Meet Our Staff
Angie, Independent Living Specialist & CDCS Support Planner
Angie Algood
My name is Angela Algood. I am an Independent Living Specialist working out of the Marshall office. I have over 20 years of experience working with people with disabilities. I am a dog mom to a spoiled rescue dog. I enjoy spending time with family and friends.
My name is Angela Algood. I am an Independent Living Specialist working out of the Marshall office. I have over 20 years of experience working with people with disabilities. I am a dog mom to a spoiled rescue dog. I enjoy spending time with family and friends.
Melissa, Executive Director
Melissa Doherty
Melissa is our Executive Director and has been with SWCIL since 2006. Prior to working with SWCIL Melissa worked in hospice care, home healthcare, hospitality, and served in the Minnesota National Guard.
"Working at a Center for Independent Living, we get to promote a person's right to live the life they choose and to be afforded the dignity of taking risks to achieve this."
Melissa is our Executive Director and has been with SWCIL since 2006. Prior to working with SWCIL Melissa worked in hospice care, home healthcare, hospitality, and served in the Minnesota National Guard.
"Working at a Center for Independent Living, we get to promote a person's right to live the life they choose and to be afforded the dignity of taking risks to achieve this."
Sharlett, Independent Living Specialist
Sharlett Glidden
My name is Sharlett Glidden. I was born in Jamaica and lived half my life there. The other half of my life I have been living in SW Minnesota. I am the mother a beautiful 5-year-old, and I have an adventurous, energetic personality. My hobbies include traveling, cooking, spending time with family, braiding hair, and enjoying my child. I am very excited to join the SWCIL team, as we share similar values and goals. I look forward to sharing in the mission of serving and supporting a diverse community of individuals achieving the goals they have and living successful, independent lives. I am excited to rally with a team that makes consumers and their choices priorities for living happy, successful lives.
Sharlett serves the areas of Jackson and Cottonwood Counties.
My name is Sharlett Glidden. I was born in Jamaica and lived half my life there. The other half of my life I have been living in SW Minnesota. I am the mother a beautiful 5-year-old, and I have an adventurous, energetic personality. My hobbies include traveling, cooking, spending time with family, braiding hair, and enjoying my child. I am very excited to join the SWCIL team, as we share similar values and goals. I look forward to sharing in the mission of serving and supporting a diverse community of individuals achieving the goals they have and living successful, independent lives. I am excited to rally with a team that makes consumers and their choices priorities for living happy, successful lives.
Sharlett serves the areas of Jackson and Cottonwood Counties.
Deb, Administrative Assistant
Deb Gratz
Deb is our Administrative Assistant. Deb is an organizational wizard and keeps us all on top of our game. When Deb isn't busy being awesome, she enjoys gardening with her husband and spending time with their kids and grandkids!
"Working at SWCIL for the past six years has been a huge blessing to me. The integrity and dedication of staff that work to respond to the ever changing needs of persons with disabilities makes it a rewarding and enjoyable place to work.”
Deb is our Administrative Assistant. Deb is an organizational wizard and keeps us all on top of our game. When Deb isn't busy being awesome, she enjoys gardening with her husband and spending time with their kids and grandkids!
"Working at SWCIL for the past six years has been a huge blessing to me. The integrity and dedication of staff that work to respond to the ever changing needs of persons with disabilities makes it a rewarding and enjoyable place to work.”
Linda, CDCS and Veteran's Directed Program Manager
Linda L. Halbur
Linda is our Program Manager for our Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS) Support Planner Program and Veterans Directed Care Program. She has a passion for others and has worked in human services all of her professional life. Linda and her husband live on a crop and cattle farm in Southwestern MN. She loves the space to have her four daughters, their husbands and wonderful grandchildren come to visit and play.
“I love working with SWCIL because as an agency the people we serve are our top priority. We are here to support others in their pursuit of their goals and dreams. "
Linda is our Program Manager for our Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS) Support Planner Program and Veterans Directed Care Program. She has a passion for others and has worked in human services all of her professional life. Linda and her husband live on a crop and cattle farm in Southwestern MN. She loves the space to have her four daughters, their husbands and wonderful grandchildren come to visit and play.
