MRCI - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Co - Chair of the Minnesota First Provider Alliance Policy Committee
- Strategic Relations Manager
Julie assists with relationship building among the partners of MRCI and monitors the legislative priorities that will directly affect the day to day lives of our clients and their workers.
Julie Lux, Strategic Relations Manager, assists with relationship building among the partners of MRCI and monitors the legislative priorities that will directly affect the day to day lives of our clients and their workers.
Julie was hired by MRCI in 2007, shortly after graduating college with a degree in History/Sociology. She worked as a direct support worker in MRCI's Day Training and Habilitation program in Mankato. In late 2009, Julie transitioned to the Client Directed Services department to assist with claims and reimbursements. Following the transition, Julie has had several different roles with MRCI CDS. She was worked in the PCA Choice program, licensed services under the 245D programs, and she was a Program Manager for the PCA program and 245D programs before her current position.
Julie is currently am co-chair of the Minnesota First Provider Alliance Policy Committee as well as a member of the Alliance. She sits on the PCA Coalition and is an active member with MN-CCD and sits on their Policy Committee.
When not following the legislature, she enjoys the outdoors. Julie, her husband and two kids enjoy camping and hiking. She also enjoys baking and decorating cakes and cookies.
Julie's favorite quote is: "I am not going to live by their rules anymore." - Bill Murray
One thing that motivates Julie is helping families understand what legislative mandates are coming from the state of Minnesota so they know how this will affect their program which is so crucial for their loved one. Julie strives to be a voice for our families when they cannot be up at the capital to really let our legislators know what their votes will mean to our families.
Kim Goerger, CDS Controller, oversees accounting functions to ensure accurate, timely reporting, and prepares financial analysis.
Kim was hired by MRCI in November 2017 and has been in her current position since October 2019. In addition to Kim's accounting experience, she also brings process improvement experience and business process knowledge. Prior to working at MRCI, she worked in manufacturing.
Kim oversees accounting functions to ensure accurate, timely reporting, and prepares financial analysis.
Job Titles:
- CDS Program Manager
- Program Manager for MRCI CDS
Kyle Rueter oversees the CDCS, CSG and other small programs to ensure quality of service.
Kyle Rueter is the Program Manager for MRCI CDS. He oversees the CDCS, CSG and other small programs to ensure quality of service.
Kyle was hired in April of 2016 as a Program Specialist. He has moved through the department to the Implementation Coordinator, Program Coordinator and now his current position. Prior to MRCI, Kyle worked in the mental health field. His educational background is in education and he spent a few years as a teacher before moving into the disability services field. Kyle attended Minnesota State University, Mankato where he was on the football team.
Kyle resides in Eagle Lake with his wife and 5 kids. He serves on the Eagle Lake Fire Department as a volunteer and takes much pride in serving his community. He is also a member of a BBQ Competition Team and enjoys cooking for his friends and family. In his free time, he enjoys being outdoors, watching football and hockey, and spending time with his family.
Kyle is inspired by words used frequently in the fire service: Valor, Honesty, Integrity. He has tried to live his life by those core words each day. Kyle is motivated to provide the services he does because he understands the struggles a family goes through in dealing with loved ones with disabilities. Having two children in the CDCS program, he has walked the same path that our clients have walked. He knows and understands the frustrations that families can have. Kyle's passion is to make these programs more accessible to all and provide education to society outside of "our little world."
Job Titles:
- Director of Information Technology
Rhiannon provides leadership and management of key IT project initiatives and oversight of day-to-day operations of IT programs.
Rhiannon Johnston, Director of Information Technology, provides leadership and management of key IT project initiatives and oversight of day-to-day operations of IT programs.
She began working with MRCI in 2012. She came to MRCI with prior experience in retail, mobile technology, and banking.
Rhiannon has a BS in Management with a Human Resources concentration, as well as minor in Business Administration from Minnesota State University, Mankato. She has worked and volunteered in various technical capacities throughout her career and currently serves as a member of the CIT Advisory Board.
Sewing, embroidery, and other crafting endeavors provide a relaxing outlet to Rhiannon when she has free time. She also enjoys spending time with her family, especially if there is a meal involved!
Rhiannon's favorite quote is Dreams become reality one choice at a time. - Unknown. A close second is Whether you think you can, or you think you can't - you're right. - Henry Ford.
Rhiannon loves being able to convey technical information in a non-technical manner and is excited to use that skill to help staff further MRCI's mission in supporting the unique needs and choices of individuals with disabilities.
Job Titles:
- CDS Human Resources Coordinator
- Human Resource Coordinator
Shannon oversees the CDS HR department in the hiring of workers for the clients we serve, benefits, special projects, and provides HR support to clients/client representatives and their workers.
Shannon Heitner, Human Resource Coordinator, oversees the CDS HR department in the hiring of workers for the clients we serve, benefits, special projects, and provides HR support to clients/client representatives and their workers.
Shannon was hired in the CDS department in May of 2017 as a HR Specialist. In April of 2020 she became the HR Coordinator in CDS. Prior to joining CDS Shannon worked 2 summers in the Bridge to the Future Program with MRCI while finishing college.
Shannon graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management and a minor in Business Law.
In her spare time, Shannon enjoys kayaking, camping and really doing anything outdoors as well as spending time with her husband, 2 girls, and 2 dogs. She also enjoys watching Maverick and Wild hockey.
Shannon's favorite quote is: "You never fail until you stop trying." - Albert Einstein
Seeing the positive effects CDS services has on families and individuals with disabilities is Shannon's main motivator. Shannon has a brother with Autism and watched her parents go through the struggles of raising him without much help, so she understands the importance of her team doing their part as quick and efficiently as possible in order to meet the needs of the clients and families we serve.
Job Titles:
- Chief Business & Marketing Officer