Youth Center Staff

John Hunter, Assistant Director

John was born in Madison and has lived here most of his life. He graduated from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, MI in 2012. Before working for the Middleton Youth Center starting in 2015, John worked for one year at the Bridge Lake Point Waunona (BLW) Community Center on the south side of Madison as a PASS AmerCorps Member. John’s interests include playing and watching sports, fishing, reading, and playing video games.

Hillary Davis, PASS AmeriCorps Member

Hillary grew up in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. She graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in 2019 and studied Psychology & Family Services. She recently moved to Madison and is super excited to serve with the youth center! Hillary loves pizza rolls, cats, quality conversations, reading, and napping. She is looking forward to building relationships and empowering students this year.  

Kyrsten Charles, UW Social Work Intern

Kyrsten grew up in Green Bay and is currently studying at UW-Madison. In May of 2020, she graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay where she studied Psychology and Human Development. Before interning at the Middleton Youth Center, Kyrsten was a Youth Behavioral Specialist at Innovative Services Inc. for two years. For fun, Kyrsten loves to create art, walk trails, listen to music, read, and hangout with friends and family. She also loves animals, especially her hedgehog, Sonic.

Akshita Pattnaik, High School Intern

Akshita was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan and moved to Middleton when she was 5. She is now in 11th grade at Middleton High School! She is super excited to be working at the Youth Center for a second year. She always loves to meet new people and learn new things! In her free time, Akshita is often playing tennis, laughing with her friends, or playing one of the many instruments she plays. When she’s not doing any of those things, you can find her listening to music or watching her favorite shows on Netflix. Akshita’s parents were both born in India so she loves to celebrate and show off her culture! Akshita helps to lead Girl Scouts at the Youth Center.

Kaitlyn Winkers, UW Social Work Intern

Kaitlyn was raised in Fennimore, Wisconsin. She is currently a senior at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Kaitlyn previously served as a paraprofessional, working with children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In her free time she enjoys cleaning, going for walks, playing with her nephews, and eating Chipotle. Kaitlyn is excited to continue working with children and building new relationships.