What’s New – Merrick, Inc.

HR Manager to Co-Chair HR Connections

Written by Megan Kunelli on November 3, 2025. Posted in What's New.

Published November 3, 2025

Beginning in January 2026, HR Manager Mikayla Wickersham will step into the role of co-chair for HR Connections, a networking group for HR professionals in the Northeast Metro area sponsored by Vadnais Heights Economic Development Corporation (VHEDC). Established in 2016, HR Connections meets monthly to explore workforce development topics, share best practices, and hear from industry experts.

Since joining the group in 2021, Mikayla has rarely missed a session, valuing both the knowledge she’s gained and professional relationships she’s built. In her new role, she will help plan each monthly session by identifying discussion topics, securing guest speakers, managing registration, and coordinating events.

As a long-time participant in HR Connections, Mikayla loves learning from others just as much as she enjoys sharing her knowledge, experiences, and insights. She looks forward to using this leadership opportunity to strengthen connections, expand her network, and engage more deeply in her community – while also helping raise awareness about the important work Merrick does to support adults with disabilities.

Learn more about HR Connections at https://www.vhedc.com/hr-connections-3/.

County and Nonprofits Foster Collaboration

Written by Megan Kunelli on October 28, 2025. Posted in What's New.

Published October 28, 2025

On October 15, Merrick welcomed more than 20 local non-profit leaders for “Lunch and Learn: Ramsey County Non-Profit Opportunities and Collaborations,” an event hosted in partnership with Partners for Good (PFG). While Merrick has hosted PFG events in the past, this session was among the most anticipated.

The event featured insights from Ramsey County Manager Ling Becker, District 1 Commissioner Tara Jebens-Sinh, and District 7 Commissioner Kelly Miller, who spoke about the symbiotic relationship between Ramsey County and local non-profits. Together, they explored how the county’s initiatives align with the missions of community-based organizations and the shared responsibility of supporting Ramsey County residents.

County Manager Becker acknowledged that these are unprecedented times requiring “clarity, discipline, resolve, and courage” — particularly from non-profits serving the community’s most vulnerable neighbors. She outlined the many ways the county partners with non-profits, including training opportunities, grant programs, access to county contracts, and transparency around county spending. While there were no definitive answers on what lies ahead for non-profits, Becker emphasized a reassuring message: the path forward will be walked together.

Partners for Good (PFG) is a program of VHEDC and serves as a networking and professional development group for local non-profit leaders. Co-founded eight years ago by Merrick’s Development and Communications Director, Karen Herrera, PFG continues to be a valuable resource for leaders committed to collaboration, learning, and community impact.

Learn more about Partners for Good at https://www.vhedc.com/partnersforgood/.

Volunteers Needed: Help Clients Build Confidence Through Mock Interviews

Written by Megan Kunelli on October 28, 2025. Posted in What's New.

Published October 28, 2025

Are you involved in the hiring process within your profession? Have you conducted so many interviews that the process feels second nature? If so, we invite you to take part in a meaningful volunteer opportunity.

Merrick’s Independent Employment Services team (I-Team) is seeking volunteers to conduct mock interviews with clients who are preparing to enter the workforce. While the I-Team assists clients with resume development, job searches, and interview preparation, experience has shown that clients benefit greatly from practicing their interview skills with professionals outside of their regular support team.

Your participation will help clients gain confidence, receive constructive feedback, and strengthen their ability to present themselves effectively to prospective employers.

If you are interested in volunteering or would like additional information, contact Assistant Program Director Amy Jacobsen amyj@merrickinc.org or (651) 789-6229.

Strengthening Connections Through Sign Language

Written by Megan Kunelli on October 28, 2025. Posted in What's New.

Published October 28, 2025

For years, employees at Merrick have used sign language to connect with non-verbal and deaf clients, some of whom have even developed their own unique signs. Until recently, however, new employees received little formal training, leaving them unsure how to communicate effectively with clients who rely on sign language. This communication gap often led to misunderstandings that made it difficult to meet clients’ needs and build strong, trusting relationships.

That all changed in early 2025, when Merrick partnered with an American Sign Language (ASL) Trainer to launch on-site sign language classes. The program began with three one-hour long sessions offered over the course of a month for interested employees, focusing on words and phrases most commonly used in daily interactions. The response was overwhelmingly positive – so much so that Merrick expanded the program to include a Sign Language 102 course for employees eager to build on what they learned in the first class.

