Monica Paetzel

Monica has been a member of the Positive Alternatives team since 2015, starting her journey as a Resident Counselor at the Menomonie Group Home. In 2017, she took on the role of Case Manager and then transitioned to Group Home Manager in 2020. By 2024, she had advanced to her current position as Program Director.

Holding a bachelor's degree in Vocational Rehabilitation with a concentration in substance abuse counseling from UW Stout, Monica has gained extensive experience in various roles within Positive Alternatives, allowing her to grow and develop in each one. Additionally, her background includes working with adults with developmental delays and serving as a case manager and counselor for individuals with substance use disorders.

Drawn to nonprofit work because of the passion and commitment of those involved, Monica appreciates how Positive Alternatives stands out for its trauma-informed approach, commitment to promoting normalcy for the kids, and emphasis on building strong rapport with both the youth and their families through a collaborative team effort. The organization works hard to meet the kids where they are.

In her free time, she enjoys reading, hiking, traveling, playing games, and doing arts and crafts!