About PACER

Learn about PACER’s mission, programs, and impact

Our mission

PACER Center improves educational opportunities and enhances the quality of life for children and young adults with disabilities and their families.​

PACER has three main areas of focus:

Parent Training & Advocacy

Assistive Technology Solutions

Social Inclusion Programs

2024 impact on MN families

Learn about PACER’s areas of focus and current projects.

11,000

Instances of individualized assistance provided

17,000

Training, presentation, and event attendees

1.4M

Visits to PACER’s websites

4,250

Children and school staff educated by puppet shows

PACER staff


Meet our leadership

Tonia Teasley

Executive Director

Tonia brings to PACER deep experience in business and a passion for PACER’s mission of championing children with disabilities and their families. Before joining PACER, she served as the regional chief executive officer for the American Red Cross for Minnesota and the Dakotas. Tonia also has held executive-level positions with Capella Education Company, Thomson Reuters, and Oppenheimer, Wolff & Donnelly. She is a graduate of St. Olaf College and the University of Minnesota Law School and is a parent of adult children with disabilities.

Gretchen Godfrey

Associate Director

Jireh Mabamba

Development Director

Renee Gallaher

Finance Director

Vava Guthrie

Parent Training & Advocacy Director

Paul Sanft

Assistive Technology Director

Lisa Elm

Social Inclusion Programs Director

More than 160,000 students in Minnesota receive special education services.

You can help PACER reach more families who need our services.