Leadership Team

Eric, Rachel, Stacy B, Crystal, Julie, Jeff, Shelda, Deb H, Stacy J
Deena Peterson, Executive Director
Eric, Rachel, Stacy B, Crystal, Julie, Jeff, Shelda, Deb H, Stacy J

Deena Peterson, Executive Director

A graduate of St. Thomas University, Deena has been in our field for over 26 years. She's had the opportunity to work in various roles, from a Direct Support Professional to a Designated Coordinator, then a Designated Manager, and prior to joining Wingspan, as an Executive Director at another Twin Cities agency. Each of these experiences has reinforced Deena's passion for social services and her commitment to making a positive impact on people's lives. It's very important to her to be part of an organization that truly values person-centered thinking and actions. Contact Deena at dpeterson@wingspanlife.org or call 651-242-5840.

Executive Team

 

Joe Bjelland, Finance Director

Joe has over 20 years of experience in Finance and Accounting, and previously served as CFO for the State of Minnesota Department of Corrections. He had also been Finance Director/Treasurer for the City of New Richmond and Senior Accounting Officer for the State of Minnesota.

Stacy Boehmer, Director of Residential Services

Stacy joined Wingspan in 2010 as a DSP.  Over her years at Wingspan she has also served as a House Coordinator and Program Director. She is responsible for leading our team of Program Directors and providing oversight of our Residential, In-Home and Specialized Services Programs.

Rachel Zaffke, Director of Residential Services

Rachel joined Wingspan in 2010 as a DSP.  Over her years at Wingspan she has also served as a House Coordinator and Program Director. She is responsible for leading our team of Program Directors and providing oversight of our Residential, and Specialized Services Programs.

Deb Monk, Director of Human Resources

Deb brings over 25 years of experience and comes to us with a rich background, not only in HR, but in disability services. Previously, she worked for STAR Services/CCP as a Human Resource Director. Deb has extensive experience in Employee Relations, Policy and Procedure Development, and Risk Management.

Darolyn Gray, Development Officer

Darolyn joined Wingspan Life Resources in February, 2012 and has extensive nonprofit experience as an Executive Director, grant writer and consultant, and has served on several boards. She directs all fundraising activities including grant writing, individual corporate and foundation giving and sponsorships, manages annual giving campaigns, donor stewardship, major gifts, and also coordinates Wingspan’s key events such as the Power of Love Gala, our Made in the Shade walk, Give to the Max and other events. Darolyn oversees marketing, public relations, social media, enrichment programs and community engagement.
Reporting to Darolyn are Marketing and Community Engagement, Keller Karlstrom, and Development & Enrichment Coordinator, Liz Irizarrry.

Management Team

 

Program Directors: Jeff Hager, Eric Hemme, Deb Hofbauer, Crystal Jackson, Julie Leiferman, Shelda Thompson, Torrie Boehmer, Sharron Aken, Lori Mason, Ally Stieve.

The Program Directors (PDs) have diverse backgrounds and experience with years of experience in residential care. The Program Directors provide direction and leadership to the individual homes, In-Home services and Specialized Services.

Our Nurse

Stacy Jacobsen joined Wingspan in 2013. She received a degree in Family Social Science from the University of Minnesota and an Associate of Science, Nursing degree from Anoka-Ramsey Community College. Stacy provides nursing consultation and visits to the majority of our group homes and reviews all appointments, medications, health progress notes and makes recommendations. She also checks in with clients and does necessary screenings for medication side effects. This is also a good opportunity to provide ongoing training to HCs. She also teaches medication administration class to new hires including site specific training (i.e. blood sugar, ostomies). Stacy collaborates with Program Directors (PDs) and House Coordinators (HCs) on admissions, re-admissions from hospitals or nursing homes, and hospice care. She is also a resource for them when they have questions from family members or guardians regarding a medical issue. Stacy assists the PDs and HCs with our computerized charting system, helping them to add any new procedures or protocols ordered by doctors. Stacy’s super power: "I can read hospital discharge paperwork like nobody's business!"

Reporting to Stacy is Dorine Makan, LPN. Dorine joined our team in 2023, providing expanded nursing services to support Wingspan's growth. She has experience working as a DSP since 2020 and graduated from Rasmussen College in 2023.

Administrative Staff

 

Mark Meyer, Payroll Specialist

Carol Flaherty, Admin Assistant

Emily Youa Yang, Billing Coordinator

Andrew Gallagher, Office Manager

Nicole Pivec, Human Resources Assistant

Sam Monk, Recruitment Coordinator

Maintenance Team

 

Jason Fortney, Maintenance Manager

Eugene Hyatte, Maintenance

Curt Hall, Maintenance

Marc Oullette, Maintenance

Tim Coleman, Maintenance