Our Story
Positively Human, LLC, grew out of a need to get back to the basics of humanness and treating every individual with dignity and respect. Where some providers conduct a service, we build relationships knowing healing happens within them. Tired of assessment forms that focused on diagnosing negative symptoms and “behaviors”, we look at the situation from the individual’s point of view. We believe that every human is exactly where they are based on their life experiences including their skill, knowledge, understanding, and support (SKUs). Thus, if an issue arises for the individual, we look at what SKUs are needed to assist and learn and incorporate them together. Too often we hear providers describe the main issue as “behaviors” that need to be stopped; not recognizing these
are misunderstood, normal human defenses that we can listen and respond to with compassion and understanding for both the member and those who serve them. We see procedures and regulations that support punishment, isolation, and taking away of personal property and rights in the name of protecting the individual. We see and experience these rules as putting policy over people. We look for ways to explore the “whys” of these rules with the individuals, their supports, and policy makers to find solutions that work for all. Moved to action by these experiences and with the belief that we are just “positively human”, we decided the best way to make change was to roll up our sleeves and start making it, and here we are! Positively Human, LLC, believes this change is needed at all levels and types of human service from school systems to law enforcement from healthcare to daycare and from board rooms to State Departments; anywhere a human works with or for another human. We chose to begin our work within the long-term care system where we believe some of our most vulnerable citizens seek assistance. However, our goal is to work our way into all systems of human assistance, so they too can learn how to get back to the basics of humanness, treating every individual with dignity and respect and securing our Vision: “By moving from policy to people, whole humans will see whole humans”.
Our Team
Colleen Rinken,
M.ED., LPC, CSAC, ICS
Owner, Executive Director
She, her, hers
With 11 older siblings, I became a human observer and helper from a young age: watching, listening, and learning. Wanting to put those interests into my career, I secured a master’s degree in Mental Health, Substance Use, and Child/Adolescent Services; to serve all. As a therapist I have accumulated 40+ years of clinical experience conducting therapy and psychoeducation, with individuals, couples, families, and groups, using evidence-based practices and a human lens to serve people of all ages and intellect. As a teacher and leader, I have conducted thousands of hours of clinical, human, and wellbeing education within clinical settings, seminars, and colleges, as a speaker, trainer, and technical assistant for multiple agencies, and for over a decade with the State of Wisconsin. Some other hats I enjoy wearing are being a real estate investor, mentor, human advocate, and of course my favorites as a spouse, mother, grandmother, and friend. With all this knowledge, understanding, skill, and support I retired and thought it took me all this time to become an expert, how can I possibly not use that expertise to serve now. With this in mind, and with my own lived experience, I was inspired to start a consulting and training business teaching others, they too, are “Positively Human”.
Angel Malone, BA
Growth & Marketing Director
She, her, hers
I hold a bachelor’s degree in both Communication and Psychology, and I bring more than 25 years of experience in sales and marketing. After a long and successful career in the corporate world, I decided to follow my heart and pursue work that allows me to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. What I valued most throughout my sales career was the relationships I built with my customers. Those connections taught me the importance of listening, trust, and meeting people where they are. I am excited to bring that same relationship-centered approach to Positively Human as we look to grow and expand the business. Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with my husband and our teenage daughter. Our home is also shared or run by our six beloved pets—three dogs and three cats. I love the outdoors and feel most grounded in nature; on any given day, you can find me sitting on my back deck, taking in the life and beauty that surround us. As a family we also love traveling and exploring new destinations. After navigating health challenges of my own and supporting a close friend through her own challenges, I have become even more committed to living with purpose and gratitude. My guiding motto is simple: Celebrate Life! I believe every day offers an opportunity to celebrate our own lives and the lives of those around us.
Becky Kuehl, MS
Lead Consultant
She, her, hers
Hello, I’m Becky! I’m someone who believes that people are experts in their own lives and that meaningful growth begins with connection, curiosity, and taking the time to truly understand one another. I strive to see the whole human, recognize the strengths each person brings, and lead with love, curiosity, and compassion. For me, it’s about creating spaces where people feel heard, understood, supported, and valued. In my role at Positively Human, I lead Consultative Clinical and Therapeutic Services (CCTS) across Wisconsin, partnering with people, caregivers, providers, and care teams. I’m passionate about building relationships, creating connection, and helping people see possibilities for growth and understanding. Before joining Positively Human, I worked as a Healthcare Consultant, focusing on sustainable funding, service delivery, and stakeholder engagement related to Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS). Prior to consulting, I spent 15 years with a Wisconsin Managed Care Organization, where I focused on provider relations, contracting, network development, and building strong partnerships across the system. For me, being Positively Human extends far beyond my work. I try to live the PH philosophy in my whole life, as a whole human. I value genuine connection, meaningful relationships, and being present for people and experiences that make life feel full. I love spending time with friends and family, finding humor in the everyday, hanging out with my pets, traveling, going to concerts and listening to live music, making memories, and simply living my best life. I believe that looks different for each of us, and I want to make the most of mine. I’m looking forward to getting to know you and building connections along the way. If you have questions about me, my work, or anything you’d like to know, I’m always happy to connect, share, and learn more about you, too.
