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

Impact on MN families

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

11,000

Instances of individualized assistance provided

16,000

Training, presentation, and event attendees

1.1M

Visits to PACER’s websites

4,550

Children and school staff educated by puppet shows

Meet our leadership

PACER staff


Heather Powell

Executive Director

Before joining PACER, Heather served as Chief Executive Officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County in Bellingham, Washington. She brings 15 years of executive nonprofit leadership experience, with a proven track record in fundraising, organizational growth, and donor engagement. She holds a Master of Science in Administrative Leadership from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and completed Strategic Leadership for Nonprofits at Harvard Business School.

Heather’s commitment to PACER’s mission is deeply personal. A former teacher and the legal guardian of her sister, who has developmental disabilities, she has seen special education from both sides of the classroom — as an educator and as a family member. For much of her adult life, she has navigated the same education, health care, and disability service systems that PACER helps families move through every day.

Gretchen Godfrey

Associate Director

Jireh Mabamba

Development Director

Renee Gallaher

Finance Director

Alex Locke

Parent Training & Advocacy Director

Paul Sanft

Assistive Technology Director

Elizabeth Ross

Marketing & Communications Director

PACER Board of Directors


Officers

  • Alison Bakken, President
  • Sara Sagedahl, Vice President
  • Ginny Hopper, Secretary
  • Todd Watterson, Treasurer

Directors

  • Jeff Betchwars
  • Melissa Deike
  • Dr. Timothy J. Feyma
  • Jessica Graft
  • Kathy Graves
  • John Guthmann
  • Shannan Paul
  • Lori Riley
  • Cristina Smith
  • Margery L. Webb
  • Matthew Woods
  • Dan Levinson

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

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