FACTalks lecture series beginning March 16

Biographical information about FACTalks lecturers follows: 

Matthew J. Prigge

Matthew J. Prigge is an author and librarian from Milwaukee. He has written four books, including 2019’s “Damn the Old Tinderbox: Milwaukee’s Palace of the West” and the “Fire that Defined an Era.” He is a two-time winner of the Milwaukee County Historical Society’s Gambrinus Prize and the former host of “What Made Milwaukee Famous,” a local history radio program on WMSE 91.7.

The WPA Handicrafts Project was an innovative government project that helped thousands of local women make it through the worst of the Great Depression with a paycheck and new job skills. It was the first racially-integrated WPA project in the country.

Susan Carpenter

Susan Carpenter is the native plant gardener at the University of Wisconsin–Madison Arboretum. Since 2003, she has worked with students and community volunteers to maintain and monitor a 4-acre garden representing the plant communities of southern Wisconsin. She also leads a conservation project that involves students and the public in documenting and studying native bumble bees, including the endangered rusty-patched bumble bee, Bombus affinis. A graduate of Stanford University, Susan earned her masters in botany and masters in science education at UW-Madison. Her professional interests include plant ecology, ecological restoration, pollinator conservation, and science education.

Paul Robbins

“We live in a time of environmental upheaval. Stranger still, many of the changes we see in the world around us, from invasive species to climate change, are sometimes irreversible, although they are manageable. In a sense then, we live in a world where there is ‘No Going Back,'” said Paul Robbins. During his talk, he will discuss how to study, understand, and manage environments in change, and convey lessons about how COVID-19 might have changed urban ecologies in ways from which cities may not return. 

Tim Humphrey

Tim Humphrey has operated Humphrey Floral and Gift since the late 1980’s. Of Humphrey, a recent bride was quoted as saying: “Tim was a pleasure to work with. I went in not knowing what type of bouquet I had wanted. He showed me a variety of flowers to incorportate with what he had in store as well as in books he has. Also flexible with last minute flower changes and additional flowers needed. Overall, very pleased with the service and would recommend for future use at any event. Prices were very reasonable as well. I had done a lot of shopping around first.”

Ivy Miles

Ivy Miles, the founder of Ivy’s Holistic Arts, is a holistic health coach, yoga therapist, yoga teacher, Reiki master practitioner, crystal healer, intuitive and spiritual guide, and Mala and gem artist.

Ivy’s Holistic Arts is a yoga, wellness and co-working studio based in Fort Atkinson. The company provides a co-working space, Zoom and in-studio classes with emphasis on all things related to health and wellness. 

Erin Patterson

Known for her hospitality, Erin Patterson owns Paddy Coughlin’s Pub, a much-loved neighborhood establishment where she warmly welcomes local patrons and visitors alike. In fact, the restaurant attracts so many out-of-town visitors, that Patterson has been nominated for the Tourism Counts Award.

A longtime employee was quoted as saying of Patterson: “I’ve worked for Erin for almost a decade and each year I’m amazed and inspired. It’s a heartwarming feeling to see how she can bring so many people together for a good cause, especially during these trying times.”

Patterson is also the founder of Paddy’s Paws, a nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing dogs in need. 

The nonprofit works with volunteers to find adoptive homes for dogs living in shelters and foster care. Since its inception in 2015, Paddy’s Paws has successfully connected over 2,500 dogs with loving families. A volunteer was quoted as saying of Patterson: “Erin is an amazing animal advocate with a heart of gold. Thanks to Erin and her dedication to helping homeless pups, many local community members have a loving pet.”

Sarah Pagenkopf

Sarah Pagenkopf received a Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2007. Her prior leadership experience includes clinical coordinator roles at two healthcare systems, medication safety coordinator and application coordinator overseeing the electronic health record-keeping process in oncology services. She was inspired by the interconnections between pharmacy practice and the record-keeping process and holds certification in both Epic and Cerner operating systems. Both are makers of health information technology and electronic health record (EHR) software

Pagenkopf is a board certificated pharmacotherapy specialist, earning that distinction in 2016, and she continues to hold that certification. Pagenkopf recently was promoted to clinical pharmacy manager in 2017, and in that role is the co-chair on the Fort HealthCare Medication Safety Committee and the Fort HealthCare Antimicrobial Stewardship Team. She has been integral in the building and delivery of the PGY1 joint residency program at Fort HealthCare, which partners with UW Health. She maintains memberships within several professional organizations, including the American Society of Health-System Pharmacist, American College of Clinical Pharmacy, and the Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin.

Alicia Leslie

Alicia Leslie is a licensed clinical social worker specializing in healing and recovery for children and adolescents affected by trauma. She also specializes in servicing populations impacted by adoption. Leslie has completed training and certification in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy through the Allegheny Health Network and the Rowan University CARES Institute and is a nationally registered adoption competent mental health professional, certified by the Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.). She also has advanced training in motivational interviewing. Leslie has experience treating depression, anxiety, mood issues and family systems.