“I love working with SWCIL because as an agency the people we serve are our top priority. We are here to support others in their pursuit of their goals and dreams. "
Ruth, Independent Living Specialist
Ruth Hubbling
Ruth is an Independent Living Specialist serving the Worthington and Slayton areas.
Ruth enjoys spending time with family and friends and read any moments she can. Ruth is a crafter and has been blessed with a friend that continues to let her sell projects at her occasional store and a partner who ignores the constant project mess.
"The best part of working with SWCIL is the ability to work with incredible people that are continually striving to live their best lives."
Ruth is an Independent Living Specialist serving the Worthington and Slayton areas.
Ruth enjoys spending time with family and friends and read any moments she can. Ruth is a crafter and has been blessed with a friend that continues to let her sell projects at her occasional store and a partner who ignores the constant project mess.
"The best part of working with SWCIL is the ability to work with incredible people that are continually striving to live their best lives."
Amy, Administrative Assistant
Amy Illies
My name is Amy Illies. I have lived in SW Minnesota the majority of my life with my husband of twenty-five years. I am a mother of five children and a grandmother of eight. I have an adventurous and curious personality, with no fear of a challenge. My hobbies include baking, gardening, and spending time with my family. My greatest joy has been becoming a grandparent.
I have worked as an administrative assistant for twenty years. I have a background as a Certified Nursing Aid and as an LPN. I am very excited to join the SWCIL team! I look forward to sharing my passion for working with our dedicated team to respond to the needs of our community. This team of professionals truly has a love for everyone they assist. So very proud to be a part of this team.
My name is Amy Illies. I have lived in SW Minnesota the majority of my life with my husband of twenty-five years. I am a mother of five children and a grandmother of eight. I have an adventurous and curious personality, with no fear of a challenge. My hobbies include baking, gardening, and spending time with my family. My greatest joy has been becoming a grandparent.
I have worked as an administrative assistant for twenty years. I have a background as a Certified Nursing Aid and as an LPN. I am very excited to join the SWCIL team! I look forward to sharing my passion for working with our dedicated team to respond to the needs of our community. This team of professionals truly has a love for everyone they assist. So very proud to be a part of this team.
Sherry, Independent Living Program Manager
Sherry Olson
My name is Sherry Olson, and I have lived in Southwest Minnesota the majority of my life. I am married and have two adult children and two grandsons, as well as one spoiled dog. I love to read, spend time with my family, spend time outdoors, and reap the benefits of my husband’s gardening. Since I started working in the healthcare field supporting people with disabilities 28 years ago, I realized my passion of advocating for others and supporting them to live their dream. I am excited to join the SWCIL team as an Independent Living Program Manager, as they put the people we serve as a top priority, supporting them in the pursuit of their goals.
My name is Sherry Olson, and I have lived in Southwest Minnesota the majority of my life. I am married and have two adult children and two grandsons, as well as one spoiled dog. I love to read, spend time with my family, spend time outdoors, and reap the benefits of my husband’s gardening. Since I started working in the healthcare field supporting people with disabilities 28 years ago, I realized my passion of advocating for others and supporting them to live their dream. I am excited to join the SWCIL team as an Independent Living Program Manager, as they put the people we serve as a top priority, supporting them in the pursuit of their goals.
Harry, Peer Mentor
Harry Remley
Harry is our Peer Mentor serving the Marshall Area. Harry loves to socialize, have fun, and make jokes. Harry loves his cat - including dressing her up in wacky outfits. Harry can't wait to meet you!
Harry is our Peer Mentor serving the Marshall Area. Harry loves to socialize, have fun, and make jokes. Harry loves his cat - including dressing her up in wacky outfits. Harry can't wait to meet you!
