Board of Directors

Kari Schmitz, Treasurer

Kari has been an avid DSAMn volunteer for the last several years. In addition to her involvement with DSAMn, Kari is very involved with Special Olympics and is the Lakeville Baseball Association’s Miracle League Director. Dani retired in 2018 after a 30 year career with the Minneapolis Police Department. Kari is from Elko New Market and is the mother to Dani, a young woman with Down syndrome.

John Estrem, Vice Chair

John Estrem is the CEO of Hammer/NER, one of the largest disability services providers in Minnesota. Born and raised in Minneapolis, John has spent his 35+ year career in ministry and Human Services. In 2012, John was appointed CEO of Hammer Residences. In the past 12 years, Hammer has grown significantly, most recently with an acquisition of Northeast Residences (another non-profit provider in the east metro area). They now provide services at 68 locations in the east and west metro. 59 of these locations are homes and 9 are an innovative apartment program with 24 hour supports. Hammer & NER also provides Case Management Services, Care Coordination and operates Hammer Travel. Prior to his role at Hammer NER, John was the Executive Director of Episcopal Community Services and CEO of Catholic Charities. John has spoken as a housing expert at DSAMn’s Statewide Conference and he is the former Board Chair of ARRM, the association of disability and housing and support providers

Dr. Michele Olson, Chair

Dr. Michele Olson is a board certified pediatric dentist and a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, Minnesota Dental Association, and the American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry. She received her Bachelor of Science in Zoology and Chemistry at North Dakota State University and earned her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Minnesota and worked as a general dentist prior returning to the University of Minnesota where she earned a certificate in Pediatric Dentistry. She also completed a fellowship in Leadership and Education in Neurodevelopmental Disability through the University of Minnesota. She is a clinical director of Special Smiles for Special Olympics and the faculty advisor for the American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry Student Chapter. Dr. Michele and her husband have two children including a teenage daughter with Down syndrome.

Tori Bahr, MD

Dr. Tori Bahr is an internal medicine and pediatric physician and serves as the Medical Director of Pediatrics at Gillette Children’s, where she brings a deep commitment to family-centered, multidisciplinary care for individuals with complex health needs, including Down syndrome. She completed her medical degree at the University of Minnesota and trained in the combined Internal Medicine-Pediatrics Residency Program at the University of Minnesota Medical Center, earning board certifications in both pediatrics and internal medicine.

Dr. Bahr’s clinical focus emphasizes comprehensive, coordinated care across the lifespan, with a special interest in improving transitions from pediatric to adult healthcare for those with lifelong conditions. She was instrumental in the development of Gillette’s Down syndrome clinic by fostering collaboration among specialists to ensure sustainable, holistic support for children and families.

Tracy Cogan

Tracy Cogan has over 25 years of experience collaborating with clients to successfully implement brand vision and strategy. In her professional work, she led cross-functional teams, built strong client partnerships, and ensured that creative solutions align with organizational goals and customer needs.

Tracy brings her passion for inclusion, community connection, and family-centered advocacy to DSAMn's Board of Directors. She is deeply involved with Special Olympics Minnesota as a coach and volunteer, helping athletes build confidence, teamwork skills, and a sense of belonging.

Tracy and her family live in the southern suburbs of the Twin Cities. She has one son, Rufus, who is extremely involved with many of the organizations that provide programming for teens and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Her lived experience as a parent informs her commitment to expanding opportunities, resources, and community supports.

Dan Galles

Dan Galles is the President and CEO of Fantom Optics, a manufacturer and distributor of premium optical accessories, and Galles Corporation, a precision filling and packaging company, both based in St. Paul, Minnesota. Throughout his career, Dan has led growing manufacturing businesses with a focus on operational excellence, innovation, and long-term sustainability.

Dan previously served on the Board of Directors of the Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota from 2013 to 2018. He also served as a Council Member for the Metropolitan Council of the Twin Cities from 2000 to 2003, reflecting his longstanding commitment to civic leadership and regional service.

