Our staff.
Michelle C. Heinen
Executive Director
Decades in the classroom affirm my belief that all children are capable of learning when the right services and supports are in place. I am an “accidental advocate” who has navigated the mental health system for my own two children. I am passionate about the power of peer support and am blessed to be able to “pay it forward” each day, supporting families like mine!
Kala McWain Family Leader
Kala McWain is a mother of two from Casper, Wyoming. Her youngest son was diagnosed with Phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare metabolic disorder, at four days old. Since his diagnosis, Kala has worked tirelessly to build public awareness of the impact that this disease has on both people with PKU & their families. She actively shares their newborn screening story to remind others how important that little heel prick is and to bring awareness to the impact a positive result has on families. She currently volunteers her time as advocacy committee co-chair at the National PKU Alliance and serves as a mentor to others through their mentoring program. Kala is passionate about medical equity for the rare disease community at both federal & state levels, helping others find their voice in advocacy, and daydreams about better support for caregivers. She has found the greatest gift of community through PKU and feels blessed to be Braxton's momma.
Please read about Kala’s story here: 4 Babies, 4 Families, 4 Newborn Screening Tests: Parents Share Their Lived Experiences - APHL Blog
Danelle Medina Family Leader
Hello, my name is Danelle, and I have a 17-year-old daughter named Briana. Briana has a very rare genetic mutation on GABRB2. Briana is one of the oldest in the world with this mutation and there are probably less than 100 kids in the world with this mutation. We had gone 12 years not having a diagnosis and I ended up finding the Undiagnosed Network and applied! Briana was accepted and we were able to fly to LA and see some amazing doctors at UCLA who were able to finally diagnose her with the rare genetic mutation. The diagnosis still seems like a mystery since it is so rare and not a lot of information, but every year we are learning more, and we are able to connect to other parents across the world who have children with the mutation and are able to bounce ideas off each other.
Christine Bullinger Family Leader
My name is Christine Bullinger and my husband and I farm in the northwest corner of Wyoming in the Otto-Burlington area. As the parents of 6 awesome kids and being a foster home, we have found that life is always an adventure. Over the years we have faced our set of challenges including children dealing with depression, suicide attempts, schizophrenia, ADHD, complex medical conditions, and more. Through it all, I’ve come to realize how important strong family relationships are to successfully navigate these challenges. In the process, I have had the opportunity to be involved with many great organizations including Wyoming Hands and Voices, Guide By Your Side, WY Early Intervention Council, WY Advisory Panel for Students with Disabilities, and now UplIft. The right support and resources at the right times can make all the difference-making seemingly impossible situations back to manageable parts - and allow our children to reach their full potential and follow their dreams.
Denise Martin Family leader
My name is Denise Martin and I have lived in Cheyenne Wyoming for 9 years. I was born in Michigan and worked as a nurse for 30 years. I have 2 children with Autism, one has depression and anxiety, and one has epilepsy and TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury.) I also have two Grandchildren with Autism. I have been helping schools understand and formulate programs for these disabilities since my son was in grade school. He is now 28 and when he was young his schools needed a lot of guidance in understanding these disabilities and how to work with them. It gave me the experience to help my grandkids in their schools to help them receive the best education possible. I understand the challenges that families face when it comes to raising children with special needs. I am thrilled to be able to bring some of my experience to Uplift and help others.
Nicole Zielesch Family Leader
Hello, my name is Nicole Zielesch, and I have been advocating for my two special needs children for 18 years now. There are many ups and downs and learning experiences while navigating through school systems, doctors, and other important places. Having someone to trust and be supportive can help greatly on your journey to advocate for yourself and your loved ones. I believe everyone should feel safe, protected, and supported, even if they are not sure what to do. Being able to help others is very special, and so is giving back after all the help my family and I have received throughout the years.
Heather Martin Family Leader
I am a firm believer that strength comes in numbers, with the right support and guidance you can do anything. I learned this from my son Cody who was diagnosed at the age of 3 years old with Autism. I wasn’t just his mom but his advocate, cheer leader and so much more. I’ve been through the trenches of navigating the school districts and IEP’s. I know the frustration of nobody listening, feeling alone and lost. I’m grateful for the opportunity to help others and other families like ours. If I can be the missing piece to somebody’s puzzle then we are gaining.
Rebecca Bullinger
Youth Leader
Hi, my name is Rebecca Bullinger. My favorite hobbies include art, music, and video games. I am a part of a family of 8 which has had more than it’s share of medical challenges. Personally, I am diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), an autonomic nervous system disorder. I also developed depression because of these physical symptoms. Since my diagnosis, I have joined Wyoming’s Advisory Panel for Students with Disabilities as a student representative and founded Mindfulness Discussions - a student-led school program I started to teach useful skills for dealing with anxiety and depression and to share experiences in a positive and safe space.
I have always been interested in helping others with my family as my inspiration. I look forward to continuing to help others through this program.