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ABOUT

About MKE With Kids

Welcome to Milwaukee With Kids – your ultimate guide to family-friendly fun in Milwaukee!

Get to know the team behind Milwaukee With Kids – a group of local parents dedicated to inspiring memorable adventures for your family.

 

Calie Herbst, Founder & Editor-in-Chief

For over a decade, Calie Herbst has been the guiding force behind Milwaukee With Kids. Her unique blend of educational expertise and a keen eye for the best family activities in Milwaukee has made the blog a beloved and indispensable guide for countless families.

Before embarking on her publishing journey, Calie dedicated 10 years to teaching in Milwaukee Public Schools (Go Huskies!), and 7 years to leading youth at Camp Minikani. These roles have profoundly influenced her approach to family-centric content.

Holding a Master of Arts in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish, along with a Certificate in Women’s Studies from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, Calie’s academic credentials are a testament to her deep understanding and commitment to inclusive, diverse narratives.

A familiar voice in local media, Calie regularly contributes her insights to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3. She’s become a familiar and trusted voice for parents and families in the area.

She’s the author of Exploring Milwaukee With Kids.

You can email Calie at calie@mkewithkids.com.

Jessie Abderholden, Partnership Manager

Jessie lives on the Eastside of Milwaukee with her husband and two young boys. Her extensive background in hospitality and event coordinating fuel her constant search for memorable, experiential family-friendly happenings around town. In the summer they can be found exploring the city’s numerous pools and in winter months they enjoy sledding down Lafayette Hill. Their family spends weekends adventuring around the city and checking out the many playgrounds Milwaukee has to offer. 

Liz Brown, Editor

Liz lives in Menomonee Falls with her husband and three kids. After growing up in the Washington, D.C. area, she moved to Wisconsin after finishing college to be close to family. In addition to finding fun and memorable events as an Editor for Milwaukee With Kids, she is busy helping parents of young children as a parent coach to help build their parenting toolbox, confidence, and overall parenthood enjoyment.

Nicki Hanley, Editor

Nicki couldn’t be more excited about being an  editor for Milwaukee With Kids! A native Milwaukeean, Nicki and her family love exploring and supporting local businesses and events in and around her home stomping grounds of the Washington Heights neighborhood. She loves frequenting the farmers markets, playgrounds and parks around the city with her husband and two littles. Also a Master Gardener, you can find her volunteering at the State Fair garden or exploring the gardens at the Milwaukee Zoo, the Lakefront and in the various Milwaukee County Parks. 

Emily Hare, Email Marketing & Editor

Emily lives in the village of Waukesha with her husband, three kids, a dog and a cat. Born and raised in northern Wisconsin, she moved to Milwaukee to attend Marquette University. After honing her editing and digital marketing skills in the journalism industry, she and her husband launched their own business called Hare Creative Solutions. She and her family love exploring all that the Milwaukee area has to offer. Emily is a born-and-bred cheesehead and Pinterest-addicted foodie who loves trying new recipes and reading fiction. She and her family also love camping and plan to do more cross-country trips as the kids get older.

Charitable Giving

Milwaukee with Kids allocates 10% of its profits to local organizations that serve families and children. Our charitable contributions are directed towards causes that promote education, health, and community engagement.

Beneficiaries

Our primary beneficiaries include, but are not limited to:

  • Milwaukee Diaper Mission: Providing essential hygiene products to families in need.
  • Milwaukee Public Schools: Supporting educational initiatives and programs.
  • Other Local Organizations: We periodically review and select additional local organizations that align with our mission.

Sponsorships

In addition to financial contributions, Milwaukee with Kids is proud to be a media sponsor for:

  • Free Family Fun Days at Northwestern Mutual Community Park: Promoting accessible and enjoyable activities for families.
  • Margie’s Garden at Boerner Botanical Garden: Supporting community engagement and family-friendly events.