Foster Care Team
Allison Novak – Leadership Team 
Foster Care Services Supervisor
Allison has worked in the child welfare field since 2009 and has been with the LSS Foster Care Services program since 2012. She’s been in the roles of case manager, licensor and supervisor. What she loves most about her job is working with the awesome staff, the wonderful foster parents, and the amazing children in the foster care program.
“I absolutely love seeing children become successful and meet their goals with the help of our foster parents and staff.”
Amber Olson
Foster Care Services Case Manager 
Amber graduated from UW-Eau Claire in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in Social Work, with a focus on Family Studies and Child Welfare. Prior to working at LSS, Amber led a childcare program for families struggling with homelessness. In 2022, she joined the LSS Foster Care Team and has loved getting to know the families and kids she gets to work with. During her time off, Amber enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, and attempting to do crafts (even if they don’t always turn out great).
“I love working with a team that consistently has the best interest of the families and children in mind. It has been such a joy being able to spend time with and advocate for those that I work with.”
Emily Ayers – Leadership Team
Emily graduated from Liberty University in 2021 with a master’s degree in Crisisand Trauma Counseling. Prior to obtaining her degree, she and her husband were active-duty Marines. Some of her experience working within the crisis field includes Hurricane Katrina and suicide prevention within the military. In 2021 she moved to Wisconsin with her husband and 3 kids. She joined LSS in 2022 working with families that had higher needs. As a foster care clinician, she provides education and clinical support services to the foster parents and their foster children. She loves the amazing team she gets to work with daily and the families she has the opportunity to support. Her hope is to bridge any gaps between foster parent and child through clinical tools and education as well as eliciting in each foster child their valuable worth. When she is away from work, she enjoys spending time with her family, gardening and farming.
One of her favorite quotes is, “They are not giving us a hard time, they are having a hard time”
Ashley Stark 
Foster Care Services Licensor
Originally from Webster, Wisconsin, Ashley graduated from UW-Stout in 2007 with a degree in Human Development and Family Studies and obtained her social work certification. She worked as a care manager for eight years, assisting individuals with physical disabilities, cognitive disabilities and the elderly in need of long-term support. She joined LSS in September 2016. During time off, she enjoys spending time with her husband, son and step-daughter.
“I really enjoy working with my co-workers, foster families and children.”
Emma Lutzke
Foster Care Services Case Manager
Emma graduated from Luther College in 2007 with a degree in social work. She began her career with LSS, working with adults in a group home setting and has been with the foster care program since 2010. She likes to tell people she intends to be a lifer with LSS! Emma is fortunate to combine her career with her hobbies and enjoys taking senior photos for youth in care.
“I love the youth, the families and the staff I have the privilege of working with! I love seeing young people start to believe in themselves and realize how incredibly capable they are.”
Jade Downey
Foster Care Services Case Manager
Jade graduated in 2007 from UW Stout with a bachelor’s degree in Human Development & Family Studies and went on to earn her Social Work certification. She has previously worked with the elderly and disabled in skilled nursing facilities. Although she enjoyed her past positions; Jade wanted to pursue her original desire to work with children, youth, and families. She joined the LSS Foster Care Services team in late 2018. In her spare time she enjoys camping, cheering on the Packers, Brewers, and Badgers, cooking/baking, and spending time with her family; which includes a daughter, a black lab and two Calico cats that she calls her “fur babies.”
“I find it extremely endearing to see so much cooperation and optimism with the LSS Foster Care team, foster parents, counties, and other supporting agencies/programs. Our youth are truly blessed to have such caring folks encouraging and supporting them towards a successful future.”
Paula Zurek
Foster Care Services Licensor
Paula graduated from UWEC in 1996 with a degree in Psychology and Gerontology and later obtained her Social Work Certificate. As a Social Worker, she has worked as a Nursing Home Social Worker, a Care Manager for long-term care support programs, and a Licensor for Foster Care. Paula joined LSS as a Licensor in January, 2019.
“I love getting to know all the foster parents and I am really impressed by everything they do for the children in their care. I am fortunate to be a part of such an amazing foster care team!”