About Us
"Communities of Crocus
where you are part of a community, not just living in it."
Guiding Principles
Choice
Affordability
Well Being
Community Inclusion
Quality Care
Independence
Sustainability
Founders
The founders of COC, Amy Hansel and Emily Peters, are both parents of children with autism and Down syndrome. They are determined to create a space in Wisconsin where their children and others with similar disabilities will be supported and able to reach their fullest potential within a natural environment.
Board of Directors
Amy Hansel
President & Treasurer
Amy has spent the past 25 years as a civil servant working for the Federal Government. She has extensive experience building relationships and working with people from various backgrounds, at all levels and from all over the world. Amy is single parent of four children, two of whom are on the Autism Spectrum. She has spent the past 29+ years as an advocate for her two sons one of whom requires 24/7 support. As a Co-founder of Communities of Crocus (COC), Amy has done extensive research contacting and visiting communities and programs all over the US and Canada. These programs provide housing options, services and support for adults with Autism, IDD, and other disabilities. This preparation has led to the creation of COC, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Amy is on the executive committee of the Community Housing Task Force for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. She also serves on the Executive Leadership Council for Journey 21, another amazing community of choice currently under construction in Oconomowoc, WI. Amy has a Master of Science Degree in Executive Leadership and is currently working on gaining more knowledge, training and experience in the field of Commercial Real Estate. Her goal is to be a Co-Developer on this amazing project!
Emily Peters
Vice President & Secretary
Emily is the wife of a wonderful, supportive husband. She is a mother to three incredible young men (two of which have very special, unique needs). Emily is a 25-year sales executive at the Xerox Corporation working with Fortune 1000 companies in the Midwest where she has maintained long-lasting relationships with her clients and built trust as an advisor of business solutions. Most importantly, she is an advocate for her two youngest sons as they navigate their lives with both autism and Down syndrome. Emily served on the Executive Board of GiGi’s Playhouse – Milwaukee as it was being planned, developed and eventually executed in Fox Point. Emily, with some other mothers, started a housing task force in Southeastern Wisconsin for individuals with intellectual disabilities. That is where she met Amy and realized that they had much in common. Not only do they both have two sons with intellectual and developmental disabilities, but they both have passion and drive to create a community for people like their sons, a place where they can live with purpose and dignity. Emily has a creative mind and spirit. She will bring that spirit to all that Communities of Crocus needs and continuously think outside the box to create solutions and opportunities for the residents of the community. As a Co-Founder of COC, she has brought in resources to help market and bring information to the greater Milwaukee community. Emily will be a tireless learner, advocate and supporter of all individuals at COC.
Andy Palec
Director
Andy has over three decades of experience managing complex real estate projects from inception through to successful completion. Currently a Vice President with Milwaukee-based Irgens Partners, he has prior involvement with different types of medical real estate and housing, from independent living for seniors to assisted living and skilled nursing care throughout the US. He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee and lives in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. He is the father of a 20-year-old daughter with Autism and an intellectual disability.
Rechelle Chaffee
Director
Rechelle serves as the Executive Director of Autism Society SE WI and has family members on the spectrum. She has championed for Autism awareness, education and supports by providing programs and services that benefit the Autism community. She brings a passion for advocacy efforts to work every day.
Chris Zirbes
Director
Chris has developed a successful professional career of working for small community, family owned banks and for the last 10 years been the Senior Vice President of commercial lending at Cornerstone Community Bank in Menomonee Falls. He is also a proud member of the Wauwatosa Mayfair Rotary – Past President and Board member, Vice President and President Elect of the Wauwatosa Junior Trojans Baseball Club, Wauwatosa Blazers Football club member, former President of Serenity Inns, and former President of the Wauwatosa Distinguished Citizens Award Council.
