Each month, we will recognize two DSPs of the Month as well as a Program Manager of the Month. We are thankful for all the ways they bring the best of themselves to those they support and their colleagues. Please join us in celebrating them:

July DSPs of the Month: Omobolanle (Bola) Egege & Brad Fenske

Bola

Bola Egege [Cedarwood East] – As the Lead DSP at our Cedarwood East home, Bola has made an immeasurable impact on the home, including her fellow staff and (most importantly) the women supported at Cedarwood East! Bola routinely involves the ladies at the home in a variety of meaningful activities – such as making meals and desserts together, along with plenty of other daily activities that further the connection between all within the home. Bola responsibly carries-out all job tasks – one thing that Bola does a stellar job with is completing the grocery shopping for the home and staying within the budget, along with ensuring that the home is utilizing what it has and reducing overall waste. Bola is considered a consummate team player, as she will pick-up additional hours at Cedarwood East (as well as other homes when needed) to make sure that the folks we support are well-cared for. Along with the aforementioned qualities, Bola also excels at keeping Cedarwood East a welcoming environment that is clean and organized, and she has taken it upon herself to train and mentor new staff at the home so the ladies here benefit from having quality, consistent staff. In the words of Cedarwood East Program Manager Lilian Marriott, “Bola leads with compassion, initiative, and reliability. She doesn’t just complete her responsibilities—she actively looks for ways to improve the lives of the individuals we support and strengthen our team. I truly believe she exemplifies what a DSP should be and is very deserving of this recognition.” Congratulations to Bola – one of our July ‘DSPs of the Month!”

Brad (with Ted)

Brad Fenske [Black Oaks] – Brad has been with our organization for many years in a variety of roles, in which Brad has long been considered a hard-working and beloved employee – in his current role, Brad is a DSP at our Black Oaks home, and Brad’s undoubtedly excels at supporting the women here! Like he has done everywhere he has worked, Brad is keen on being in-tune with the various needs of the ladies at Black Oaks, and he does everything that he possibly can to make sure that each unique need is being met to the best of his/our ability. Black Oaks recently went-through the passing of someone that we supported for several decades, and Brad particularly had a close relationship with her – Brad’s dutiful support of her was instrumental in her being cared for as well as possible as her health declined, and Brad also demonstrated such remarkable aid to the women at Black Oaks while they have grieved their longtime housemate and friend. Additionally, when Black Oaks was without a Program Manager for a period of time, Brad stepped-up in countless ways and he played a huge role in making sure Black Oaks ran business-as-usual – Brad took the ladies to their medical appointments, he completed the grocery and supply shopping for the home, and he never faltered in taking care of the day-to-day needs of each of the women at Black Oaks. Brad’s incredible level of insight and attention to what needs to be done at Black Oaks is nothing short of amazing, and he is beyond deserving of being one of our July ‘DSPs of the Month,’ – congratulations, Brad!

July Program Manager of the Month: Icelyn Snow

Icelyn

A tell-tale sign of an outstanding Program Manager is when their staff team can’t help but speak highly of them to others within the organization, and this is absolutely the case with the stand-out Program Manager at Holdridge – Icelyn Snow! Not only does Icelyn take care of what needs to be done on a daily basis (and does it well!), she continually exhibits a growth mindset to best support the four men that live at Holdridge. Icelyn excels at communicating with others – whether it’s the guys at Holdridge, their families, or the Holdridge staff team. A shining example of Icelyn’s can-do attitude is when a rather large (20+ people) group from a local transition school wanted to see one of our homes – Icelyn stepped-up to host this tour short-notice, and even with the big audience, she did a terrific job talking about Holdridge & showing everyone around the home – Icelyn outlined life at Holdridge that clearly showed why it is a terrific home to reside at, with staff that only want the best for the men supported here. Icelyn is a consistent, reliable, and incredibly supportive presence for everyone involved at our Holdridge home, and her excellent work all leads to her being our ‘PM of the Month’ for July – congratulations, Icelyn!

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Each month, we will recognize two DSPs of the Month as well as a Program Manager of the Month. We are thankful for all the ways they bring the best of themselves to those they support and their colleagues. Please join us in celebrating them:

June DSPs of the Month: Catherine (Cathy) Pigg & Aaron Briggs

Cathy

Cathy Pigg [Rollingview] – Cathy Pigg [Rollingview] – Cathy is someone who was nominated for ‘DSP of the Month’ multiple times(!), so it should go without saying that she is very deserving of this honor – Cathy is a DSP at our Rollingview home, and she plays an undeniably valuable role at this home! Cathy keeps the women supported at Rollingview engaged with various activities – such as baking, decorating around the house (for holidays, etc.), arts & crafts, and community events. Cathy is regularly willing to cover shifts and be flexible with her schedule when needed to ensure that the women at Rollingview are well taken care of, and she is considered an ultimate “team player.” Cathy knows the women who are supported at Rollingview extremely well, and her person-centered approach has lent to her developing the strong relationships that she has with the ladies here! Cathy clearly sets a very high standard with her work, and she was an undisputable choice as one June’s ‘DSPs of the Month’ – congratulations, Cathy!

