Outdoor skills trainers
Outdoor skills trainers (OST) oversee the safety programs taught in their area. The OST Team are non-law enforcement safety specialists responsible for coordinating a recreational safety and educational program within their assigned area. Our OSTs recruit, train and monitor the services of volunteer safety program instructors and assist in the development of recreational safety course content. The OST is your first point of contact regarding any request or concerns about safety education programs.
The Wisconsin DNR outdoor skills trainers administrative areas map is separated by color according to the OST providing coverage for those counties.
Linda Xiong - Eau Claire (WCR)
Contact Linda Xiong
Linda Xiong was born in Eau Claire and spent the majority of her childhood growing up in Stevens Point. Linda graduated from UW-Eau Claire in 2012 with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. She began her career with the DNR in 2013 as an office associate and natural resource educator. Linda and her husband Kee have two children. In her free time, she enjoys hunting, gardening, reading and photography.
Kimberly Chroninger - Fitchburg (SCR)
Contact Kimberly Chroninger
Kim Chroninger is originally from Grant County. Kim went to college at UW-Stevens Point where she received her bachelor of science in wildlife management, with minors in biology, conservation biology and captive wildlife management. She has completed several internships including spending a summer in Texas bottle raising white-tail fawns, two summers at Wildwood Wildlife Park in Minocqua and a summer/fall at Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary in Green Bay. Kim has been a part of the safety programs with the Department since November of 2011, first in the Northeast and now in the South Central Region. In Kim’s spare time, she enjoys crafting and reading. Kim and her husband Nik also have 4 dogs, which they train and compete in dog agility.
Kayla Sasse - Green Bay (NER)
Contact Kayla Sasse
Kayla Sasse is originally from Lincoln County and grew up in north-central Wisconsin. She graduated from UW-Stevens Point in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in forestry recreation and a minor in adventure education. She worked for several years as an environmental educator in Wisconsin and Montana. Kayla began her career at the DNR as a customer and outreach services representative before transitioning to the Division of Public Safety & Resource Protection. In her free time, she likes to garden, hunt, fish, and camp.
Spencer Jost - Waukesha (SER)
Contact Spencer Jost
Spencer is originally from Kenosha County and grew up in southeast Wisconsin. He attended Colorado Mountain College where he received an associate of outdoor education degree. He transferred to Western Colorado University, where he graduated with a double bachelor's in biology and and recreation and outdoor education. Upon graduation, Spencer moved back to Wisconsin and started working for the DNR, first as a Fisheries Technician and later as a Park Ranger at Kettle Moraine State Forest Southern Unit. In his free time, Spencer enjoys hunting, trapping, fishing and camping.
Katie Renschen - Rhinelander (NOR)
Contact Katie Renschen
Katie Renschen is originally from Red Wing, MN. She moved to northern Wisconsin after high school to attend Northland College in Ashland. She graduated in 2009 with a bachelor's degree in natural resources and a minor in biology. Katie worked for several private and federal agencies in northern Wisconsin, upper Michigan and Alaska before beginning her career in fisheries management at the DNR. After almost seven years in the fisheries program and gaining a multitude of experience in field work, outreach and working with partners, Katie transitioned to the NOR Outdoor Skills Trainer Position. In her free time, Katie stays busy with her two children and dog Hank, and enjoys sports, hunting, fishing, camping, gardening, cooking and traveling.