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.