Aaron

Aaron Briggs [Lancaster] – Aaron is a longtime DSP at our Lancaster home, and he is an incredibly steady presence in the lives of the men who live at Lancaster! Aaron regularly provides support via being someone that the guys at Lancaster can vent to, as well as encouraging a variety of coping skills to help tackle any challenging situations. Aaron is someone who will go above-and-beyond routinely – one stand-out example is how Aaron will plan and go on trips with one of the men at Lancaster, in which these trips are extremely important to him, and Aaron’s special involvement in this part of his life does not go unnoticed! Additionally, Aaron steps up in many other ways at Lancaster – including assisting with the shopping for the home, planning and executing community activities, being a team member that could be relied upon additionally when the home was without a Program Manager, and picking-up shifts short-notice to make sure that the men at Lancaster are well-supported. Aaron’s dedication and commitment are undeniable – making Aaron a stellar choice as one of June’s DSPs of the Month’ – congratulations, Aaron!

June Program Manager of the Month: Tyler Textor

Tyler

As shared by Program Director Dami Abiodun, Tyler routinely expresses the following sentiment: “See, I gotta tell you these guys are amazing and they make me so happy.” As the Program Manager at Arkansas for many years, Tyler is considered the “backbone” of this home, and he has become synonymous with Arkansas! Tyler is entrusted with the lives of the men who are supported at Arkansas, and he does everything in his power to make certain that they are safe, happy, and healthy. Tyler “embodies integrity, courage, and leadership” – these qualities are readily seen every time that Tyler works, as his genuine care for the men at Arkansas and his staff team are ever-present and evident to all that step foot inside Arkansas. Tyler has the gift of consistently communicating effectively to ensure that his staff team are all on the same page, and this is with the singular goal of giving “110%” to support the guys at Arkansas. Tyler has been an exemplary employee during his tenure at Hammer, and it is such a benefit to Arkansas to be led by him. As should be no surprise, Tyler is our ‘PM of the Month’ for June – congratulations, Tyler!

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Wayzata, Minn., June 23, 2026 — Hammer & NER today announced that Matt Buley will become the organization’s next Chief Executive Officer, effective July 27, 2026. Buley succeeds John Estrem, who will retire on July 31 after 14 years.

Buley brings more than a decade of leadership experience in disability services and a track record of guiding mission-driven organizations through growth and transformation. He joins Hammer & NER from Hope Haven in Rock Valley, Iowa, where he currently serves as CEO and leads a team of more than 650 employees across disability services, healthcare, and manufacturing operations. During his tenure, he has driven strategic growth, strengthened financial performance, and championed policy and funding efforts that expanded services for people with disabilities.

Before Hope Haven, Buley held executive roles across the nonprofit sector, including leading an international child welfare organization, where he helped secure federal policy changes benefiting children and families. Earlier in his career, he led a major business portfolio at Best Buy — experience that shaped his approach to strategy, operations, and long-term sustainability.

Recognized as the Iowa Association of Community Providers’ 2022 Executive of the Year, Buley is known for a leadership style grounded in relationships, strategic clarity, and a deep commitment to the people organizations like Hammer & NER exist to serve.

Buley earned degrees from St. Cloud State University and the University of Minnesota. This role marks a return home, bringing him back to Minnesota after building much of his career elsewhere and to an organization whose mission and culture resonated deeply throughout the search process.

“What stood out to me throughout this process wasn’t just the mission—it was the people. At every step, I met individuals who care deeply about those they support and about one another. That commitment is something special. I’m honored to join Hammer & NER and look forward to spending my first months listening, learning, and building relationships as we shape the future together.”

— Matt Buley, Incoming CEO, Hammer & NER

Buley was selected through a national search conducted in partnership with Cohen Taylor. The process included engagement from Board members, staff, and community partners — a deliberate choice that reflects Hammer & NER’s belief that the people closest to the mission should have a voice in who leads it.

“We looked for a leader who could hold both the rigor of our work and the humanity at its heart — and in Matt, we found exactly that. His experience, judgment, and belief in what’s possible for every person we serve make him the right leader to carry our legacy boldly into the future.”

— Mitch Ringe, Board Chair, Hammer & NER

Honoring John Estrem

Buley succeeds John Estrem, who announced his retirement earlier this year. During his 14-year tenure, Estrem led Hammer & NER through a period of significant growth and impact. A widely trusted leader, Estrem guided the organization through the pandemic, built lasting stability through the merger of the Northeast Residence, and championed philanthropic giving.