Nancy Lewis
Director
Nancy is a mother of two daughters. Lyndsay is 29 years old, living in New York City and currently working toward her Master of Science Degree in Clinical Social Work. Amanda is a 24 year old special needs young lady whose primary diagnosis is autism, although remains largely undiagnosed for many of her other core challenges. In addition to advocating endlessly for Amanda, Nancy is a business owner. For the past 26 years, she has co-owned a leadership development consulting firm, Living As A Leader. The company mission is to improve the employee experience at work through more effective leadership. Key services include training, coaching, consulting and supporting leaders at all levels. One of Nancy’s greatest talents is designing and executing customized solutions to complex leadership challenges. Nancy is highly sought after as a versatile provider to many companies within a variety of industries. Nancy is very passionate about giving back to others in the special needs community, with a specific focus on adult residential support. It is heartbreaking to Nancy to see the alarming shortages of resources and extremely limited residential options for adults with diverse needs. She has a tremendous desire to support all individuals at Crocus in any and every way she can. Nancy also hopes Amanda can be a resident at CARE at Crocus as she requires 24x7 support. Nancy has supported various boards in her capacity as a leadership development expert and recently served as a board member of the Just A Little Faith (JALF) Foundation, whose mission is to support the Complex Care Program at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. As a member of the Communities of Crocus Board, Nancy brings passion, perseverance, creativity and a never-ending desire to solve even the most complex challenges.
Senior Advisory Council
Patty Metropulos
Advisor
Patty Metropulos currently serves as President & CEO of Kathy’s House, a hospital guest house in Milwaukee. She was selected to lead the organization after the founder retired in 2012. Under her tenure agency operations have tripled, and Kathy’s House is now recognized as a vital link in the SE Wisconsin healthcare supply chain. Patty spearheaded an effort to build a larger facility, which opened in June of 2021 and serves as a national model in hospital guest housing. She is passionate about providing equitable access to the social determinants of health, including lodging, nutrition, the outdoors, and the support of family and a caring community. Patty has worked in nonprofit and public education management for over 25 years. Honors include: Milwaukee Business Journal Women of Influence, a Milwaukee BizTimes Healthcare Hero, a “Tenacious Betty” award from Milwaukee Magazine and appointment to the WI Governor’s Health Equity Council. She has a Bachelor’s in Public Affairs from Indiana University, a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Washington – Seattle, and is a certified yoga instructor. She and her husband Dan have a lovely 25-year-old daughter and two high maintenance cats.
Mary Claire Lanser
Advisor
Mary Claire is a former Mayor of the City of New Berlin, dedicated to economic development that benefits the community. She has been working in public affairs since 1999. For each project, Mary Claire drafts a customized action plan to secure approvals and respects the needs of clients, public officials, and neighbors. Supporting the public process with grass roots outreach usually results in a development that is a source of pride for stakeholders. Besides eight years as an elected official, Mary Claire served 11 years as an officer in the US Navy reserves (Nurse Corps, then Public Affairs) and decades in healthcare. Mary Claire holds a Bachelor’s Degree from UWM and a Master’s Degree from Marquette.
Mike Long
Advisor
Mike counsels wireless and wireline telecommunications companies on a wide variety of transactional, operational and regulatory matters. His diverse experience as both in-house and outside counsel to several large telecommunications companies positions him to provide sound practical advice on both day-to-day operational matters, as well as long term strategic plans. Mike assists clients in negotiating and drafting a wide variety of commercial contracts and license agreements related to wireless and wireline broadband networks, as well as the acquisition and sale of telecommunications assets. He has negotiated master lease agreements with multiple electric utilities and a national wireless service provider, IRU’s with several publicly traded fiber optic companies and space and use agreements with several regional and national data center owners. He has also represented telecommunications providers and tower companies in regulatory and licensing matters before the FCC, state regulatory agencies and more than 100 local government authorities in several states. Previously, Mike served as general counsel and chief operating officer of a Wisconsin-based telecommunications holding company where he was responsible for the legal needs and operations of the company’s wireless telephony, fiber-optic transport, tower, datacenter/switching and specialty construction subsidiaries and its portfolio of broadcast licenses. Mike’s international work experience includes serving as the Director of Business Development of a Canadian telecom infrastructure company based in Montreal, Quebec. - J. Michael Long, Senior Counsel, Husch Blackwell
Adam Arndt
Advisor
Adam has been an influential leader in the construction industry, with more than twenty years of experience, having spent the last ten with Catalyst Construction as the firm’s president. Throughout his tenure he has developed a thorough understanding of both the complexities of building construction and the methodology behind securing and managing reliable construction budgets from the earliest phases of a project’s lifecycle. Adam has earned a reputation for his ability to craft accurate project budgets and constructability solutions for even the most challenging design assumptions. Throughout the course of Adam’s 20+ years in the construction industry he has developed an expansive industry-specific knowledge base which, combined with his ingenuity and creative forward-thinking, allows him to produce timeline- and budget-friendly solutions for Catalyst Construction clients.
