About Empowering Kids
We are a program providing a range of services specializing in autism and ADHD in our rural Minnesota community. Our vision is to provide a life of hope, happiness, dignity, and purpose for neurodiverse individuals and their families.
Our Mission
To empower children, families, and the community by providing support and resources to those with autism or social challenges.
Our Vision
To provide a life of hope, happiness, dignity, and purpose.
Our Founders
Kim & Kenny Nelson
Kim’s personal experience with autism began within her own family and their endless search for services that are not available in rural communities. Because of her special vision, passion, and determination, Empowering Kids is now providing support to neurodiverse individuals and their families right here in Perham and the surrounding area.
Read Kim’s personal letter to families on why Empowering Kids means so much to her and her family.
Our Team
At Empowering Kids, our team brings a wide range of talents, passions, and creative approaches to supporting the children
and families we serve. We believe that connection is built through authenticity, and that every
team member contributes something unique to our environment.
Justine Anderson
Executive Director
Dana Stras
Facilities
Lyvia Misegades
EIDBI Provider
Heidi Solberg
Social Groups Team Lead
Hattie Dorman
Lead EIDBI Provider
Kayla Ostlund
EIDBI Provider
Kj Henschel, MS, LMFT
EIDBI Program Manager, Mental Health Provider
Karen Zepper
Social Groups Team Lead
Jenna Lund, LSW
EIDBI Policy Specialist & Clinical Trainee
Nicole Strand
EIDBI Provider
Levi Baumgart
EIDBI Provider
Marissa Tumberg
EIDBI Provider
Brenna Maijala
EIDBI Provider
Our Board
- Jen Hendrickson, Chair
- Cori Brown, Vice Chair
- Darren Fujii, Treasurer
- Rynell Freeland
- Megan Tweeton
- Kim Nelson
- Nancy Vyskocil
- Kristi Werner
Community Support is Vital
Empowering Kids is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.Autism support is important for early intervention and to ensure that children grow up with the social skills and programs that can support their ever-changing and growing needs. Your contributions make our program possible, by supplying the special education tools to bring happiness and success to each child we serve.