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.
Denise DeMartelaere
Director of Financial Services
Denise is responsible for recording Productive Alternatives' financial information and preparing reports for managers, vendors, and auditors. She enjoys working with "the wonderful people in the admin department" and meeting the many people served by this agency.
Denise likes to go camping at Minnesota's many state parks, and in other states, too. She also enjoys snowmobiling and attending sporting events in the area.
bob johnson
Director of Community Services
Bob administers our mental health services, serves on the Region IV South governing board, and deals with new services and funding sources. He is also our in-house IT guru. Bob has worked at Productive Alternatives, Inc. since 1976 and says the best part of his job is watching persons with disabilities fulfill their potential.
A creative guy, Bob has several hobbies, including photography, writing, playing music and songwriting.
beth nelson
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."
tammy Anderson
Development Director
In her role as Development Director, Tammy loves to share the Productive Alternatives story with people - with businesses, community organizations, and families. She especially enjoys watching adults with disabilities (our clients) shine when they reach their personal goals.
When she's not cheering on our clients, it's not unusual to find Tammy coloring as she listens to Christmas music - all year! "Crayola crayons are my favorite!" She and her husband also like camping in Minnesota State Parks.
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.
Heather Meyer
Program Planner
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.
Daryn toso
Director of Transportation Services
Managing a bus service that moves the public as well as Productive Alternatives' clients around a huge area of west central Minnesota is a major task, but Daryn makes it look (almost) easy. His favorite part of the job? "Great coworkers, and being able to get involved at the state level with the Minnesota Public Transit Association Board of Directors."
When not at work, Daryn enjoys sports, relaxing on the pontoon, fishing, deer hunting, traveling, spending time with family and especially his grandson.
Evelyn Jensen
Willows Program Director
Evelyn helps provide direct care for Productive Alternatives' clients at the Willows, and supervises staff. "The part I like best about my job is interacting with the people we serve."
After hours, Evelyn enjoys crafts and spending time with her family.
Hannah Frederick
Staff Development Coordinator
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.
Jody O'Brien
Site Supervisor
Jody has been working for Productive Alternatives since about 1990, and coordinates contract work at the Perham branch, and also interfaces with several area employers. "I truly look forward to coming to work because I so enjoy trying to make a difference in the lives of the individuals we serve."
When she's not working, Jodie is a huge NASCAR fan and she also enjoys gardening.
Julie ouren
Adult Day Coordinator
Julie has a very hectic and interesting role at Adult Day Alternatives, juggling many hats as she provides direct care, plans activities, and supervises other staff. There's a common theme among Productive Alternatives' staff, when asked what they like most about their jobs. Julie's answer: "the folks I work with and the fun we have at Adult Day!"
After work, Julie loves outdoor stuff, such as horses, sleigh riding, and camping.
julie peterschick
Little Falls and Alexandria
Branch Manager
Bio Pending
Kevin Larson
Brainerd Branch 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.
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.
Mary Knutson
Program Director
Mary coordinates DT & H - a mix of day services and vocational in-house and community-based services - at both the Fergus Falls and Parkers Prairie Productive Alternatives locations. What is the spark in her job? "Knowing that we make a difference in the lives of the people we serve."
To relax, Mary also enjoys traveling and knitting.
Troy Davis
Production Manager
Troy is in charge of the production facility at Fergus Falls, managing schedules, assessing new projects, estimating, negotiating, setting budgets and timelines with customers. He also ensures that health and safety regulations are being met.
"I am excited to come to work every day and work with people who believe in the word 'Teamwork' and take pride in what they do."
Troy's one and only hobby is spending time with his family: going to the kids' ball games, spending time with them in a boat or the woods. He is also a grandpa, and can’t wait to watch his grandson catch his first walleye!
Karla Harworth
DAC Program 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.