Administrative Leadership Team
David C. Butters, CEBT, Executive Director
With over 25 years of senior healthcare experience, David is ready to lead LEBW to its place among the top eye banks of the country. Mission driven, passionate about sight restoration, and a cancer survivor, David understands firsthand the importance of donation. David believes that the altruism of the people of Wisconsin, the expertise, experience and dedication of the staff, and the support of the Lions organization will make LEBW the highest quality eye bank ever.
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Susan Sabin, CEBT, Quality Systems Director
Beginning her career in Milwaukee, Sue has been in the eye banking industry for over 30 years. She joined the eye bank as Education Manager and was recently promoted to Quality Systems Director. Her enthusiasm for eye banking carries over to her involvement in the Eye Bank Association of America with her service on various national committees. Sue is currently a member of the EBAA’s Continuing Education Committee.
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Melody Music-Engels, Hospital Development Manager
Melody joins the Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin as the Hospital Development Manager. With more than 25 years of non-profit human services agency experience, Melody brings a passion to “provide the gift of sight” to the Lions Eye bank of Wisconsin.
Raised in Chicago, Melody spent five years in emergency medicine as an Emergency Medical Technician before relocating to Wisconsin in 1983. Continuing her education, Melody became licensed and certified as a counselor in and with the State of Wisconsin in 1988, and received a Bachelors of Science degree in Business Management from Cardinal Stritch University in 1999. For the past five years Melody has served as Vice President of Clinical Operations for a Madison based non-profit Human Service Agency. Among her responsibilities were management and oversight of eight programs and services (with a staff of 125 employees), budget of $3.2 million, and providing services to more than 5,000 clients per year.
Among the numerous awards and recognition Melody has received during her career was the Outstanding Service Award for Excellence in Service presented by then Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, Gerald Borne. From May, 2006 until May, 2008, Melody served as President of the Wisconsin Alcohol and Drug Treatment Providers Association (WADTPA). Melody’s involvement and dedication to the Lions span more than 25 years, and includes being one of the founding Charter members of the Lake Wisconsin Lioness Club.
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Jerry Rabbach, PDG, Community Relations Specialist
A member of the Watertown Lions Club for 34 years, Jerry has participated in all facets of Lionism. His responsibilities include serving Wisconsin Districts and Clubs in Lionism, coordinating transportation of eye tissue to the Eye Bank Lab and surgeons performing transplant surgery.
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Wendy Wright, Office Administrator
As Office Administrator, Wendy’s responsibilities include accounts payable/receivable, payroll, facilities management, and assistance to the Executive Director. In addition to running a smooth office environment, in 2008 Wendy became a puppy raiser for Leader Dogs for the Blind for the first time. In May 2009, Kyla, the puppy she raised (a German Shepherd/Black Lab-cross), was issued to an individual from Alabama after successfully passing all phases of training at Leader Dogs for the Blind in Rochester, MI.
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Ben Jenkins, Quality Systems Manager
Previously with the Lions Eye Bank of Oregon in Portland, Ben assists the Quality Systems Director to carryout the functions of the department. Ben is currently a member of the Eye Bank Association of America (EBAA) Medical Review Subcommittee.
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Sharon Christensen, Hospital Development Manager
Sharon is married to Jay with 3 children. They have recently moved to Wisconsin from South Dakota and her husband is attending medical school in North Chicago. In her free time, Sharon enjoys biking, rollerblading, playing with the kids and watching movies.
Sharon joins the LEBW team with 6 years of eye and tissue banking experience as a Technical Director. Her experience and dedication to the mission will be a great asset to our team. She looks forward to promoting services and relationships with all the Wisconsin hospitals and partners.
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Laboratory Staff:
Stacey Larson, CEBT, COA, Laboratory Supervisor
Stacey Larson is a Certified Eyebank technician for the Lions Eyebank of Wisconsin. Stacey was born in Lacrosse, WI and attended High School in Madison, WI. In 1991, Stacey obtained an Associate in Applied Science Degree-Optometric Technician from Madison Area Technical College. In 1994, she obtained her Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Certification from the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel. From 1991-2001 Stacey worked in various ophthalmic practices both private and clinical setting. In April 2001, Stacey joined the Lions Eyebank of Wisconsin and received her Certified Eyebank Technician certification from the Eyebank Association of America. Stacey attends regular continuing education classes through the EBAA and other agencies to stay current on today's procedures and policies. Stacey has a dedication, commitment, passion and spirit for eyebanking.
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Joyce Kratz, CEBT, COA, Interim Technical Manager
Joyce Kratz is a Certified Eye Bank Technician for The Lions Eye bank of Wisconsin. She joined LEBW in January 2005 as a part-time Donor Coordinator, in September 2005 she became a full-time lab tech. Joyce comes to LEBW with 20 yrs experience in Ophthamology. Joyce joined the Montello Lions Club in November 2006.
Jonathan Winski, ABOC, CPO, CEBT, Lab/Recovery Technician
Jonathan is married to Kirsten, his high school sweetheart of 20 years and they live in Fort Atkinson where they purchased their first home 3 years ago. They love attending and playing hockey. In his free time, Jonathan also serves as a reserve police officer in Watertown. In addition, he also serves as chaplain for the Cambridge Area EMS and Int’l Assoc of Hostage Negotiators.
