Staff include an Executive Director, Program Manager, part-time Office Administrator, Program Staff and contractors who lead HFC classes and activities. All program staff 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 us an email introduction and resume to: info@highlandfriendshipclub.org
Staff L-R: Patty Dunn-ED, Holly Kampa-Program Manager, Ann Erickson-Office Administrator, Jack Fink, Angela Lindell, Nikki Knutson, Mason Ellingboe, Paula Keys, Katie Johnson, Eric Nelson, Mary Troullier, Heather Moss, Rebecca Ripka, Gayl Marshall, Wren Hopkins, Hayley Ladwig, Isabelle Spooner. 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
Ann Erickson
Ann is delighted to serve as HFC's Office Administrator. Prior to HFC, Ann worked as an R&D project manager at a pharmaceutical company and Hamline University's CGEE, environmental education. Walking Daisy dog to the Mississippi River is a favorite thing. info@highlandfriendshipclub.org 651-808-3297
Jack Fink
Jack is attending the University of St. Thomas pursuing a degree in Marketing. He is excited to be a part of the wonderful community at HFC! hfc.jackf@gmail.com
Angela Lindell
Angela is an undergraduate student at the University of St. Thomas. She is studying Biology and Business and is working toward becoming a dentist. Angela is excited to be a part of HFC and empower 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 an Occupational Therapist at St. Paul Public Schools. She has background in working with children with a variety of disabilities for over 35 years in topics such as sensory processing and motor development. keys.paula@gmail.com
Katie Johnson
Katie has experience advocating for individuals living with brain
injuries. Katie is excited to be a part of an accessible space that
empowers individuals living with disabilities to find new hobbies and
make new friends! hfc.katiej@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
Mary Troullier
Mary is a graduate student at the University of Minnesota who loves working a variety of jobs in the adaptive and therapeutic recreation field. She hopes to help individuals with disabilities be more independent and find fun ways to be physically active. hfc.maryt@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
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
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
Wren Hopkins
Wren comes to HFC as a student of Hamline University who leads the Disability Services organization on campus and has a long history of advocating for people with disabilities. hopkinswren@gmail.com
Hayley Ladwig
Hayley is working on her masters in clinical social work at UST. She was a member of UST's Special Olympics Club and loved HFC members so much that she just couldn't resist becoming a staff! She brings a passion for celebrating neurodiversity and the field of mental health. hfc.hayley@gmail.com
Isabelle Spooner
Isabelle graduated from University of St. Thomas in 2022 with a degree in Justice and Peace Studies. She has prior experience as a PCA and loves getting to know people and their passions. Isabelle is excited to be a part of the HFC community! isabellegspooner@gmail.com
