Birkholz earned her Bachelor of Arts in psychology from University of Wisconsin-Madison, Master of Science degree in college student personnel from the (former) Mankato State University, Minnesota, and PhD in educational leadership from the University of Nebraska. Wendlandt has worked with UW Extension as the 4-H program adviser, Marshfield Youth Hockey Association to establish the free preschool open skate program and most recently was an art instructor with Immanuel Lutheran school, where she won the 2012 MACCI Crystal Apple Award.