I am delighted to have the opportunity to introduce Heidi Hamilton and her team at Journey21. Heidi is a very high energy woman who is passionate about adding value to people’s lives. She has an understanding that is compassionate, hopeful, and insightful. As she listens, she is creatively developing ways to provide solutions for each family’s unique situation. Heidi has a wealth of experience both personally and professionally. I hope you enjoy and appreciate the value Heidi brings to our community and her energy for the people at Journey21.
Meet Heidi Hamilton
Heidi retired in June 2022 from Arrowhead High School after 29 years of being a Special Education Teacher and Transition Coordinator. She has a 24 year old son, Alec, who is an investment Banking Analyst in New York City. Her 21 year old daughter, Aubrey, is a junior at Marquette University, double majoring in Psychology and Educational Studies, and she plays on the Volleyball Team. Her children are her world and she is very proud of them! Heidi grew up in Milwaukee and graduated from Pius High XI, then graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1989, where she also played Basketball. Heidi’s younger brother has an intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) and is the motivating factor for her pursuing a career in special education and helping young adults with their transition into the post-secondary world.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I love being able to create programs, outings, clubs and educational academies for a population that is so underserved. Jouney21 is the only organization of its type in the entire state of Wisconsin, and it’s right here in Oconomowoc! I get to utilize 29 years of contacts in business, athletics, fitness, education, etc., to execute a vision and mission like no other job. Seeing the pure joy on the faces of the adults who I work with is amazing, and it’s rewarding seeing them develop friendships and enjoying social activities. I don’t have a job; I have a calling – a genuinely meaningful purpose in Life! I’m living my best life. I wake up happy every day, I live in the moment, and am eager to take on the next challenge.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have lived in Oconomowoc for five years and in the Lake Country Area for 28 years. I love our community. We support one another. Oconomowoc has a quaint downtown area, shopping for everyone, and abundant lakes. I think it is the most beautiful, perfect city in Wisconsin.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Mayor Magnus. I sat next to him during the Journey21 ground breaking ceremony in May of 2022. His passion and love for the Oconomowoc community is impressive. He embraced us and is an active advocate of Journey21.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Follow your passion and your heart! Stay true to yourself always! Believe in yourself! Embrace who you are! Love yourself! I know that each of us is on the “journey” we are meant to be on.
The Journey21 Team
I work alongside some fabulous individuals at Journey21 and they are instrumental in achieving our goals. Mike Brauer is our Executive Director. For 37 years he has been in nonprofit management and fund development. Mike brings our mission alive, and describes his role as a vocation and not a job. He’s been married for 35 years, is a father of four children and caretaker of a golden retriever. Mike believes in creating a culture “of the Community” and shares how he is honored by the community by having them entrust their children to our care. A great listener, he would love to hear from you. If you wish to learn more or contribute to Journey21, you can reach Mike on his cell at 414-704-4485 or email at MikeBrauer@journey21.org.
Caty Bulgrin is our Director of Operations. For over 20 years, Caty has been serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). She trusts the team unconditionally (and it trusts her!) and she appreciates that each person brings a different set of skill sets and strengths. Caty is married, enjoys her nieces and nephews, and is legal guardian for 2 adults with disabilities. She loves to travel, entertain and cook; her spice cabinet is impressive! Her career path was inspired because of a family member with IDD. She is a true advocate for helping people. Email Caty at cbulgrin@journey21.org or at linkedin.com/caty-bulgrin.
Heidi: For Fun
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Lago Su Bella, Bella Gusto Restaurant and Italian Market & Pizzeria.
Q: What are some of your favorite books?
“The Alchemist” and “An Invisible Thread”
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
100% J.J. Watt as we are mirror images of one another. We are both passionate, full of energy, and love giving back! Lunch would be at Bella Gusto Restaurant and Italian Market & Pizzeria!
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I was first runner up in the Mrs. Wisconsin Pageant in 1996. There were 84 contestants. As a tall female, I spent much of my life involved with basketball and athletics. I was 6’6” tall in the high heels I wore for the competition. At the time, I wanted to highlight my “feminine” side and achieved success by exploring another dimension of myself. Don’t fool yourself, the interview questions were intense!
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Journey21- I am very picky and have high expectations, so it takes something pretty impressive to get my 10 out of 10 rating.
Q: What are some of your favorite scents?
Lavender, citrus, freshly baked cookies and freshly cut grass.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
When I think of Oconomowoc the words that come to mind are supportive, welcoming, and engaging.
Find Heidi Hamilton or Journey21
The Journey21 Enrichment Center in Oconomowoc will be fully staffed by April 3, 2023. They invite the public to an Open House on Saturday, April 22, 2023 from noon to 3 p.m. The facility is brand new and in addition to providing space for their own programs, it is also available to be rented out.
1671 Old School House Rd
Oconomowoc, WI 53066
Email: heidihamilton@journey21.org