Brad Munger, LPC
Consultant
He, him, his
Greetings! I’m Brad. My work emerges from a firm conviction in promoting people’s strengths and potential, grounded in hope. For more than 40 years, I’ve worked in various capacities in public mental health as a professional counselor. Before Positively Human, I worked for the State Mental Health Authority as an Advanced Menal Health Planning and Finance Specialist, intimately involved with the Mental Health Block Grant, Projects to Assist in the Transition from Homelessness (PATH), dementia care system redesign, crisis intervention and 988, and Community Support Programs (CSPs). Prior to state service, I worked as a clinician and a manager in outpatient, crisis, CSP, inpatient, residential, and day treatment. I’ve also been trainer in suicide prevention with the Recognizing and Responding to Suicide Risk (RRSR) curriculum by the American Association of Suicidology, and the Assessing and Managing Suicide Risk (AMSR) curriculum by the Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC), where I’ve been privileged to learn from top experts in the field. QPR (Question-Persuade-Refer) by Paul Quinnette, is another curriculum I train on. Likewise, have been grateful to have worked with Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training for law enforcement, and to be prepared as a Master Trainer on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) by one of the original researchers, Rob Anda, M.D. Relevant to Assertive Community Treatment (ACT), I also participated in a year-long training in Continuous Community Treatment Team Training (CCTTT) with original ACT experts. As a dad, I have experience with trans-national adoption and hearing loss. As a widow, I have lived experience in a cancer journey and training in end of life and loss, earning a Grief Support Specialist certificate from Doug Smith.
Chandler Miller, MSW
Consultant
She, her, hers
Hello! I’m Chandler, currently a part-time therapeutic consultant with Positively Human Consulting, LLC, where I have worked since December 2023. I bring more than 13+ years of experience partnering with people from diverse backgrounds whose lives have been shaped by domestic violence, housing instability, incarceration, significant mental health needs, and substance use challenges. My work centers each person’s dignity, autonomy, resilience, and capacity for growth, with a particular focus area on supporting veterans and members of LGBTQIA+ communities. I draw on tools such as trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and strengths-based, person-centered practices to create spaces rooted in safety, trust, collaboration, choice, and empowerment. I earned my Master of Social Work from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in May 2023, with a concentration in Organizational Leadership. This has strengthened my commitment to improving systems, so they respond to people as whole human beings—not simply as numbers. I also bring more than eight years of service with the State of Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs, currently a program supervisor, working collaboratively with individuals and communities to improve suicide prevention efforts and offer comprehensive case management programming to our state's veterans. I remain committed to advancing veteran and human rights, elevating the lived experiences and strengths of community members, and advocating systemic changes that more fully meet people’s needs. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, exploring new food spots, and finding live music. I collect houseplants and spend summers kayaking about the lakes and rivers of the greater Milwaukee area. I also find grounding and mindfulness in walking through the woods and sharing my enthusiasm for identifying mushrooms with anyone willing to listen!
Jenny Vedder, BS
Consultant
She, her, hers
For as long as I can remember I have felt a calling towards service, kindness, and showing compassion to my fellow humans in moments when they need it most. I never knew how to properly capture and explain the depth of this connection until I heard Nelson Mandela speak about Ubuntu. He is quoted as saying, “In Africa there is a concept known as ‘ubuntu’ – the profound sense that we are human only through the humanity of others; that if we are to accomplish anything in this world it will in equal measure be due to the work and achievement of others.” This philosophy embodies how we become the human we are by seeing the humanity in each other through meaningful connections and relationships. Throughout my professional career I’ve worked in diabetes research, customer service, day programs, case management, provider management, APS, as an AFH owner/operator, and at WI DHS in the Division of Medicaid. When I connected with Positively Human and learned of their vision: “By moving from policy to people, whole humans will see whole humans”, I knew I was home. Every day I’m honored to be a part of this great team creating lasting impact and empowering positive change among our most vulnerable humans. In my off time I enjoy traveling, camping, swimming, kayaking, taking walks with my dog, gardening, cooking, baking, listening to books and podcasts, searching for new adventures, learning new things, and being the best Partner, Auntie and Fur-baby mom I can be.
