Education:Student at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee studying Psychology As someone who has been struggling with mental illness for many years, I know firsthand just how important organizations like Just Live are and how big of an impact they can make one a person's life. I have spent years working with people of all ages and walks of life to crush the stigma surrounding mental illness and educate the community on the signs and symptoms. I grew up in the city of Kenosha where I earned the title of Miss Kenosha 2019. With this title I had the opportunity to use that platform to spread my message in schools (K-12) and events around my community and beyond. I have also had the opportunity to be involved in the Labor of Love Music Festival since 2019. Being a part of this board has allowed me to continue my passion and work every day to accomplish the goal I set out to do many years ago.
Brian has been employed as Facility Maintenance Supervisor for the City of Burlington for seven years. He graduated for Wilmot High School in 1978 and attended Gateway Technical Institute. He and Elizabeth have been married for 18 years, they have three children and 3 grandchildren. They've live in Camp Lake, WI with their youngest daughter Katelyn. Brian says "Although I have no background in mental health I have been involved with the Labor of Love Music Festival since the beginning in 2010. That festival evolved into Just Live, Inc. which I am proud to say I am a part of. We have a very dynamic team of people that work very hard in memory of Jamie for the simple purpose of giving back to our community. After doing many fundraising events and listening to survivors, I have learned that letting people know we care and lending a sympathetic ear goes along way. I plan on being part of Just Live for many years, hoping that we can make a difference in someone’s life.--"
Monica Karnes: Secretary
Since marrying my High School sweetheart, Tom Karnes, our lives have been full of following our passion of travel while raising our three daughters along the way.
Tom and I are the owners of LaMacchia Travel Agency which is celebrating their 91st year, LovinAway and the newest edition, LaMacchia Jet Stream.
Owning and nurturing these businesses together has been one of the greatest adventures and achievements besides raising our girls Cassidy, Emma, and Lily. It has been heartwarming seeing our girls grow up into three women full of integrity, vivacity, and individuality.
Our family dynamic went into a tailspin back in late 2018 when my daughter was diagnosed with severe depression and anxiety, and I realized I didn’t know the first thing to do or where to go for answers to help. I could not understand how this could happen to her even though I have suffered myself. Through organizations like Just Live and NAMI we realize that there is hope and we are not alone. So, when I was asked to join the Board of Just Live in the beginning of 2022 not only was I honored but also proud.
My goal is to get the word out to let people know how important it is in every stage of life that we take care of our mental health which includes our emotional, psychological as well as our social well-being.
