PRESS RELEASE:

[Milwaukee, Wisconsin] — September 2026 — Special Spaces is pleased to announce Leslie Del Ponte as the new Wisconsin State Director of Special Spaces. Leslie will start on October 12.

Leslie brings over 20 years of leadership experience in healthcare, youth-serving organizations, volunteer management, fundraising, and national association leadership. She has worked at local, state and national levels of organizations resulting in a deep understanding of how to balance national organizational priorities with local community engagement. Most recently she served as the Executive Director of the Coalition of State Rheumatology Organizations where she more than doubled annual revenue.

As Wisconsin State Director, Leslie will oversee management, fundraising, program delivery, volunteer engagement and strategic growth of Special Spaces Wisconsin. She will also work to expand partnerships and fundraising efforts while building strong relationships with other chapter leaders, volunteers, donors and partners. Leslie shared, “My goal is to lead the Wisconsin chapter forward, expanding our reach while preserving the personal connections and meaningful experiences that make it so special. I am excited to join this high-performing team and help create more extraordinary bedroom spaces, experiences, and moments of joy for children with cancer and their families.”

“Leslie is intentionally hands-on, believing effective nonprofit leadership requires visible engagement alongside staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners,” said Jody Bartnick, Special Spaces National Executive Director. “We are confident Leslie is the ideal leader to help Special Spaces Wisconsin grow its impact while preserving the heart and spirit of the mission.”

We are excited that Cathy Wolfla, the current Wisconsin State Director, will remain with Special Spaces as Development Director through March 2027 at which time we will celebrate her retirement. “Cathy has been the driving force behind growth of our Wisconsin Chapter. Her work has supported our mission to provide hope and healing to nearly 500 families over her tenure. We are fortunate that she is serving in this new role through the Dream Big Gala in February 2027,” said Christopher Swain, Special Spaces Board Chair.

Founded in 2004, Special Spaces creates dream bedroom makeovers for children battling cancer. Through 10 chapters across nine states, the organization transforms approximately 200 bedrooms each year into personalized spaces where children can rest, recover, play, and thrive. Each Special Spaces makeover is made possible through the generosity and dedication of volunteers, sponsors, community partners, and donors. Special Spaces creates not just bedrooms, but spaces where a child can simply be a kid.

Please join us in welcoming Leslie Del Ponte to the Special Spaces team.