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 *** FALL REGISTRATION OPENS Aug 17th *** WE ARE HIRING PROGRAM COORDINATOR ***

Meet the STAR Team

Although our team is small- we are mighty! STAR Center is built off of 17 board members, 2 full-time staff members, 3 part-time staff members, and loyal volunteers to ensure that we can provide the best programs and services to individuals within the La Crosse community. Our first full-time staff member was hired in 2022! This opened many doors for STAR by providing Specialized Exercise classes to our programs- allowing us to serve more individuals within our community!

STAR Center was growing quickly and was able to hire another fulltime staff member in 2024 with the goal to expand program offering and open up a new facility! STAR is beyond grateful to have our dedicated board members and part time staff members to help with the growth and development of STAR- providing their expertise, skills, connections, and personal time to the STAR mission!

BEN HEIN Executive Director

The STAR Association is pleased to be lead by Benjamin Hein as Executive Director of the STAR Center.

Ben Hein, is a UW-L graduate, has been involved in social services and non – profits in the La Crosse area for 20 years. He brings a strong skill set to lead the STAR Center into the future.

Ben recognizes the important role the STAR Center serves. “La Crosse is known as a community of opportunity. The STAR Association plays a crucial role in providing opportunity for all members of our community to enjoy their best quality of life through the benefits of accessing physical activity.
When we, as a community, work intentionally to eliminate barriers to accessing physical activity and social engagement, we support the individual needs of all members of our community allowing us all to live healthier lives.
The STAR Association convenes the best elements of our community. Collaboration, opportunity and access. I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve the STAR Association and continue the work of this valuable community resource. “

Dr. Virginia Wintersteen, President of the STAR Association, states “ We are excited for Ben to join us. He is grounded in our community, can connect with people and is passionate about our mission and serving people of La Crosse. We are confident that with Ben’s leadership the STAR Center will continue to grow and serve those with disabilities and achieve our goal of everyone living their healthiest life through physical activity.”

 

Ben Hein
STAR Center
Executive DIrector
Meet Bri, CTRS- Program Coordinator and Facilitator
     
Bri Holden moved to the driftless area in 2017 to attend school at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Therapy and is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS). Additional training and certifications earned by Bri through her time at STAR include, Rock Steady Boxing, PWR! Moves, Certified Personal Trainer (CPT), Drums Alive, and TIME.

 

Bri helps manage administrative work and program development. She facilitates around 10 programs a week- building relationships and connections with each member! Bri enjoys facilitating the Rock Steady Boxing programs for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease- seeing each participant meet their goals, grow stronger, and build a foundational connection with their peers! Bri has been facilitating this program for 4 years- and each year they continue to work harder and box louder!

 

When not at the STAR Center, Bri enjoys camping, running, playing card games, and spending time at local coffee shops. Bri values community and member experiences; she is dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.
     
Meet Emma; MS, CTRS- Assistant Program Coordinator and Facilitator

 

Emma started her journey at STAR Center as a volunteer in 2021- soon after she began facilitating programs part time and assisting with marketing while she was in undergrad and graduate school. Emma graduated in 2024 with her Masters Degree in Recreational Therapy and is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS). She started full time at STAR in June of 2024 and has helped grow the organizations programs and members. Emma is currently trained and certified in: Certified Personal Trainer (CPT), Rock Steady Boxing, Chair One Fitness, Brain and Body Fitness, and TIME! Emma helps coordinate STAR Center’s volunteers which is one of her favorite ways to connect with the community.

Emma facilitates a total of 15 programs a week- providing the opportunity for her to build connections with each participant that walks through our doors! Emma’s favorite program to facilitate is any of the sport based activities such as Pickleball or Wheelchair Lacrosse. She enjoys the competitive nature that occurs and helping the athletes grow in their overall skills. Emma also enjoys the community and comradery from the specialized exercise classes- where each participant is there to build each other up through their daily adventures. Being able to create a space for individuals to feel welcomed and supported is Emma’s main goal when facilitating programs- along with bringing the dance moves to each class!

