Board of Directors

The REA³D Board of Directors includes up to 15 members and meets monthly excluding the months of June and July. Information about the current board is presented below.

New members are considered when there is a vacant seat. For information on how to apply for membership, please click the buttons below.

Sherm Carlson, President

Sherm Carlson is a 1965 graduate of Denfeld High and is a resident of Hermantown, MN, having served on its school board for more than 10 years. His post-high school degrees include a B.A. from St. Olaf College and graduate degrees in teaching and educational administration from the University of Wisconsin Superior. Sherm began his teaching career at Proctor High School in 1971 and ultimately served in all administrative positions within the district, retiring as superintendent in 2004. He is a Vietnam veteran, serving in-country as a U.S. Army journalist. He is passionate in supporting creative initiatives by teachers, staff, and students, along with Proctor and its neighboring cities and townships. Sherm joined the REA³D Board in 2000.

Barbara Steen, Vice President

Barbara Steen taught art and English in Proctor Public Schools for nearly 35 years before retiring in June of 2014. She holds a BFA in Art Education, a BS in English/Language Arts, and a master’s degree in Education. During her teaching years, Barbara advised a number of extra-curricular groups, including Competitive Speech, Rowdy Rails, and Art Odyssey. Her passion has always been working with and guiding young people to strive for excellence and to discover their creativity. She feels fortunate to have had such an amazing experience with Proctor students, parents, and staff. Barbara continues to work with young people and has recently taught elementary students in a summer art program. REA³D is a vehicle for Barbara to give back to the Proctor School District. She is committed and looks forward to helping young people, teachers, staff, and other organizations receive the funding needed to further grow and achieve success. Barb joined the REA³D Board in 2014.

Jim Ward, Treasurer

Jim Ward recently moved back to the area after being gone for 40 years. He says that he’d like to give back to the community and school he’s always loved. Jim holds degrees in engineering and business administration and has devoted hundreds of hours to developing curriculum and teaching adult technical education classes. He served as advisor to a LaCrosse, WI high school robotics team, as a Boy Scout and Venture Crew leader, and as a member and frequent presenter of the Rochester Civil War Roundtable. Jim truly enjoys working with youth, and engaging in projects which require analytical thinking. He is also adept at creating and managing spreadsheets, which is a great skill to bring to a growing educational foundation such as REA³D. Jim joined the REA³D Board in 2022.

Lynn Peterson, Secretary

Lynn Peterson graduated from Hermantown High School in 1972. She holds degrees in English and History education from the University of Wisconsin Superior and a master’s in education from the University of Minnesota Duluth. She directed theater at Proctor High School for 26 years and began teaching English, history, communications, yearbook, and theater in 1997. Following her teaching career, she was the staff development coordinator for one year, and the student parent liaison at Bay View Elementary for two years. She and her husband Ted are the proud parents of four Proctor graduates. They have seven amazing grandchildren. Post-retirement, Ted and Lynn walked the 500+ mile Camino de Santiago across Spain. They both love to travel, garden, volunteer, hike, cook, and entertain family and friends. Lynn currently operates the Kids Closet for Proctor Public Schools and manages the district’s Bookmobile for Pre-K. As a board member, her objective is to increase community involvement, promote volunteerism, and enrich the arts. Lynn joined the REA³D Board in 2008.

Katie Cotrell

Katie Cotrell is a 2009 graduate of Proctor High School and recently moved back to the area after a five year stint in Minneapolis. She graduated from the University of Minnesota Duluth with a degree in Accounting and has special interests in Coding, Analytics, Marketing, Event Planning, Coaching/Leading, and Design. She currently works as a Data and Business Intelligence Lead for Cargill. Katie views education as a cornerstone for a successful life and says she is honored to have the chance to collaborate and give back to the community that has done so much in supporting herself and her family.

Janelle Gomez

Originally from a small farming community in north-central IL, Janelle found her way to Proctor about 6 years ago.  She has an undergraduate degree from University of WI – LaCrosse and Master’s Degree in Food Science from University of Utah. She has worked for the MN State Dept of Education and, currently, for the MN Dept of Agriculture as a Agriculture Advisor. Previously, she has been employed and volunteered in leadership roles with multiple non-profit agencies, including American Heart Association, Alliance for a Healthier Generation, American Dietetic Association and Academy of Sports Medicine. Janelle is married to husband, Aaron, and is a proud mom of two Proctor students. She recognizes the value of contributing time, positive energy, and voice of support for creating a healthy, thriving, and greater school community. Janelle joined the REA³D Board in 2020.

