haushalter. Jean’s passion for vision screening is rooted in her belief that “vision screening is the cornerstone of all literacy.” Her leadership as coordinator over the past six years has been instrumental in advancing the mission of the Christ Child Society, an organization dedicated to serving children in crisis. Jean’s dedication and compassionate approach have not only provided critical vision services but also fostered strong, supportive relationships with school staff, ensuring a collaborative effort to support children’s vision health.
Mary’s journey with Christ Child started in 2018, and her impact has been profound. In 2019, she became a vision screener and quickly took on the role of co-chairman. Mary’s love for working with children and her commitment to bettering their lives through vision screening are truly inspiring. She consistently expresses her gratitude for being part of such a worthy program, demonstrating her compassionate nature and dedication to the cause.
Both Jean and Mary have shown exceptional leadership, compassion, and dedication, transforming the lives of many children through their efforts. Their work ensures that children receive the essential vision care they need to thrive academically and personally.