John Wayne Barker, Executive Director. Growing up in Roseville, Minnesota, John attended Alexander Ramsey H.S., went to Bethel College (playing football under Coach Chub Reynolds), graduated from St. Cloud State with a degree in Therapeutic Recreation, and obtained his Master’s Degree in Management from Cardinal Stritch College. He has worked in this field since 1980 beginning at Greenbrier Home (an ICF/MR facility that was on the eastside of St. Paul), then at Bock Associates (a company that provides consultation to state agencies responsible for the long-term care of people with mental illness, mental retardation, and the elderly), before coming to Merrick, Inc., in 1998. During this time, John was instrumental in starting CLEAR Services, Inc., (adult education program for people with DD) that continues today under the auspices of St. Paul Community Education and FOCUS Homes (SLS waivered residential provider) that was later acquired by REM, Inc. John also has served on the SPARC Board of Directors, Ramsey County Sub-Committee on Mental Retardation, the Association of Minnesota Counties Medicaid Managed Care Demonstration Project, the DHS Rate Restructuring Workgroup; and the Metro-County Individual Rate Structure Pilot. John lives in Eagan with his wife Mary and three children. Personally, John has volunteered with the Red Cross Apheresis Unit, EAA Board of Directors, Thomas Lake Site Council, and has coached many of his children’s athletic teams. To many people’s dismay, John loves his Zubaz.

As the Executive Director, John is responsible to direct the implementation of the agency's strategic plan that encompasses the mission, vision, values, and goals developed in collaboration with the Board of Directors. In this capacity, John provides leadership to the Director Team to: incorporate the strategic plan into daily operations; prepare, submit, and manage the budget; represent the agency to external constituencies and on legislative matters; and support internal initiatives designed to enhance employee and client morale. John facilitates the functions of the Executive and Finance Committees and is a member of the Director Team.

Colleen Timbers, Program Director.  Growing up in “Packer County”, Colleen attended John Alexander High School in Port Edwards, graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point with a B.S. degree in Political Science and History, and a secondary teaching certification. After six years of college, family members convinced her that the professional student career track needed to come to an end. For two years, Colleen tutored students with special needs and taught 35-eighth graders, 7 different subjects per day. Those two teaching experiences taught her invaluable skills of multi-tasking, patience, and seeing the “gifts” in people. Colleen has worked in the field since 1982 starting with the United Cerebral Palsy Center in Green Bay (a day training and therapeutic center working with persons with physical and/or developmental disabilities). With a move to “Viking Country” in 1984, Colleen found her calling when hired as a Lead Instructor at Merrick, Inc. (formally known as Merrick DAC). In 1988, she was promoted to Program Director. Colleen has served on various Ramsey County workgroups and self-advocacy activities with Advocating for Change Together (ACT), Arc-Great Rivers, Creative Options, and the PACER Center. In her free time, she enjoys going to dog and horse shows, browsing through antique shops and garage sales, attending football games, and spending time with her family. Colleen has volunteered her time with the Leukemia Society, political activities, and of course, as a member of the Maplewood Emergency Skywarn Team checking the skies for extreme atmospheric conditions such as tornadoes.

As the Program Director, Colleen is responsible to direct the development and implementation of services in accordance with the Individual Service Plans of clients enrolled at Merrick, Inc. In this capacity, Colleen’s primary focuses are to: provide leadership activities to ensure the agency’s compliance to the Consolidated Standards; coordinate program key results; supervisor program management staff; and oversee the activities of the self-advocacy groups. Colleen represents the agency to external workgroups, facilitates the functions of the Advocacy Committee, and is a member of the Director Team.

James M. Chicone, Training and Technical Assistance Director. Jim grew up on St. Paul’s Eastside, and is a graduate of Hill High School (now known as Hill-Murray). He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from St. Cloud State, a Master’s degree in Continuing Studies in Special Education from Mankato State, and a Master’s degree in School Psychology from the University of Wisconsin, River Falls. Jim has been licensed as a Psychologist by the Minnesota Board of Psychology since January 1982. He began his career in this field in 1972, gaining valuable experience working in a variety of positions in both residential and day service settings. Jim served as the Human Services Coordinator, then Program Consultant, and later as Behavior Specialist/Staff Psychologist at Greenbrier Home (an ICF/MR facility on the eastside of St. Paul). He held the position of Program Director at Greenhaven Heights DAC (a large day program that was located in Ramsey County), and the position of Program Director at People’s Child Care Residence (a residential facility for children with multiple and severe handicapping conditions). Jim came to Merrick, Inc., in 1982 as the Staff Psychologist, and as roles and responsibilities evolved, the position was renamed, “Training and Technical Assistance Director”. He served on the Kaposia, inc., Board of Directors, and is a member or chairperson of a number of day program and residential Human Rights Committees, including Axis, Inc., Star, Inc., Kaposia, inc., Midway Training Services, Inc., and REM, Inc. Jim is an Associate Member of the American Psychological Association, and has been active in the Minnesota Chapter of the American Association on Mental Retardation. Jim lives in Woodbury with his wife Donna and son Brandon. Jim’s goal in life is to quietly make a difference, and his approach is reflected in the quote, “In spite of all the ideas and the technology and atoms in the world, it all comes down to shaping one individual at a time”.

As the Training and Technical Assistance Director, Jim is responsible to ensure the agency's compliance with statutory requirements governing employee training, client protection, use of controlled procedures, and the reporting of maltreatment of vulnerable adults. The Training and Technical Assistance Director acts as an internal consultant to the Director and Management Teams and serves as the project lead for a variety of program and human resource development initiatives. Jim facilitates the functions of the Human Rights Committee and is a member of the Director Team.

