About Us

Priscilla Weigel

Executive Director

weigel@inclusivechildcare.org

Priscilla Weigel has worked with young children and families for 40 years. She has been a classroom teacher, staff development coordinator, mentor teacher, early childhood consultant, and CICC Coach. Priscilla has been a part of the work at CICC for over 20 years.  She currently works as the CICC Executive Director, overseeing all staff and programming. In addition to successfully including and supporting children with special needs in community settings, Priscilla presents to teachers, parents and early care and education professionals throughout Minnesota and nationally. Priscilla also holds an Infant Mental Health endorsement through MACMH (MN Association for Children's Mental Health).

Kellee Nelson

Program Manager

nelson@inclusivechildcare.org

Kellee Nelson, M.A. Ed., has worked in the early childhood field for over 25 years as a classroom teacher, trainer, coach, higher education instructor and advisor, and director of two high-quality early childhood programs. Kellee holds a Minnesota license in early childhood family education and parent education and has completed coursework toward an Ed.D. in Adult and Occupational Education. She is responsible for the development and delivery of CICC's professional development services, including coaching and learning resources. Kellee partners with the Executive Director to oversee the strategic planning, development, and execution of all program initiatives. She is committed to continuous quality improvement efforts, guiding innovative and inclusive practices, and values collaborative systems and partnerships that strive to strengthen the field of early childhood education.

Amy Petersen

Finance Manager

petersen@inclusivechildcare.org

Amy Petersen has been with CICC for over 20 years. In her role as finance manager, Amy handles all billing, budgeting and record-keeping. She works alongside the executive director to establish our budgets and ensure each fiscal year runs smoothly. 

Ayan Abdullahi

Human Resources Manager

abdullahi@inclusivechildcare.org 

Ayan Abdullahi M.Ed brings over 8 years of experience in human resources, specializing in recruitment, talent acquisition, and employee relations. With a Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Development,she has a proven track record of implementing effective HR strategies to attract, develop, and retain top talent. She excels in creating inclusive and supportive workplace cultures while ensuring compliance with employment laws and regulations.She has a passion for fostering growth and facilitating positive employee experiences.

Becky Gillard

Operations Manager

gillard@inclusivechildcare.org

Becky Gillard has worked in the early childhood field for over 25 years, with a focus on systems and program development, and continuous quality improvement. Becky has been with CICC since 2017 and is committed to creating opportunities that equip educators in supporting the healthy development of children and families. She oversees the day-to-day operations of the organization working on operational strategy, project management and sustained program development. 

Becky Espersen

Learning and Development Specialist

espersen@inclusivechildcare.org

Becky Espersen currently assists the whole CICC team, serving as the Learning and Development Specialist. She maintains the resource library, supports the success of our coaching program and provides technical assistance to those accessing our online courses. She has worked with children most of her life- in both child care centers and as an elementary and substitute teacher. Becky enjoys helping children develop a love of learning. She has been with CICC since 2017.

Brenda Lowe

Coach Lead

lowe@inclusivechildcare.org

Brenda Lowe has over 20 years of experience in early childhood. She has served as the director at numerous child care centers, operated her own family child care, and worked as the Director of Family Services at Head Start. She is also a trainer and teaches in higher education. Brenda started at CICC in 2016 as a coach and currently serves as one of our Coach Leads, supporting a team of CICC coaches throughout the state.  

Jacy Nylander

Coach Lead

nylander@inclusivechildcare.org

Kara Kuehn

Early Childhood Leadership Development Lead

kuehn@inclusivechildcare.org

Kara has worked within the early childhood field for over 25 years as an educator, director, trainer, mentor, and coach. She holds bachelors degrees in both early childhood- and elementary education. Kara is a licensed early childhood educator and holds an Infant Mental Health endorsement through MACMH (MN Association for Children's Mental Health). Currently serving as CICC's Early Childhood Leadership Development Lead, Kara started with us in 2017 as a Relationship Based Professional Development Specialist focused on Infant/Toddler, Health/Safety, and Inclusion. Kara is passionate about supporting leaders throughout the State of Minnesota and advocating for high quality innovative early childhood education.

Susan Ruff

Administrative Assistant

ruff@inclusivechildcare.org

Susan has over 30 years of experience in administration, office management, and customer service. Over the years she has obtained extensive experience in supporting mid and senior-level managers, providing them with consistent clerical support, and maintaining effective and efficient organizational workflow. Susan is also an experienced event planner.