CENTRACARE - Key Persons


Allison Theisen

Job Titles:
  • Executive Assistant
  • Foundation about Us Foundation Staff Member

Amanda Konnight

Job Titles:
  • Nurse
  • Registered Nurse at the Child Advocacy Center
Amanda is a Registered Nurse at the Child Advocacy Center who is working on her SANE-P certification. Amanda assists with performing medical exams for victims and educates community members about signs of abuse. Amanda has always had a passion for working with those who are underprivileged, suffered through trauma or abuse, and struggled with mental health or substance abuse. Working at the CAC allows Amanda to use her passion by working with our most vulnerable populations during what may be one of the most difficult periods of their life. Her hope is that through our work we are able to break the cycle of abuse and provide resources that lead on to a road of healing. In her free time, she loves to spend time with her children and family, watching movies/documentaries, reading books, and listening to music!

Bernie Perryman

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Foundation Board of Directors
  • Owner, Batteries Plus Bulbs

Bob Brauchler - Chairman

Job Titles:
  • Chairman

Bob Kovell

Job Titles:
  • ABV, CVA, Miller, Welle, Heiser & Co. Ltd

Bob Thueringer

Job Titles:
  • Retired COO Coborns, Inc.

Bobbie Bertram

Job Titles:
  • Member of the CentraCare Board of Directors

Bobbie Mattison

Job Titles:
  • Senior Development Officer

Brad Konkler - VP

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Foundation Board of Directors
  • Vice President

Brad Schmidt

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Development Committee
  • Member of the Foundation Board of Directors

Brandon Pietsch

Job Titles:
  • Ex Officio / Secretary

Brenda Jacobson

Job Titles:
  • Director of Foundation Operations

Bryan Bauck

Job Titles:
  • Executive Director
  • Executive Director, Rural Health Western Region

Bryan Lydick

Job Titles:
  • Executive Director

Bryan Rolph

Job Titles:
  • Nephrology, CentraCare Clinic - River Campus

Calvin (Chico) Jensen

Job Titles:
  • Trustee

Candyce Thompson

Job Titles:
  • Events Manager
  • Foundation about Us Foundation Staff Member

Carnie Allex - President

Job Titles:
  • President

Carol Thelen

Job Titles:
  • Director of Development - Major & Planned Gifts

Carolyn Koglin

Job Titles:
  • Senior Director Ambulatory Care, CentraCare - Sauk Centre

Carrie Neid

Carrie is a Forensic Interviewer/Advocate at the Child Advocacy Center. Carrie brings many years of experience working with youth and their families. She is passionate about empowering survivors and at-risk youth, to overcome barriers and become healthy minded individuals. Carrie feels privileged to have been chosen to become a member of our team, and is excited to continue her journey of child, family, and community advocacy. Carrie is a huge Nascar lover and a devoted Vikings fan. She loves summer activities including camping, boating and anything else outside!

Chad Roggeman - Chairman

Job Titles:
  • Chairman of the Board
  • Member of the Foundation Board of Directors
  • Attorney, Rajkowski Hansmeier Ltd.

Chris Backes

Job Titles:
  • Prospect Researcher

Cindy Firkins Smith - SVP

Job Titles:
  • Senior Vice President
  • Senior Vice President, Rural Health
  • Vice President, Rural Health

Cynthia Gronau

Job Titles:
  • Chief Medical Staff

Dan Abdul

Job Titles:
  • Member of the CentraCare Board of Directors
  • Health Technology Executive

Dan Enderson

Job Titles:
  • Co - CEO

Dan Koster - Chairman

Job Titles:
  • Chairman
  • Trustee

Dan Super

Job Titles:
  • Accountant
  • Foundation about Us Foundation Staff Member

Daniel Rea

Job Titles:
  • Vice - Chairperson / Appointed Community Member

Darla Mergen

Job Titles:
  • Senior Development Officer

David A. Kruse

Job Titles:
  • Medical Provider
Dr. David Kruse is one of the medical providers at the Child Advocacy Center. Dr. Kruse specializes in pediatrics in child services for CentraCare. He has an interest in general pediatrics and sports medicine. Dr. Kruse completed his residency at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. He also completed his medical education at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine. Dr. Kruse is a sports fan (particularly for the Iowa Hawkeyes). He enjoys cheering for his kids in their activities. He loves coaching them on the basketball court.

David Anfinson

Job Titles:
  • Member of the CentraCare Board of Directors

David Danielson

Job Titles:
  • Prior Year Chief Medical Staff

Deb Paul

Job Titles:
  • Development Officer Annual Giving

Diane Brandes

Job Titles:
  • Regional Coordinator

Doug Schmidt

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Development Committee
  • Member of the Foundation Board of Directors

Dr. Geri Jacobson

Job Titles:
  • Medical Director
Dr. Geri Jacobson is the Medical Director and one of the medical providers at the Child Advocacy Center. Dr. Jacobson attended medical school at the University of Minnesota. She completed her pediatric residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Dr. Jacobson worked for the Indian Health Service at the Gallup Indian Medical Center in New Mexico for 11 years before moving back to Minnesota. She has worked for CentraCare Pediatrics since 2011 and works part time at the Child Advocacy Center. Dr. Jacobson is passionate about kids. She believes that every child deserves to be well cared for and loved. She enjoys the challenge of caring for kids, where her training and experience mean the most. Dr. Jacobson also enjoys reading, running and spending time with her family.

