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MICC Board of Directors Updates

8/8/2022

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"We are very excited by this period of growth on our Board, which aligns with the success of the organization in the last few years. Our Board members are more focused on and excited about our future than ever before,” said Amy Gudmestad, MICC Executive Director.

Katie Kemper, Mayo Clinic, serving in her second term, was elected as Board Chair with full confidence of the Board and the Leadership team. Katie is fully committed to MICC’s success and eager to move forward with ensuring that MICC strategic initiatives have the support they need to be successful.

Rudy Hernandez, Territory Omnichannel Officer at Best Buy, has had a long career working with strategy in the areas of finance and workforce, as well as optimization expertise. We are thrilled to have Best Buy’s continued support on our Board of Directors.

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Katie Kemper, Chair
Mayo Clinic
Executive Director, Global Bridges: Healthcare Alliance
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Rudy Hernandez
Best Buy
Territory Omnichannel Officer
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Jake Konerza
Target Corporation
Director Digital Accessibility
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Jan Wuorenma, RN, BSN, MBA
Consultant in Health Care, WellBeing, and Patient Advocacy

Jake Konerza, Director of Digital Accessibility at Target, is an innovative digital thought leader known for being able to develop strategies in the ambiguous and rapidly changing digital space. Prior to serving on the Board, Jake volunteered with MICC participants in our Careers Program.

Jan Wuorenma, recently retired, had a distinguished career in health care as a consultant and executive leader in the areas of health management and well-being, clinical/medical care, and advocacy.

MICC is grateful to our Board members who termed off this year, Rob Bass, Chris Develice, and Scott Sterling. We are especially grateful to our Board leaders, Mark Ziegler and Rochelle Brandl. Mark served eight years and took on many leadership roles with a tremendous commitment to MICC. Rochelle served six years and guided our program team with her expertise in disabilities and mental health.

Thank you to Jeff Gauvin, who continues to serve on the Board but who recently completed his term as Board Chair. Jeff will forever be known as the Board Chair who led MICC through the pandemic.


Thank you to all our Board members for your commitment to MICC!

Learn more about MICC's Board of Directors here.

​Minnesota Independence College and Community is a 501(c)3 nonprofit vocational and life skills training program for young adults with learning differences and autism spectrum disorders. Since our founding in 1996, MICC has remained dedicated to helping our students make successful transitions towards independent living and self-sufficiency. MICC is proud to be recognized as one of the Top Workplaces in Minnesota by the Star Tribune.

Media inquiries can be sent to marketing@miccommunity.org.
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Participant of the Month - Robby

6/15/2022

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PictureRobby is an active Community Program participant.
We are celebrating our June Participant of the Month, Robby!

​Participant of the Month is awarded by nominations from both peers and staff for individuals who have clearly demonstrated one or more of our three R’s: responsibility, resilience, and respect.

Robby graduated from MICC in 2017 and is an active participant in the Community Program.

Robby's favorite activity he's done at MICC is the State Fair his first year here and loved the size, food, and exhibits.

He is currently in the Beginners Fantasy and Hiking classes. Robby loves to tell jokes, loves hugs, and does improv and he said he was picked for POM because of his kind deeds, fun personality, and respect to his peers.


Congratulations, Robby!


Minnesota Independence College and Community is a 501(c)3 nonprofit vocational and life skills training program for young adults with learning differences and autism spectrum disorders. Since our founding in 1996, MICC has remained dedicated to helping our students make successful transitions towards independent living and self-sufficiency. MICC is proud to be recognized as one of the Top Workplaces in Minnesota by the Star Tribune.

Media inquiries can be sent to marketing@miccommunity.org.
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Participant of the Month - Reese

5/18/2022

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We are celebrating our May Participant of the Month, Reese!

​Participant of the Month is awarded by nominations from both peers and staff for individuals who have clearly demonstrated one or more of our three R’s: responsibility, resilience, and respect.

Reese loves to read/write stories and travel the world, and enjoyed Creative Writing elective and doing karaoke.

​Reese graduated from MICC's College Program in 2022 and has joined the Community Program.

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Congratulations, Reese!
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Reese O. recently graduated from MICC's College Program in May, and joined the Community Program.

​Minnesota Independence College and Community is a 501(c)3 nonprofit vocational and life skills training program for young adults with learning differences and autism spectrum disorders. Since our founding in 1996, MICC has remained dedicated to helping our students make successful transitions towards independent living and self-sufficiency. MICC is proud to be recognized as one of the Top Workplaces in Minnesota by the Star Tribune.

