HFC Staff Members
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.
Photo by Caroline Yang
Our team comprises an Executive Director, Program Manager, Community Engagement Manager, part-time Office Administrator, along with Program Staff and Contractors who lead HFC classes and activities.
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Patty Dunn
Executive Director
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.
651-239-8906
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Holly Kampa
Program Manager
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
651-382-1103
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Mari Marks Mondanelli
Community Engagement Manager
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!"
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Gail Mollner
Office Administrator
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.
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Alyssa Kohorst
Program Coordinator
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.
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Angela Lindell
Lead Program Staff
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.
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Nicole Knutson
Program Staff
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.
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Mason Ellingboe
Program Staff
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.
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Paula Keys
Program Staff
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.
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Eric Nelson
Program Staff
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!
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Heather Moss
Program Staff
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!
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Megan Skweres
Program Staff
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.
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Maya Roe
Program Staff
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!
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Rebecca Ripka
Program Staff
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.
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Marilu Lavoie
Program Staff
I have worked with Special Education students for the last 8 years and recently retired. I love working with and meeting new people and am excited to be part of the Highland Friendship Club team!
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Emma Thibodeau
Program Staff
I am currently an undergrad at the University of St. Thomas studying accounting graduating in the Spring of 2026. I started at HFC as a volunteer and loved it! I am so excited to be a part of HFC and become more involved with the Twin Cities community!
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Merideth Annala-Hakes
Program Staff
Hi, I'm Merideth! I started as a volunteer with HFC and quickly fell in love with the community. I enjoy getting to know our members and helping them have the best possible experiences! In my free time I love cooking and being outside.
Join Our Team
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
Real Voices, Real Connections
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It saved us. It really saved us. My son had lost his smile, and HFC brought it back.
Katy Thuleen, HFC parent
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Because I love the atmosphere at HFC, how everyone comes together, appreciates and loves one another. I love to see how, everybody, doesn’t matter who you are, grows.
Mason Ellingboe, HFC staff
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HFC has a lot of really fun and different things to do. Everybody knows my name and are so nice to me all the time! I always get a lot of high fives and fist bumps. They ask me what to do I think about things, listen to me, let me help, and tell me how smart I am. I can’t wait to go to all activities and ask my Grandmother every day she I get home from school, “HFC tonight?!”
James, HFC member
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The best part of HFC is seeing all the members, seeing them happy, seeing them grow, seeing them be the best version of themselves.
Mason Ellingboe, HFC staff
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I encourage everyone to attend one of HFC’s events; they will feel how special Highland Friendship Club is and how much this means—not just to the members, but to the families and community as a whole.
Joe Mauer, HFC supporter
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I find our members to be warm, engaged and full of love. There is a lot of joy in them. It makes me feel good to be around them. And the staff are all top notch. They are warm, compassionate and welcoming.
Jerry Helfand, HFC volunteer
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My favorite part about HFC is the friends that I've made, the staff, and the volunteers who help out.
Emily Colaizy, HFC member
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HFC has given me new confidence, and I really have made new friends that I’ve had for years and years. At HFC I am loved and I feel like I’m the best person in the world!
Joel, HFC member
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I like HFC because they have a lot of other members with disabilities and the staff are really nice. They're so funny.
Hanna Bolstrom, HFC member
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Highland Friendship Club gives value to Andrew’s life; it gives him purpose and meaning.
Rita Corrigan, HFC member mom
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Highland Friendship Club is a lifeline to hundreds of young adults with disabilities. When I think of the daily experiences our members are provided, I realize how fortunate they are to experience enriching opportunities where they can grow and develop new and rewarding skills. Their days are spent with a community of people in an environment filled with joy, acceptance and mutual respect.
Renee, HFC parent
Be the Reason a Smile Happens Today
Help us create more opportunities and friendships.
