About Us

Touching Hearts at Home of Western Wisconsin is owned and operated by Skip Ballard who grew up and graduated from Hudson Wisconsin.

After High School Skip served 4 years in the Navy, with 3 tours in the Mediterranean including deployment during Operation Desert Storm in 1991.

After his military service, Skip attended the University Of Wisconsin at River Falls and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Social work. He then became a licensed Social Worker and worked for 15 years in various Skilled Nursing Facilities, Memory Care/Assisted Livings, Home Health & Hospice, and Long Term
Care Insurance.

Skip started his Touching Hearts at Home of Western Wisconsin in 2013 in joining the national franchise.

Skip grew up with a mother who was a St. Croix County Social Worker who served older adults and adults with disabilities for over 20 years. He Considers it a privilege to serve people in their homes and honor their wish to stay safe and independent for as long as possible.

Afton serves as the Office Coordinator and has been an integral part of the team for over seven years. In her role, she oversees daily operations including scheduling, payroll, recruitment, training, and on-call support. She is also deeply involved in care coordination, ensuring both caregivers and clients receive the guidance and support they need.

With more than 15 years of experience in care coordination, office management, and scheduling, Afton brings a high level of organization and dedication to her work. She plays a key role in maintaining seamless care delivery, supporting clients and their families from the moment services begin. Known for her problem-solving abilities and compassionate approach, Afton is a trusted resource for navigating day-to-day needs and ensuring a positive experience for everyone involved.

Jessica is the Client Services Manager and a valued addition to the team, bringing a diverse background in healthcare and business ownership. Her experience spans nursing homes, group homes, and running her own small business, giving her a well-rounded perspective on both client care and operational excellence.

In her role, Jessica leads client consultations and develops personalized plans of care tailored to each individual’s needs. She also oversees the onboarding process for new caregivers, providing orientation and training to ensure they are well-prepared and confident in their roles. Jessica prioritizes building strong relationships by facilitating introductions between caregivers and clients, helping to create a comfortable and supportive environment from the start.

Additionally, Jessica conducts quality assurance surveys and regular check-ins to ensure ongoing client and family satisfaction. She is actively involved in community outreach and works to build and maintain relationships with referral partners, further strengthening the organization’s presence and commitment to quality care.