Isanti County Health and Human Services, Division Leader

My name is Penny Messer and I am currently the Health and Human Services Division Leader which encompasses Family Services, Public Health and Veteran’s Services. I have held the director role in Isanti County for almost 14 years. I have been in County Government for 32 years. My passion is collaborating with other entities to produce the best results in services for those that we serve. I am or have been involved in the Children’s Justice Initiative as Chair, Vice President of Northstar Family Advocacy Center, Isanti County Collaborative, Public Health Commission, Outlook Clinic, Correctional Advisory Committee, County Safety Committee as Co-Chair and many other important committees. In my spare time, my husband and I enjoy spending time with family; especially our three grandchildren.

Cambridge-Isanti School District Superintendent

This collaborative provides a great opportunity to work together on behalf of students and families in our county and region. As a school district, we greatly appreciate the efforts by all of our collaborative partners to support students and families to be healthy, happy, and productive citizens within our communities.

Isanti County Health and Human Services, Division Operations Supervisor and Collaborative Coordinator

The amount of good this committee wants to accomplish for Isanti County is remarkable; being able to take part of their important mission and work fuels my passion to create a resilient community that supports one another through challenging obstacles. No family or child should be without their basic needs nor access to services and supports and this committee is truly committed to working to fill those gaps for a stronger tomorrow.

Therapeutic Services Agency, Inc: Executive Director

It is an honor and privilege to serve on the Isanti County Integrated Collaborative (ICIC) as a Board Member, where the focus of our work is dedicated to ensuring that all of Isanti County’s children live in a community that provides healthy and nurturing opportunities, and that children have access to services and resources when needed.  I have worked in the field of mental health for over 28 years, with 18 of those years dedicated to community mental health services at Therapeutic Services Agency where we work to ensure the mental health needs of children, families, and adults are realized and that hope, and possibility is restored.  Collaborating with like-mined individuals who serve on the Isanti County Integrated Collaborative who are committed to making a positive impact on the community is an incredible opportunity and demonstrates the adage, “When we all do better, we all do better.”  The ICIC Board believes wholly in the mission – to work in partnership and collaboration to empower and provide opportunities for children and families.  We seek to reach tangible results by supported initiatives, programs and/or grants that truly make a difference in our community for children and families.  These opportunities truly make serving on the ICIC Board fulfilling.

Isanti County Probation Director

I have been with Isanti County probation since 2008. I like to collaborate around ideas that will have positive impacts on our youth and families in Isanti County. I am also the Chair of the North Branch School Board and was a long time board member of Family Pathways. The Collaborative is important to me because it makes key decisions and the funding helps target services for our at risk youth that face Truancy challenges in our local schools and on-line learning environments.

Rum River Special Education Cooperative, Director of Special Education

This collaborative is a community. There is a true feeling of fellowship. The individuals in this collaborative share common goals to improve families, schools, and other organizations within the community. It is a true honor and privilege to be a part of it.

Isanti County Commissioner

Braham Area Schools Superintendent

Working with the Collaborative is truly rewarding. It’s a group dedicated to improving the lives of our most valuable resource - our people!

Lighthouse Family and Children Services, Program Director

Lakes and Pines, Executive Director

Isanti County Health and Human Services, Fiscal Supervisor