Our Team

Christine Daniels, Executive Director

I earned a Bachelor of Science degree at St. Norbert College in 1998. During my senior year of college, I traveled with Good News Project to the island of St. Vincent and my life was forever changed.  Now a 21-year staff member at Good News Project, I have seen the organization grow from an office in the founder’s basement to a busy and rapidly changing office and warehouse just north of downtown Wausau.  In fact, I have seen so much growth that we are now in the midst of a Capital Campaign to make structural changes on-site in order to better serve our community. It is exciting for me to use my education in the sciences everyday at Good News Project. I also serve on the Emergency Food & Shelter Program board through United Way and enjoy my involvement in Noon Optimists.

Toni Schmitt, Health Equipment Lending Program Manager

I have been working at Good News Project since July of 2012, following two terms as a member of the Board of Directors.  After running a salon/spa for 20+ years, it was time for a change.  I felt that my experience in business ownership, communication and leadership, along with years of community volunteering, made working for a nonprofit a perfect position for me. In 2018, I accepted the opportunity to manage the Health Equipment Lending Program. Being able to serve our community in this capacity brings me joy. I am blessed to be able to work side-by-side with genuinely caring co-workers and volunteers.

Eric Nielsen, E-Cycling Program Manager

I was first introduced to Good News Project in 2014 when I came to help fix wheelchairs with my dad.  I enjoyed the people and cause enough to continue volunteering for many years since!  I grew to really care about the organization and its mission, so getting the chance to take on a formal role as the E-Cycling and Warehouse Manager has been an absolute honor!  I graduated from UWSP with a dual-major BS in Biology and Business Administration with Entrepreneurial Concentration.  I have also owned and operated my own small business breeding reptiles since 2009.  Through those experiences, I have gained a wide variety of knowledge and skills, that directly apply to my work with Good News Project.  I enjoy and value helping people and improving our impact on the environment around us.  I am super excited to be able to address both of those things, through helping Good News Project continue to make a positive impact on the local community and beyond.

Rouleen Gartner, Volunteer Coordinator

In October of 2021, I began volunteering with Good News Project in various departments. With a Bachelors of Science degree and a minor in Environmental Science, e-CYCLING was a natural fit, allowing me the opportunity to educate the community about responsible e-waste management. Through that volunteer work, I became connected with the mission of the organization and developed a passion for the work that was performed for the community. Being new to the area, I really enjoyed working with the staff and volunteers, developing new relationships along the way.

For the past 20 years, I have worked at various non-profit organizations allowing me to gain valuable skills in volunteer management, marketing, and development. My personal goals have always been to use my skills to serve the communities I live in, providing services for at risk families and those with the most needs. Working with Good News Project gives me the opportunity, locally and abroad, to use those leadership skills to help people be the good for each other.

Jacqueline Dehnke, Health Equipment Lending Program Assistant

I joined the staff at Good News Project in January 2022. I was a foster parent for many years and have 10 years of experience as a Certified Medical Assistant.  I have always enjoyed helping people and making the world a better place. 

I am passionate about serving people through our Health Equipment Lending Program by loaning them clean gently used medical equipment and offering them information that will assist in their health journey. My role here helps keep medical equipment out of our landfills and reduces the need to manufacture new equipment.

I am really excited to make a difference for the environment and people in our community and abroad. I look forward to working with co-workers, volunteers and interns who also want to fulfill the needs of our community and people all around the world. 

Adrienne Liss-‘s-Gravemade, HELP Receptionist

I joined the staff of the Good News Project in January of 2024. I was a stay-at-home mom for the past 23 years to our four children. I volunteered in their classrooms and sports activities, and had various jobs at the YMCA from front desk worker to educating people on their strength equipment.

Prior to this I was a practicing physical therapist in Colorado, working in nursing homes, home health and hospital settings. Combining my medical knowledge and enjoyment to help people, the Good News Project has been a perfect fit for me. I love problem solving to ensure the safety and independence for both caregiver and the person using the medical equipment. I’m looking forward to meeting you at Good News Project!

Shela Xiong, Program Assistant

I joined Good News Project in November 2023 as an office intern and transitioned to part-time staff in June 2024. Initially, I provided office support, but I have since expanded my role to assist various departments.

After being a stay-at-home parent for nine years and attending school part-time, I was eager to find a position that aligned with my passion for helping others. Good News Project has provided me with numerous opportunities to make a positive impact, connect with remarkable individuals, engage with a diverse group, and contribute to meaningful community projects.

Noella Sankar, Independent Contractor in St. Lucia

Noella met Good News Project founders, Chuck & Peggy MacCarthy in 1987, while attending the Corpus Christi Girls Vocational School.  Since 1992, Noella has been an active Good News Project volunteer at many levels: Traveling to St. Vincent in the musical group, working in St. Lucian schools and institutions alongside other GNP volunteers, coordinating the reception of humanitarian shipments in St. Lucia and leading the local committee in home visits and family selection for new houses.  In 2015, Noella independently contracted with GNP in order to represent and advocate for us in the West Indies. Noella connects with prospective house recipients, government, businesses and institutions on our behalf.