A personal message from the candidate:

As a social worker, I’ve worked with many vulnerable youth and families over the years. I've seen firsthand how mental health ties into academic success. Because I am a social worker, you should know that makes me a very different kind of candidate. Every single day of my 25-year career has been spent almost entirely sitting and listening to people tell me all about their issues, problems, and challenges and then trying to find solutions to make a difference in their lives.  Social Work is a career devoted to serving and helping others. As a candidate I intend to serve you in the same way. I am not running for school board for me; I'm running for you. I hope to earn your vote on April 1st.

- Christy Codner

 About our Campaign  

About the Candidate

I am a proud resident of Appleton and was born and raised in Neenah, WI. I graduated from Neenah High School in '94 and have a BS in Social Work and Psychology from UW-Madison and MSW  from UW-Green Bay.   I am licensed in the State of WI as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and employed full time at Theda Care At Work Employee Assistance Program as a Mental Health Counselor.  I have committed my life to helping make a difference in people's lives.  

 

Core Issues
As School Board Member, I'll be focusing on the following core issues: promoting positive emotional wellbeing of students and teachers, supporting diversity and inclusivity, and advocating for collaboration and shared decision-making responsibilities with parents, educators, students and the public.  Please check out my Issues page on this website to learn more ISSUES. 

 

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

Instead of asking the public for monetary donations to my campaign, I am using my campaign platform  to spread awareness about my favorite charity, Donors Choose, a nonprofit organization that will help fund teachers and classrooms in the area. Even the smallest donation will help make a difference.  Check out my Donate page to learn how you can donate to this cause. Donate

 

I'll Keep things Non-Partisan
My campaign is committed to keeping  partisanship and money out of local politics.  I am an Independent which means I will not be accepting any financial assistance from the Democrat or Republican Party.   This also means I will be campaigning at a significant disadvantage from my opponents.  I am hoping I can overcome that with community involvement and grassroots support. Contact

 

The Stakes are High
This election is about more than just a seat on the school board – it's 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  need your support to make this campaign a success. If my mission is in line with yours, I hope you will consider joining my team! Please contact me at info@votechristycodner.com  to learn how to get involved or to request regular updates on my campaign.  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.