Lauren Henkelman, MPA
Consultant
She, her, hers
Hello, I’m Lauren Henkelman – I’m passionate about supporting my fellow humans and am proud to be providing this support with Positively Human – we know that growth happens in relationships, and that everyone deserves to live a life of safety & value, defined by them. Professionally, I have over a decade of experience in Long Term Care – supporting and advocating for vulnerable adults to live a life they love. I have also enjoyed a variety of other roles, picking up great information, experience, and many friends along the way. I have worked in Crisis Intervention, construction, AFH management, at a DOJ Transitional Living Program, in customer service, as a CNA and more. I value life-long learning - I have earned my Bachelor’s in Human Services and Master’s in Public Administration, but enjoy discovering new books, podcasts and trainings every day. I love getting to know people, hearing their stories, and sharing in their successes – I am especially passionate about spreading positive energy, supporting people where they’re at and respecting individual choice. I have been a strong advocate for social justice, mental health, healthcare as a right, affordable housing & criminal justice reform and have enjoyed a variety of volunteer opportunities in the community from hands-on work, to serving on boards, to testifying to the Joint Finance Committee & serving as a national delegate – there is no job too big or small to deserve our care & attention. I enjoy spending time in nature & exploring new places – the world is so vast and interesting! I love traveling with my sons and friends and sharing new experiences with them. To unwind, I enjoy daily meditation, listening to emo music, reading about conspiracy theories, laughing at the squirrels in the yard and watching The Office.
Lori Kirchgatter, MSW
Director of Operations
She, her, hers
Greetings! My passion for serving began when I was young, growing up on a farm in Iowa, learning the values of stewardship and persistence. I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and Sociology and then my Master of Social Work. With my degrees in hand, I moved to Austin, Texas, and spent several years in services for those experiencing homelessness providing training and technical assistance to non-profits and local city governments and went on to build partnerships with community groups expanding utility customer assistance programs for residents with lower incomes. After 10 years, I decided to reconnect with my midwestern roots and landed in Madison with an opportunity providing leadership for a veterans’ outreach program. I spent the next 5 years building an amazing team and network of organizations to provide wrap around services. I also have experience in basic needs services developing policies and procedures to ensure continued funding and programming for Wisconsinites. In my current role at Positively Human, LLC, I provide business coordination ensuring we provide quality services and continuously improve the way we work. I spend my free time with my partner, family, friends, and pets. This includes dancing, going to concerts, hiking at every opportunity, and in general enjoying the great outdoors where I find the most peace and connection to the world around me.
Katelyn Ritger, BS
Consultant
She, her, hers
Hello there! I’m Katelyn Ritger. Mother of lots of boys and one beautiful girl. I have a bachelor’s in science from Capella University. I started my education in nursing, then switched to healthcare administration. My passion is getting to know others by observation and building friendships, witnessing humans grow to their best self and loving life to the fullest! Before Positively Human, I worked for over 15 years in healthcare, mainly in public behavioral health in many different roles. Starting as direct care staff, promoting to therapy assistant, and finishing as Supervisor of the Vocational department. I grew up in the southern part of WI, where I witnessed my mother opening homes for people in need. Then moving North for school and driven by my own career. Which led me uniquely to Positively Human. With Positively Human, I am a consultant with the belief that humans are attempting their best to live within the challenges of their unique experiences. We support others by exploring and developing new skills, knowledge, and understanding that are supported through evidence-based practices. Moving from policy to people, seeing the human as a whole.
Robert D. Wurth,
MA, LPC
Consultant
He, him, his
My name is Robert Wurth, and I am a Therapeutic Consultant at Positively Human, LLC. I specialize in supporting Family Care Members—whom we affectionately call "the humans"—as well as their support networks and team members. Our approach emphasizes the humanity in each individual, acknowledging that while challenges such as frustration, fear, and hopelessness can sometimes overshadow positive emotions, it’s essential to treat everyone with respect and dignity. This mindset helps create an environment where individuals can grow and reach their full potential. I am a licensed therapist with both undergraduate and master’s degrees earned in Wisconsin. My experience spans various settings, including Tribal Lands, the legal system, and the state’s Long-Term Care system, known as “Family Care.” Despite the diversity of these environments, the common thread is our shared humanity and the quest to find our place in the world. Drawing on a rich array of resources and experiences from my education and partnerships, I am dedicated to helping our clients and their support circles achieve their desired outcomes.
Tori Agas-Kwe
General Assistant
She, her, hers
I have been in the service industry for over 10 years, meeting thousands of people, creating valuable connections. I grew up in the Midwest with my two sisters and parents. At age 14, my father immigrated to the US from the Philippines, later met my mom at the University of Wisconsin, and started our family. Being exposed to a unique culture combination, I grew up appreciating all kinds of foods, languages, and ways of living. I have traveled the world and seen its beauty. I’ve seen the poorest people with the biggest smiles on their faces, and it humbled me in a way of acknowledging peace, and what that means to some. One of my most credible experiences in life was my time in the military, joining the US Navy, to be a Master-at-Arms. It was one of my best learning experiences, bringing understanding of discipline, organizational skills, bravery, mental health, and other important life values. I completed multiple psychology classes and a creative writer’s class; which allowed me to put my feelings on paper, and to better understand how our minds process hurt, betrayal, trauma. I turned those writings into stories, and even a book. In my free time, I love to be around family and friends. I am a proud aunt to my nieces and nephews. I enjoy singing, creating, and listening to music. I enjoy watching movies, walking the dogs with my mom, chatting with my two sisters, and just being connected to the ones around me. Working at Positively Human is something I am very proud of. We care, we listen, we heal. I hope with the work we are doing; we will bring peace and healing to anyone seeking help.