Kevin Schaler
Kevin was raised in small town, Neche, North Dakota, where a strong worth ethic was ingrained in him while working the family farm.
After graduating from North Dakota State University with a degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology, Kevin worked at a treatment center in Fargo, but having seen the ATC choir when they visited his church, his dream was to work at Adult & Teen Challenge. His dream came true in 2011 when Kevin joined North Dakota Adult & Teen Challenge as a men's counselor.
When Kevin and his wife Jess learned of plans to start a center in La Crosse, Wisconsin, they knew it was a calling. In November 2019, ATCWW opened its doors with Kevin as Executive Director and his wife Jess as Program Director.
Kevin continued developing his leadership skills, receiving his certificate in nonprofit leadership from Viterbo University in 2023. Kevin’s passion is simple yet profound: to see people set free from the grips of addiction. His leadership is fueled by his deep belief that no one is beyond the reach of recovery through faith.
In his downtime, Kevin enjoys outdoor pursuits like fishing, hunting, and golfing, as well as curling, and loves quality family time spent with Jess and their two sons.
Jess Schaler
Jess was born and raised in central Wisconsin, attended UW-Green Bay, and graduated in 2009 with a degree in Psychology and Human Development.
Following her studies, she interned with Cru, an interdenominational campus ministry, which allowed her to travel extensively and spend time in the Middle East. These diverse experiences ignited a deep passion for helping individuals from all walks of life.
In 2014, Jess was introduced to the ministry of Adult and Teen Challenge, where she accepted a role as a women’s counselor. Her commitment to supporting individuals struggling with life-controlling issues deepened, and she considers it a privilege to be part of their journey toward healing and freedom.
Jess and her husband Kevin relocated to La Crosse in 2017, where they began the pioneering work of Adult and Teen Challenge Wisconsin (ATCW). As the Program Director, Jess continues to live out her calling by guiding others toward recovery.
Jess is also a devoted mother to two young boys and finds joy in watching them grow. She loves being the soccer mom on Saturday’s and chaperoning school field trips any chance she gets. Being a boy mom requires endless grocery shopping and getting dirty!
Witnessing the life-changing power of Jesus Christ in her family as well as those she serves never gets old to Jess. She firmly believes that no one is ever beyond the reach of God’s grace and has dedicated her life to helping people overcome addiction and embrace true freedom.
Micah Meline
Wausau Campus
Micah Meline serves as Center Director with Adult & Teen Challenge Wisconsin, bringing both professional leadership and powerful lived experience to the mission of restoring lives through Christ centered recovery. After more than 15 years of addiction marked by chaos and self destruction, Micah found true freedom and lasting transformation through the Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge program.
Following his graduation, Micah responded to God’s call to serve within the ministry, where he has faithfully led in various roles for over eight years. Most recently, he served as Regional Outreach Manager, representing 28 counties and 10 correctional facilities throughout Minnesota. In this role, Micah helped connect more than 1,000 individuals to life changing recovery through Adult & Teen Challenge. His responsibilities also included representing the ministry at churches, community forums, and serving on multiple community boards of directors.
Today, Micah leads with humility, purpose, and a deep passion for helping others experience the same hope and freedom he found. His family’s story is deeply rooted in Adult & Teen Challenge, as his wife is an alumna of the La Crosse program, and he finds great joy and purpose in leading his family and raising their daughter.
Micah is committed to strengthening Adult & Teen Challenge’s presence across Wisconsin and serving individuals and families in the Wausau area with compassion, structure, and Christ centered leadership.