2024-2025 LITV Cohort

I was born in California but moved to Stillwater when I was 2 years Old. I have lived in the St. Croix Valley my whole life. I went to school to be an EMT in 1995 and then went on to Paramedic School in 2000. I started working at Lakeview in 2001. I also have worked in Chisago county as a Paramedic. I went back to school in 2005 for Architectural Drafting. I worked for 2 years as an Architectural Drafter but realized I missed being a paramedic full time. I came back full time to lakeview in January of 2008. I am currently the Operations Supervisor at Lakeview EMS as well as the Paramedic Team Lead for Washington County SWAT since 2014. I live in Bayport with my wife 2 kids and a dog. We have 4 kids two adult children Michelle and Hannah and then Keanna and Jayden. I love to Fish, Golf and spend time on the water with my family. I own a small business building custom fishing rods.

Brooke grew up in Hudson, WI and completed her undergraduate degree in journalism with an emphasis in communication studies from UW-River Falls. She was always the kid who asked ‘why?’ so getting paid to ask questions and get to know people felt like the perfect fit. Upon graduation, Brooke accepted a role as a marketing manager in Eau Claire, WI – a town she had never even heard of before moving there. After calling the Chippewa Valley home for over 8 years, she is thrilled to be back in the Stillwater area! Brooke currently serves as Business Development Manager for Market & Johnson, officing in Stillwater.

Personally, Brooke is the proud mom to her first baby, Nora, fur mom to two rambunctious labrador retrievers, Timber and Tundra, and adventure partner to her husband, Corby. Outside of work and family time, you can find Brooke racking up miles on her Peloton, throwing around heavy weights, and sampling hard ciders on a patio overlooking a lake

My name is Meg Cernohous. I grew up in Anoka MN, and moved to River Falls WI in 2014. I studied psychology at the University of St Thomas. I began my career in banking in 2005. RCU is the fourth financial institution I’ve worked for. I spent my prior ten years as a Branch Manager with U.S. Bank. In my spare time you can find me at a softball field or in a hockey rink watching our daughter. When we have a free weekend we try to get up to our cabin in Pine City as much as possible!

As a wife, mother, daughter, and working professional, I am trying to do it all. During the day you will find me championing our National Park, the St. Croix River. Evenings and weekends, I'm on the side of the pool or the soccer pitch cheering on my children or volunteering in our community. Throughout my life, building relationships has always been a focus. From patients in my clinic, members and supporters in the nonprofits I have worked with, colleagues in my volunteer efforts, and parents on the sidelines. I am most excited about the connections and relationships that will come from my cohort in Leadership in the Valley.

I grew up in the Stillwater area and graduated Stillwater High School in 2012 followed by the University of River Falls in 2016 with a Major in Criminal Justice and Sociology. I started working for the Stillwater Police Department in 2017 as a Data Specialist and Terminal Agency Coordinator. I met my husband in 2012 and in 2017 we got married at the Stillwater Country Club. We have two boys that are four and one years old. I love spending time golfing, fishing, hunting and being outside all year round. My husband is a full time Firefighter for the Stillwater Fire Department, along with my father who is an Assistant Chief for the Stillwater Fire Department.

Jesse Farrell is the Deputy Director of Public Works / City Engineer for the City of Stillwater. His primary focus is on infrastructure and how it can impact and improve lives for residents and visitors. Prior to Stillwater, Jesse held engineer positions including Director of Public Works for Vadnais Heights, and Design/Construction Engineer for Saint Paul Public Works. He enjoys all types of construction, but his favorite projects have all improved pedestrian safety and mobility. His other passion is water quality, and he spent 5 years as a technical advisory commissioner for Vadnais Lakes Area Watershed Management Organization and received their 2021 Partnership Award.

As a dedicated Planning Manager based in the City of Stillwater, Ben excels at orchestrating complex projects with an eye for detail and strategic vision. With a passion for assisting property and business owners through both easy and difficult permitting processes Ben strives to not only assist people, but build connections as well. Ben enjoys seeing that every initiative runs smoothly and efficiently, driving success for the team and the community. Outside of work, Ben enjoys unwinding with a good TV show, experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, and taking leisurely walks to explore the local scenery. Travel and music are also integral to Ben's life, offering both inspiration and relaxation.