Edward Martin-Chaffee

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Foundation Board of Directors
  • Neonatologist / Pediatric Cardiologist, CentraCare Clinic

Eileen Dauer

Job Titles:
  • Physician, St. Cloud ENT

Eric Olson

Job Titles:
  • Superintendent, Monticello School District

Father Tom

Job Titles:
  • Member of the CentraCare Board of Directors

Grant Herfindahl

Job Titles:
  • Community Member

Gwen Muehring

Job Titles:
  • Specialist

Jacob Eiler

Job Titles:
  • Anesthesiologist

James Hebl

Job Titles:
  • Member of the CentraCare Board of Directors
  • Regional Vice President, Mayo Clinic

Jan Madson

Job Titles:
  • Trustee

Jeff Gau

Job Titles:
  • Member of the CentraCare Board of Directors
  • Retired CEO, Marco

Jenna Rieger

Job Titles:
  • Administrative Assistant
  • Child Advocacy Center 's Administrative Assistant
Jenna is the Child Advocacy Center's Administrative Assistant. She is the friendly face when you come through our doors or the caring voice on the other end of the phone when you call. Jenna has been working in medical administration positions for over 10 years. She is grateful to be working in a setting that helps bring healing and support to the children and families of CAC. In her spare time, Jenna loves to spend time doing anything with her husband and four kids! Her favorite hobbies are DIY projects around the home, expanding her plant collection, and eating sushi!

Jennifer Tschida

Job Titles:
  • Senior Director, Ambulatory Care, CentraCare - Melrose

Jessica L Najarian-Bell

Job Titles:
  • Bell, MD, Medical Provider
  • Medical Provider
Dr. Jessica Najarian-Bell is one of the medical providers at the Child Advocacy Center. Dr. Najarian went to medical school at Creighton University and completed her pediatric residency at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. She has a passion to help and care for all children, as she believes they are the future and we must advocate for them fully. She is amazed every day at the magic children hold and the excitement they have for life. She has four children of her own that she loves spending time with and learning from. She also enjoys running, reading, and traveling with her family.

Jill Martin

Job Titles:
  • Community Member

Jim Johnson

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Foundation Board of Directors
  • Assistant Professor, St. Cloud State University

Joe Bergstrom

Job Titles:
  • Chief Financial Officer / Preferred Credit, Inc. Shannon

Joe Fox

Job Titles:
  • Community Member

Joe Francis

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Foundation Board of Directors
  • CEO / President, Central McGowan

Joe Mercuri

Job Titles:
  • Hospitalist, CentraCare - St. Cloud Hospital / CentraCare Clinic

Joe Uphus

Job Titles:
  • Managing Partner, the Mutual Fund Store / Board Chair

John Beste

Job Titles:
  • Owner, Famo Feeds / Freeport

John Hering

Job Titles:
  • Chief Medical Officer and Administrator, CentraCare - Monticello

Jon Buyck

Job Titles:
  • Community Member

Jose Alba - President

Job Titles:
  • President

Josie Syverson

Job Titles:
  • Chief of Staff

Joy Plamann

Job Titles:
  • Senior Vice President of Central Operations and President, CentraCare - St. Cloud Hospital

Kelly O'Farrell

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Foundation Board of Directors
  • Partner, Conway, Deuth & Schmiesing, PLLP

Kenneth Holmen - CEO, President

Job Titles:
  • CEO
  • Member of the CentraCare Board of Directors
  • Member of the Foundation Board of Directors
  • President

Kurt Habben

Job Titles:
  • Ex Officio, Chief of Staff, CentraCare - Paynesville

Linda Kappel

Job Titles:
  • Retired

Liza Fetterley

Job Titles:
  • Child and Family Advocate
Liza is the Child Advocacy Center's Child & Family Advocate. She has a bachelor's degree from St. Cloud State University in Community Psychology and has worked with children and families for over 15 years. She has a passion for helping bring hope and healing to those who have experienced trauma. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, kayaking, reading, nature photography and spending time with family and friends.

Lori Laudenbach

Job Titles:
  • LPCC, Integrated Behavioral Health Provider
Lori received her undergraduate degree from St. Cloud State University with a major in psychology, then considered research and went to the University of Toronto and received her Master's degree in Cognitive Psychology, and then returned to her initial interest and completed her Master's degree in Community Counseling at Northeastern Illinois University. Lori has worked in a variety of settings as a helping and mental health professional - including community mental health, correctional settings, primary care, and high schools. She currently works as an Integrated Behavioral Health Provider at CentraCare's Pediatric Clinic. Her areas of interest include providing trauma-informed and culturally competent care while enhancing existing resiliencies and strengths. She is also an avid fan of mindful compassion towards self and others. Lori believes that we should all be able to find our own peace and safe places in this world, and we can all strive to be more understanding and loving towards our fellow humans.