Jonathan comes to the LEBW with almost 10 years of ophthalmic experience; managing optical dispensaries and optometry offices. He currently holds certification as a board certified optician and commission certified paraoptometric. Each year Jonathan holds training seminars to prepare opticians for the certification exam. One of Jonathan’s goals with the LEBW is to obtain his CEBT certification (Certified Eye Banking Technician). He describes his work at LEBW as his “dream job...it’s where I’m supposed to be.”
Mikelanne Schipper, CEBT, Laboratory Technician
Mikelanne is a recent graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Aspects of Conservation, with an emphasis on Public Health and Medicine. She joined LEBW in May of 2008, where she works as a full-time laboratory technician. Mikelanne is dedicated to giving the gift of sight in all its forms, and is particularly passionate about the eye bank’s role in furthering medical research on common eye diseases and problems such as glaucoma and macular degeneration. When not working at the eye bank, Mikelanne and her husband are busy restoring their Victorian-era house, walking their dog and playing rock n’ roll.
Jamie Linder, Laboratory Staff Assistant
Jamie has been with the Eye Bank since fall of 2006. As the assistant to the laboratory staff, Jamie assures the Lab is well stocked with needed supplies, is cleaned, and organized daily. She is also responsible for the making, shipping, and receiving of kits for Recovery Technicians, both in and outside of the lab. Jamie is currently in her fourth and final year at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. She will be graduating with a degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice in May of 2009. In her spare time Jamie enjoys photography, all things related to law, and co-directing the South Milwaukee Junior Miss Scholarship Program.
Donor Coordinators:
Nikki Gordon, COA, Donor Coordinator
As an ophthalmalic technicianry, I have almost 12 years of experience in the eyecare industry where I started out as an ABO certified optician. Most recently, I have completed 2 years of Donor Cordination with LEBW on 9/10/07.
My clinical experience ranges from general ophthalmology to neuro, oculoplastic, and corneal sub specialties assistance. I was in the top 3 of the first internet based graduating class of the technicianry program at MATC.
My involvement with non-profit organizations include the March of Dimes, Prevent Blindness Wisconsin, Margaret Ann's Place and am a member of the South Milwaukee Lions Club.
Currently, I am maintaining certification as a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) through JCAHPO.
After many years of working on the pre and post operative side of corneal donation with recipients, it is immensely rewarding and humbling to now work with the donor families who make this possible.
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Jesse Barry, RN, Donor Coordinator
Hello. My name is Jesse Barry. I have been working for the Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin since June, 2006.
Prior to working for the Eye Bank I was a registered nurse in Madison for 10 years floating to the inpatient units at UW Hospital. I also have had additional experience in the cardiac cath lab and Emergency Room settings.
I was trained at Madison Area Technical College and received my Associates Degree in Nursing in 1995.
I live in Madison and am happily married and we have been blessed with three beautiful children.
I am excited to be able to work at the Eye Bank because it gives me an opportunity to use the skills and knowledge I have obtained by working as a nurse in a new and exciting area that has lifelong impacts on the quality of life for the recipients, as well as generational effects on the families of the donors. It is exciting to be an integral part of touching people’s lives in this way.
Thank you for your interest and support of the Lions Eye Bank.
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Margie Czechowicz, Donor Coordinator
Hi! My name is Margie Czechowicz. It has been my privilege to work as a Donor Coordinator for the Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin since June, 2006. I am passionate about the positive impact donation can have, not only to the recipient and their family, but to the family of the loved one who just passed away. As a Donor Coordinator, one is able to offer hope to these families, as we have the honor of moving in and out of their lives at a very tender time, offering a poignant legacy for their loved one.
My background includes a BS in Health Education from UW-Madison and over 25 years working in the life and health insurance industry. My husband and I have been married over 30 years and have been blessed with 4 children, ages 27-24-20 & 17. We officially launched our first family when our son married his college sweetheart in September 2007.
While not working as a Donor Coordinator, I spend time working with the Circle of Love Project, (Bethel Lutheran Church) which brings children from the Chernobyl area of Ukraine to Madison each summer for respite from the chronic radiation they live with each day. As part of this Project, we are in the planning stages of setting up a Pediatric Dental Clinic in Borodynaka, Ukraine. Along with that, I am back in school, pursing my BSN in Nursing. My hope is to continue to serve as a Donor Coordinator as I pursue this new calling in life. As you can tell, I am happy to serve as a Donor Coordinator. Please call me if you’d like to visit in person about it!
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Sandra Schroeder, Donor Coordinator
Sandra Schroeder was born and raised in Rockford, Illinois. She graduated in 1985 from Surgical Technology Program and later attended Illinois Central College where she graduated 1994 as a Registered Dental Hygienist. One of her most rewarding positions was working with sealant program offering sealants and exams to underprivileged and homeless children in schools in Northern Illinois. She worked from a Mobile unit and went from school to school offering education and encouragement to child with little or no dental options. After 25 years of being in the dental field she decided to stay home after the birth of her second child. She has enjoyed general contracting the building of their new home that she shares with her husband and two children, along with gardening and sewing. She finds being a Donor Coordinator for the Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin very rewarding and is humbled to be part of such a very special gift, giving of the “Gift of Sight.”
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