Russell Habermann

Russell Habermann is a proud alumnus of Proctor High School (Class of 2011) and the University of Minnesota Duluth. Russell has worked with numerous non-profit organizations during the past decade. He works as a Community Health Program Manager at Essentia Health and is passionate about promoting lifelong learning, especially in the Proctor School District. Russell is responsible for bringing Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to Proctor. Russell says, “REA³D is the leading community non-profit in the Proctor area, and it has a fantastic platform to make a meaningful impact in our schools and in the community.” Russell served on the REA³D Board from 2015 to 2018 and re-joined the REA³D Board in 2024.

Rory Johnson

Rory Johnson began his career in physical education in Proctor in 1988, deeply invested in both curricular and extra-curricular activities with students. He taught health education and driver’s education, led several youth service initiatives, and coached many sports teams. He was instrumental in the realization of Proctor’s first PACC and a true believer in hands-on learning. Rory also represented his peers in union and staff development activities. Prior to his retirement in 2017, Rory served as district Activities Director and worked hard for the completion of the district’s Aspirus St. Luke’s Sports & Events Center. Following his retirement, he was elected to the Proctor City Council. Rory enjoys assisting the board in raising funds for REA³D and increasing REA³D’s connection to the broader community. Rory joined the REA³D Board in 2018.

Ryan Krajewski

Ryan Krajewski is a proud 1998 Proctor grad. He holds a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin Superior and an MBA from the College of St. Scholastica. Ryan is a commercial agent for Reliable Insurance Agency. His prior non-profit experience includes serving on the boards of the American Hearing Impaired Hockey Association, Northeast Hockey Officials Association, and the Proctor Amateur Hockey Association. He continues to serve on the Minnesota Wild Blind and Minnesota Wild Deaf and Hard of Hearing hockey boards. Ryan brings strong skills and experience gained from his roles as an insurance agent, advertising manager, and non-profit manager, which are all valuable assets in a REA³D Board member. Ryan says, “I was given opportunities growing up in the Proctor Community that just aren’t found everywhere. Organizations like REA³D bring folks together in ways that make sure those opportunities continue through targeted investments in programs that matter. I hope to help REA³D leverage creativity, alumni, and the business community to sustain and grow our impact.” Ryan joined the REA³D Board in 2024.

Steve Meyer

Steve Meyer is a 1985 Proctor graduate. He went on to earn a degree in Accounting from the University of Minnesota Duluth and has owned a small business in the Duluth area for over 25 years. Steve has volunteered on various youth hockey boards over the past 30 years and most recently served as treasurer for the Duluth Girls Hockey Association. Steve says, “Relationships, community, and giving back are very important to me. I hope to offer another perspective and continue to help the community that helped shape me.” He spends his time with family, boating, and hiking. Steve joined the REA³D Board in 2025.

Kelly Okstad

Kelly Okstad works as an educational assistant at Bay View Elementary School. Kelly has a passion for helping  others in the community. She has been active in Township activities including National Night Out and holiday parties for the children. Over the years, Kelly has helped organize the Hylla 5K, many school picnics, and work functions. She is currently a member of several youth sports and activities boards due to the invitations that keep coming her way. Kelly says she “bleeds thick green” and is very proud not only to have graduated from Proctor, but to have children attending school in the district. Kelly’s experience with other local community groups is a great asset to REA³D and can help build bridges of  understanding and collaboration in efforts that benefit all. Kelly joined the REA³D Board in 2018.

Robyn Schroeder

Robyn (Ahlgren) Schroeder is a proud PHS grad of the class of ’78 and has enjoyed the REA³D annual fundraiser for years. She has come to value the education and community support the REA³D organization offers and is looking forward to supporting the REA³D mission as an active member of the board. Robyn holds a BS in Computer Science from St. Cloud State University and a master’s degree in leadership and resource management from the College of St. Scholastica. She is now retired from a 40-year career in Information Technology working across a variety of industries including manufacturing, greeting cards, health care, and city government. She held leadership positions with the City of Duluth, Essentia Health, and most recently Cirrus Aircraft. Robyn has volunteered for leadership roles with the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon and within her church community. She enjoys traveling, birding, hiking, sporting clays and pursues indoor crafts such as quilting and scrapbooking during the winter. Robyn joined the REA³D Board in 2025.

Connie Stanley

Connie Stanley is a 1974  Proctor graduate and mother of three Proctor graduates. She recently retired after a 43 year career in health care, having spent the last 30 years working as the MRI Quality Technologist at St. Luke’s CDI in Duluth. Connie helps with all fundraising events and is a constant advocate for the Foundation. She is very passionate about quality public education and believes that REA³D grants provide important and valuable learning opportunities. She previously served as REA³D president, vice president, and secretary. Connie joined the REA³D Board in 2004.

