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 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 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 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.