Mary Gregory

Job Titles:
  • Uptown Eye Care, Omni Vision & Learning Center

Mary Jepperson

Job Titles:
  • Professor, College of St. Benedict / St. John 's University

Mary Schmidt

Job Titles:
  • LPGE Secondary FACS Teacher, Retired

Melissa McGinty Thompson

Job Titles:
  • Co - CEO

Melissa Weber

Job Titles:
  • Community Volunteer
  • Member of the Development Committee
  • Member of the Foundation Board of Directors

Michelle Johnson

Job Titles:
  • Member of the CentraCare Board of Directors
  • Senior Partner, Witt / Kieffer

Mike Stoebe

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Development Committee
  • Member of the Foundation Board of Directors
  • Primary Broker / Principal, INH Properties

Monica Guggenberger

Job Titles:
  • Manager
  • Manager of the Child Advocacy Center
Monica is the Manager of the Child Advocacy Center. Prior to entering this role, Monica had worked as a psychotherapist with CentraCare since 2013 . Monica believes in the importance of early intervention and getting children and adolescents connected to the care they need. She is very passionate about the services the CAC provides to the community and is excited to help the CAC continue to grow and support even more families. Outside of work, Monica enjoys spending time with her husband and three daughters, is an avid reader, loves anything health/fitness related and enjoys spending time outside.

Neil Linscheid

Job Titles:
  • Community Member

Nicole Bjerke

Job Titles:
  • Senior Development Officer
  • Registered Nurse at the Child Advocacy Center
Nikki is a Registered Nurse at the Child Advocacy Center. She obtained her bachelor's degree in nursing from Minnesota State University, Mankato. Nikki also went on to obtain a master's degree in Nursing Education from Walden University. She has worked as a nurse in Pediatrics for over 10 years and a Nurse Instructor for the past four years. Nikki is passionate about her work and says that working in Pediatrics can be challenging but rewarding. She hopes that what we do for the children that come to the CAC will have a positive impact on their lives.

Patricia Roth

Job Titles:
  • Senior Director Acute Care, CentraCare - Sauk Centre

Patrick Langan

Job Titles:
  • Community Member

Paul Knutson

Job Titles:
  • Senior Development Officer

Paula Eckerman

Job Titles:
  • Foundation Data Systems Manager

Penny Casavant

Job Titles:
  • Senior Development Officer

Peter Spaniol

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Development Committee
  • Member of the Foundation Board of Directors
  • Managing Director / VP, US Bank Private Client Group

Renee Frauendienst

Job Titles:
  • Member of the CentraCare Board of Directors
  • Public Health Division, Director / CHS Administrator / Stearns County
  • Retired Public Health Division Director / CHS Administrator, Stearn County

Rhonda Kerkhoff

Job Titles:
  • Trustee
  • Vice Chair

Rick Butte

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Foundation Board of Directors

Robert (Deuce) Larsen

Job Titles:
  • Trustee

Rustin Nielsen

Job Titles:
  • Senior Director, Acute Care, CentraCare - Melrose

Sally Hanson

Job Titles:
  • Retired Teacher

Sam Murdoff

Job Titles:
  • Attorney, State of Minnesota

Samantha Loomis

Job Titles:
  • Development Officer

Shonda Craft

Job Titles:
  • Dean of School of Health and Human Services

Steve Laraway

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Foundation Board of Directors
  • Chairman, CentraCare Board of Directors
  • Retired Registered Investment Advisor, Laraway Financial Advisors, Inc.

Tamara Congdon

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Foundation Board of Directors
  • Medical Director, St. Benedict 's Community

Teresa Davenport

Job Titles:
  • Administrative Assistant
  • Foundation about Us Foundation Staff Member

Tiffany Thompson

Tiffany Thompson recently joined the Child Advocacy Center as a Forensic Interviewer. Tiffany brings 17 years of investigative knowledge and experience through her previous employment as a Saint Cloud Police Officer. Tiffany's hope is that through the collaborative approach of the multi-disciplinary team and child centered focus; children leave the CAC with a feeling of restored faith and dignity. Tiffany's focus throughout her career has maintained a priority of proactive and positive involvement in the lives of children and is proud to serve as a member of the multi-disciplinary team at the CAC. Outside of work, Tiffany enjoys traveling, camping and fishing with her family.

Tim Borgmann

Job Titles:
  • Vice Chair of the Board

Tim Steinbach

Job Titles:
  • Senior Development Officer

Tim Wensman

Job Titles:
  • Retired Executive

Tom D. St. Hilaire

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Development Committee
  • Member of the Foundation Board of Directors
  • President, MFP

Tom Sellnow

Job Titles:
  • Attorney, Sellnow Law Office

Vicky Herkenhoff

Job Titles:
  • VP, Administration & Finance / Stearns Electric Association