Celebrating Over Two Decades with Renee Wachuta

When our team at the Family Resource Center of Sheboygan County goes into the community to talk about who we are and what we do, it never fails that someone is going to ask how Renee is doing. With over two decades of experience working with families through her role as a Parent Educator, Renee Wachuta has made an incredible mark on the Sheboygan County community, and it shows. After over twenty years of dedication, heart, and passion for supporting families, Renee remains as passionate as ever, and we’re excited to share more of her journey with you all.  

 

 

Where It All Began 

To understand what makes Renee’s 21 years so special, it’s important to go back to the beginning. And the very beginning of her journey began when Renee was a first-time parent who signed up to receive support from a Parent Educator through the Family Resource Center’s Parents as Teachers program.  Renee reflects on the life-changing impact her own Parent Educator had when her first daughter was born. 

“I loved that my husband and I could get individualized visits — even though I knew my friend had the same Parent Educator, Cindy, it felt like I was the only family she supported. The activities were all made with things I had around the house, and we could get creative with them. I loved the flexibility, and that the visits could include my husband when he wasn’t at work. The handouts were our little ‘parenting handbook,’ and there was so much brain development information in them.” 

That deep sense of connection and support inspired Renee to take the leap from being a stay-at-home mom back into the professional world by applying for an open position as a Parent Educator. With a degree in social work, Renee’s background and passion made her a great fit for the role. She joined the FRC in September 2004. From day one, her desire to educate, support, and walk alongside parents shone brightly. 

Over the years, Renee has supported countless families, mentored new teammates, and helped shape the caring, relationship-centered culture that defines the FRC today. 

Early Lessons That Shaped Her Career 

When reflecting on her time at the FRC, Renee vividly remembers her first home visit, 

“I still remember the first family that I worked with— the mom read all the parenting books, and I was wondering, ‘What on earth could I possibly teach them?’ My mentoring PE, Linda, told me it’s not about teaching parents, it’s about supporting them with whatever they need — even if it’s just someone to listen. She also taught me how to be present with each family, looking for and acknowledging those wonderful, special parenting moments.” 

Those early lessons became the foundation of her work — and a reminder of why this role matters so deeply. 

A Legacy of Connection

Throughout her years at the FRC, Renee has seen the organization grow, adapt, and expand — new programs, more partnerships, and a wider reach in our community. But one thing has remained constant: her belief in the power of relationships. 

As she puts it: 

“I love being partnered with each of the families I work with! They are unique and wonderful, and I am grateful they welcome me into their homes. I can’t say enough about each of them — every family is a wonderful unit, and each parent strives to be the best they can be. I also love that families can contact me any time after graduation. Within the past year, I’ve heard from several families whose little kids are now young adults — in high school, college, or starting their adulting careers! What a joy that is!” 

Those long-term connections — watching children grow and parents flourish — are what makes Renee’s work so meaningful. 

 

In addition to working with families through home visiting, Renee also currently facilitates BYOB, a playgroup for parents/caregivers and their babies, Triple P parenting classes, Infant Massage classes, and parent cafes. She has also been a creative force behind family activities like the Drive In Movie Night, bringing families together to learn, play, and grow. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coworkers on Renee 

It’s not just the families who feel Renee’s impact, her coworkers do too. Known for bringing reassurance, creativity, humor, and compassion to the workplace, Renee has made a lasting impression on everyone she works alongside. Here’s what a few of her colleagues had to share: 

“Over the past 11 years, Renee has been a source of inspiration for me. Her passion and deep understanding of brain and child development have taught me so much. We’ve shared many fun memories at conferences and trainings, and presenting with her at the PAT National Conference was a milestone I’ll always remember.”

— Melissa Udovich, PAT Program Supervisor

 

“Renee is an incredible resource — not only for the families she serves, but also for our staff. I remember when I first started working with her and was amazed by the depth of knowledge she brought to the table. Her passion for sharing brain development information with families is clear, and I’ve loved learning so much from her. Beyond her love for brain science, I deeply appreciate how Renee focuses on the strengths of each family. She takes time to understand the ‘how’ and ‘why’ that make each family unique, recognizing how essential that understanding is to truly supporting and empowering them. Renee’s passion has touched everyone around her — parents, children, and colleagues alike.”

— Amanda Oonk, Parent Educator

Life Outside the FRC 

Beyond her work, Renee loves tent camping and exploring Wisconsin’s state campgrounds. She’s also an enthusiastic rockhound and an adventurous hiker who spends time on the Ice Age Trail. And if you know Renee, you know this is true: she takes way too many photos of sunlight and moonlight glowing through trees, over waterfalls, or across flowers, insects, birds, and other critters. And in the winter? You’ll find her out snowshoeing.

Her love for nature mirrors the way she approaches her work — curious, appreciative, and fully present.

 

 

Thank You, Renee 

Please join us in thanking Renee for more than 20 years of dedication, laughter, and heart. Her impact is felt in every family she has supported, every coworker she’s mentored, and every child who grew a little stronger because she was in their corner. 

We are deeply grateful to have Renee as part of the FRC family, and we can’t wait to celebrate the many meaningful moments still to come.