Christy Strohm

Christy Strohm brings both business and volunteer experience to REA³D. She has worked in fundraising for non-profits and held leadership positions in the Mirage Blue Line Club, PAHA, March of Dimes, and Bay View PIE. She served as event coordinator for the Women Rock Breast Cancer Fundraiser. Christy has strengths in marketing, communication, social media, and collaborative relationships. As a board member, she is part of REA³D efforts to facilitate meaningful learning experiences—particularly creative proposals that are “outside of the box.” Christy joined the REA³D Board in 2018.

Gordy Westendorf

Gordy Westendorf brings 35 years of experience in education to the REA³D board as well as expertise in non-profit tax law and preparation. He currently serves as National Honor Society advisor at Proctor High School, where he also teaches instrumental music. Gordy has a passion for kids and is keenly aware of the impact that community engagement and support can make in their lives. Over the past two decades, Gordy orchestrated a number of REA³D supported projects designed to bring student performances to the community and to increase youth access to instruction. Gordy says, “As I come closer to the end of my classroom tenure, I am looking to give back to an organization that has supported me in the past. I’m friends with many current members, and it looks like it will be fun to carry out REA³D’s mission with this group of caring community people.” Gordy joined the REA³D Board in 2022.

Fleta Carol, REA³D Coordinator

Fleta Carol currently serves as REA³D Coordinator. Fleta held this position from 2000-2014, retired from Proctor Public Schools in 2014, and returned to REA³D in 2018 to help with coordination tasks. Fleta is a 1971 graduate of Brainerd High School, graduated with a B.S. in Art Education from the University of Minnesota Duluth in 1975, and went on to work in many educational improvement, substance abuse prevention, and school safety initiatives within a variety of school districts and non-profits throughout her career. Her primary areas of focus have been grant proposal writing, project evaluation and endowment work. Fleta says she is inspired by the generosity of the Proctor community, and the commitment and hard work of the REA³D Board of Directors, who have substantially increased REA³D’s  grantmaking capacity over the past several years.

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In Memory of Laura Condon

Beloved long-time REA³D Board member from 2012-2022
Her Spirit Lives on in REA³D

For her entire life, Laura Condon was a fierce advocate for students, teachers, and community members.  She had a unique perspective that was valued by everyone who knew her.  She continually challenged others to think beyond what was obvious and embrace possibilities.  Although she was often not the first person to speak, when she did offer her opinion, others had to stop and ponder what she had to say.  Laura never had children of her own, but students considered themselves as part of her extended family.

Laura would step out of her comfort zone to embrace changes that helped kids who were struggling academically. She was one of the first Proctor teachers to join the district’s alliance with the University of Minnesota’s Center for School Change in the early 1990’s, with the Practice Makes Perfect project, which ended up being the precursor to the current Proctor Area Community Center. She advocated for non-traditional applications for classroom learning. In her thirty-second year of teaching, her vision led to the  school district’s addition of a student operated printshop, which engaged students in meaningful real-life learning through production of printed items for the school and community.

Laura was born November 4, 1949 to Karl and Margaret Condon and passed away August 14, 2022 with her family by her side. She grew up in Proctor, and attended Proctor High School. She graduated from UMD with a teaching degree and earned a Master’s at UWS. Laura taught English at Proctor for 35 years. For many years she was an active member, president, and chief negotiator for the Proctor Teachers’ Union. She had a passion for all things Proctor, including REA³D.

Laura served as a REA³D Board member from 2012-2022. Hers was a much respected voice when complicated decisions had to be made by the board. She would listen as others discussed grants and funding opportunities.  It was common for her to say, “Have you ever thought about doing it this way?” Or, “This may sound crazy, but what about this?” She planted idea seeds, and the board dearly misses her insightful contributions. She is missed by many as a loving aunt, sister, teacher, leader, and friend. 

In Memory of Pat Toor Lowe

Beloved long-time REA³D Board member from 2007-2020
Her Spirit Lives on in REA³D

Pat Toor Lowe was elected to our REA³D board in 2007. Although she was diminutive in size, she was a giant in terms of her involvement with the greater Proctor community and REA³D. A proud 1951 Proctor High School graduate, she led John Moody’s Marching band for four years in high school and again in 1988 with the resurgence of Moody’s Marchers. In much the same manner, Pat led her fellow REA³D board members. Pat strove to make people feel special with her hand-written thank you notes on REA³D’s behalf. 

When tables were set for events, including the Tasting Event and the Candlelight Dinner, it was Pat who made sure that each decoration made people feel welcomed. She cut hydrangeas from her yard to adorn tables and arranged them with care. During the Tasting Event when board members were asked to sign up for one session to serve, Pat always signed up for two. When it came to grant awards, Pat tirelessly supported those who took the time to apply. She applied her PHS “eagle eye” editing skills before each newsletter went to print. Her smile and infectious laugh brightened our lives at each meeting. We will miss her presence, but her spirit will live within each board member. As we move forward without our dear friend, we will keep her alive by always asking, “What would Pat do?”