The Center's Growing Team

By: Leslie Quinn, Program Coordinator II

With all of the new programs at The Center, our team is growing…and our office space is bursting at the seams! We asked all of the new staff to answer a list of questions about themselves and we received a mix of funny and serious responses. We want to introduce you to all of the new staff that have joined The Center’s team in the past six months (starting with the newest first):

Paul Luciano, Program Specialist
(started this week – May 2015)

Paul relocated from Vermont and found his dream job. He loves the big lake (he has a view of Lake Superior from his new office) cycling, windsurfing, guitar and strong coffee. The wallpaper on his cell phone is a shot from a recent bike trip (see photo to the right). He said the focus of the work at The Center is great and the people are even better.

Debra “Deb” Laine, Program Specialist 

(started April 2015)

Debra describes herself as “Tenacious, Creative, and Gentle”. She runs a farm on her husband’s family homestead, they have sheep and chickens. She loves that Duluth is “Ever-changing”, the lake, the weather, new things to explore and new adventures. Debra said this is her dream job, “being with like-minded people and working as part of a team.”

Bridget “B” Hart, Program Assistant 

(started March 2015)

“Happy” by Pharrell Williams is the song that best describes Bridget. She loves being outdoors and enjoying all of the seasons in northern Minnesota.  She also loves to read (currently re-reading The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher), playing video games, gardening, hiking and painting wineglasses. Bridget is looking forward to contributing to the many ongoing projects and programs at The Center.

Andy Johnson, IT Coordinator 

(started February 2015)

“Hey, IT Guy” are the three words that best describe Andy…we will try to call him by his real name when we need help! His dream vacation is going to Hawaii, because he has already been to all of the other 49 states. He loves that Duluth has great people, wonderful scenery, changing seasons and delicious local-brewed craft beers. He is sometimes mistaken for Seth MacFarlane. He said, “The staff here is absolutely amazing. Everyone seems genuinely passionate about our mission, and they’re all happy to help each other out”

Sarah Brinkman, Program Specialist 

(started January 2015)

Sarah asked if “Mama” counts as a nickname; her office and cell phone are full of pictures of her adorable son, Wally! Visiting all 50 states is on her bucket list. Her hobbies include playing with her kiddo, reading, curling, getting outside anyway she can (that isn’t too strenuous). Sarah loves knowing that we are working to improve the care people receive across the country.

Cassandra “Cassy/Cas” Rockers, Program Coordinator 

(started December 2014)

Cassy describes herself as “Sarcastic, Caring, and Clumsy”. Her dream vacation is spending a month in Colorado snowboarding or surfing in Hawaii. Outside of work she likes snowboarding, hiking, longboarding, hanging with friends, watching movies, fishing and camping. Note: she is not a morning person. Her favorite part about working at The Center is working with amazing people that are always willing to help answer questions and being by Lake Superior.