Meet our Board Members
Karen Aronson
President
With a lifetime of experience in the nonprofit world, Karen Aronson brings to the table a varied set of skills. Professionally, she has practiced within the State of Wisconsin as a licensed attorney and registered nurse. She worked as a senior manager at one of Milwaukee’s largest federally qualified community health centers and is an experienced grant writer. She has experience writing grants and has, in the past, secured funding from federal, state and local governmental entities as well as from corporations and foundations. Last, but not least, she is the mother of a 34-year-old son who is affected by autism and believes that given the opportunity, individuals affected by autism can excel at almost anything they are allowed to participate in.
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Tristen Shorter
Vice President
Tristen Shorter is a Milwaukee native with a deep-rooted love of all things Wisconsin, especially food. She is a graduate of Marquette University's College of Communication, and has a background in public relations, community engagement, and fundraising. She is a passionate communications practitioner with expertise in developing strategies and tactics for social media and media activation. She has a passion for developing opportunities for everyone to use their skills and knowledge to help the communities in which they work and reside. Tristen serves as Director of Communications at Milwaukee Parks Foundation.
Charlie Ketelhohn
Treasurer
Charlie earned a BS in Biomedical Engineering from Marquette University. Working for local companies he went on to design defibrillators, electrocardiographs, stress testing systems, engine controls and many other products for OEMs. He transitioned into sales and has volunteered as a coach in middle school and high school for many years.
Charlie has been married for over 25 years and has 3 daughters. His passion for the theater and fine arts has been encouraged by his wife who participated in ballet through college as well as from his youngest daughter, Kate. Kate suffered from sepsis as an infant resulting in several amputations. Kate has participated in theater her whole life. Her experiences in the theater compel Charlie to help others – first to have the theater opportunity and then to have the “home” social environment so many need.
Charlie is passionate about the mission of Pink Umbrella Theater Co. and truly believes in theater for all.
Anthony Munar
Secretary
Anthony is a local actor and has volunteered for Pink Umbrella Theater since 2018. He performs at local community theaters and his day job is at UPS. He's excited to be on the board.
Janelle Tavela
Board Member
Janelle Tavela has seen the amazing impact of Pink Umbrella first hand with her daughter, Adeline’s, involvement since 2020. The creative expression, confidence, and community that Pink Umbrella brings to the artists is something that has been so important during Adeline’s teenage years. Janelle is a strategist and marketing insights lead at AbbVie. She hopes that her ability to scenario plan and take the insights for a situation and find the opportunities and challenges will help Pink Umbrella during this time of growth. Janelle lives in Franklin with her husband Dan, Adeline, and their coonhound Charlie. The Tavelas likes to travel and Janelle enjoys gardening.
Patricia Engel
Board Member
Patricia Engel is looking forward to being a part of the Pink Umbrella Theater Board and applying her advocacy skills and student-centered focus to help further the Theater’s mission. After 30+ years, Patty recently retired from practicing law where she concentrated on school law. She represented students and families throughout Wisconsin in a variety of school law matters, particularly special education and disability rights issues. She is also a former special education teacher. Patty earned her undergraduate and law degree from the University of Wisconsin. Patty and her husband Tom are long time residents of Wauwatosa where they raised their three daughters. The girls are grown and now raising their own families in states Patty and Tom enjoy visiting.
Ryan Schaufler
Board Member
Ryan Schaufler lives in Milwaukee and received a BFA from California Institute of the Arts in Acting. He has worked as a special education teacher for 15 years and continues to teach theatre. He is a professional actor, theatre teacher, playwright, director, photographer, artist, husband and a father. His plays, poetry and photography have been published in such journals as Southern Indiana Review, Bramble Literary Magazine, Rise Up Review, Clockhouse, Rattle, and Cream City Review among others.