I have spent my entire career planning and producing activities and events designed to entertain, inform and sometimes educate people about places, other people and products they produce - University of Minnesota-Technical Communication. Advertising, Marketing, Festival and Event Production, Festival and Event Training, Association Management.

I bring a lifetime of experience that I love to share with others. It was very purposeful to make my home in Stillwater and I have dedicated the second half of my life to participate in as many civic activities as possible.

Michele joined the Bayport City Council in November of 2010 and was elected mayor in 2022. Her professional background is in market research, working for Readex Research in Stillwater for most of her career. Recently retired, her focus is now on volunteering in the local community. She currently enjoys being a member and past president of the Bayport Community Action League, service chair of the Afton Bayport Lakeland Lions Club, Stillwater Area Public Schools Community Education Advisory Board Member, Planning Team Member for Thrive at Community Thread, and a VESL program volunteer at Andersen Elementary.

Elsbeth Howe joined the Stillwater Public Library Foundation as executive director in September 2023. Other roles have included Development Director at the Inver Hills Community College Foundation and Executive Director at Students United, an advocacy and scholarship nonprofit organization. The majority of her career has been in higher education, and other positions have included lobbyist, instructor, and student senate advisor. She also worked as a Legal Aid attorney. Elsbeth earned a B.A. in history from Drake University and a J.D. degree from the University of Iowa College of Law. In May 2023 Elsbeth completed a master’s degree in philanthropic studies from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University. She has served as a board member and volunteer for several local nonprofit organizations.

Dustin Kalis was appointed Fire Chief for the City of Lake Elmo in September of 2020. He began his fire service career in 2004 with the North St. Paul Fire Department. With North St. Paul, he served as fire inspector, code compliance officer, fire marshal and deputy fire chief. In 2014, Dustin went to work for the Vadnais Heights Fire Department as a fire technician providing incident response, rental housing inspections, plan review and emergency management. Chief Kalis graduated from the Concordia University – St. Paul with a BA in Kinesiology, minor in Community Health Education. Dustin lives in Lake Elmo with his wife Gina and two children.

Jade is a member of Eckberg Lammers, Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Team. She provides estate-planning services to individuals and families throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin. She guides clients through careful planning by understanding their unique situations; establish expectations; and works diligently to meet each clients’ individual planning needs. Jade lives in western Wisconsin her dog Waylon. She spends much of her free time with friends and family enjoying the outdoors, visiting local breweries and wineries, watching movies, and listening to local musicians.

I have lived in and around the St. Croix Valley for the past 27 years, raising a family in Lake Elmo before moving to downtown Stillwater. I love learning, trying new things and becoming more involved in the community. After leaving a career in hospital nursing at Lakeview Hospital, I completed my master's degree in public health and transitioned to working in occupational health and total worker health for Boston Scientific. My focus on wellbeing and how the work environment effects the employees, families and community has provided me with a new framework for care. I am personally involved in the local special needs community enjoying the Lumberjacks Special Olympics. I love living in the heart of downtown Stillwater and enjoying all the benefits this community brings.

Kristin has served as the Executive Director of the United Way of Washington County-East since July 2023, where she leads a passionate team committed to strengthening communities across Washington County. Over the course of her career, she has worked in nonprofits large and small, and subsequently joined a small consulting and benefit auction firm, where she provided strategic guidance to more than 150 nonprofits over her ten-year tenure. Kristin holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Iowa State University and Master’s degree in Education from DePaul University. She is an active member of the Chamber's Women’s Business Bridge and has volunteered with Girls Scouts of River Valleys, Youth Advantage, Valley Outreach, Community Thread, St. Croix Preparatory Academy, and Partnership Plan. She was honored to serve a six-year term on the board of directors at FamilyMeans. Kristin resides in Stillwater with her husband, Nolan, and their three children.

