Debra Schipper
Chief Executive Officer
B.A. Secondary Education-English, German, and Journalism; M.Ed. Educational Psychology-Emotional Behavioral Disorders; Autism Spectrum Disorder Specialist
Debra has been a professional educator in general and special education for over twenty-five years. She teaches, coaches, and supports children through young adults, and their families, with autism spectrum and related needs. With experience and expertise in elementary through high schools, Debra also teaches and prepares others to work effectively with these special young people.
Scott Schipper
Director of Business Development
Scott graduated from the University of Iowa in 1978 with a business degree in marketing. He assumed a position of account manager with Northwestern Bell in 1979. His career has included positions in large business sales, carrier sales, exchange carrier relations, public policy. He is currently a regional vice president in wholesale strategic markets.
Scott’s passions are his family, exercise, outdoor activities, reading and sports events. While his schedule does not allow him to be present at WMLC often, his behind-the-scenes work enhances programs and services in countless ways.
Mary Wyatt
Director of Admissions
Born and raised in Rock Valley Iowa, Mary attended Rock Valley High School and continued on to obtain a degree in Elementary Education (K-8) from Augustana College. Her previous experience includes teaching 1st grade at Fairmont Public School, being a Title 1 teacher for Menomonie Public School District, and being the Director of Education for Sylvan Learning Center. Mary enjoys gardening, golfing, traveling, biking, reading, attending fitness classes, and having lunch with friends.
Cassondra Rahn
Director of Social Skills Programs
Born in Ramsey and raised in Isanti, Minnesota, Cassondra attended Cambridge-Isanti High School and continued on to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Special Education and a Masters in Eduation (Teaching and Learning). Her previous experience includes being an Autism Teacher at the Middle School level in the Elk River School District for seven years. Cassondra enjoys being with family and friends, singing, crafting, being outdoors, boating and cooking.
Shayna Swanson
Director of School Services
Shayna holds a BA in Psychology with a Spanish minor from Wartburg College. She is working on her Autism Certificate. She was born in Waterloo, IA and grew up in Boone, IA. She has prior experience working at Comprehensive Systems which provides supports to individuals with special needs. She is interested in traveling.
Jim Bayer
Director of School Services
Born in St. Paul and raised in Mendota Heights Minnesota, Jim attended Sibley High School and continued on to obtain a BA in Journalism from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis; Special Education Learning Disabilities from Minnesota State University, Mankato; and an Autism Certificate from University of St. Thomas, Minneapolis. His previous experience includes being a Special Education Paraprofessional at Eden Prairie High School for six years. Jim enjoys golf, is a professional portrait photographer and coaches JV Girls Fastpitch Softball at Eden Prairie High School.
Janet Gressman
Director of Operations
Janet has over thirty years of experience working in various office settings. As a parent of a young adult with special needs and being an avid reader, she has read many books and has attended workshops relating to special needs for a number of years. She is a member of and subscriber to several disability related organizations and publications. Janet joined WMLC in 2002. She enjoys reading, gardening, baking, crafting and spending time with her family and cats.
Tomasina Uttecht
Director of Office & Personnel Administration
Tomasina graduated from Marantha Christian Academy and has attended North Hennepin Community College. She has seven plus years of administrative experience. Her work history has included Director of External Ministries for The Salvation Army and Theatre Production Director for "Go Ministries." She enjoys meeting new people, traveling to other countries and volleyball.
Hans Gulstrand
Director of Therapeutic Recreation
Born in Minneapolis and raised in Excelsior Minnesota, Hans attended Minnetonka High School and continued on to obtain a BS in Psychology from the University of Vermont. His previous experience includes working summers at WMLC while earning his degree. Hans enjoys skiing, travel, hiking, canoeing and legos.