Alainna Lewis
Anchor House Program Director
If you ever need ideas for fun new places to get drinks or food, I’m your girl. I love exploring different restaurants, coffee shops, and traveling to new places. When I’m not out and about you’ll find me cozied up and being a bookworm by heart. But most of all I’m not a regular aunt I’m a cool aunt and love spending time with my family and is a very important part of my life.
During my undergrad summers I worked with AIM Services as a DSP for two years and graduated from the University of Minnesota Duluth with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Special Education. For the next three years I taught elementary education and joined AIM Services once more helping as a DSP at Anchor. Working within this position my inspiration and desire grew, I became more inspired to help others reach their achievements every day. I’m very excited to be taking on this role and continuing to support new goals!
John Ivance
Information Technology
I’m a movie junkie, lover of live music, and frequent visitor to the north shore of Lake Superior.
I dig gadgets and gizmos. If it has buttons, lights, and makes my life easier; I probably own it!
In my work with AIM and The TAP, I found my people. I was surprised to find so many amazing friends! I discovered they were just like me. My life is so much richer, because of the relationships I’ve built within this community…my community.
I’m the “IT guy” and I take care of all things technology. But I bring a lot more to the table. At The TAP, they call me DJ Johnny, and I keep things rocking!
I want to help our friends live meaningful and happy lives.
Mark Winters
Director of Consulting
I’m a family man at heart. I love my wife, my two daughters, and my two amazing grandkids. When I’m not spending time with them, you can probably find me on a hockey rink, reffing games.
Person-Centered philosophy is my passion. I like helping people discover a different way to both, think about, and approach this work. Through my years of experience, I’ve learned to help our friends identify individual milestones and foster their dreams.
As a consultant for more than 20 years, I have a full and in-depth understanding of regulations and standards. I have the ability to make the complex easier to understand which leads to greater efficiency. I can help people understand licensing compliance and how it matters to their work. I want to help our consulting customers, get back to the important work of caring!
And I’ll simply end with an example of licensing complexity:
Subdivision 1. Requirements for intensive support services. Except for services identified in section 245D.03, subdivision 1, paragraph (c), clauses (1) and (2), item (ii), a license holder providing intensive support services identified in section 245D.03, subdivision 1, paragraph (c), must comply with the requirements in this section and section 245D.07, subdivisions 1, 1a, and 3. Services identified in section 245D.03, subdivision 1, paragraph (c), clauses (1) and (2), item (ii), must comply with the requirements in section 245D.07, subdivision 2.
Rhonda DuCharme
AIM Services Program Director
Outgoing, extrovert, talkative – anyway you phrase it, I’m a people-person! I have worked with people all my life. When I’m not at AIM, I enjoy spending time with my husband and daughter, camping, hiking, visiting museums or zoos, and exploring new places. I love to get together with family and friends and dance, play games, or cook… and I’m always up for a good “dumb” comedy movie!
I spent almost 20 years managing at a company in the wedding and events industry, then came to AIM in 2021 – and I’m so glad I did! The best part about being a Program Director is being involved in this amazing community we’ve built together. I love attending events where everyone is included and involved. Watching new friendships form and old friendships strengthen is the highlight of every BBQ, Game Day, and Cooking Class. AIM is truly a place where our friends and staff work together, play together, and support each other!
Rae Cashman
Dakota House Program Director
At home I manage a mini zoo. It’s filled with dogs, cats, and of course, people! I’m thankful that I’m never alone, because I’m a social butterfly! I love all things orange, walking around without shoes…and most importantly, I love my son! I’ve been described as free-spirited and enjoy the outdoors and camping. When I have to be indoors, I like watching crime shows or taking time for a good self-care day!
At AIM, I’m a Program Manager. I enjoy helping others stay motivated and positive! I’ve been with AIM since 2019. However, with my parents working in the field as well, I feel like person-first care has been a part of my entire life. Being in this field has taught me what a little compassion can do for our friends, and their quality of life. I come to work ready to take on anything that’s thrown my way. I enjoy helping our friends accomplish many different tasks and sometimes I encourage them to step out of their comfort zone and try new things!
Veronica Wagner
AIM Services Program Director
At my core, I’d say I’m kind-hearted and enjoy helping others to experience the best quality of life, professionally and personally. On any given Saturday, you can find me with my family or friends creating memories, or relaxing poolside to ensure I make time for self-care! My outlook on life is to do your best and ask for help with rest! I believe we were all put on this earth to find ways to serve one another.
