Meet the Wellness Shack Board Members
Omar Nelson - President
I have been with The Wellness Shack, Inc. since founding. I am presently serving as President and a support group facilitator. I am a retired Lutheran pastor, but still serve as a Visitation Pastor. My interest flows out of experience and training.
Becky Books - Vice President
Hi! It is definitely a privilege and an honor serving on the board. I have been involved with The Wellness Shack, Inc. since December of 2006. I volunteered at Bolton Refuge House from 1987-200. In the last year at The Wellness Shack, Inc., I opened and co-facilitated on Fridays for Arts-n-Crafts. Now, it’s time for me to move on to bigger things like facilitating the Advocacy Group and will do it next year, too. So please join us next year. I am excited for training to help with suicide prevention. My strengths are a go-getter, tenacious, dealing with people, and developing my communication and social skills. I also want to work on understanding myself and others better, listen more, quit comparing myself to others so I can improve my self-esteem. I want to encourage people reading our web site to come to The Wellness Shack, Inc. and check it out in downtown Eau Claire. Thank you very much.
Evie Passow - Secretary
I have been dealing with mental health issues in my life for over 25 years. I have a background in nursing, but all my knowledge, empathy, and experience with mental illness have developed because of my own problems, volunteering and working at NAMI, volunteering at The Wellness Shack, Inc., classes I’ve taken, groups I’ve attended, speaker I’ve heard and the like. I like being around other people and helping people. At The Wellness Shack, Inc., I am the board secretary, volunteer with clerical duties, take care of the library, help with groups and other opportunities that come up. The Wellness Shack, Inc. helps me with my socialization, builds my self-esteem, gives me support and helps me learn more about depression, anxiety, coping skills, vocation skills, relaxation, positive thinking, and my strengths. I’ve made some new and good friends through people I’ve met at The Wellness Shack, Inc. It is a big part of my life, and my life would have a big empty space without it.
Richard Helleloid- - Treasurer
I have been participating in groups at the Wellness Shack for several years. I appreciate the diversity of the participants and the safe, supportive, welcoming atmosphere. The Wellness Shack has significantly helped me in my continuing efforts to strengthen my mental health. I now hope to contribute to the Wellness Shack as the volunteer treasurer. Do yourself a big favor—call or stop in here!! I am a C.P.A., with a Ph.D. in accounting. I taught for many years at the University of Michigan and the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. I now work as the finance manager for a non-profit organization in the Eau Claire area.
Staff - Nora Bates
Hi! I’ve been with The Wellness Shack, Inc. since the beginning in 2004. I’ve been dealing with this so-called illness since 1990ish, but I prefer to call it a new spin on creativity. I enjoy writing, knitting, crafts of all sorts, reading, my spirituality, friends, family, cooking, nature, and an occasional walk on my treadmill. I helped get The Wellness Shack, Inc. going from its name to its location, from purchasing the first computer to convincing my brother to donate his couch and chair. I didn’t know being a part of the “Shack” would be so involved, but after the last four year, it kind of grew on me. I’ve learned to look at my periodic confusion as a hidden blessing. By this, I mean I’ve become more empathetic, aware and live life in the moment. I don’t like living in the past and the future is too unpredictable so I cozy myself in the present. I bring these attributes to The Wellness Shack, Inc. to share with others what has helped me get through the slumpy times and how to embrace the now. I’ve been the board president and currently work in the office. I’m learning leadership, how to run a business, public speaking, and working this silly computer. I can use my strengths of compassion, people skills, listening, and writing. I encourage you to come to The Wellness Shack, Inc. to find support and learn more about yourself and how to deal with mental health issues. Peace.
Tammy Blaeser
My name is Tammy Blaeser. I have lived in Eau Claire since 1978 and also work part time. I am a volunteer at The Wellness Shack, Inc. and a member of the board of directors. I am also blind, but that doesn’t stop me! I have been volunteering since January 2005. I do mailings, make phone calls with my friend for different events, attend groups, computer work, and bead jewelry. The Wellness Shack, Inc. has given me a new sense of self-esteem. I have learned to be a good listener and how to help my peers. I hope to continue on this way and hope others become a part of The Wellness Shack, Inc.
Erik Natti
Hello! My name is Erik Natti. I am an artist, a Buddhist, a volunteer, and I serve on The Wellness Shack, Inc. board. I am inspired by the arts and hope to bring some of that enthusiasm to The Wellness Shack. I have lived in Eau Claire for ten years now and consider it my home. The Wellness Shack has become like family to me, and I am happy to help on the board. Two strengths I have are I’m a good listener, and I am patient. Two things I can work on are better organization and better communication skills.
Miki Peterson
I joined The Wellness Shack, Inc. to participate in an important community service supporting mental health. My volunteer experience and board member time has brought new friendships and valuable lessons to me. The Wellness Shack, Inc. is a special and rewarding place for anyone with mental challenges. I so enjoy and value the time I spend at The Wellness Shack, Inc.
Marie Schumacher
Hi! My name is Marie and am 39 years old. I have lived in Eau Claire since 1987 and am from Cameron, WI. When I first moved here, I was scared and knew no one. I didn’t know I had depression. But, as years went by, I realized I had depression and anxiety. I also work for Grace Willow Brook as a dietary aide for 2 years. It has changed my life. I also have one daughter who has changed my life. On the board, I plan to help make decisions and plan to work on saying, “No,” and build my self esteem. I have learned to stand up for myself. When I came to The Wellness Shack, I felt I was not alone anymore. It bothered me for a long time, but now, I found a place where people understand me, and I am very grateful!
Lorraine Wilcox
I am Lorraine Wilcox married to Norman. We have 3 children, one girl, two boys, 10 grandchildren, and 25 great grandchildren. I enjoy family reunions in the summer and visiting 4 sisters in Appleton, WI. In the winter we visit one brother in Arizona, one brother in Santa Barbara, and one sister in Victorville, California. My church calling as Genealogy Consultant is challenging and activities are uplifting. We live on “God’s Little Acre” in a friendly neighborhood for the last 62 years. Here, we raised our family and take pride in our home, yard, garden and flowers.
I became interested in mental health issues when I had severe depression and family members were ill also. After working and volunteering in areas of mental illness, I was searching for a group that was geared towards recovery. The Wellness Shack, Inc. criteria and people involved there were focused in that direction. I was previously trained as a facilitator for support groups and was asked to facilitate for the shack. It has been a great experience being part of a forward looking organization of people with great potential and insight to change themselves and help others to cope, change, and improve their lives. I am grateful to have the opportunity to serve and to participate in the programs of The Wellness Shack, Inc. Recovery Center which helps me also.