Staff include Executive Director, Program Manager, Community Engagement Manager, part-time Office Administrator, Program Staff and Contractors who lead HFC classes and activities. Staff and contractors have experience working with teens and adults with disabilities, and many have degrees in special education, occupational therapy, wellness/fitness, the arts, or other related fields.
Highland Friendship Club is continually looking for qualified and caring people to join our experienced staff. Open positions are posted on our website and the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits Job Board. However even when we do not have an open position, we appreciate hearing from prospective candidates at any time! Feel free to send an email introduction and resume to: info@highlandfriendshipclub.org
Staff L-R: Patty Dunn-ED, Holly Kampa-Program Manager, Mari Marks Mondanelli-Community Engagement Manager, Gail Mollner-Office Administrator, Mary Troullier-Program Coordinator, Angela Lindell-Lead Program Staff. Other Program Staff: Nikki Knutson, Mason Ellingboe, Paula Keys, Eric Nelson, Heather Moss, Gayl Marshall, Megan Skweres, Maya Roe, Lexi Laager, Rebecca Ripka and Anna Lash. Click on images to learn more.
Staff
Patty Dunn
As HFC’s executive director since 2020, Patty raises awareness, funds, and support for our programs. She is passionate about creating communities of inclusion and her priority is to ensure that our members have a place to make friends, be heard, and know they belong. Ph: 651-239-8906
Holly Kampa
Holly worked for HFC for five years before taking on the role of Program Manager in October 2022. In Holly’s words: “If I had to choose one takeaway from all the things I have learned at HFC, it is that we never stop learning and growing. holly@highlandfriendshipclub.org cell 651-382-1103
Mari Marks Mondanelli
Mari loves connecting people together to make positive memories and partnerships. She values an "All are welcome here" community and always wants to say "Hi!" mari@highlandfriendshipclub.org
Gail Mollner
Gail is excited to be part of HFC! Gail has a background in hospitality and loves being in service to others, making people feel comfortable and welcome. In her free time she volunteers in the community, gardens and hangs out with her backyard chickens. gailm@highlandfriendshipclub.org
Alyssa Kohorst
I've spent the last 4 years working in Special Education as a Behavior Therapist. I’m dedicated to building a welcoming community at HFC, where inclusivity and friendship thrive. Outside of work, I enjoy time with my family at the lake and love to travel whenever I can.
Angela Lindell
Angela graduated from the University of St. Thomas in May of 2023. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and she is working toward becoming a dentist. Angela loves being a part of HFC and empowering members. hfc.angela@gmail.com
Nicole Knutson
Nicole is the first person in the HFC community to serve as a member, advisory committee member, volunteer AND staff person! She is truly a dynamic and creative person. hfc.nikki@gmail.com
Mason Ellingboe
Mason comes to HFC with a Bachelors Degree in Social Work and a history of working with people with disabilities in the public school setting. mpellingboe@gmail.com
Paula Keys
Paula is retired St. Paul Public Schools Occupational Therapist. She has background in working with individuals with a variety of disabilities for over 35 years in topics such as sensory processing and motor development. keys.paula@gmail.com
Eric Nelson
Eric is a theatrical and sports aficionado with experience working with people with disabilities at InterAct. You can find him on TV at Childrens Hospital as "The Dude" as well! ebnelson7@gmail.com
Heather Moss
According to Heather "Every single part of HFC is my favorite! I absolutely love the friendships I have built with members and staff. I truly believe in what we do and it is a joy to be surrounded by radiant positivity." Heather has 3 jobs, 3 kids & 2 dogs! heathermoss222@gmail.com
Gayl Marshall
Gayl is HFC’s social media coordinator and is a recent graduate from UWEC with a degree in public relations. She is so excited to be apart of the HFC staff! hfc.gaylmarshall@gmail.com
Megan Skweres
I am so excited to be part of HFC! I have worked in the corporate world for over 25 years and more recently as a paraprofessional. I love all activities, inside and outdoors. Megan. 4skweres@comcast.net
Maya Roe
Maya is an undergraduate student at the University of St. Thomas. She is studying English and Justice & Peace Studies. She has a history of working with individuals with disabilities in a public school setting. She is excited to be a part of the HFC community! hfc.mayaroe@gmail.com
Lexi Laager
Lexi is a Junior at the University of St. Thomas, with a marketing management major. She started with HFC as a volunteer and loved it. Lexi is so excited to be apart of the HFC Staff! hfc.lexi@gmail.com
Rebecca Ripka
I enjoy helping others reach their full potential in life. I have many years of experience working with vulnerable adults. In my spare time I enjoy spending time tending to my gardens and scrapbooking. I believe that everyone can do great things in life. hfc.rebeccar@gmail.com
Anna Lash
Hi! I'm Anna! I'm excited to move to the Twin Cities from Rochester to join HFC! I spend my time eating sweet treats, hanging with family and watching sports (especially baseball). I have a BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders from UW-Eau Claire and am pursuing a Masters degree in Special Ed.
