Our Team

Pamela Parnell 

Operational Manager

Ms. Parnell serves as the Operations Manager for the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store in Lake Mills, Wisconsin. Since joining the organization in 2016, she been an intergral member within the retail store, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations and a welcoming environment for both customers and staff. Pamela brings over 20 years of experience in retail and hospitality to her role. Known for her hands-on leadership style, she enjoys being actively involved on the sales floor, working alongside her team to deliver excellent service and foster a positive workplace culture. 

In her free time, Pamela enjoys spending quality time with her family. 

Karen Thome

Assistant Manager

Ms. Thome is the Assistant Manager at the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store in Lake Mills, Wisconsin. She has been a valued member of the organization for the past three years, bringing a unique blend of experience and enthusiasm to her role. Before joining St. Vincent de Paul, Ms. Thome worked as a dental assistant for over 20 years and successfully ran her own resale booth in Janesville. A dedicated and hands-on team member, she does a bit of everything—from sorting and pricing donations to working the register, stocking the sales floor, creating staff schedules, and assisting Ms. Parnell with daily operations to keep the store running smoothly.

Outside of work, Karen is a proud mother of three and Mojo, the family dog. She loves being part of the St. Vincent de Paul team because it allows her to give back to the community while using her passion for resale to uncover and display unique treasures for customers to enjoy.

Helen Dray

Client Assistance Coordinator

Helen brings a deep well of compassion and experience to her role as Client Assistance Coordinator at St. Vincent de Paul in Lake Mills. For over five and a half years, she has been a dedicated support for individuals and families seeking Major Assistance, In-Kind Assistance, and help through the Medical Equipment Loan Program. She also works to connect clients with additional local resources, offering a guiding hand during times of hardship. Before joining the Ministry Department, Helen spent more than 30 years as an elementary school teacher, shaping young lives with patience, kindness, and a commitment to education. She is passionate about being a source of hope and comfort for others. 

When she’s not assisting clients, Helen enjoys gardening and spending quality time with her beloved grandchildren.

Jason Buchholtz

Warehouse Manager

Mr. Buchholtz brings over 24 years of management experience to his role as Warehouse Manager at St. Vincent de Paul in Lake Mills, where he has been a valued member of the leadership team for the past year and a half. With a strong background in operational oversight and a keen eye for logistics, he ensures that all aspects of the warehouse—from inventory control and shipping to safety compliance and team coordination—run smoothly and efficiently.

Mr. Buchholtz holds an Associate in Applied Arts degree in Hospitality Management from Madison College, a foundation that reflects his commitment to organized, service-driven leadership. Known for his hands-on approach and steady leadership, he plays a vital role in supporting the mission of St. Vincent de Paul in Lake Mills by maintaining a reliable and well-functioning supply chain that serves both the organization and the community.

Outside of work, Jason enjoys spending quality time with his wife of 26 years and their three children. A dedicated outdoorsman, he is also an avid fisherman and hunter.