Matt Burow
Advisor
In 2022, Matt partnered with NBA Champion Pat Connaughton to co-found Three Leaf Partners, a startup Real Estate Development firm. Much like Matt’s other mission-based initiatives, Three Leaf Partners exists to make a lasting impact on the communities and people they serve through real estate. By pairing athletes, business executives, and community partners, Three Leaf brings creative and determined people together with a common goal. The result is a win-win for all those involved. Matt founded Catalyst Construction in 2004 and currently serves as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
Quinncy McNeal
Advisor
Quinncy champions startups, entrepreneurs, burgeoning businesses and pro bono clients in overlooked communities from coast to coast. Quinncy counsels overlooked minority companies and individuals across the nation, widening and streamlining legal options as they seek a foothold in the marketplace. Whether it is an individual entrepreneur protecting intellectual property as she forms a for-profit company, a neighborhood aiming to shape a non-profit organization for at-risk youth, or an existing group of businesses seeking growth through the use of available incentives and programs, Quinncy enjoys making connections, closing knowledge gaps and helping pro bono clients thrive. Quinncy is passionate about making connections that lead to positive change. He regularly encourages colleagues regarding the professional and personal rewards of handling pro bono casework. Quinncy also collaborates with non-profit advocacy groups including NAACP Houston, Texas Defender Service, Tahirih Justice Center, Kids in Need of Defense (KIND), the Innocence Project and others to identify how legal representation can help minorities. Prior to focusing his practice exclusively on pro bono matters, Quinncy regularly handled extensive complex commercial litigation in state and federal courts, dispute resolution, compliance counsel and transactional matters, including a secondment to one of Japan’s leading companies. Additionally, before pursuing a legal career, Quinncy was a television journalist throughout the state of Texas and in Wisconsin. Colleagues and communities value that he uses his talents, experience, network and skill toward opening doors – one by one – for pro bono clients. - Quinncy McNeal, Pro Bono Counsel, Husch Blackwell
Carolyn Esswein, FAICP
Advisor
Carolyn is an urban planner who focuses on community development and design, assisting public and private sector clients explore creative solutions. Carolyn's work has transformed communities across Wisconsin, promoting investment, social equity, and innovation. Collaborating across community and campus, Carolyn is an Associate Professor at the School of Architecture & Urban Planning, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and owner of Ce Planning Studio consulting.
Consultants
Mark Jackson
Consultant
Mark is the Managing Partner of Peak Partners, LLC. Among its businesses, the company is a consultant for families hoping to create high-quality, comprehensive living solutions for adults with developmental disabilities. He is a Founder and the past Board President of Sweetwater Spectrum, a nonprofit which developed an intentional residential community in Sonoma, CA for adults with autism. Mark presently serves on the Board of Lifehouse, Inc., the largest provider of supported living services for individuals with developmental disabilities in Northern California. Mark served on the Coordinating Council of the CA Senate Select Committee on Autism, the Board of the Cedars of Marin, the Transition Committee of the Marin Autism Collaborative and is a founding member of the “I Have a Dream” Foundation in the San Francisco Bay Area. Mark holds a BA from Middlebury College and an MBA from UC Berkeley. He is a frequent speaker at conferences focused on issues facing adults with autism and a vocal advocate in the field. His background includes 30 years as a real estate investment professional. He and his wife, Patty, are the parents of a 30-year old son with autism who inspires them every day.
