riarpatch Youth Services, Inc. is a private, non-profit organization serving Dane County. The agency’s mission is to provide innovative services dedicated to strengthening and improving the lives of youth, their families and our community.
The organization was formed in 2003 by the merger of Briarpatch, Inc. (established 1971) and Community Adolescent Programs, Inc. (established 1978). Project HUGS (established 1995) joined the agency in 2009. The agency offers a broad array of services to runaway, homeless, and at-risk youth. Briarpatch works closely with local governments and other non-profit organizations to provide unique programs that fill service gaps. Each year, Briarpatch serves approximately 3,000 unduplicated youth.
Briarpatch Youth Services Staff
Casey Behrend
Executive Director/ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Working with youth requires patience and persistence. Our staff consistently demonstrates these qualities and I am inspired by their work every day!
Jay Kiefer
Program Director/ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Shannon Algrem
Director of Finance/This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Cedric Johnson
Development and Communications Director/ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Joseph Bednarowski
Grants & IT Director/ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Runaway & Homeless Youth Programs
Brock Cooper
Youth Counselor- Shelter/This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Nancy Gomez
Volunteer Coordinator/ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Mary Jo Hammond
Youth Couselor/This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Erika Schneider
Case Manager, Street Outreach Program/This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Jeanne Schneider
Clinical Coordinator & Shelter Manager/This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Tyler Schueffner
Program Coordinator, Street Outreach Program/This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Robin Sereno
Program Coordinator, Transitional Living Program | Program Coordinator, Teens Like Us/This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Morgan Tazifua
Youth Counselor- Shelter/This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Bryan Tricker
Youth Advocate, Transitional Living Program/This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Yesenia Villalpando-Torres
Outreach Specialist, Street Outreach Program/This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Akillah Wali
Resident Counselor, Transitional Living Program/This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Parent Support Services
Libby Lee
Program Coordinator, Parent Support Services /This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Stacey Slotty
Parent Support Counselor/This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
I am continually inspired by the parents I meet - determined to navigate complex systems, find needed support, and build connections with their children. My greatest joy comes from witnessing the compassion and encouragement shared in parent groups. I feel privileged to work with so many amazing people, including the dedicated staff at Briarpatch.
Youth Employment Programs
Sean Hubbard
Program Coordinator, Youth Job Center & Madison Street Team/This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Brittany Kraemer
Employment Counselor, Support For Success/This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Lillian Nimmer
Employment Counselor, Youth Job Center & Support For Success/This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Court Involved Youth Programs
Dean Bossenbroek
Program Coordinator, Youth Restitution Program/This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Garrison Draves
Youth Counselor & Work Team Supervisor, Youth Restitution Program/This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Roberto Godinez
Youth Counselor, Intensive Supervision Services & Youth Restitution Program/This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Randall Hardy
Youth Counselor, Intensive Supervision Services & Youth Restitution Program/This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Ross Hazlewood
Program Coordinator, Intensive Supervision Services/ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Choua Her
Youth Counselor, Intensive Supervision Services & Youth Restitution Program/This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Hannah Horkan
Program Coordinator, Municipal & Youth Peer Court/This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Anthony Johnson
Youth Counselor, Intensive Supervision Services & Youth Restitution Program/ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Lauren Lammert
Program Specialist, Youth Restitution Program/ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Calandra Locatelli-Benson
Youth Counselor, Youth Restitution Program/ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Carlos Martinez
Youth Counselor, Intensive Supervision Services & Youth Restitution Program/This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Krysta Moore
Youth Counselor, Intensive Supervision Services & Youth Restitution Program/This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Jennifer Ripp
Youth Counselor, Intensive Supervision Services & Youth Restitution Program/ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Max Rosen
Youth Counselor & Work Team Supervisor, Youth Restitution Program/This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Tammy Salzwedel
Peer Court Specialist, Youth Peer Court/ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.