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Board of Directors

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Dwight Watson

Board Member

Dwight is Chancellor Emeritus at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and currently a Professor of Education in the College of Education and Professional Studies. He is a former provost, dean of education, and department chair.  His research focuses on literacy development, multicultural education, and administrators of color. He has published widely and presented at numerous regional, national, and international conferences. He lives in Whitewater and enjoys reading, movie viewing, Bible study, cooking, and riding his bike throughout town.

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Greg Porcaro

Board Member

A resident of Whitewater and Professor of art at UW-W, Greg joined the board of directors to help others who otherwise might not be able to attend traditional art school classes.

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Heather Ruenz

Board Member

Heather joined the board to be more involved in spreading the good feelings that she received while doing a story on the Studio. Heather is a journalist with Southern Lakes Newspaper.

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Kris Eaton

Board Member

Kris has her BA in Family Life Education from Spring Arbor University of Michigan. Over the years she has worked as a support and service coordinator, case manager, a shelter advocate and crisis unit counselor. She now devotes her time to being the best guardian supporting the needs for her niece and nephew who are both on the autism spectrum.

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Margaret Wheeler Bawden

Board Member

Margaret comes to us with a love of dance and works at UW-W as the Immigration Specialist, Affirmtive Action Program Coordinator. She is the mom of an artistic young man on the autism specturm.

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Rebecca Burda

Board Member

Becca is a clinical therapist and studied at George Williams College of Aurora University.

Staff

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Ben Kelly

Director

Ben has his masters in Social Work and started out as a volunteer during his college years. His outside the box creative skills and brainstorming abilities helps keep the studio running at high speed. 

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Karina Pittro

Artistic Mentor

Karina is currently a senior at UW Whitewater working towards her BFA. 

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Lynnette Gmur

Artistic Mentor

Lynnette comes to us with a teaching background in special ed. She's active in her community and also works part time at Dales Bootery.

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Deborah Blackwell

Founder/Executive Director

Deborah received her BFA and minor in arts management from UW-W in 2008 and in 2009 she opened Studio 84. Her passion for sharing her gift in the arts with others is the driving force behind Studio 84.

www.blackwelldeb.com

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