Who We Are

INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Amy has been part of the Options Mankato ‘family’ for several years, most recently volunteering as a Client Advocate. Her heart for the work Options does began at its inception. Having experienced an unexpected pregnancy at the age of 16, she understands the value of the services Options provides that were unavailable during her own journey. Amy is married and has three children, ages 27, 17, and 15. Her favorite place to be is outdoors.

Amy’s professional background is primarily in Human Resources, most recently having started her own consulting business. She has served on multiple non-profit boards, worked extensively in domestic abuse ministry, and loves volunteering with youth at her church. She has a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies, and a master’s degree in Leading Organizational Change and HR Management.

FRONT OFFICE MANAGER

Jessica is passionate about celebrating life and overcoming challenges. She has seen the power in sharing stories, and her personal story is what brought her to Options for Women | Mankato

“I graduated high school with my two year old daughter, Ashly, by my side. Challenging as it was, it has been the best fight of my life thus far.” Jessica and her husband have now raised four children together. She is “excited to be a part of their team and believes in the mission.”

Related Experience
Employee and Trainer at Carlson Craft

CLIENT SERVICES COORDINATOR

Crystal serves to create a safe, inviting space for individuals to share, learn and grow. She believes that providing individuals with useful skills and information can help them be the best parent, and person, they can be. She is “… a proud mother of five children.”

Education & Credentials:
Rasmussen College, BA Degree in Human Services
REAL Essentials (relationship) Educator
Love & Logic certified Facilitator
Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician

RN, NURSE MANAGER

Jane serves to provide HOPE to women in crisis. She is married to her husband, Dan, and is a mother of four and grandmother of five.

Education & Credentials:
Bethany Lutheran College - AA Degree
University of Colorado - BS/RN Degree
Licensed Public Health Nurse
Licensed School Nurse
Credentialed Nurse Sonographer

Related Experience:
University of Colorado Medical Center Newborn/Medium Risk Nurse
Watonwan County Public Health Nurse
Mountain Lake and Butterfield School Nurse

STAFF NURSE

Nicole is a registered nurse with experience in labor and deliver, triage obstetric care, and postpartum care for mothers and infants. Nicole blends compassionate care with nursing credibility.

Education & Credentials

Credentialed Nurse Sonographer

American Sentinel University - Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing

Rasmussen College - Associates of Applied Science in Professional Nursing

Minnesota State University, Mankato - Bachelor’s of Science in Recreational Therapy with a minor in Psychology

EDUCATION COORDINATOR

Harrison has enjoyed connecting with junior and senior high youth for the past three decades. He has experience working with youth through Bethel Baptist and is the Group Mentoring Director of the Brother/Sister Program with the Mankato YMCA. Harrison also has experience as a high school teacher with the Maranatha Academy. Harrison enjoys kayaking and hiking adventures with his wife and son, connecting with people in real and authentic ways, and leading a weekly program for mentors through the YMCA Brother/Sister Program.

Education & Credentials:
Bachelor of Arts Degree
Certified Adult and Youth Mental Health Provider
Adult and Pediatric First Aid responder
2017 Recipient of the Mankato Community Mentor of the Year

REAL ESSENTIALS EDUCATOR

Melissa serves to encourage and affirm people of all ages and types. Her passion is educating people about how the body works in mental, emotional, and physical ways. Through her 23 years of being a nurse in Intensive Care, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, Sexually Transmitted Infection roles, and now a Real Essentials Educator for Sexual Risk Avoidance, she is excited for reaching and teaching people about themselves and others! She is convinced that young people are extremely intelligent, and can and do make great decisions when thoroughly and honestly given information that pertains to them! Melissa currently schools her 3 children and helps maintain her and her husband's hobby farm.

Education & Credentials:
Mount Mercy College, Cedar Rapids - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Related Experience:
Real Essentials Educator
STI Nurse Educator, First Choice Pregnancy Services, New Ulm

Registered Nurse, 2001 - present:

- Intensive Care Unit Nurse

- Registered Nurse Cardiac Unit

- Intensive Care Unit Clinical Nurse

- Intensive Care Unit Nurse

MARKETING SPECIALIST

Anya is a passionate women’s advocate who serves to provide content that is accurate, educational, and empowering. She believes that the power of media can aid in fostering a community of support by connecting those who may feel lost to accurate, credible sources and other people who share similar stories. She is married to her wonderful husband, Daniel.

Education & Credentials:
Bethany Lutheran College - BS Media Arts, Minor in Business
Graphic Designer at the Digital Ring, Madison Wisconsin

MD, MEDICAL DIRECTOR

Dr. Joyce has been practicing family medicine and obstetrics for over 33 years.

Education & Credentials:
Creighton University School of Medicine, Omoha, NE