Dan and his wife have three sons, including their youngest son, a young man with Down syndrome. They reside in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Here are the three board bios written to match the Jennifer Radel / Tracy Cogan format:

Delaney Long, PA-C, RD

Delaney Long is a Physician Assistant at MNGI and a Registered Dietitian, bringing a strong clinical background and a holistic approach to patient care. Prior to joining MNGI, she worked as a Hospitalist PA-C, providing comprehensive inpatient care. Delaney is an active member of both the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Minnesota Academy of Physician Assistants.

Delaney is a multi-year $10,000+ Step Up for Down Syndrome team captain and a passionate advocate for the Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota (DSAMn). Her advocacy is deeply personal as the mother of Teddy, age 2½, who has Down syndrome and is medically complex. Through her lived experience and professional expertise, Delaney is committed to strengthening medical access, family support systems, and community connection for individuals with Down syndrome.

Delaney and her family reside in Plymouth, Minnesota.

Emmy Mastel, CFP

Emmy Mastel is a Financial Professional with Prudential Financial, where she has worked since 1996. She has received specialized training in financial planning for families with special needs and is a frequent speaker at DSAMn parent groups and conferences, helping families navigate long-term planning with confidence and clarity.

Emmy previously served on the advisory board of PACER Center and as co-chair of the Edina School District Special Education Advisory Council. Through both her professional and volunteer leadership, she has consistently championed educational rights and long-term financial security for individuals with disabilities and their families.

Emmy lives in Edina, Minnesota, with her husband and two sons. Her oldest son, Charlie, recently graduated from high school and has Down syndrome. Charlie has participated in multiple DSAMn programs and employment opportunities over the years, and the Mastel family are strong and longstanding supporters of the Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota.

Dr. Carrie Muench

Dr. Carrie Muench is a board-certified pediatrician who practiced outpatient pediatrics in the west metro area for over two decades. Throughout her medical career, she has been committed to providing compassionate, family-centered care and building strong partnerships with the families she serves.

Dr. Muench has long been involved with organizations that support individuals with Down syndrome, including the Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota, Jack's Basket, and GiGi's Playhouse. Her volunteer work reflects both her professional dedication and her personal commitment to strengthening resources and community connections for families.

Dr. Muench is a graduate of Minnesota’s Partners in Policymaking program to further expand her advocacy skills and deepen her impact within the disability community. Carrie is the proud mother of three children, including her youngest child, Ava, who has Down syndrome.

Jennifer Radel

Jennifer Radel is an Early Childhood Special Education Teacher with Owatonna Public Schools in Owatonna, Minnesota, where she supports young learners in building strong foundational skills and accessing equitable educational opportunities. In her role, Jennifer partners with families, general education teams, and community resources to create inclusive, strengths-based learning experiences for students with diverse needs.

Jennifer’s connection to the Down syndrome community is deeply personal — she and her husband are proud parents to their son, Kai, whom they adopted and who has Down syndrome. This lived experience fuels her commitment to advocacy, inclusive education, and family-centered support systems that ensure every learner feels valued and every parent has a community to lean on.

Tara Solem

Tara Solem serves as the District Manager and Water Planner for Lake County, Minnesota, where she supports sustainable water resources and environmental stewardship across the region. A resident of Two Harbors, Tara brings a strong commitment to public service, collaboration, and long-term community impact in her professional role. Tara is a longtime volunteer with the Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota (DSAMn), including organizing and volunteering for events that serve Duluth & Northern Minnesota.

Tara is a graduate of Partners in Policymaking, strengthening her advocacy skills to advance inclusive policies and opportunities for individuals with disabilities. She is the proud mother of three children, including her youngest child, Haven, who has Down syndrome. Tara’s lived experience, combined with her professional expertise and volunteer leadership, fuels her dedication to empowering families and strengthening inclusive communities across Minnesota.