About the (former) candidate  

About Me

Here are just a few of the things that set me apart from the rest:

  • Wisconsin born and raised
  • Independent - Non-Partisan
  • Public School - Educated & University of Wisconsin Alum
  • State of WI Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • Former Rank & File - Union Member and Leader
  • Not management or corporate - Just like most folks, I work full-time
  • Middle Class - I may not have experience with operating big budgets but I know small ones.   I ran a bare-bones campaign with no outside donations.
  • Not a career politician - this was my first time running for office!

 

Core Issues
My campaign promise was to support policies that promote positive emotional wellbeing of students and teachers.  Click here to learn more about some of my core issues:  ISSUES. 

 

I'll Keep Money Out of Local Politics & Make a REAL Difference

Instead of asking the public for monetary donations to the campaign, I used my platform  to spread awareness about Donors Choose, a nonprofit organization that helps fund teachers and classrooms in the area.  I ran a low budget campaign and succeeded in my pledge not to accept any outside donations.  Learn more about how to donate to Donors Choose:  Donate

 

I'll Keep things Non-Partisan
I am fiercely independent and am committed to keeping divisive politics out of our local government and public schools.  Unlike my opponents who relied almost solely on volunteers from the Democratic Party, I did my own canvassing.  By doing so, I was able to hear from voters of all sides of the political spectrum.  If you had a door, I knocked on it.  If you opened your door to me, I listened.  I'm still interested in hearing from you, contact me here:   Contact

 

The Stakes are High
My campaign was about more than just a seat on the school board – it was about the future of our community.   The decisions of our current school board will impact the lives of students, teachers, and families in Appleton for years to come.  Whether you are a parent with a student in the district, a teacher or school professional, a concerned community member like myself - every single one of us deserves to be heard and have a seat at the table where school board decisions are being made. 

 

Let's Get to Work!
I'll need your support if I decide to run for office again. If my mission is in line with yours, I hope you will consider joining my team! Please contact me at info@votechristycodner.com  to join.  Contact

Experience and Background: 

Professional Experience

Mental Health Treatment Experience

Theda Care At Work - Employee Assistance Program; Appleton, WI - Mental Health Clinician  2023 - Present

Evolve Healing - Comprehensive Eating Disorder Treatment Program; De Pere and Neenah, WI - Family Therapist - 2020 - 2023

UW Green Bay Social Worker Field Placement: Outagamie County Mental Health; CCS Program Intern - 2008-2009

Commonwealth of MA, Department of Mental Health, West-End Transitional Housing Program; Boston, MA - P/T Mental Health Worker  Aug 1999- Dec 1999

Children, Youth, & Families - Social Services Experience

Lutheran Social Services, Greentree Girls Home, Brockton, MA - Case Advocate  1999-2000

Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Children and Families; Dorchester, MA - Child Protective Services Social Worker 2000- 2001

Outagamie County Department of Health & Human Services, Youth & Family Services; Appleton, WI - Juvenile Court Intake and Ongoing Social Worker

Developmental Disabilities:

UW Madison Social Work Field Study: Developmental Disabilities Program

Create-Ability, Inc.; Madison, WI; Residential Support Worker 1998- 1999

Channels to Employment: Madison, WI: Vocational Support Worker 1998-1999

Mentoring (Volunteer):

Best Friends of Neenah-Menasha; Neenah, WI - Youth Mentor  2002 - 2018

Promoting the Advancement of Literacy; Madison, WI - Mentor  1996 - 1999

Lowell Elementary School; Madison, WI - Student Mentor  1998-1999 

Victims of Sexual and Domestic Violence (Volunteer):

Dane County Rape Crisis Center; Madison, WI - Crisis Line Worker and Support Group Facilitator - 1996-1999

Domestic Abuse Intervention Services; Madison, WI - Legal Advocate  1996-1999

Sexual Assault Crisis Center; Appleton, WI - SANE Advocate, Support Group Facilitator  2002-2004

Other (Volunteer)

Community Blood Center; Appleton, WI - Cafe Worker  2019-2020

 

 

Personal Background

I have struggled with mental illness for much of my life.  At the age of 17 I was sexually assaulted and during my second year attending UW-Madison, I attempted to end my life.  With family support and counseling, I was able to recover.  I still see a counselor in fact.  I see this as a strength not a weakness- Counseling is for Everyone!.  Following my suicide attempt, i realized how important it is that youth have access to mental health treatment early on and that schools can play an imporrant role in suicide prevention, It is also what led me to change my major from geological engineering to social worker and psychology; I volunteered throughout college at the Rape Crisis Center in Dane County and later at the Sexual Assault Crisis Center in Appleton.

To be honest,  I was pretty hesitant to share this information with the whole world.  There is still a lot of stigma surrounding mental illness, suicide, and sexual violence.  I decided to be open with you for this very reason - sharing is one of the best ways to end the stigma.  I share also because I want you to know the positive sides of mental illness - we can be the most empathetic, compassionate, and caring people you will ever meet.  I think it makes me a pretty good therapist too!

If you are a person struggling with suicidal ideation, mental illness or just feeling really overwhelmed and hopeless; please do not be afraid to ask for help, call a crisis line (988), or seek counseling.  If you have survived a sexual assault, there are many supports available as well.  #1 Know that you are not alone; Recovery is possible (although it certainly is never linear!) and Your illness does not have to define you.   

Knowledge and Skills

If there is one thing you probably have heard about counselors and social workers; We really know how to LISTEN.  I am trained in family and couples counseling; this means I know how to recognize dysfunctional communication patterns and dynamics.  I see it played out almost every day in relationships, workplaces, and politics; yes, even with School Boards.  Leaders must be able to listen, compromise and collaborate with the public and with one another.  Our leaders have to be open to considering different perspectives and getting all the facts - that means listening to everyone, not just trusting one source of information.  As school board member I will make sure everyone feels heard and gets a say in policy decisions.    

 

Afterhours Christy

You might debate me on this one, but I consider myself to be a mom of 6; 2 have whiskers and meow, 1 is obsessed with balls, and the other 3 have combs and feathers.  While I love children, I am not a parent, and this means I get the privilege to enjoy some private time once in a while.  After work, I love going to music festivals and local concerts and doing anything outdorrs - gardening, kayaking, camping, skiing, hiking - you name it, I love it!  My latest passion is playing the banjo.  My family is really important to me and they live in the area.  To my sister's chagrin, I have held the title of Funnest Auntie for 11 years and running.  I'm also a co-owner and shareholder of a local NFL franchise.  Can you guess which one?  

Leadership Experience

During my 18 years working for Outagamie County, I was an active member of AFSCME, Outagamie County Professionals Union, Local 2416.  I served as President, Vice President, Secretary and Steward.  In 2011, as President, our union board was in the midst of negotiating our collective bargaining agreement.  As many teachers and school employees know, this was the year that ACT 10 was enacted.  It severely limited worker rights and compensation.  More importantly, it took away the opportunity for workers to have meaningfful and open diologue with employers and has contributed to significant retention and turnover of workers.