Author: Megan Kunelli

How do you feel your previous work experience prepared you for this new role?

I feel so fortunate to come into this position with the background I do with Merrick. I had the privilege of learning from many exceptional leaders in my prior time at Merrick including John Wayne Barker and Colleen Timbers, who helped shape my understanding of what truly matters in this work. To have the relationships that I already do with clients, staff, and management is such an advantage. Also, to be able to come into a leadership position for a company that has so many positive things going for it is a rare opportunity. My time at Merrick, combined with the past 13 years as Executive Director of Newtrax, taught me that when we stay focused on helping our clients achieve their goals and dreams, everything else tends to fall into place.

What long-term goals do you have for Merrick?

My long term goal is to continue to strive to make Merrick a better organization tomorrow than it is today. We can only do that one day at a time.

Describe any hobbies, interests, etc.

My greatest joy comes from spending time with my family. I have four kids—the youngest are twins who just started college—and three younger stepchildren. I truly value my time with my wife, kids, and mom.

Outside of family, I also work as a statistician for the Timberwolves and Lynx, which is a fun and rewarding way to stay connected to my love of sports.

Anything else about yourself that you want others to know?

I’m honored and excited to be back at Merrick. I want to extend my thanks to John Wayne Barker for his remarkable leadership over the past 27 years. His legacy is one I hope to build upon as we move forward.

Since the kiln was installed at WLB, interest in pottery has surged. Clients who once showed little enthusiasm for the art form are now embracing it, discovering the benefits of having a kiln onsite. Unlike the fragile air-dry creations of the past, the kiln-fired pieces are durable and lasting, now treasured keepsakes that clients proudly share with friends and family. Resident pottery expert, Iris, shared her excitement in witnessing clients explore new levels of creativity, particularly through the creation of more functional pieces. Coffee mugs, cups, and bowls have become popular projects and are often used by clients during meals. 

When we first envisioned what WLB could become three years ago, we had big dreams of building five specialized life enrichment studios: an arts and crafts studio, a pottery and paint studio, a music studio, a sewing studio, and a sensory studio. With the recent installation of the kiln, that vision has now been fully realized. This milestone marks not just the completion of a dream, but the beginning of new possibilities—and we’re excited to grow the program in the years ahead. 

For clients at WLB, the Back-to-School Drive is a chance to engage in community service. It is an opportunity to build connections, make new friends, and witness the direct impact of their generosity. When delivering donations to Dayton’s Bluff on August 26, clients were thrilled to see the gratitude on the faces of those receiving the supplies. They greeted school staff like old friends and eagerly posed for a group photo. To many clients, these weren’t strangers—they were simply friends they hadn’t met yet. And in many ways, they were right. 

It’s efforts like the Back-to-School Drive that spark new partnerships—some of which grow into lasting relationships. A great example is Merrick’s Self-Advocacy program, which has proudly supported the Vadnais Heights Lions Club’s Holiday Toy and Food Drive for many years. 

At Merrick, launching charitable initiatives is nothing new – civic responsibility has long been one of our core values, guiding how we connect with and contribute to our community. As the home of Merrick’s Life Enrichment Program, WLB is always looking for new ways to put this value into action. Whether through community service, charitable drives or participation in local events, WLB remains committed to deepening community engagement and making a positive impact.  

The MN-CE training program consists of 40 hours of classroom instruction plus additional time outside of class for homework. A key requirement of the program is for each participant to develop a CE plan for a job seeker. This process involves interviewing members of the job seeker’s support team and observing the individual in their home, at work, and in other frequented settings. Participants then compile their findings to identify the job seeker’s needs, skills, strengths, and interests. 

When asked about their biggest takeaways from the training, the I-Team emphasized how the CE process challenges them to look beyond surface-level information. It encourages deeper engagement with the job seeker and promotes creative thinking when identifying meaningful employment opportunities. 

For example, as a part of her homework, Merrick’s Career Exploration Counselor, Sandy Olson, chose to work with Kate, a client from one of our off-site work crews – a person she has worked with previously. Before the training, Sandy believed she knew Kate quite well. But by applying the CE process, she gained a completely new perspective and a deeper understanding of Kate’s abilities and potential. 

For an organization dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities find and maintain meaningful employment, this level of insight is invaluable. We’re excited to see how the CE process will further enhance our ability to support clients in finding not just any job—but the job they truly want and deserve. 

At Merrick, we offer diverse work options tailored to clients’ unique strengths and preferred work styles. Hence, the launch of a new crew represents more than just a program expansion – it opens doors for more clients to discover meaningful work. For instance, working on a recycling crew is an excellent opportunity for those who thrive in physically active roles, enabling them to work in a way that aligns with their interests and abilities.

Like many of our initiatives, Merrick’s Plastic Recycling Program is a true team effort – made possible through the collaboration of our production team, program team and crews, and valued community business partners. Currently, 190 customers utilize Merrick’s Plastic Recycling Services on a weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or on-call basis. As the program grows, we are always seeking new partners to help expand this important initiative and open the door to even more employment opportunities for clients. If you are interested in utilizing Merrick’s Plastic Recycling Services, contact Marissa Jenson at marissaj@merrickinc.org or (651) 789-6218.