About Ability Adventures Inc.

Deon's background experience consists of working in the field of therapeutic special education such as respite, summer camps, recreational events and travel for 20+ years.

Her passion began freshman year in high school and has grown into the vision Ability Adventures Inc has today. 

Deon achieved a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology at Carroll University in 2008 and then returned to school to achieve a Therapeutic Recreation Certificate at UWM Milwaukee in 2020.   

Deon looks forward to fostering an environment in the community where inclusive recreational activities, camp and travel can create a safe, fun and adventure filled space for anyone who wishes to be a part of it!

Dylan got involved with Ability Adventures Inc because he has been friends with Deon for quite a while through past recreational activities, camps and travel.  He looks forward to doing trips with her again soon. 

Dylan and Deon created the vision of this organization together during the Covid-19 pandemic when recreational programming ended.

Dylan's background is in film and television.  He is currently attending MATC film classes as this is a passion. He enjoys creating his own movies and looks forward to assisting Ability Adventures with their media and film needs.

Wilson joined the Ability Adventures team through working with Dylan and Deon in the respite field for over 12+ years.

Wilson comes from a background in videography and exceptional education with over a decade of experience in respite and supportive home care.

He looks forward to bringing technical expertise and a patient, caring attitude to the team.

Deborah Schmalholz, Ed.D. is an educator with much experience across the grade levels and subject areas, with particular expertise in secondary schools, curriculum development, instructional best practices, and team-building and support. Dr. Schmalholz also has extensive experience as a volunteer in English literacy, as a Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), and in her faith community. The vision and mission of Ability Adventures align strongly with her lived values, and she looks forward to her role in support of growing the impact of this amazing organization.

I am a seasoned financial advisor with more than 20 years of experience helping investors reach their goals. I started with Edward Jones in 2011 with an office in Waukesha for five years. In 2016, I left to be a private client advisor for JPMorgan Chase, when I realized my passion for helping clients aligned better at Edward Jones. I returned to the firm to the Franklin office and have now been with the firm for over 12 years. Working at Edward Jones has been more than a job; it has allowed me the opportunity to foster strong relationships with families and businesses in the area and give back to the community. The greatest satisfaction is helping people and businesses establish a strategy that helps them improve their lives and live their dreams.

My husband, Jay, and I live in Muskego. I have two wonderful stepdaughters, Taylor and Madison, who both graduated from the Franklin school system. We have the recent addition of Cody Palm, who is my new son-in-law, married to Taylor in 2023. Every one of us graduated from the University of Wisconsin and are big Badger supporters. We attend many football and basketball games throughout the season, as my husband is a former basketball player of UW-Madison. Our other interests include tennis, kayaking, golf and enjoying time on the lake with family and friends.

Jennifer Walkowiak brings over 25 years of experience in healthcare, with expertise spanning both the provider and insurance sectors. As Vice President of Sales and Community Engagement at CareSource WI/Common Ground Healthcare Cooperative, she plays a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s sales strategy and fostering community involvement. Additionally, Jennifer is a licensed Health Insurance agent in Wisconsin. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and an MBA with a focus on Health Care Management from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Jennifer is deeply committed to supporting individuals with special needs, a passion reflected in her volunteer work, particularly with Best Buddies of Wisconsin. As a past president of the WI board, she has been a dedicated advocate for the organization’s mission, demonstrating a strong sense of community and compassion in her efforts to improve the lives of those with special needs. Beyond her professional and volunteer roles, Jennifer also serves on the boards of the Oconomowoc Area Chamber of Commerce and the Silver Eagles CBA at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.