The introduction of sign language classes not only improved communication between employees and clients but also boosted confidence across the team. For Melony Nace, a Direct Support Professional at Merrick’s Life Enrichment Program, completing the course transformed the way she interacted with many clients. “Clients can express needs more easily,” Melony shared, “improving daily routines and overall success. This fosters a more inclusive, supportive and fun environment.”

At Merrick, we’re committed to creating a space where every client feels empowered, valued, and heard. Providing sign language training for employees has been an important step toward making that vision a reality. We’re proud of the progress we’ve made and look forward to building on this momentum as we continue exploring new and innovative ways to meet the diverse needs of our clients.

2025 Empower! Lunch

Written by Megan Kunelli on September 24, 2025. Posted in Photos, What's New.

Photo Credit: Steve Kjelland Photography

Event Date: September 18, 2025

Meet Mike Greenbaum

Written by Megan Kunelli on August 29, 2025. Posted in What's New.

Published August 29, 2025

On July 1, 2025, Mike Greenbaum became the Executive Director of Merrick, Inc. Having previously worked at Merrick, and later at its transportation partner, Newtrax, Mike is a familiar face to many long-time employees, which has helped make the transition a smooth one. To help those who may not know Mike well get to know him better, we asked him a few questions.

What are you most looking forward to as Executive Director of Merrick, Inc.?

There are two things I’m most excited about in returning to Merrick. First, I’ve truly missed being around our clients on a daily basis. At the heart of why we work here is our shared care and passion for the individuals we serve, and I’ve missed that day-to-day interaction.

Second, I’m energized by the opportunity to work alongside our incredible program staff. Their impact on the lives of our clients is profound, and supporting them in their work is one of my top priorities. It’s inspiring to witness the difference they make on a daily basis.

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.

Willow Lake Gets a Kiln

Written by Megan Kunelli on August 25, 2025. Posted in What's New.

Published August 25, 2025

When Merrick leased the space that would become the Willow Lake Boulevard (WLB) site in 2022, employees were invited to help reimagine it as a remarkable life enrichment program. From the very beginning, it was always the collective dream to install a ceramic kiln to bring the Pottery and Paint Studio to life. This summer, that long-held dream became reality – thanks to generous funding from the Royal Credit Union Foundation.

Before the arrival of the kiln, WLB worked exclusively with air-dry clay. While clients enjoyed the creative process, employees recognized its limitations: it lacked durability, was not food safe, and could not be made waterproof. Plans to acquire a kiln began as early as 2023, but the installation process proved more complex than expected, resulting in a long delay.

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.

WLB Back-to-School Drive

Written by Megan Kunelli on August 20, 2025. Posted in What's New.

Published August 20, 2025

For the second year in a row, Merrick’s Willow Lake Boulevard (WLB) site hosted a Back-to-School Drive, providing clients with an opportunity to support the community in a meaningful way.

Last year’s recipient of donations was Vadnais Heights Elementary School. Following research into lower-income neighborhoods, the WLB team selected Dayton’s Bluff Elementary in St. Paul as the recipient of this year’s donations. In a fitting coincidence, Program Plan Coordinator Donna Tate – who originally launched the Back-to-School Drive – was among the first students to attend Dayton’s Bluff when it opened in 1974.

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.

I-Team Certified in Customized Employment

Written by Megan Kunelli on August 18, 2025. Posted in What's New.

Published August 18, 2025

As part of our ongoing commitment to providing exceptional employment services, Merrick’s Independent Services team (I-Team) recently completed the Minnesota Customized Employment (MN-CE) training program and is now officially certified in Customized Employment (CE).

First, what is CE? CE is a person-centered approach that aligns job opportunities with the unique skills, interests, and needs of individuals with disabilities, as well as the specific needs of the employers. The CE process consists of three primary steps: discovery, job development, and employment support. The discovery phase acts as the foundation of the entire CE process.

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.

Recycling Program Expands

Written by Megan Kunelli on August 13, 2025. Posted in What's New.

Published August 14, 2025

In recent months, Merrick’s Off-Site Services launched a second recycling crew, bringing our total number of recycling crews across Enhanced and Off-Site Services to five. Providing meaningful employment for 20 clients, these crews collect plastic and blue wrap from local businesses and hospitals. Working alongside our on-site baling crew, they divert one million pounds of plastic from landfills every year!

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.