I grew up in the Town of Afton and currently live in Denmark Township. At age 14 I joined the Washington County Sheriffs Office explorer program. My senior year in high school I joined the Lower St. Croix Valley Fire Department as a Firefighter/EMT and retired from the fire department in 2012. When I graduated from Stillwater High School I joined the Reserve program at Washington County Sheriffs Office. I attended Century College and Mpls. Technical Collage and obtained by associate's degree in law enforcement. I was hired at Washington County Sheriffs Office in 2003 as a Deputy Sheriff. I have had the opportunity to work multiple positions at the Office. Patrol, School Resource Officer, Water/Parks/Trails, Water Recovery, Explorer Advisor, K9 Handler with K9 partner Zeke, MFF Commander, Honor Guard, Sergeant (Patrol, Special Projects and Sgt. of Security Operations) and SWAT Commander.

I am an Account Executive working in Fundraising and Events with K2 & Co. I received a full ride athletic scholarship to run track at the University of Kansas and graduated with a degree in journalism and a business minor. My experience as a Division I student-athlete taught me how to overcome obstacles while properly managing my time. It also helped me become goal oriented, determined and confident. In my time since graduation I have worked at different country clubs around the US where I helped coordinate and execute large holidays and events. This sparked an interest in me and has developed my passion for event management. I love interior design and making sure everything is aesthetically pleasing. I am thrilled that K2 is branching out into the event space and I believe I will soon be able to make a positive impact. In my free time I love trying new restaurants, going to sporting events and spending time with my family.

Heidi moved to the St. Croix Valley in 2022, bringing with her more than a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector. She has held several roles in fundraising, communications, and administration with the University of Minnesota Libraries and the Minnesota Zoo Foundation. She currently serves as the Annual Fund Manager at Dodge Nature Center and Preschool, officing out of Dodge’s new Education Center at their Shepard Farm property in Cottage Grove. With a deep passion for education and environmentalism, she has dedicated her career to driving positive change within the communities where she lives and works and has recently joined The Partnership Plan’s board of directors. Her husband Curt is the middle school band and general music teacher in Osceola, and together they are raising their one-year-old child in Bayport.

Caitlin Mejia is the co-owner and operator of Curio Dance, a performance-based dance school based in Stillwater, where she has successfully combined her expertise in dance with strong entrepreneurial skills to create a thriving arts enterprise over the past decade. In addition, Caitlin co-founded Curio Dance Company, a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts organization, with the mission to extend dance opportunities to underserved populations and bring professional dance performances to the St. Croix Valley at no cost to the community. Beyond her work with Curio Dance, Caitlin has made significant contributions to dance education. She has served as the Ballet Program Director at Premiere Dance Academy, Jete Dance Centre, and Heartbeat Studios. Caitlin’s performance portfolio includes notable credits such as iLuminate at the New World Stages Off-Broadway, Radio City Music Hall, Broadway in the Park, and television appearances on America’s Got Talent. 

Nicole recently joined the City of Lake Elmo as the City Administrator. Prior to joining the team at Lake Elmo she worked for the City of St. Anthony as the Assistant City Manager for nine years. Nicole has experience working in state government as well as the private sector. She believes in building positive relationships, collaboration and promoting the success of others on her team. She has passion for serving residents, businesses and stakeholders in the community. Nicole has a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice and a Master's Degree in Public Administration. Nicole and her husband reside in Wyoming, MN with their three kids.

Jacob currently serves as City Administrator for the City of Oak Park Heights. Prior to Oak Park Heights, he served as Village Administrator for the Village of Cary, IL for approximately 6 years where he oversaw several transformational projects including the construction of a new municipal center and new downtown commuter train depot. Jacob attained his undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. Jacob has been married to his wife Nikki for almost 8 years. They share their house in Vadnais Heights with their two golden retrievers, Lenny (9 years old) and Archie (4 years old).

