Productive Alternatives Staff
Steve Skauge
President
Steve is responsible for overall operations of the agency, and works directly with the Board of Directors to guide the organization. “I enjoy working in a mission-based agency with dedicated, high-quality staff.” Steve also serves on the Board of Directors for MOHR (Minnesota Organization for Habilitation and Rehabilitation).
When not working at Productive Alternatives, Steve enjoys hunting, fishing, sporting events, and spending time with family and friends.
Lynette Holtberg
Quality Services Director
Lynette started at Productive Alternatives in 1989 and has held five positions over the years. In her current position, Lynette oversees licensing and accreditation compliance, administers the workers compensation program, and supervises the Adult Day and Staff Development Coordinators. Her favorite aspect of working at Productive Alternatives? “I love the variety of tasks I get to do – nothing is routine.”
Lynette lives in a 120-year-old house and is an avid “DIY-er”. That spilled over into antique restoration, and she’s always looking for a project in need of rescuing.
Mike Burke
Director of Operations
Mike is responsible for all Day Services throughout the agency. He also manages all the production business for Productive Alternatives. Mike is the Past President and currently serves on the Board of Directors for MOHR (Minnesota Organization for Habilitation and Rehabilitation) “I love the fact that Productive Alternatives, Inc. is diversified with the services we provide. Our mission is serving everyone that needs our help.“
Outside of work Mike enjoys spending lake time with his family, golfing, and sporting events.
Hannah Frederick
Director of Perham 180
Hannah started here in 2009, and one of the main roles of her job is to create, facilitate, and conduct department-specific training and general corporate-wide training. She really enjoys getting to meet everyone that works at Productive Alternatives, Inc.
When not at work, Hannah enjoys watching her girls’ athletic teams, traveling, reading, quilting, and fitness.
Denise DeMartelaere
Co-Director of Financial Services
As Co-Director of Finance, Denise oversees various aspects of the department. She has served in leadership at PAI for many years. “I am proud to support the service PAI provides to the communities and families that we serve.” Denise is happy to live outside city limits where no one cares what her lawn looks like and she can jump on a snowmobile or four-wheeler for a quick trip. She also enjoys traveling and planning camping trips.
Carrie Beithon
Co-Director of Financial Services
Carrie serves as Co-Director of Financial Services. She and Denise share various responsibilities of the department but also have specific responsibilities. “I am passionate about the mission of PAI and am honored to serve the communities and families.” Outside of work, Carrie enjoys spending time with her family and dog and appreciates every minute by the lake.
Kristie Heisler
Moorhead Branch Manager
Kristie oversees daily operations of the Moorhead office, which includes department programming, job sites, placement, and supported employment. Kristie is passionate about helping individuals improve their quality of life by finding them meaningful employment.
Kristie is a Mom to three active boys, and enjoys watching them in all their activities.
Beth Rader
Site Treatment Director, CSU
Beth oversees the day to day operations of CSU, including programming, staff, building, supplies, budget, etc. The best part of her job is the collaboration within our communities, and watching miracles happen every day.
“I love to be by one of our beautiful lakes fishing and relaxing with friends and family.”
Kevin Larson
Systems Integration Manager
Kevin has been with Productive Alternatives since 1997, and handles the day to day management of the Brainerd office and business operations. “I enjoy the diversity of our agency in that we can go after just about anything if it fits within our mission. I’ve met some really great people in this business and I love seeing our consumers grow and succeed.”
Kevin has played in rock and roll bands most of his life, and still finds time to record songs and occasionally plays with friends. He also plays competitive pool, and loves to be outdoors, hiking and hunting and staying physically fit.
Tracie Churchill
Brainerd Day Services Manager
Tracie started at Productive Alternatives in 2021 and as Day Services Manager in 2023. She oversees the Brainerd Day Services program. Her favorite part is helping clients and seeing how much they enjoy coming to PAI.
Tracie loves to go camping, walking, kayaking, baking, and to spend time with her family.
Chelci Gira
Alexandria Day Services Manager
Chelci oversees the Alexandria Day Service program. Outside of work, Chelci is often attending her children’s activities, reading, working on one of the variety of hobbies she enjoys or on a motorcycle ride with her husband, when time allows.
Heather Meyer
Perham Day Services Manager
Heather plans, coordinates, and oversees client programming. She writes programs based on what the client wants and needs. “What I like best about this job is helping our individuals achieve their goals and happiness.”
Heather loves to be outdoors, gardening, camping, spending time with family and friends, and scrap-booking.
Karla Harworth
Fergus Falls Day Services Manager
I was hired December 2014. My current job title is Program Director. I share this responsibility with Mary Knutson. We do so many different things in this job it is difficult to pinpoint one. Managing staff, paperwork, communication and coordination with outside agencies, communicating with and advocating for the people we serve, etc, etc. The variety, no day is the same. My personal interests are gardening, walking outside, reading, spending time with family and friends, exploring, ancestry, my pets (1 cat and 1 dog), and shopping mostly at second hand stores.
Ashley Henderson
Hoffman Day Services Manager
Coming to work every day seeing the smiles on our friends faces turns the day around!
Ashley is busy with her kids sports and activities. She also enjoys being outside and spending time with her family.
Donate
Productive Alternatives is a 501(c)(3) public charity.
Donations made, where a return of goods or services are not provided are tax deductable.