Hi, I’m Katie!

I’m thrilled to be a Guide for Acton Academy Midwests youngest group: The Wonderers.

I am a wife and a mother to one spunky boy. We enjoy getting outside and hiking, fishing,

traveling, painting, playing music and just being silly with our two Australian Shepherds (Mac and Nellie).

I graduated from Western Technical College in 2010 with an associate degree in Early Childhood education. 

I have worked at a few daycares in the area. The most recent I was the Co-Director for YWCA – Child Care Center 2017-2019. 

I had my son in April of 2018 and decided I wanted to be home with him. In the Spring of 2019, I opened my in-home daycare and successfully ran it June 2019-June 2023.

I also run a few other businesses. I have always been passionate about natural health and wellness and a distributor for Youngliving Essential Oils. I have a Real Estate Investing business.

I also just recently (this past December) published my first children’s book (1 Bubble 2 Bubble 3 Bubble 4!). 

I am currently working on getting my Health and Life Coaching Certification with hopes to go beyond that and coach others on their Human Design (Their energetic blueprint) allowing space for children and families to see who they truly are and to live their best, most authentic lives.

As you can see, I have a passion for children’s education and a zest for life. I am honored and proud to be a part of the children’s Hero’s Journey.

My name is Miriam Cavanaugh, owner of Joyful Light. I attended Viterbo University for Art Education. The mission statement of my art is “Love. Delight. Enjoy the gift of life. Repeat.” 

If I can brighten someone’s day a little more, encourage them in a small way, or even inspire someone, my mission is accomplished.

I currently live in West Salem with my husband, Justin, and two cats named Rodney and Potato (Tator Tot). I love spending time with my family and friends, growing in my faith walk, being a youth leader, anything and everything art related, playing games, reading non-fiction books, being outside in creation, and experimenting with cooking/baking. My burning desire is to someday be a mom, and my key to success is to always have an attitude of gratitude and servitude, and to never stop learning.

Anna Slaback, M. S., C.B.I.S, Director of Resilience. Anna holds a Master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling. She has served her community in a variety of human service roles over the last 20 years. She has worked in group homes, day programs, managed group homes, helped others apply for and receive disability benefits, and other services/resources, and has served as a crisis responder and psychotherapist. Her greatest desire is to help others learn to tap into their inner wisdom and resources so they can love themselves and others more and live a life beyond their wildest dreams. 

Carolyn Colleen is a fierce mother of three children,  Founder of Fierce Foundation, a 501c3 foundation for generational change in creating generational self-sufficiency. 

Carolyn is the author of F.I.E.R.C.E.: Transform Your Life in the Face of Adversity, 5 Minutes at a Time!

Carolyn is the Executive Director of 1Life Fully Lived, a nonprofit organization that provides people of all backgrounds the tools to achieve success.

Carolyn is the Founder of Acton Midwest, a private STEM school, where the philosophy is clear thinking which leads to good decisions, Good decisions lead to the right habits, The right habits lead to character and Character becomes destiny. 

Carolyn is  a consultant and thought leader for Case Western Reserve University as a leader within the Xchange approach, an initiative built upon a scientifically based, multi-disciplinary approach for leading and managing teams. 

In addition, Carolyn is an adjunct at Western Technical College Business Industry Services Department and she is currently contributing to a soon to be published work focused on academic entrepreneurism.

Allison is extremely passionate and is an open book. Allison rarely turns down an opportunity for a challenge or an adventure. She will quickly become your best friend, community connector, cheerleader, shoulder to cry on, detective, collaborator, and most importantly a person that truly cares about your family and our community.  

Allison enjoys singing, dancing, spending time with her 9-year-old son, biking, drinking wine, pickleball, playing cards, board games, snow skiing, traveling, laughter, hiking, soaking up the sun, dreaming big, and reading.   

Allison is our Director of Community Engagement. She works with local business owners and educators to bring resources into our school. She has a "think big" mindset and will not only bring partners to the Acton community, she will also bring families. Allison also works as a Sales and Operations Manager for a family-owned construction company.   

Allison is very involved in her local community, including president and past president of the Women’s Alliance of La Crosse and the Marketing Committee Chair. She is an Ambassador of the La Crosse County Chamber. She is also on the Marketing Committee for the Coulee Region Business Center. Involvement in the local community has always been a passion for her so she is very fortunate that her career supports that.