Board of Directors

Susan is interested in joining the board to help guide its direction as a healthy, thriving organization. Susan currently works full time as a Sr. Technical Manager at 3M. Accordingly, she has experience in that will be useful to the board such as developing and managing department budgets, strategic planning for large organizations, proposing/ winning/ managing government contracts, and project leadership. Susan's leadership style is to build a foundation of trust and respect, as great organizations require these building blocks to ensure a strong foundation. She's organized, pays attention to detail, and follow through with her commitments.

Evan is dad to Raphael, who has been swimming with Clownfish since 2011. He's interested in joining the Clownfish board to contribute expertise in strategic development, grant writing, marketing, public affairs and internal communications.

A consultant, he has helped high-achieving nonprofits including African Development Center of Minnesota and public-private partnerships for local and regional development (The Phillips Partnership, Midtown Community Works, and the Bottineau Boulevard Partnership) composed of elected officials, corporate leaders and nonprofit executives.

Having founded Clownfish Swim Club at Courage Center in 2004, I feel Clownfish is the most rewarding and successful groups imaginable. The children all love the water and have learned to be beautiful and very dedicated swimmers.

I have been an aquatic therapist for over 20 years, and taught swimming since college and feel especially fortunate to work with the Clownfish and their families.

As the founder of Clownfish, I recruit staff and volunteers as well as subbing for the coaches when that's needed. As an ongoing Board member, I strive to continue the unique qualities of the Clownfish Swim Club.

Amy is the mother of MacKenzie or "Mac". MacKenzie has Down Syndrome and loves to be in the water. She does not swim well and had grown too old for traditional swim lessons. In an effort to support her love of water and further her swimming skill so that she can be safe in the water we joined Clownfish. It has filled that void and more. My motivation for joining the board is simply to help keep this wonderful organization around as an option for people with special needs.

My career started in direct marketing and advertising. In addition I have donated time to the community by being on the school PTO board, fundraising chair for Parent's Night Out, Girl Scout Leader and Volleyball club website manager/designer. I currently spend my time being a Chocolatier and exploring ways to create jobs for people with disabilities.

Kirstin

Julie is an Accountant at Wilson Learning, where she is involved in financial reporting and process improvements. Julie has served on a Neighborhood Association board and has organized Neighborhood Night Out events. Julie enjoys being active outdoors, all things natural, and being healthy.

Julie and her husband, Scott, have one daughter, Anna, who is on the autism spectrum. Clownfish continues to be one of the best activities they have ever been involved with for their daughter. They had been searching for a sport that Anna had interest, would gain skill, provide a team experience, and feel accepted. Clownfish has provided all of these things since Anna became involved in July 2013. Because it has made such a positive impact on their lives, it is Julie's goal to see that Clownfish Swim Club continues to grow and thrive.