Patrick Allen Hanson, Operations Director. As the youngest of four, Patrick was raised in the City of Fridley (affectionately referred to as Friendly Fridley) and attended Fridley H.S., where academics and sports equally shared significance in his life. Patrick followed this same path at St. Cloud State University located in St. Cloud, Minnesota. He graduated with a B.A. degree in Psychology (emphasizing Behavioral Analysis and Management) and was also a member of the University’s football and track teams. After graduation, Patrick submitted an application to a small non-profit social services program by the name of Merrick for the position of Behavior Analyst. Nineteen years later, a lot less hair, and slightly poorer vision, he is still employed by the same organization. Although the name of the business and his position have changed (Merrick, Inc., and Operations Director respectively) his enthusiasm and dedication has not. Patrick currently resides in Hugo with his wife Sue (a 20 year employee of Merrick, Inc.) and his daughter Samantha. Snowmobiling, NASCAR races, camping, and golf are some of the activities that occupy his time these days. That is when he is not attending, coaching, or managing one or more of his daughter’s numerous sporting activities.

As the Operations Director, Pat is responsible to oversee the production and operations of all on-site contracts, off-site contracts, and business ventures managed by AbiliTech Enterprises. In this capacity, Pat supervises all production activities in compliance with Federal and State wage and hour guidelines and OSHA regulations.  In addition, he is responsible for all maintenance systems used to ensure a clean, safe, and functional environment for those individuals that utilize the facility.  Pat facilitates the functions of the Work Procurement Committee and is a member of the Director Team.

Mike Greenbaum, Development and Community Relations Director.  Mike grew up in Brookings, South Dakota where he was very active in sports and other school activities.  He then attended the University of Minnesota Carlson School of management where he received his BSB degree in finance and minor in economics.  After graduating from college, Mike went to work at Lake Area Bank and became a Commercial Loan Officer and part of a ten-person officer team that managed a $100 million bank.  In addition to managing a loan portfolio and developing new business for the bank, Mike managed a fifteen person office and participated on the senior credit committee and compliance committee.  Mike lives in White Bear Lake with his wife and two children.  In his time away from the office, Mike works as a statistician for the Minnesota Timberwolves, runs marathons, serves on The Board of Directors of the Pine Tree Apple Tennis Classic for Children’s Cancer Research at Children’s Hospitals and Clinics, volunteers for Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly, and spent many years as a volunteer tennis coach for Minneapolis Junior Urban Tennis League.

As the Development and Community Relations Director, Mike is responsible for managing the outreach and fundraising activities in a manner that increases positive public awareness and support of the agency’s mission; and creates partnerships with external constituencies that benefit clients, employees, and the community.  Development activities include: organizing fundraising events; submitting grant applications; coordinating annual and planned giving programs; and managing any capital campaigns.  Community Relations activities include: supervising procurement activities; coordinating promotions and media relations; and developing hardcopy and Internet marketing materials.  Mike facilitates the functions of the Development Committee and is a member of the Director team.

Jane M. Peltier, Human Resources Director. Jane grew up in northern Minnesota and graduated from the University of Minnesota in Duluth with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Her love for this field began in earnest when she completed a six week internship at the Minnesota Learning Center located on the campus of Brainerd State Hospital. Following the internship, she was hired at Cambridge State Hospital as a Behavior Analyst. Working at Cambridge was truly an eye-opening learning experience. However, after two years, the daily commute became overwhelming so Jane took a position working for an insurance company. After a year and a half, she realized how much she missed working with people with DD so she returned to the field as a Behavior Analyst at Merrick, Inc., in November of 1985. From there, she was promoted to a middle management position in 1987 and then became the Human Resources Director in 1991. Since becoming the Human Resources Director, Jane has received her SPHR (Senior Professional in Human Resources) certification and is a member of SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management). Jane lives in Stillwater with her husband, Andrew, two children, two cats, and one dog.

As the Human Resources Director, Jane is responsible for planning, developing, and administering human resource functions within the agency. Primary duties include creating, directing, and coordinating legally sound programs that manage:  recruitment; selection; orientation; compensation; benefits; equal employment opportunities; Department of Labor regulations; and termination procedures. Jane ensures a positive work environment characterized by challenging work, a team approach to problem solving, and individual and group recognition for excellence. She facilitates the functions of the Human Resources Committee and is a member of the Director Team.

Stephanie Morris, Community and Organizational Development Director. Stephanie grew up in Bloomington, MN and went on to St. Cloud State, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Psychology, singing the whole way in various choral groups.  She did her internship and became employed by the Courage Center. Through working at the Courage Center, Stephanie discovered her true passion for the field.  Later, she began working in residential programs and finally at a DT&H in St. Paul.  At this point, she decided that the Day Program setting was right for her.  In 2002, Stephanie decided to further her education and earned her Master’s of Business Administration through the University of Phoenix.  Stephanie is the newest member of Merrick’s Director team, beginning in September, 2006.  In her free time, she likes to complete logic problems, sudoku puzzles, and other brain teasers.  In addition, Stephanie is an avid Vikings fan, revolving her winters around football games. Stephanie now lives in St. Paul with her young daughter.

As the Community and Organizational Development Director, Stephanie is responsible for managing multi-disciplinary tasks including administrative, human resources, community relations, and development tasks.  Some of these tasks include: network and database administration; monitoring company policies, procedures, and employee handbook; internal VA investigations; recruitment activities; cultural competency initiatives; creating and utilizing public education materials; legislative activities; website updates; and the submission of grant applications.  Stephanie facilitates the functions of the Board Nomination Committee and Safety Committee; and is a member of the Director Team.