Jen is an outgoing, ambitious, and motivated professional based in the St Croix River Valley area. Jen was recruited into the real estate industry several years ago, following a 20 year career as a veterinary technician, and she has excelled in her career and developed a strong passion for helping clients find their dream homes, along with helping clients market their homes properly in order to sell in a very competitive market. Jen brings a blend of dedication and expertise to the industry, reflecting her entrepreneurial spirit and hard work. Jen has been an active member and ambassador of the Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce for 12 years. Married for 12 years to her husband Chad, she is also a devoted step-parent to two wonderful children.

I graduated from Texas A&M University in College Station, TX. I was born and raised in Houston, TX. I moved to Minnesota 1 month after graduation and have worked at Xcel Energy King Plant since. I have a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and a minor in Graphic Design. I enjoy the outdoors and love any activity that involves being outdoors such as running, hiking, fishing, kayaking, and skiing. I am a sports fanatic; my favorite teams are of course the Houston Texans and Astros - oh, and the Packers. I love to get involved in the community whenever and wherever I can.

I have worked in the finance industry for over 15 years, building his expertise in a wide variety of areas. I am passionate about working with Members to help them achieve their dreams of homeownership. I attended South St. Paul High School where I played hockey, and graduated college from University of St. Thomas with a degree in Entrepreneurship. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, playing disc golf, cheering on the Minnesota Vikings, and spending time with my wife Danielle, daughter Adeline, and two dogs Odin and Cali. I regularly volunteer with local organizations such as Safe Hands Pet Rescue and Feed My Starting Children, as well as Goodwill where I taught first time homebuyer classes to individuals coming out of prison or treatment through Goodwill’s Re-Entry program.

I live in Afton with my wife Erin and our twin 16 year olds - Niko and Addie. I've been a realtor for 22 years with Edina Realty. I enjoy trail running, snowbarding and playing drums. Growing up, we moved a number of times before landing in Afton in 1985. I graduated from Stillwater High School in 1992. I spent 2 years at the University of North Dakota before graduating from St. Thomas. I worked for 5 years at Target HQ, before becoming a realtor.

Deborah loves the Midwest – she grew up in Wisconsin and North Dakota and has lived in Minnesota since attending St. Olaf College. She has been in community banking for nearly 25 years, and with First Resource Bank since November 2020. Deborah got her start in banking as a teller and has held several different roles, all of which have led to her current position at First Resource Bank. As VP Commercial & Retail Lending and Onboarding Manager for OnPoint, a new division of the bank, she splits her time between the deposit and loan sides of the Bank.  Deborah is married with two middle schoolers and an adorable dog, Doc. Her favorite thing to do is watch her kids play all sorts of sports including baseball, soccer, football, dance and freestyle skiing. She also enjoys reading, walking the family dog, dabbling in mountain biking and skiing, cabin time, and simply spending time with her friends and family.

Caitlyn Willis is currently serving as the Executive Director of Elementary Education for Stillwater Area School District. Caitlyn started her career as a business owner and independent contractor; her company, Half Steps, LLC, provided music therapy and music education to 17 different metro school districts and early childhood development centers. Through this experience, Caitlyn found a passion for students in special education and decided to pursue a Masters Degree in Special Education with teaching licenses in Emotional Behavior Disorders and Autism Spectrum Disorders. While teaching special education, Caitlyn found herself acting in various building and district level leadership positions. 
When Caitlyn is not working, she can be found enjoying her "hobby farm" in Houlton, WI with her husband, Matt, daughter, Ruth, son Will, Great Dane (Harley), Bernedoodle (Walter), 3 cats (Raphael, Simba, and Shenzi) and 26 chickens 

Dan has been a member of the Stillwater Police Department since 2010. He is currently a Patrol Sergeant, supervising patrol officers. Dan has also served as an investigator and patrol officer, and he began his career in Law Enforcement with Stillwater as a Community Service Officer. Dan serves as a use of force and firearms instructor for the department Dan grew up in the Stillwater area, graduating from Stillwater Area High School. Following graduation, he attended St John's University and obtained a BA in biology. After college, Dan worked briefly in the medical device industry but a calling for public service caused a career shift to Law Enforcement. Dan lives in the St Croix Valley area with his wife and children. He enjoys spending time with friends and family, and outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, archery, and camping.