Media inquiries can be sent to marketing@miccommunity.org.
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Careers Spotlight: Evan

4/26/2022

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PictureEvan S., Customer Service Associate at Walgreens
Evan, a participant of MICC's Community Program, graduated from MICC’s College Program in 2019. He has worked for Walgreens as a Customer Service Associate for three years. As a Customer Service Associate, Evan is responsible for the front of the store. He is the main cashier on weekends. He informs customers about weekly sales, Walgreens incentives, and ensures customers leave happy. 

Evan attributes his successful transition from school to work largely due to the hands-on training he received through his practicum sites, Arc Value Village, Good Grocer, and Walgreens, as part of MICC's Retail certificate program. Evan emphasized the Walgreens Redi Program improved his skills by learning inside knowledge specific to Walgreens such as stocking, completing outdates, updating weekly and monthly ads, and using a Telxon.

During the Retail certificate program, Evan's communication skills grew significantly. He shared, “I was shy at first, and apprehensive to talk to people. I learned to communicate better and to talk to customers.”

When asked about his proudest moment, Evan responded, “The MICC Virtual Tour. I have a certain voice I put on when speaking to customers at Walgreens, and it became the same voice I put on with the virtual tour. Working at Walgreens helped me become more confident speaking to others.”
 
Evan’s advice to students currently enrolled in the Careers certificate programs is: 

“Don’t define yourself by your flaws or setbacks—you’ll learn and grow from your setbacks.”
Evan did not always consider his communication skills as an area of strength, but now finds assisting customers the most fulfilling part of his role.

Minnesota Independence College and Community is a 501(c)3 nonprofit vocational and life skills training program for young adults with learning differences and autism spectrum disorders. Since our founding in 1996, MICC has remained dedicated to helping our students make successful transitions towards independent living and self-sufficiency. MICC is proud to be recognized as one of the Top Workplaces in Minnesota by the Star Tribune.

Media inquiries can be sent to marketing@miccommunity.org.
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Participant of the Month - Maggie

4/12/2022

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​We are celebrating our April Participant of the Month, Maggie!

​Participant of the Month is awarded by nominations from both peers and staff for individuals who have clearly demonstrated one or more of our three R’s: responsibility, resilience, and respect. Here are some of what people had to say about Maggie’s RESPONSIBILITY:

A staff member shared, “Maggie has hosted and organized an unbelievably successful birthday bash for the past two months. Her creativity has increased our engagement levels for the birthday bash!"

When asked why she has been recognized as Participant of the Month, Maggie shared, “I think I was recognized because of my involvement in the birthday bashes." 
 
Maggie graduated from MICC's College Program in 2017 and is an active participant in MICC's Community Program. She is involved in Retro Crafting, MICC's Next Top Chef, and Journaling electives. She also leads a biweekly Sensory Club on Saturdays, and shared, "I love learning new stress relief techniques and sharing them with others."

Congratulations, Maggie!


​Minnesota Independence College and Community is a 501(c)3 nonprofit vocational and life skills training program for young adults with learning differences and autism spectrum disorders. Since our founding in 1996, MICC has remained dedicated to helping our students make successful transitions towards independent living and self-sufficiency. MICC is proud to be recognized as one of the Top Workplaces in Minnesota by the Star Tribune.

Media inquiries can be sent to marketing@miccommunity.org.
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Participant of the Month - Micah

3/16/2022

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PictureMicah will graduate from MICC’s College Program this Spring in 2022.
We are celebrating our March Participant of the Month, Micah!

​Participant of the Month is awarded by nominations from both peers and staff for individuals who have clearly demonstrated one or more of our three R’s: responsibility, resilience, and respect. Here are some of what people had to say about Micah’s RESPONSIBILITY:

A peer wrote, “He has grown so much since freshman year and I don't think he gets enough credit for it.”

Additionally, a staff member shared, “Micah, you so responsible! Way to go on your new job at Panera Bread. I am proud of you and all you have accomplished in the Careers Program!”

Congratulations, Micah!


Minnesota Independence College and Community is a 501(c)3 nonprofit vocational and life skills training program for young adults with learning differences and autism spectrum disorders. Since our founding in 1996, MICC has remained dedicated to helping our students make successful transitions towards independent living and self-sufficiency. MICC is proud to be recognized as one of the Top Workplaces in Minnesota by the Star Tribune.

Media inquiries can be sent to marketing@miccommunity.org.
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Participant of the Month - Cole

2/16/2022

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PictureCole will graduate from MICC’s College Program this Spring in 2022.
We are celebrating our February Participant of the Month, Cole!

