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: heroes milestone, 50K seed grant received

Heroes for Healthcare reached milestones in 2023, securing a $50,000 grant from the Medical College of Wisconsin. The organization also celebrated its third Gala and fifth collaboration with the Milwaukee Milkmen, emphasizing community engagement

Our PEOPLE

Laura Hanoski
Founder and President
Laura Hanoski
Founder and President

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.

Joyce Mallory
Community Engagement Manager
Joyce Mallory
Community Engagement Manager

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.

Dr. Joan Whitman
Grant Writer and Content Manager
Dr. Joan Whitman
Grant Writer and Content Manager

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
Marketing and Administrative Coordinator
Melanie Bergemann
Marketing and Administrative Coordinator

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 Marketing and Administrative Coordinator. She orchestrates marketing efforts, manages administrative tasks, and coordinates fundraising events to aid veterans in securing healthcare employment. Outside of work, Melanie helps out at the Elmbrook Humane Society and goes on hikes with her Akita/Husky mix, Lana, also known as the Heroe’s office "Paws-itivity Patrol Officer."

Alex Kermendy
Compliance Specialist
Alex Kermendy
Compliance Specialist

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.

Lana
Paws-itivity Patrol Officer
Lana
Paws-itivity Patrol Officer

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.

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