What happens after students with disabilities age out of school at the age of 22? What happens if they need significant support to do daily tasks? What happens when their elderly parents are no longer able to provide care for them? This is the population for whom we serve.
After teaching Special Education for 17 years, Elizabeth (Liz) Pumala founded Matthias Academy as a Nonprofit Organization in 2018.
In September of 2020, Matthias Academy opened its first Adult Day Program campus to a total of 14 students and 17 staff members. By the end of 2022, Matthias had grown to accommodate over 80 students, utilized all space in the existing building, and had an ever-growing waitlist of students ready to join.
In 2023, Matthias opened its first residential home, purchased 88 acres, and opened a second campus for the Adult Day Program. In 2024, Matthias opened two more residential homes. Today, the Adult Day Program currently serves over 150 students across two campuses, in addition to 20 residents across five residential homes – all served by over 115 caring staff members.
Matthias Students Give Back is a program that empowers students to take ownership of charitable giving activities. Students select the causes they care about, make their own decisions, and stay actively involved throughout the donation process. Past activities have included making hygiene kits, donating bagged lunches, creating and giving away blankets, and even rescuing wildlife!
We started Scott’s Bike Shop in 2010 to provide adaptive tricycles and bikes to children and adults with special needs. To date, the program has given away over 120 bikes and adapted tricycles with a mix of community and Matthias Academy use. Students are involved in the bike shop by helping with fittings and paperwork. Our Wheelchair Clinic also provides free adjustments and consultations for the community.
Andy BoncherPresident
A dedicated Board member since Matthias Academy’s inception, Andy has over 25 years of experience in the education sector and a strong belief in education for all. His community involvement includes serving on the local school board and Planning Commission, giving him a deep understanding of community development. He has also participated in numerous professional committees, valuing collaboration and diverse perspectives. Andy lives in southeastern Wisconsin with his wife and daughter.
Marjorie Pietras-JacobiSecretary
A Technical Director for Nationwide Insurance’s National Construction Practice, Marjorie has over 25 years of experience in the insurance industry. As Board Secretary for Matthias Academy, she uses her business and risk management expertise to further the organization’s mission of providing day programs for adults with disabilities. Marjorie resides in southeastern Wisconsin with her husband Brian and their daughters Ava and Amelia. Her daughter Ava is a student at the academy.
Joe KumpferTreasurer
As Treasurer for Matthias Academy, Joe plays a pivotal role in the organization’s financial management. His responsibilities include overseeing financial operations, ensuring compliance with regulations, and providing strategic financial guidance to the board. Joe actively contributes to the development and implementation of strategies that support Matthias’ mission and purpose. He resides in Bristol, WI, with his wife Jessica and their daughters Addison, Ayla and Aliza.
Eileen BonnerMember
Eileen is driven by her belief in Matthias Academy’s mission and has served as a Board member to support exceptional young adults. Her 40+ years in Special Education and multiple degrees provide expertise in curriculum, staff support, and parent/student collaboration. Outside of work, she enjoys travel, reading and family.
Mike NielsenMember
Mike is a dedicated realtor with over two decades of experience in Northern Illinois and Southeastern Wisconsin. His expertise encompasses a wide array of transactions, ranging from residential properties to commercial ventures. A native of Antioch, Il, he values teamwork and community. Mike and his wife Erin live in Antioch with their two children.
Elaine GruberMember
Elaine has worked in special education for over 40 years. She began as a speech therapist and has since served as both a teacher and an administrator for students with a wide range of disabilities. Her goal is to create environments where students can grow and reach their full potential. Elaine is a valuable asset to the Board, contributing her extensive experience and educational background. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, volunteering, reading and gardening.
Elizabeth PumalaFounder / CEO
Drawing upon many years of experience teaching students aged 3 to 22 with severe autism and profound disabilities, coupled with advanced academic pursuits and the personal experience of raising two children through their teenage years, Elizabeth Pumala was inspired to found Matthias Academy. Her dedication stems from a deep desire to ensure a meaningful and fulfilling adult life for individuals with the most significant needs.
In her free time, Elizabeth, also known as "Liz," enjoys outdoor activities such as playing golf and distance running. Liz and her husband, Skip, currently reside in Kenosha, Wisconsin, with their two children.
Becky BurkeCFO / Business Manager
My favorite part of being at Matthias is the happiness I feel everyday from everyone!
Nicole SealeDirector of Operations / Head of Nursing
My favorite thing about being at Matthias is the students.
Kennon BannonFinancial Reporting and Donor Relations Manager
My favorite thing about being part of Matthias is getting to work on different projects with the students!
Jennifer Burke “JB”Day Program / Residential Director
My favorite part of being at Matthias is watching the students grow into adults they never knew they could become.
Want to discover more about job openings at Matthias? Feel free to reach out to us right here!
Join Our Team
In addition to expanding our Adult Day Program, the need for quality, supportive and safe housing for future Matthias Living residents is urgent. Today, we have many students in need of supported housing within the next five years, plus over a hundred future residents requiring housing between 2028 – 2038. To accommodate these needs, our dream is to develop existing property and execute phases of housing to support 384 residents while building a future Adult Day Program campus with the capacity to serve 500 students.
If you are interested in supporting Matthias Academy or becoming a part of this mission, please reach out to schedule a tour of our facilities.