I’ve been with Aim Services as a Program Director for two and half years; and the great people that welcomed me with open minds and arms, motivate me to do the same, within our community.
In my 14 years of service in this field, one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned, is that life provides endless opportunities to choose a positive mindset. It’s a game changer!
You can’t buy happiness, but you can buy shoes, and that’s kind of the same thing. – A wise Woman
Jen Nunn
Harbor House Program Director
My favorite thing in life, is being a mom to my three children. My kids are grown now, and I’m soon to be an “empty nester”. I’m looking forward to starting a new chapter in my life. But I will always love spending time with my family and my friends.
I love the outdoors and spending time in the sun. The west coast shores are always calling my name. I’m also a new cat mom. Watching Phyllis and Wendy play has become an enjoyable pastime.
I was a preschool teacher for many years and started doing overnights at the Harbor as a second job. As I got to know the individuals and staff at the Harbor, I found a desire to grow in this field, and particularly, with this company. And just like that, I’ve been here for more than 20 years. I love the relationships I’ve formed with the gentleman who’ve come through our doors. It’s very rewarding to help these amazing men learn confidence, foster independence, and gain the ability, to someday live on their own.
Lorissa Slade
Director of Operations
Consultant
I’m a mother, a sister, a daughter, an auntie, and a great auntie. These are, by far, some of my favorite titles. I love spending time outdoors, especially during the spring and fall. I take my son on all kinds of adventures. He is my pride and joy, and we have so much fun together. I love soccer, beaches, and vacations. But mostly, my family and friends.
At Aim, they call me the Director of Operations. Some days that can mean fixing devices, creating checklists, consulting with my management team. Some days it’s planning fun activities or facilitating a support group.
The best part of my job is that no day is ever the same, it is unpredictable and challenging, and this is where I thrive. I love seeing our friends, overcome challenges and live better. It inspires me when I see their smiles, while they experience something they never thought possible. I love the difference we make for our friends, and the intention behind everything we do.
I am proud to be a part of the Aim/The Tap family. All my labels and titles are great, however when we get together, we all see each other equally, we’re all “Proudly Dis-Labeled”. This is one of the best things about us, we’re one big happy family, doing life together. I wouldn’t choose to do business or life any other way!
Daniel Cashman
Owner
Training Facilitator
I have a beard. A long one. And man, do I get labeled. “What kind of motorcycle do you ride?”, Hey look, it’s that guy from duck dynasty!”, or my favorite, “Are you in the band, ZZ Top?”. Incidentally, none of these labels apply to me. I don’t ride, shoot, or play in a band. I like the outdoors, canoeing, live music, and mostly my record collection.
I’m really just a guy who loves helping my family and friends live their best lives. It may seem cliché, but it’s true.
I’ve been doing this work for a few years now, and it hasn’t been without its hiccups and rough patches. However, I wouldn’t trade the amazing, life-changing effects it’s had on my life. I learn so much from our friends. I’ve seen their courage, honesty, and perseverance. It’s inspirational to watch them overcome obstacles and navigate life challenges.
I’m the founder of THE TAP. In 2016, we started throwing parties and events for everyone, including our friends who wear various labels. We call people by their chosen name and we are Proudly Dis-labeled! We care about who you are, not what. I am cordially inviting you to join us. Check The TAP out at yourtap.org.
I have one goal. Try to keep labels from sticking, to me and my friends!
Michelle Cashman
Owner
Executive Director
Executive Consultant
I’m first and foremost, a mom to 3 amazing daughters and some incredible grandkids. This is my favorite life part of life, and I will jump at the chance to hang with them. When not hanging with family, I love to travel and do so often. I prefer warmer climates and spending time soaking up some Vitamin D. I have a large community of friends at my church. I facilitate classes, lead mission trips, and volunteering. I love the tribe I call, “My Family“.
I was in corporate America for over 10 years but helped The Harbor from the background. As I became more involved, I grew a deep compassion for the people we’re privileged to serve. In 2016, we made a conscious decision to expand the business as our desire was to help more friends. I am so proud of what we’ve built, and our friends are living better and feel connected. I’m known to cry in meetings. My tears are most often filled with pride. I cannot believe I get to spend every day with our incredible staff and help support the unbelievable people we call “friends”.