​Participant of the Month is awarded by nominations from both peers and staff for individuals who have clearly demonstrated one or more of our three R’s: responsibility, resilience, and respect. Here are some of what people had to say about Cole’s RESPECT:

A peer wrote, “He always cares and asks how everyone is. He is very kind-hearted.”

Additionally, a staff member shared, “Cole demonstrates respect daily. He always asks his peers and staff how they are doing (and asks follow-up questions)! He is a great participant in class and respects the opinions of his peers.”

When asked why he has been recognized as Participant of the Month, Cole shared, “I think I was recognized as participant of the month because I am respectful and I like to ask people about their day and help others.”
 
Cole’s favorite thing about MICC are “the socials. Especially going to the zoo.” Two fun facts about him are that he likes holding doors for other people and he likes anime.

Congratulations, Cole!


Minnesota Independence College and Community is a 501(c)3 nonprofit vocational and life skills training program for young adults with learning differences and autism spectrum disorders. Since our founding in 1996, MICC has remained dedicated to helping our students make successful transitions towards independent living and self-sufficiency. MICC is proud to be recognized as one of the Top Workplaces in Minnesota by the Star Tribune.

Media inquiries can be sent to marketing@miccommunity.org.
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Participant of the Month - Ava

1/19/2022

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PictureAva graduated from MICC’s College Program in 2021 and is a current participant of the Community Program.
We are celebrating our January Participant of the Month, Ava!

​Participant of the Month is awarded by nominations from both peers and staff for individuals who have clearly demonstrated one or more of our three R’s: responsibility, resilience, and respect. Here are some of what people had to say about Ava’s RESILIENCE:

A peer wrote, ​​“Ava has been through a lot and bounced back so well. I have seen her grow in knowing how to take action in tough work situations, standing up for herself, and never giving up.”

Additionally, a staff member wrote at length about how resilient Ava has been especially with some tough interpersonal relationship situations lately, and while “uncertain at first, Ava showed resilience in being open to the idea” of coming together to find resolutions and problem-solving.

When asked why she has been recognized as Participant of the Month for December, Ava shared, “I think I have been recognized because of the growth my peers and staff have seen in me. I have changed in many ways since beginning at MICC in 2018. I know what to do in stressful situations and how to take care of myself. I have been able to manage tough situations and grow stronger from it. I am proud to be able to be more resilient and have a support team and network of peers.”
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Two fun facts about Ava are she loves roller coasters and enjoys diamond painting while marathoning one of her favorite shows, Friends.

Congratulations, Ava!


Minnesota Independence College and Community is a 501(c)3 nonprofit vocational and life skills training program for young adults with learning differences and autism spectrum disorders. Since our founding in 1996, MICC has remained dedicated to helping our students make successful transitions towards independent living and self-sufficiency. MICC is proud to be recognized as one of the Top Workplaces in Minnesota by the Star Tribune.

Media inquiries can be sent to marketing@miccommunity.org.
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MICC Graduate Elissa Beard Earns Associate Degree From Liberty University

6/3/2021

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By Zully Sosa ​
PictureElissa on her graduation day for Liberty University
Elissa Beard graduated from the MICC College Program in 2016 and recently celebrated another graduation, receiving her associate degree in Early Childhood Development at Liberty University. She was able to hop onto Zoom for a quick call reflecting on how MICC helped put her on the path she’s on today and what she’s looking forward to in the future.  

Elissa’s passion and success in her Early Childhood Development career find their roots in her time at MICC when she began working at a preschool. “I started volunteering my time when I was a part of MICC,” she explains, “and then they hired me two years later and I had fell in love with the job.” Knowing that a degree is required to work with young children, Elissa knew that her years at MICC were to prepare her for pursuing her associate degree one day. MICC prepared her to succeed at Liberty by strengthening her time management and organizational skills which Elissa claims was most important when balancing her classes and work schedule. 


