CUW’s Hesed program reflects a genuine desire to put God’s love into action through uplifting and empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities as they navigate the challenges of transitioning into adulthood. We are committed to walking alongside our students to provide support and just-right challenges as they journey toward independence and self-sufficiency.
Course: CEHS 221 | Community Living and Vocational Application 1
This course rounds out the HESED Transitional Program 3rd-Year Programing. This course provides students the opportunity to increase their independence in functional living skills, money management, and social/emotional well-being with community experiences and opportunities. This course will provide students the additional opportunity to expand their job portfolio, complete post-graduation job applications, and seek post-graduation vocational placement. This course is the culminating course in the HESED Transitional Program and will be the concluding course to address student’s personal, vocational, and independent living goals in an applied learning model.
Schedule & Location:
- Start Date: Aug 27, 2025
- End Date: Dec 10, 2025
- Wednesdays; 11:05 a.m. – 12:55 p.m.
- In-Person: Mequon Campus; Rinker Hall, Classroom R 004
Instructor Bio:
Erik Halling, Hesed Admissions and Recruitment Specialist
Mr. Halling spent 17 years working in banking and finance with a number of financial institutions, primarily with consumer lending, while completing graduate work at UW-Madison in bank management and lending. After leaving the banking industry, Erik served Concordia University Wisconsin in various capacities including Advancement, Accelerated Education, Extended Campus Operations, Instructional Design, and the Registrar’s Office. Mr. Halling joined the Hesed Transition Program in Fall, 2024 and is looking forward to growing the program.
BA Theology/ European History, Concordia University Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin-Madison, Graduate School of Banking and Financial Support Services
Camille Ffrench, Hesed Campus and Community Engagement Specialist
Ms. Ffrench began her career in education in 2017 as a Middle School Social Studies teacher. Over the course of seven years, she discovered a deep passion for teaching and shaping young minds, ensuring all students, regardless of their individual needs, had the opportunity to learn and thrive in her classroom. This dedication to inclusivity underscored her belief in providing a supportive and equitable learning environment for every student. In 2023, Ms. Ffrench earned her MBA from Concordia University Wisconsin and continued her career in education as the Campus and Community Coordinator at AbleLight College. In 2024, she joined Concordia’s Hesed Transition Program, sharing her unwavering commitment to inclusivity, empowerment, and the importance of fostering a supportive and equitable learning environment for every student.
BS, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
MBA, Concordia University Wisconsin
Tasia Pinkham, Hesed Vocational Prep and Internship Specialist
Ms. Pinkham graduated from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse with a Master of Education in Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education. Her experience includes Career Counselor for Career Services at University of Wisconsin-River Falls where she provided career advice and guidance to current and prospective students and alumni through one-on-one meetings and presentations. Ms. Pinkham has a passion for working with students and mentoring them on their way to success. Her favorite aspect of what she does in Career Services is assisting students in discovering their strengths, values, interests, and personality through career assessment.
Amy Schilder, Hesed Social and Community Engagement Specialist
Ms. Schilder has been teaching for over 25 years, including English for Helsinki preschoolers, 7th grade for internationals in the Hague, High School Literature stateside, and Anatomy, Pharmacology, and Clinicals for Medical Assistants here at Concordia University Wisconsin. In the Hesed Program, Ms. Schilder coordinates social and community engagement, teaches, and advises. She enjoys Sudoku, kayaking, and local theater. When not on stage, you’ll find her designing sets, costumes, and props. Ms. Schilder lives near campus with her husband, two sons, cats, and chickens.
BS Mortuary Science, University of Minnesota Medical School
BA History, University of Minnesota
