Staff
A passion for people
Markus Watts
Executive Director
Markus Watts brings over 20 years of demonstrated experience as an administrator, educator and consultant in the non-profit /social services sector. Most recently Markus was the Business Services Consultant for the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. He affords a solid understanding of the best practices in working with economically disadvantaged, first-generation youth and adults and people with disabilities in addition to individuals and groups from a variety of identities, cultures, and socio-economic backgrounds. Markus has also held positions at Opportunities Industrialization Center, Inc. of Racine County, the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee and the YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee. Markus received his bachelor’s degree in political science with an emphasis in public administration from Wilberforce University, Wilberforce OH., has a master’s degree in public administration with an emphasis in social agency administration from the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh. Markus has most recently completed the eCornell Diversity, Equity & Inclusion certification program from Cornell University, Ithaca, NY. He also is a member of St. Mark African Methodist Episcopal Church, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
James Schatzman
Executive Director Emeritus
As the founder of the Racine Vocational Ministry, James served as the primary case manager from 2002 (the agency’s inception) until approximately 2007. His current role as Executive Director involves developing relationships with potential funders, employers and board members to strengthen the agency’s capacity to provide greater service to community businesses by helping to prepare potential workers for workplace needs and by helping participants become more civically engaged. When he is not leading RVM, James can usually be found conducting the Choral Arts Society of Wisconsin.
Lorianne Life
Program Director
Lori conducts participant intake assessments and provides employment readiness training through the Solutions for Success workshop. She has been with the organization since 2005. She holds a BA degree in Mathematics with experience in data management in both the corporate and non-profit sectors and has experience working in GED and ABE settings. She aspires to earn a master’s degree in social work and social ministry.
Heather Bennett
Second Chance Program Director
Heather began her work at RVM in 2014 after obtaining her degree in Human Services. She is passionate about serving her participants and enjoys working alongside her colleagues to help transform lives. Heather believes change is always possible and that second chances matter. Working side by side with our reentering citizens has been a favorite part of her work. Outside of work Heather is a wife, a mother, and an avid Packer fan.
Hope Wesley
Second Chance Case Manager
Hope Wesley is a Carthage College graduate with a Bachelor of Art in Social Work and a minor in Religious Studies. Prior to Carthage, Hope attended Gateway Technical College and graduated with an Associate Degree in Applied Science in Human Services. Hope is the Second Chance Case Manager, allowing her to work within her passion of helping to reintegrate individuals into society. Reentry is an important part of community. As a person that loves her community, there’s no other work she’d rather be doing.
Stacey Smith
Outreach Walk-in Case Manager
Stacey is a powerful force who uses her strong passion for inspiring, motivating and guiding individuals on identifying their purpose through obtaining meaningful employment. With over 7 years’ experience in Vocational Services, Stacey has acquired a vast knowledge of skillsets for various employment settings throughout the community. Stacey successfully helps individuals identify where growth is desired, by setting goals and objectives and taking steps to get there. Her purpose is helping clients on their journey to living their best life by filling the gap between where individuals are now, and where they want to be.
Debra Barkley
Homeless Case Manager
A former participant of RVM Jobs program started her work at RVM in March 2023 as Homeless Case Manager. Debra has a passion for serving others and her community. Debra has worked at Halo Homeless Shelter as Site Staff Supervisor, and in Milwaukee as a Counselor II. Debra completed her associate degree in administration in Human services, and Bachelor in Human Services with a Concentration in Addiction Studies at Spring Field College.