Our HISTORY
2017-2018: first big step in empowering veterans
In April 2017, Heroes for Healthcare attained 501(c)(3) status, pivotal in aiding medically trained military personnel transition to civilian life. In 2018, they supported nine veterans with certifications and job placements, amplifying their impact
2019-2020: expands aid & overcomes pandemic
In 2019, Heroes for Healthcare aided 37 veterans, expanding their impact and dedication. Despite the COVID-19 challenges in 2020, they assisted 74 service members with the WDVA grant, demonstrating resilience.
2021-2022: Landmark legislation passed
In 2021, Heroes for Healthcare overcame challenges by organizing an in-person Gala and assisted 46 service members through the WDVA grant.
March of 2022, Heroes for Healthcare achieved a significant milestone as Assembly Bill AB720, known as the Wisconsin Military Medics & Corpsmen (Wis-MAC) Program, was signed into law. This groundbreaking legislation provides veterans with the opportunity to work under their scope of practice while obtaining their license, allowing some veterans to acquire their license as little as 15 months after transitioning.
2023-2025: Heroes taking off!!! hospital & education partnerships
Heroes for Healthcare reached milestones in 2023, securing a $50,000 grant from the Medical College of Wisconsin, which catapolted the non-profit to land over 50+ Hospital and Education Partners, to accelerate the time for veterans to receive their Bachelor's in Nursing and work under their scope of practice while in school.
2026: bringing veterans to wi - brown county grant
Heroes for Healthcare is honored to receive a $200,000 Wisconsin Talent Recruitment Grant, made possible by Governor Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC).
This investment will help recruit and relocate medically trained veterans and veteran nurses to Brown County, providing support such as relocation assistance, housing resources, and career development while strengthening Wisconsin’s healthcare workforce. This supports relocating 10 medically trained veterans and 10 licensed RN's.
meet Our team
Laura is the Co-Founder and Managing Member of Premier Medical Staffing Services, LLC. She is proud to be a certified women owned business by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). Laura started Heroes for Healthcare and is dedicated to bridging the gap in order to support our veterans and help them obtain gainful employment in healthcare.
Brett Peterson served in the United States Marine Corps for 9 years doing tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan. After transitioning out of the military he obtained his bachelor’s degree in Technical Business Management and an MBA from Keller School of Business Management. He then began his career in Behavioral Health recruiting and working with active duty and veterans needing mental health and substance abuse treatment. Now he has transitioned to Heroes for Healthcare as the Talent Acquisition Manager with his main priorities conducting outreach, career fairs, and help transitioning service men and women continue a career path in healthcare. Outside of work he likes the outdoors and spending time with his wife and two kids.
Joyce is an experienced career non-profit professional. She previously held executive and senior level positions at Malaika Early Learning Center, Fort Wayne Urban League, Nonprofit Center of Milwaukee, and United Way of Greater Milwaukee. Joyce is passionate about using her skills and knowledge to improve the organizational capacity of non-profit organizations and providing training and resources to help board directors perform their governance and fiduciary roles. Joyce is vice president of the board of directors for 4-C for Children, member of the board of directors of MetaStar Incorporated, and Vice Chair of the City of Milwaukee Charter School Review committee. She earned her MA in Education from Alverno College.
Grant Writer and Content Manager
Dr. Joan Whitman was a volunteer grant writer at Heroes before becoming an employee. Prior to Heroes, Dr. Whitman worked in nonprofit leadership as a strategic planner and development of program systems for sustainable growth. She is a skilled grant writer and manager with expertise in mixed methods research and evaluation of grant outcomes and program development. She served on numerous nonprofit boards as president and multiple leadership roles. Dr. Whitman has a doctorate in Leadership, Learning, and Service and a published author. She was a Professor and Program Chair of Graduate Education at Cardinal Stritch University. Her family has served in the military dating as far back as WWI.
Melanie Bergemann served as an Animal Care Specialist in the U.S. Army before transitioning to civilian life and joining Heroes for Healthcare as their Fund Developement & Marketing Manager. She orchestrates marketing efforts, manages administrative tasks, and coordinates fundraising events to aid veterans in securing healthcare employment. Melanie and Lana are a dynamic duo on the Heroes for Healthcare team and only one of them falls asleep during the Tuesday meeting.
Lana has been patrolling the Heroes for Healthcare office and spreading paws-itivity since 2022. You can normally find Lana in Joan's office negotiating her treat allowance for the day or getting belly rubs from Alex.
Alex Kermendy joined the team early 2024 as Heroes for Healthcare’s Compliance Specialist, after years of commitment to the non-profit being an event volunteer at the annual Opening Day Milwaukee Milkmen Game and Fall Gala. Beyond work, Alex enjoys staying active with sports and spending quality time with his wife Lauren and their golden retriever, Maggie.