In her free time, Emma loves to go camping, paddling, biking, and spending quality time outside. A fun fact about Emma is she went sailing for 10 days in the Belize Barrier Reef with a group of friends. This experience was through the Red Wing Environmental Learning Center- where she went on a variety of outdoor expeditions- leading to her passion in helping people explore leisure and recreation and to get moving together!

           

Meet Stef- CIFT and STAR Coach

Stef graduated from UWL with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Sport Science and Nutrition minor in 2019. She has a Certified Inclusive Fitness Trainer certification (CIFT) through ACSM and has worked as a trainer for people with disabilities for about 4 years before coming back to La Crosse. She has led a variety of specialized classes, with stroke recovery being her specialty! Stef joined STAR in the spring of 2025 to assist with enhancing our strength and conditioning classes and assisting with other STAR programs! Stef has assisted with independent training to help individuals feel comfortable and confident in our space!

 

Stef is looking forward to getting to know all of the STAR members and being a part of the STAR community’s growth! “There are so many cool wellness opportunities for so many individuals here and I’m excited to teach people how fun (and accessible) wellness, exercise, and sport can be!” When asked what the most rewarding part, or favorite part about her job is, Stef answered, “I love watching people become stronger, more confident, happier, more connected, and overall better versions of themselves because of exercise and community. Witnessing someone prioritize their health and helping them feel comfortable in a space where they can flourish is pretty special.”

 

Outside of work, Stef enjoys hiking and camping! The outdoors holds a special place in her heart and she tries spending as much time out enjoying it as possible, whether that’s on the soccer field, getting lost in the trails, or chilling by the campfire. She also spends much of her time with the two loves of her life, her cats Kallie and Dexter! We are so thankful to have Stef as a part of our staff!
Meet Jonah- CIFT and STAR Coach

 

Jonah has been apart of the STAR Team for over 3 years- assisting and coaching the Adaptive Sports League including: Floor Hockey, T-ball, Basketball, Soccer, and  Flag Football! Jonah assists with our inclusive sports such as pickleball, sitting volleyball, and tennis! Jonah has had the amazing opportunity to be an assistant coach with the Frost Sled Hockey Team!
His favorite program is adaptive floor hockey “I love how quickly even inexperienced players can learn the game.”

 

Jonah graduated from the University of Wisconsin- La Crosse  with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sport Science. Currently,  he is continuing his education at UWL in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. When asked what motivates and impacts him the most, Jonah states “STAR wouldn’t be the great organization it is without the wonderful athletes. Building meaningful relationships and seeing them improve their skills, while still having fun, is extremely rewarding. Additionally, I feel motivated by our team’s ability to innovate and create inclusive environments for all.”
In his free time, he enjoys all things outdoors, including fishing, camping, hiking, and canoeing. His favorite place to visit is the Boundary Waters in Minnesota!
Jonah enjoys building connections with each participant at our sports programs- helping them grow in their skills and confidence! Jonah has been a key part in our growth at STAR helping us facilitate more programs and providing a welcoming and inclusive space for the La Crosse community! Thank you for all of the support and knowledge you have brought to STAR Center over the years! Your dedication and passion for movement shows each time you are at programs.
 
Meet RJ- CPT and STAR Strength Coach

RJ joined the STAR Center in the spring of 2025 with the vision to assist with developing our strength and conditioning programs by providing a higher level of training for our athletes. RJ since has developed a powerlifting program and sled hockey strength and conditioning program!  These programs have helped our athletes meet their personal goals and improve muscle strength, endurance, power, and er and overall movement.

 

RJ went to school at UWL for his Bachelors in Exercise Sports Science and UWGB for his Master’s in Sports Psychology. He has written multiple published books and research papers within his field- continuing to learn and teach others about the importance of movement and mindfulness for athletes.

 

RJ enjoys the chance to work with individuals who deeply care about bettering their overall health through exercise and sports. he states ” It is fun to see them grow and show the world what they can do”. Being apart of their journey is important for RJ and looks forward to continuing to help athletes improve their skills and strength here at STAR.