Stephanie Carmichael-Castillo (She/Her/Ella) grew up in Southeast Wisconsin and joined the U.S. Army shortly after graduating from high school. She is proud to be the first in her family, extended included, who served in the military. In the military, she met her husband while stationed at Fort Lewis, WA. Both moved back to Wisconsin shortly after their service and are currently raising their family in Oconomowoc.

Stephanie started her academic journey at UW-Milwaukee in 2017, pursuing her bachelor’s in social work and minor in psychology. During this period in time, Stephanie worked part-time at the Inclusive Excellence Center at UWM, a teen shelter for runaway/homeless youth, and completed an internship with the Department of Corrections.

She is currently completing her master’s in social work with a trauma-informed care and substance abuse counselor certificate at UWM. Stephanie is a proud recipient of the YOSAT II Fellowship and is completing an internship at the Milwaukee VA Hospital, working with veterans in the residential treatment program. Stephanie enjoys working with individuals who have co-occurring disorders and has a passion for suicide prevention and awareness within our military community.

One of Stephanie’s many passions is advocating for individuals and students from marginalized communities. You will frequently see her participating in DEI conversations on campus, and in her personal life, she wants to get licensed as a foster parent once again after she completes her degree.  Stephanie decided to work at Veterans Upward Bound because she feels it is her responsibility and duty to help fellow Veterans access higher education, whether that be in a degree-granting institution, certificate, or training program. Stephanie’s parents came to the United States shortly before she was born because they dreamed of providing their children with opportunities and the education they never had, and she wants to honor that legacy in some way.

In her personal time, Stephanie loves to read, attend all of the festivals Milwaukee has to offer , and volunteer with Camp to Belong during the summer. You will always find her within reach of her coffee, and she is a glutton for Cheetos flamin’ hot popcorn.