The experience was immediately different as she wasn’t as active on campus, “I was working at the preschool Wooddale Academy at the time while doing my school online. So, I took one class at a time.” Like many participants in the College program, Elissa lived in the on-campus apartments for all three  years at MICC. She mentioned that her apartment mentor, Julia Smith, was a significant support for her throughout her journey, saying, “She was my mentor for all three years. She encouraged me spiritually; she had this great spirit in her that I admire in her.” ​

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Elissa and family on her graduation day for Liberty University.
Though difficult at first, Elissa used her faith and positivity as motivation, stating “It was my ultimate goal to get this degree. I felt like the Lord wanted me to use the gifts that I had to be a blessing towards other people.” For other students at MICC considering pursuing additional education, Elissa’s biggest piece of advice is to keep an optimistic outlook. “Follow your heart and never give up in life because you don’t know if you’re capable of doing this.” she urges. “If you say you can do it, you can do it but if you say ‘Oh I can’t do it’ well then you're not going to reach what you want to do in life.” Taking her advice, from just one conversation, it is evident when talking to the recent graduate that her positive attitude has gotten her exactly where she wants to be.  
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Passionate about working with children and excited about the opportunities her journey with MICC and Liberty University have prepared her for, Elissa is ready for the next steps in life. Currently, she works at Wooddale Academy in Eden Prairie with students aged 3-4 and enjoys helping with art projects the most. When considering what the future has in store for her, Elissa shares that she thinks, “What's next for me is to be an assistant teacher along with doing mission work too. I think God has really nudged my spirit to go to do mission work too.” She would like to thank her friends Bang Schneider, Erin Manoles, Courtney, Ashley, Jeremy, Elizabeth, and all her coworkers at Wooddale Academy for their support now and moving forward. Everyone at MICC is very proud of Elissa’s accomplishments and wishes her the best of luck moving forward. Congratulations Elissa!  
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For media inquiries please contact Katherine Sjeklocha at ksjeklocha@miccommunity.org. 
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Minnesota Independence College & Community is a 501(c)3 nonprofit vocational and life skills training program for young adults with learning differences and autism spectrum disorders. Since our founding in 1996, MICC has remained dedicated to helping our students make successful transitions towards independent living and self sufficiency. MICC is proud to be recognized as one of the Top Workplaces in Minnesota by the Star Tribune.
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Get to know MICC's Autism Committee

4/27/2021

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The Autism Committee serves as a resource to all MICC staff, participants, and families. The Committee networks with professionals in the autism community to provide up-to-date training to program staff focused on evidence-based practices and current research regarding autism.

The Committee currently consists of five MICC staff including: Nicole Hafermann, Community Program Advisor, Greg Burton, College Program Advisor, Gretchen Griggs, Social Engagement Supervisor, Carley Matsumoto, Evaluation Program Manager, and Becky Waege, Employment Support Specialist, who has led as Committee Chair since 2018.
photo collage including MICC logo, text MICC Autism Committee, and headshots with name for each committee member
MICC Autism Committee
The Committee organizes monthly trainings for all MICC staff August through April based on suggestions from program staff to continue developing their skills and understanding of how to best support students based on best practices and experts from the community. Some training topics this year included:
  • ASD Evidenced-Based Practices and COVID-19,
  • Sensory Differences and ASD,
  • ASD and Cultural Sensitivity, and
  • Developmental Perspective on Sexuality.

Additionally, the Autism Committee was responsible for our incredible conversation with Dr. Temple Grandin (click here to read more about our takeaways from our meeting).

Over the past two years, an average of 80% of respondents to our year end evaluation indicated that they had used some form of evidenced-based practice in their work as a result of our trainings. The Autism Committee will continue to look to MICC staff and participants to identify training needs that will have a meaningful impact on our community.

The Autism Committee members are an invaluable resource to ensure MICC is able to provide participants in all programs positive and appropriate learning opportunities and experiences that will support in their independence.

Questions about training, interested in resources or have suggestions on training topics? ​Email autismcommittee@miccommunity.org.

Minnesota Independence College & Community is a 501(c)3 nonprofit vocational and life skills training program for young adults with learning differences and autism spectrum disorders. Since our founding in 1996, MICC has remained dedicated to helping our students make successful transitions towards independent living and self sufficiency. MICC is proud to be recognized as one of the Top Workplaces in Minnesota by the Star Tribune.
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7501 LOGAN AVE S.  STE 2A   RICHFIELD, MN 55423 
PHONE (612) 869-4008 | FAX (612) 869-0443 | EIN 41-1814112

Effective, August 1, 2018, Minnesota Life College changed its name to MICC., pronounced ‘em’ ‘eye’ ‘see’ ‘see’.
​MICC stands for Minnesota Independence College and Community.


At MICC, the values of diversity, equity and inclusion are essential elements of our vibrant learning community. It is vital that everyone receives the tools to succeed and thrive regardless of neurodiversity, race, ethnicity, nationality, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability status or any other identity. We are committed to embracing diverse perspectives and creating a supportive environment for all to discuss, challenge, and explore how we can continuously enrich the MICC community.