Staff
All staff can be reached via email or by phone at 651-439-7434.
Sally Anderson has a Masters in Health Administration from Indiana University and earned a certificate in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from the University of Wisconsin. Prior to joining Community Thread, she served in senior leadership positions at Valley Outreach, a local food shelf and basic needs provider where she worked extensively with volunteers. Her professional experience includes starting a nonprofit mental health clinic and managing programs serving aging and disabled populations in collaboration with other nonprofits. Sally lives in Houlton, WI. Email Sally@CommunityThreadMN.orgKathryn Bolinder has an undergraduate degree in social work and a Master of Healthcare Administration degree and Master of Management degree from St. Mary’s University. Before coming to Community Thread, Kathryn worked as Long Term Care Administrator, Clinic Manager and Director of Operations in several not-for-profit and for-profit organizations. She continues to volunteer with several local organizations. Email Kath@CommunityThreadMN.org
Allissa Obler has a Master of Nonprofit Management degree from Hamline University. Prior to joining Community Thread, Allissa worked at St. Croix River Association where she managed donor relations and provided support for grant writing and event planning. Her professional experience includes public and private fundraising, communications and marketing. She currently serves as an Ambassador with the Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce and on the board of the Stillwater Area Kiwanis Club. Allissa lives in Bayport. Email Allissa@CommunityThreadMN.org
Sue Elmer has a degree in Therapeutic Recreation from the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse. Prior to joining Community Thread, she was the Program Director at YMCA Camp St. Croix in Hudson, Wisconsin for 10 years where she was responsible for the operation of retreats and meetings. Sue has volunteer management, event planning and marketing experience and has been an active community volunteer, assisting with a variety of festivals and events in the St. Croix Valley. Sue was also an active volunteer in the Stillwater Schools for over 13 years with her children and for many sports teams and associations. Sue is a native of Stillwater and resides in Lakeland, Minnesota. Email Sue@CommunityThreadMN.org
Kim has a background in insurance and retail settings and has worked as a health paraprofessional in the Stillwater School district. She has been an active volunteer in her children’s schools and sport organizations. Kim and her family have been very active in fostering dogs for a local dog rescue. She serves on the executive board of the St Croix Valley Athletic Association and is a charter member of the Afton Bayport Lakeland Lions Club. Email KimM@CommunityThreadMN.org
Jennifer holds a B.A. in Business Administration from the University of St. Thomas. She brings 10 years of non-profit experience to Community Thread, including work in the areas of program and fund development, volunteer management and strategic planning. Jennifer is a 2013-14 class participant of Leadership Twin Cities where she continues to be involved as a steering committee member and past co-chair for the 2016-17 class. Jennifer and her family live in Chisago City, MN. Email Jennifer@CommunityThreadMN.org
Leanna has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of MN-Duluth and worked as a Special Ed Paraprofessional for 13 years. She is certified in Volunteer Leadership and has an extensive background in volunteer management. Leanna is an active volunteer with a variety of local non-profits including Canvas Health, Family Means, United Way, Lakeview Foundation and her children’s schools. Email Leanna@CommunityThreadMN.org
Cathy Dyball has a B.A. in Sociology from the University of Minnesota and a Master of Human Relations Degree from the University of Oklahoma. She also has a Training and Development Certificate from the University of Oklahoma. Cathy has worked with Community Thread since 1998 and has over 35 years of experience as a volunteer administrator, consultant and trainer in human service and health care agencies. She is a member of the Transportation Collaborative Leadership Team, which she started in 2005. She is a member of Community Health Action Team and other community groups that serve Washington County residents. She has volunteered with a variety of organizations in Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota and Oklahoma. Prior to Community Thread, Cathy worked as the Volunteer Director for Carter Hospice Care in Oklahoma City, OK and Volunteer Coordinator for North Memorial Hospice in Robbinsdale, MN. Email Cathy@CommunityThreadMN.org
Connor Geary has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from the University of Minnesota. He is currently an AmeriCorps VISTA serving at Community Thread with Chore Services and Transportation. Prior to his work at Community Thread he was an undergraduate researcher at the University of Minnesota, publishing research in Cognitive Psychology. He has volunteered with multiple local non-profits and is a lifelong resident of Stillwater. Email Connor@CommunityThreadMN.org
Jennifer has a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from the University of WI-River Falls and is an Army veteran who served as military police. She has worked in both city and state government with experience in case management, policy writing, editing and communications. Jennifer has also volunteered for various nonprofit organizations including Soul Space Farm Sanctuary in New Richmond, WI and St. Michaels Fishes & Loaves in St. Paul. Email Jenny@CommunityThreadMN.org