Optivation hosts a staff of highly qualified and experienced people who are ready to work with you to meet your organization's needs.
Mr. Anthony Schaffhauser, M.S., Executive Director
Anthony Schaffhauser, M.S., provides overall management for Optivation. Mr. Schaffhauser draws on his extensive knowledge of regional workforce needs developed from his previous experience as a Regional Analyst for the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), researching and analyzing economic and labor market information for business and industry. Prior to that, he conducted applied research, developed and managed a number of training programs for business and industry, served as a faculty member at the University of Minnesota, Crookston and was a Research Fellow at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee.
Ms Kerry Ross, M.S., Associate Director
Kerry Ross, M.S., provides administrative and operational management of Optivation including purchasing equipment, budgetary oversight, technical assistance to project managers, and supervision of support personnel. Ms Ross is responsible for the design, development, and implementation of all non-credit instruction and corporate contracts including scheduling and identifying appropriate classes, identifying and supervising instructors, contract development and quality control. She is also a skilled focus group facilitator. Her experience includes 10 years in Human Resource Management. She has been a professional corporate trainer for more than 7 years focusing on Human Resource topics including Leadership and Supervisory Skills, Conflict Management, Teambuilding, Time Management, Delivering Effective Customer Service, and Managing Change in Your Organization.
Mr. Kris Williams, Industrial Training Coordinator / Multimedia Development
Kris Williams is the WEB master for the Northern Tier High Technology Corridor project including the day-to-day information systems development. (www.ntht.org). He is also responsible for the development of our web based delivery efforts, and CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, Video and Multi-Media development. His latest efforts include the production of multi-media learning objects for Minnesota Online, and other MNSCU schools. These learning objects aid in the learning process for classes delivered online. Contact Mr. Williams if you have a need for the creation of learning objects. Mr. Williams also researches existing and evolving technologies in order to continually expand the capacity of Optivation. Mr. Williams holds a B.S. in Design Technology with an emphasis in 3D/Multi-Media design.
Mr. Richard R. Lehmann, Office Manager, Optivation South Office, Northwest Technical College
Richard Lehmann is the Northwest Technical College Office Manager for Optivation. He is responsible for completing contracts for companies that retain our services and trainers that are contracted to provide those services. Mr Lehmann also does the scheduling and coordinating of the various trainings that take place on the Northwest Technical College campus. He is also responsible for reporting and record keeping for learner credentials and college administration. Mr. Lehmann is a graduate of Northwest Technical College with a diploma in Automotive Service Technology and Bemidji State University with a B.A. in Political Science. He has also been Mayor of Bemidji since 2001.
Ms Emily Lindell, Office Specialist
Emily Lindell is the half-time Office Specialist for Optivation at Bemidji State University. Emily joined Optivation in July 2009, where she updates the center's website, assists with publicity for classes and events, prepares newsletters, and other responsibilities. Emily is a recent transplant to northern Minnesota where she also works with the White Earth Land Recovery Project. Her previous experience includes employment as a clerical worker at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, youth work with Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender young people, as well as advocacy with survivors of sexual violence.
Ms Nickie Stavish, Student Worker
Nickie Stavish is the student worker for Optivation at Bemidji State University. Nickie joined Optivation in September 2008, where she assists with workshop preparation and other responsibilities. Nickie is currently an Accounting and Business Administration Major, also Minoring in Fraud Examination with an Empasis in International Business; currently working towards her CPA. She is also the Accounting Club President for Bemidji State University and the Becker/ Stella Representative for Bemidji State University.
Ms Gretchen Larson, Program Development
This summer Optivation has been excited to welcome consultant Gretchen Larson to our team. Gretchen will be developing and expanding Optivation's program offerings. She is currently working with business and medical professionals to manage, host, and promote their continuing education courses. In addition, she has set up both technical and creative writing course offerings for writers and businesses. Gretchen is an attorney with a long resume and great experience developing, managing, and promoting programs. Her mission at Optivation is to help businesses and individuals shape their futures in positive and creative ways. Contact Gretchen by calling the Optivation north office at 218-755-4900.
Ms Lyndi Odegard, Instructor
Ms. Lyndi Odegard graduated from Bemidji State University with a BA in Business Administration, with an emphasis in Management. She has worked in the banking industry for 5 years. Having worked for a major corporation and privately owned small businesses, Odegard has experienced personal HR as well as "cookie cutter" HR and believe the personal will get businesses further. Lyndi instructs the courses New Position Basics: Job Analysis to Hiring, and Human Resources Management.
Mr. Nate Dorr, Instructor
Nate holds a Master's degree in Public Policy from the University of Minnesota's Humphrey Institute. He is currently employed as an analyst with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. Over the past eight years, he has attended and led trainings directly related to grant writing, and has expertise in developing needs statements and evaluation. As a grant writer, he successfully navigated federal, state, and private grant programs. In his current position, he now reviews grants and aides partnering organizations in developing programs and assessing their needs. As a volunteer, Nate is working tirelessly to raise funds to build a community skate and bike park in Bemidji, MN. To view courses instructed by Nate, click here.
Mr. Cal Rice, Instructor
Cal has a BS in Mathematics and MS in Statistics. He spent 32 years with IBM as a programmer and in programming management. For 15 years he has taught hundreds of adults through Community Education in Texas and northern Minnesota. In 2000 he was named Outstanding Community Education Instructor in the state of Texas. To view courses instructed by Cal, click here.
Mr. Michael Wellcome, Instructor
Mr. Wellcome's professional experience includes business process improvement, electronic commerce, grant writing and administration, strategic planning, and project management. He has a BS in Vocational Education and an MS in Organization and Management. To view courses instructed by Michael, click here.
Brian Mathews, Instructor
A graduate of the University of North Dakota, Brian offers 15 years of broad human resource management experience. His background includes management positions in the retail, internet, construction and manufacturing industries for companies including Amazon.com, Boise Cascade, and Acme Electric/Tool Crib of the North. With a first hand perspective of HR's role and challenges in business today, Brian offers a practical, but progressive perspective on HR polices and practices. To view courses instructed by Brian, click here.
Karen Pikula, Instructor
Karen Pikula has been employed by Brainerd School District for the past twenty years and also currently teaches on the Central Lakes College, Brainerd Campus, as well as for Optivation, a joint venture of Bemidji State University and Northwest Technical College. She has specific interests in educational psychology, online learning, and leadership style. She earned her Bachelors in Elementary Education with a Minor in Psychology and her Masters in Education with an emphasis in online instruction from Bemidji State University. She is currently entering the dissertation phase of her PhD. in Educational Psychology from Capella University in Minneapolis Minnesota. The analysis and study of leadership involves two intricately entwined elements: psychology (The science that deals with mental processes and behavior) and social identity (how we perceive and make sense of each other). Her background in these areas influences the content and the context of the Art of Leadership I and II courses. To view courses instructed by Karen, click here.