About Us
Independence Avenue LLC is a disability organization providing recreational opportunities to individuals with disabilities ages 12 and up. We strive to create a community where everyone feels they belong, regardless of their disability, behavior, or medical needs. Our programs are designed to promote independence, build self-confidence, and foster socialization among our participants.
Our Mission
At Independence Avenue LLC, our mission is to empower individuals with disabilities to reach their fullest potential through recreation, socialization, and skill-building activities.
Our Vision
Independence Avenue will be a self sustaining and educational asset to the disability community that fosters acceptance and values every individual.
Our Values
Empowerment: We believe in empowering individuals with disabilities to take charge of their lives and reach their full potential.
Inclusion: We are committed to creating an inclusive community where everyone feels welcomed and valued.
Respect: We treat all individuals with disabilities with respect and dignity.
Integrity: We conduct ourselves with honesty, transparency, and professionalism.
Collaboration: We believe in working together with our community members, their families, and the community to achieve our goals.
Meet Our Founder
Jamie Steller
Founder & Lead Community Integration Specialist
Email: jamie@independenceavenue.org
Hello!
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My name is Jamie, and I am so happy you have found us! To give you a little background on me, I graduated from UW-Whitewater with a Bachelor's in Special Education in December of 2018. From there, I worked in the public school system for 2.5 years, and then worked as an administrator at a sheltered apartment for adults with Autism for 1.5 years. Currently, I am working as an in home caregiver for adults with more significant needs.
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I founded Independence Avenue LLC in August of 2022, after I noticed a lack in services for those with disabilities who may have challenging behaviors, communication difficulties, and/or medical complexities. After working with individuals with disabilities for 10 years, I decided I needed to do something to change that. After almost 2 years, our programming has changed and evolved to best suite our community members needs. Best part is though, I am far from finished developing Independence Avenue LLC!
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In the future, I plan to convert Independence Avenue LLC into a Non-Profit with the hope that this programming will far outlive myself. It is such a needed program in our community that I hope it will continue to stay alive and evolve for generations. Stay tuned for even more fun and exciting things, as Independence Avenue LLC continues to evolve and grow! Thanks for being such an essential part of our community we are working so hard to build!
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Jamie Steller
Meet Our Music Therapist
Marlaina Perelshtein MT-BC, WMTR
Board Certified Music Therapist
Hi, I'm Marlaina Perelshtein, a proud scholarship recipient from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. I am a Board-Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC) and listed on the Wisconsin Music Therapist Registry (WMTR). For the past two years, I've been dedicated to honing my craft as a Music Therapist. I offer services during the day at Golden Pearl LLC, where I serve as the on-site MT and Program Manager, and I also provide 1:1 sessions after programming hours.
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My journey in music began during my high school years, performing and recording music across Wisconsin as a K-Nation developing artist. I recorded my EP and was a featured artist at events such as Country USA, Wisconsin State Fair, and Summerfest. I also volunteered at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, providing music for their annual Prom, Winter Festival, and bedside visits.
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My passion for music and desire to help others led me to fall in love with the field of music therapy. I pursued this passion in college, along with a minor in Psychology with an emphasis on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Today, I am living my dream of practicing music therapy. I continue to fuel my passion by attending regional and national conferences, speaking publicly about the benefits of music therapy, and presenting to Wisconsin legislators.
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Music is a vital part of many lives and serves as a medium for support in various domains. Not only is music therapy a field backed by fun, but it is also supported by science!