Joanne Sanders
Superior,WI
Summary
Experienced crisis response and case management professional with 13+ years working with individuals impacted by domestic violence, homelessness, mental health challenges and substance use. Skilled in crisis intervention, de-escalation, and connecting individuals to community-based resources as alternatives to system involvement. Proven ability to remain calm in high-stress situations while providing trauma-informed, client-centered care.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Shelter Program Coordinator/Case Manager
Center Against Sexual & Domestic Abuse (CASDA)
Superior, WI
09.2015 - Current
- Provide crisis intervention, case management, and advocacy to individuals experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, homelessness, substance use and mental health crises
- Conduct risk assessments and safety planning, supporting clients in stabilizing immediate crises and accessing long-term resources
- Collaborate with law enforcement, EMS and community partners to coordinate responses to high-risk situations
- Maintain strong working relationships with housing providers, healthcare systems and social service agencies to secure resources for clients
- Connect clients to housing, mental health services, substance use treatment and financial assistance programs
- Answer 24-hour crisis helpline, providing emotional de-escalation, referrals and immediate intervention support
- Train staff, volunteers and interns on trauma-informed care, crisis response and shelter policies
- Supervise part-time shelter staff and assisting with hiring, onboarding and staff development
- Collect data and complete reports for grant compliance and program evaluation
Shelter Fill-In Advocate
CASDA- Center Against Sexual & Domestic Abuse
Superior, WI
01.2013 - Current
- Fostered an environment that validated and empowered shelter clients while providing education and tools for systems change and assisting with immediate client needs
- Answered 24 hour helpline to assist with emotional de-escalation, validation of the crime, information and referral for agency resources and safety planning
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Human Services
Northwood Technical College
Superior, WI01-2013
Associate of Applied Science - Medical Administrative Specialist
Northwood Technical College
Superior, WI01-2009
Skills
- Crisis Intervention & De-escalation
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Mental Health & Substance Use Support
- Community Resource Coordination
- Case Management & Safety Planning
- Interagency Collaboration
- Client Advocacy
- Conflict Resolution
- Training & Staff Development
- Documentation & Compliance
Certification
- Supervisory Leadership Certification 2011
- Safe at Home Designated Application Assistant
Leadership & Community Involvement
Anti-Poverty Action Coalition (APAC), Human Services Advisory Committee, Northwood Technical College, Douglas County Mental Health Coordinated Response Team (Former Member), Douglas County Drug Prevention Coalition (Former Member), Former Board Member - Superior Housing Authority
International, National & Local Trainings
- Hope in CommUNITY- FDL Police & Advocacy Services-Cloquet, MN 2025
- Advocacy in Action Conference- Colorado Springs, CO 2024
- DEI in the Workplace- Superior, WI 2023/2024
- IVAT International Summit- Preventing, Assessing & Treating Trauma Across the Lifespan, Trauma Informed Care from a Cultural Perspective-Honolulu, HI 2022
- National Conference on Crimes Against Women-Dallas, TX 2022
- Coalition Against Domestic Violence- Providence, RI 2019
- International Conference on Sexual Assault, Intimate Partner Violence & Increasing Access- Anaheim, CA 2019
Timeline
Shelter Program Coordinator/Case Manager
Center Against Sexual & Domestic Abuse (CASDA)
09.2015 - Current
Shelter Fill-In Advocate
CASDA- Center Against Sexual & Domestic Abuse
01.2013 - Current
Associate of Applied Science - Medical Administrative Specialist
Northwood Technical College
Associate of Applied Science - Human Services
Northwood Technical College