Debra Schipper
Chief Executive Officer, Director of Social Skills, Director of School Services, Therapist, Teacher, Consultant, and Trainer

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. Debra 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.

Email: dschipper@wmlc.biz

Scott Schipper
Chief Financial Officer

B.S. Marketing

Scott Schipper, husband to Debra for over 26 years, assumed duties as Chief Financial Officer in December of 2003. Always an integral part of the founding of West Metro Learning Connections, Scott assumed this new role to allow Debra to concentrate on her passions—clients, programs, and services.

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 and 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.

Ashley Geesaman
Social Skills Group Administrator and Facilitator

B.A. in elementary education with a special education endorsement.

Ashley was born and raised in Bloomington, MN and attended Thomas Jefferson High School.  Her hobbies include outdoor activities, scrapbooking, shopping and reading.

Email:  ageesaman@wmlc.biz

Mary Wyatt
Educational Placement Administrator and  Social Skills Group Facilitator

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.

Email: mwyatt@wmlc.biz
 

Janet Gressman
Director of Administration

Janet has over twenty-five years of experience working in various office settings. As a parent of a young adult with special needs and 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 and crafting.

Email: jgressman@wmlc.biz

Tomasina Uttecht
Office & Personnel Administrator

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.

Email: tuttecht@wmlc.biz