Ashley, Community Activities & I&R Specialist
Ashley Reynaga
Hi, my name is Ashley Reynaga, and I am looking forward to joining SWCIL as an I & R Specialist! I grew up north of Houston and have been living in Minnesota for the last 7 years. In 2017, I rescued my dog, Skiba, thru the Tracy Area Animal Rescue (TAAR). He is a rat terrier and wonderful lap dog! Some hobbies include: spending time with my family, watching movies, and walking my dog. For the last five years I have been working as a CNA in memory care and the hospice field. I enjoy helping people and giving back to my community!
Hi, my name is Ashley Reynaga, and I am looking forward to joining SWCIL as an I & R Specialist! I grew up north of Houston and have been living in Minnesota for the last 7 years. In 2017, I rescued my dog, Skiba, thru the Tracy Area Animal Rescue (TAAR). He is a rat terrier and wonderful lap dog! Some hobbies include: spending time with my family, watching movies, and walking my dog. For the last five years I have been working as a CNA in memory care and the hospice field. I enjoy helping people and giving back to my community!
Ted, Independent Living Advocate
Ted Stamp
Ted has worked for SWCIL since 2006 and continues to enjoy advocating on behalf of people with disabilities in the areas of local community accessibility, transportation, and legislation, among others.
Ted has worked for SWCIL since 2006 and continues to enjoy advocating on behalf of people with disabilities in the areas of local community accessibility, transportation, and legislation, among others.
Annette, Grants & Financial Manager
Annette Swanson
Annette is our Grants & Financial Manager and SWCIL extraordinaire, with over 30 years experience working at SWCIL.
Annette is our Grants & Financial Manager and SWCIL extraordinaire, with over 30 years experience working at SWCIL.
Rachel, IL Specialist & CDCS Support Planner
Rachel Thalacker
My name is Rachel Thalacker. I grew up in Southwest Minnesota and am excited to be taking on this new opportunity as an Independent Living Specialist and CDCS Support Planner for SWCIL! I have a passion for helping others and working in the Human Service field. I have worked in the disability field for 10 years, and in employment services for 3 years. I am a wife, mom, and stepmom to 3 beautiful children and absolutely love my family! My hobbies include spending time with my family, gardening, cooking, books, and being outdoors.
My name is Rachel Thalacker. I grew up in Southwest Minnesota and am excited to be taking on this new opportunity as an Independent Living Specialist and CDCS Support Planner for SWCIL! I have a passion for helping others and working in the Human Service field. I have worked in the disability field for 10 years, and in employment services for 3 years. I am a wife, mom, and stepmom to 3 beautiful children and absolutely love my family! My hobbies include spending time with my family, gardening, cooking, books, and being outdoors.
Kristina, IL Program Support Staff
Kristina Tollefson
Hi, my name is Kristina Tollefson. My title is IL Program Support person, so I am helping out in the SWCIL office. I live in Marshall in my own apartment, where I have been for 19 years. I volunteer at the Marshall YMCA in the child watch department, and I also volunteer at the Marshall Library, where I put movies back on the shelves. For fun I like reading, coloring, going to movies, listening to music, watching TV, writing stories and fan-fiction, as well as hanging out with my family and friends when I can. I am also the court reporter for People First, on the SWCIL Social Rec Committee, where I help check in attendees at the SWCIL dances, and a former Self-Advocate of MN (SAMS) representative. I look forward to seeing people come in.
Hi, my name is Kristina Tollefson. My title is IL Program Support person, so I am helping out in the SWCIL office. I live in Marshall in my own apartment, where I have been for 19 years. I volunteer at the Marshall YMCA in the child watch department, and I also volunteer at the Marshall Library, where I put movies back on the shelves. For fun I like reading, coloring, going to movies, listening to music, watching TV, writing stories and fan-fiction, as well as hanging out with my family and friends when I can. I am also the court reporter for People First, on the SWCIL Social Rec Committee, where I help check in attendees at the SWCIL dances, and a former Self-Advocate of MN (SAMS) representative. I look forward to seeing people come in.
Raised Garden Bed Project 2021
