Meet the PPAWI Staff

As staff of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin, we are humbled by our activists' willingness to share of yourself to build the reproductive justice and rights movement, trusting PPAWI to guide your efforts.  Our team is growing and we'd like to take this opportunity to introduce to you who we are and tell you in our own words why we work along side you in the fight for reproductive health and rights.


1. Lisa Boyce - Vice President since 2000
"I work at Planned Parenthood to ensure women obtain the health care they need and the respect and equality they deserve. Now that I have children of my own, the importance of securing these values is all the more important to better secure their future."

2. Tanya Atkinson - Field Director since 2004
"As a social worker, I've seen first-hand why every child should come into this world wanted and loved, and have been extraordinarily moved by activists who give so freely and selflessly to make that a reality."

3. Sarah Noble - Community Organizer since 2005
"Women are an important part of every aspect of life and I am not willing to allow anyone to compromise that truth.  I work for an organization that acts on that truth in its provision of quality health services, education and policy."

4. Chris Taylor - Public Policy Director since 2003
"I work at Planned Parenthood because access to reproductive health care is the key element for women to achieve, economic, political and social equality."

5. Nicole Safar - Policy & Legal Analyst since 2004
"Basic health care is a human right we all deserve.  But obtaining health care services, especially reproductive health care services, is a huge challenge for too many women.  Reducing this burden on women and girls, and creating an environment where we all have the ability to control our reproductive health keep me coming back to work every morning."

6. Andrea Gage - Media Relations Specialist since 2004
"As a journalist, I always wanted to make sure viewers learned about issues that had a true impact on their life. When I watch nurses walk through a line of protesters in the morning, activists dedicate their afternoon to raising awareness, and staff working around the clock to ensure continued access to basic health care, I know this is the most important story I could ever tell to members of the media and the people of Wisconsin."

7. JoCasta Zamarripa - Public Affairs Organizer since June 2007
"I am proud to be a member of the Planned Parenthood family and I look forward to my new role as a Public Affairs Organizer where I will be able to maintain my strong commitment to social justice and community advocacy in Milwaukee."

8. Shelle Michalak - Public Affairs Organizer since June 2007
"Planned Parenthood empowers women to make decisions about their own bodies and lives and that is why I am honored to work for an agency where reproductive and sexual health is protected and promoted."

9. Jennifer Olenchek - Public Affairs Organizer since 2002
"I respect women and their ability to know what is best for them, their lives, and their families, and so does Planned Parenthood.  I love being able to come to work everyday knowing that I'm working for justice and to protect our rights and freedom."