Tess Komas
Consultant
Tess Komas graduated from the School of Architecture and Urban Planning at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with her master’s in architecture. Presently she works at C&S Design & Engineering, a small design engineering firm in Northern Wisconsin, as a Project Manager and Designer. Tess was hired to help design COC’s website when, through UWM Community Design Solutions in college she worked on the initial community concept design. Her experience creating and managing websites make her a great asset to the team.
Cori Rice Kaminsky
Consultant
Cori Rice Kaminsky is Partner and Creative Director at White Rice Advertising & PR in Germantown, WI. White Rice is the brainchild of Rice and her longtime business partner Terri White, and is described as a small, friendly, approachable agency that helps businesses and organizations of all sizes grow. Ironically, Cori also fits that description. She is a passionate supporter of non-profits and sits on a number of professional boards, including currently serving as President of Festivals of Cedarburg, her hometown where she lives with her husband and two sons. She and White Rice proudly donate their time to Communities of Crocus.
Partners
Partner
Community Design Solutions (CDS) is a funded design center in the School of Architecture & Urban Planning (SARUP) at UW-Milwaukee that assists communities, agencies, civic groups, and campuses throughout Wisconsin. CDS develops concepts that promote positive change, stimulate funding opportunities, and serve as a catalyst for continued investment. CDS collaborated with the COC founders to create a future community for residents and staff. Graduate architecture students, Roe Draus and Tess Richard, worked with CDS Director, Carolyn Esswein to develop the conceptual building designs and renderings.
Partner
Built around the industries in which our clients operate, everything we do is designed to make it easy for clients to do business with our firm. Our Practices In Action From our comprehensive client onboarding to superior matter management, our tools and technologies are expertly tailored to each client’s objectives and individual preferences to produce optimal partnerships. Our approach isn’t just unique, it’s the real deal; we are the only firm to be recognized by both the CLOC LIO Project and ACC Value Champion award series for our ability to deliver legal solutions that cut spending, improve predictability and achieve better outcomes.
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Partner
In January of 2006 White Rice Advertising & PR was born, occupying the second-floor loft of an 1860s woolen mill in the Historic District of downtown Cedarburg, Wisconsin. It wasn’t until late 2015 that the dynamic duo moved to its current digs in Germantown where they customized the work space to fit the fun that it was built to contain. Since opening, White Rice has helped businesses from all over navigate and succeed in some pretty rocky economic times. Through all that, Terri and Cori have maintained their philosophy that no matter how big or small the business or idea, White Rice will take the call and do what we can to help. That simple idea has helped some pretty great clients do some pretty great work. Some businesses like to have a marketing partner that they can stop in and see. So if whether it’s Germantown, Menomonee Falls, Milwaukee, Mequon or Madison, we relish the chance to be your advertising partner that always feels next door.
Partner
At Catalyst Construction, we don’t just build structures – we build relationships. As your construction management partner, we help you refine your vision and assemble the teams necessary to make that vision a reality. Whether we’re helping expand your ministry through new church facilities or creating affordable housing solutions in thriving urban areas, we’ll make it happen – you make it matter.
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Partner
HGA is a national interdisciplinary design firm rooted in architecture and engineering. We believe that enduring, impactful design results from deep insight into the people and passions that animate each unique environment. We value empathy, are fueled by curiosity, and embrace the hard work that leads to innovation. HGA’s work has received numerous awards and top rankings from our own industries, as well as those of our clients. Equally as meaningful to us is the shared legacy we create with our clients.
Partner
Three Leaf Partners exists to make a lasting impact on the communities and people we serve through real estate. The outcomes we work to create far exceed the physical structures we build. Our goal is to be thoughtful & driven, working to bring your mission and vision to life in a way that creates generational impact to all involved. By pairing athletes, business executives and community partners, the Three Leaf Partners impact brings creative and determined people together with a common goal. The result is a win-win for all those involved.