Ellen Grunder is a Wisconsin Certified Parent Peer Support Specialist and a recently retired National Board Certified Teacher with 34 years of experience teaching high school Spanish. She holds a BA from The University of Iowa and has extensive training in adolescent development and educational best practices. Ellen has both personal and professional experience working with adolescents and young adults facing social, emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges. She helped launch and was a member of the Waunakee Community Cares Coalition and advised Waunakee High School’s Above the Influence Club (ATI). Her mission is to support and empower young people and their families, elevate their voices, and foster resiliency. Ellen is passionate about addiction education, particularly in adolescents, and supporting families navigating school system challenges. She aims to help families build capacity, advocate effectively, reduce conflict, and improve communication and understanding.