Board of Directors
Our committed, supportive board guides how DSAMn fulfills its mission, and participates in the decision making that ensures we’re here for generations to come.
Officers
Dr. Michele Olson — Board Chair
Dr. Michele Olson (Arden Hills, MN) is a dentist and owner of Maplewood Pediatric Dentistry. She brings clinical expertise and community leadership to the Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota Board of Directors. Dr. Olson is the parent of a teen with Down syndrome.
John Estrem — Vice Chair
John Estrem (Richfield, MN) is CEO of Hammer & NER. He brings extensive nonprofit leadership and disability services expertise to the Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota Board of Directors.
Kari Schmitz — Treasurer
Kari Schmitz (Elko New Market, MN) is a retired member of the Minneapolis Police Department and a volunteer with Special Olympics Minnesota. She brings public service leadership and community advocacy to the Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota Board of Directors. Kari is the parent of a young adult with Down syndrome.
Carly Antus Wilk — Secretary
Carly Antus Wilk (Angora, MN) is a former special educator. She brings experience supporting students with disabilities and their families to the Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota Board of Directors. Carly is the parent of a child with Down syndrome.
Directors
Dr. Tori Bahr
Dr. Tori Bahr (Falcon Heights, MN) is Medical Director of the Down Syndrome and Complex Care Clinics at Gillette Children's. She brings specialized medical expertise in caring for individuals with Down syndrome and complex health needs to the Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota Board of Directors.
Tracy Cogan
Tracy Cogan (Lakeville, MN) is a retired marketing executive from Target Corporation and a coach with Special Olympics Minnesota. She brings marketing leadership and community engagement experience to the Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota Board of Directors. Tracy is the parent of a teen with Down syndrome.
Dan Galles
Dan Galles (St. Paul, MN) is the owner of Fantom Optics. He brings entrepreneurial leadership and community engagement to the Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota Board of Directors. Dan is the parent of an adult with Down syndrome.
Michael Grace
Michael Grace (Minneapolis, MN) works at Broders' Cucina Italiana and is a self-advocate with Down syndrome. He also competes as an athlete with Special Olympics Minnesota. Michael brings the perspective and leadership of individuals with Down syndrome to the Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota Board of Directors.
Delaney Long
Delaney Long (Plymouth, MN) is a Physician Assistant and Registered Dietitian at Minnesota Gastroenterology (MNGI). She brings clinical expertise and experience supporting medically complex patients to the Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota Board of Directors. Delaney is the parent of a young child with Down syndrome.
Emmy Mastel
Emmy Mastel (Edina, MN) is a Certified Financial Planner with Prudential Financial. She brings expertise in financial planning for families, including those with special needs, to the Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota Board of Directors. Emmy is the parent of a young man with Down syndrome.
Dr. Carrie Muench
Dr. Carrie Muench (Minnetonka, MN) is a pediatrician and graduate of Partners in Policymaking. She brings medical expertise and disability advocacy experience to the Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota Board of Directors. Dr. Muench is the parent of a teen with Down syndrome.
Jennifer Radel
Jennifer Radel (Owatonna, MN) is an Early Childhood Special Education teacher with Owatonna Public Schools. She brings professional experience supporting young learners and families to the Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota Board of Directors. Jennifer is the parent of a child with Down syndrome.
Cherise Salim
Cherise Salim (Eagan, MN) is an HR consultant and leader of the Black Parent Support Group at the Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota. She brings human resources expertise and community leadership to the Board of Directors. Cherise is the parent of a child with Down syndrome.
Ann Shervheim
Ann Shervheim (Lino Lakes, MN) is an actress and self-advocate with Down syndrome. She brings the perspective and leadership of individuals with Down syndrome to the Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota Board of Directors.
Lee Shervheim
Lee Shervheim (Lino Lakes, MN) is a retired engineer from Medtronic and longtime disability advocate. He brings leadership experience in disability policy and community service to the Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota Board of Directors. Lee is the parent of three adults with Down syndrome.
Alex Sirois
Alex Sirois (Minneapolis, MN) is a partner at Amplify Advisory. He brings experience in strategy, finance, and business consulting to the Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota Board of Directors. Alex is the parent of a child with Down syndrome.
Tara Solem
Tara Solem (Two Harbors, MN) is District Manager and Water Planner for Lake County and a graduate of Partners in Policymaking. She brings public sector leadership and disability advocacy experience to the Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota Board of Directors. Tara is the parent of a child with Down syndrome.
In Memory
We celebrate and remember Cathy Erickson, DSAMn Board Member who passed in 2021 while serving on the board. Cathy had a clinical doctorate in Nursing, specializing in serving children with special health care needs, with a focus on transition from pediatric to adult healthcare. She served in a number of healthcare roles throughout her career, including advocate, case manager, consultant and NICU leader. Maggie, her adult daughter with Down syndrome, shares her commitment in serving as a fierce advocate and community leader.