Across Minnesota’s disability services community, Estrem was respected for his board service with the Association of Residential Resources in Minnesota (ARRM) and was recognized with ARRM’s Legacy Leader Award in 2025 for his lasting contributions to the field. His steady, mission-driven leadership leaves behind an organization of strength and purpose.

“John’s commitment to the people we support, their families, and our team has shaped Hammer & NER in countless ways. Because of John, we stand today on a strong foundation. We are deeply grateful for everything he has given to Hammer & NER.”

— Mitch Ringe, Board Chair, Hammer & NER

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About Hammer & NER

Hammer & NER is a Minnesota-based nonprofit dedicated to providing people with intellectual and other disabilities the opportunity to live life to its fullest. As one of the state’s most trusted disability service providers, the organization offers a comprehensive range of services — including residential programs, case management, care coordination, and community support — to help people live meaningful, self-directed lives. Hammer & NER operates from offices in Wayzata and White Bear Lake and is committed to building an inclusive, welcoming environment for all those it serves.

For more information, visit hammer.org.

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Each month, we will recognize two DSPs of the Month as well as a Program Manager of the Month. We are thankful for all the ways they bring the best of themselves to those they support and their colleagues. Please join us in celebrating them:

May DSPs of the Month: Ashely Bebeashelyend & Jamie Yang

Ashely

Ashely Bebeashelyend [9th Ave] – Ashely started working at our 9th Avenue home via GrapeTree (staffing agency), and after her first shift at the home, Ashely expressed interest in becoming a Hammer & NER employee, and she was soon hired as a DSP at 9th Avenue! Ashely set a high standard for herself and her work immediately at 9th Avenue, and since then, she has only exceeded that standard – Ashely has stood out with her dedication and strong work ethic, dependability, proactiveness, and being a team player. A terrific example of the great work that Ashely does is how she has encouraged and played a direct role in the increased mobility of one of the women at 9th Avenue, where she has helped her make notable progress in using her walker to get around – Ashley’s level of care, patience, and initiative has been undeniably impactful! Ashely caught-onto the routines and needs of the women at 9th Avenue seamlessly, and her impact not only includes the women at 9th Avenue, but the entire staff as a whole – with all of that being said, Ashely is more than deserving of being one of our ‘DSPs of the Month’ for May! Congratulations, Ashely!

Jamie

Jamie Yang [1st Ave] – Jamie is one of the stellar DSPs at our 1st Avenue home, and she has been an extremely valuable member of this staff team and plays a huge role at this home! While 1st Avenue has been without a Program Manager, Jamie has been someone that can be relied on to make activities and community outings happen for the guys at the home, and this has kept the men at 1st Avenue happy and engaged. Jamie is not one to sit still during a shift – whether it’s cleaning, getting groceries for the home, taking inventory of supplies, or making sure that there is a proper supply of all medications – Jamie keeps busy at all times! Jamie ensures to spend quality time with the guys at 1st Avenue, and she has a direct focus on engaging with the men via conversation and (plenty of) laughter! Jamie is known for her wonderful attitude, clear communication with others, follow-through to ensure completion of tasks, and being supportive of her fellow staff members at 1st Avenue – as a result, Jamie is undoubtedly worthy of being one of our ‘DSPs of the Month’ for May! Congratulations, Jamie!

May Program Manager of the Month: Tomeko Champion Patrick

Tomeko

Tomeko has been the Program Manager at our Zealand apartment program for a few months now, but before that, she led our Black Oaks home – whether it’s her leadership from when she was the Program Manager at Black Oaks, or now at Zealand, Tomeko shines! Tomeko has always been someone who cares deeply about the people we support, and she takes the time and energy to get to know everyone on a personal level. While she was at Black Oaks, Tomeko recognized that there was a health issue with one of the women there that the doctors did not see themselves, and she tirelessly advocated on her behalf until proper medical care was administered. Tomeko brings positivity day-in and day-out, and she is also known for her sense-of-humor and ability to make others laugh/smile (not to mention her notorious ability to make fantastic meals & baked goods) – which naturally brightens the days of the people we support, as well as her fellow staff team members. Tomeko consistently steps-up whenever needed, and she is someone who goes above-and-beyond on a daily basis – which all leads to Tomeko being our ‘PM of the Month’ for May! Congratulations, Tomeko!

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Each month, we will recognize two DSPs of the Month as well as a Program Manager of the Month. We are thankful for all the ways they bring the best of themselves to those they support and their colleagues. Please join us in celebrating them:

April DSPs of the Month: Claire Umuhoza & William (Bill) Pugh

Claire

Claire Umuhoza [Duluth] – Claire is the Lead DSP at our Duluth home, and she is an incredibly valuable member of the team here! When Duluth was in-between Program Managers, Claire stepped-up amazingly – Claire became even more involved with scheduling and running medical appointments, training staff on best practices for supporting the women at Duluth, and making sure everyone has what they need. Claire exemplifies person-centeredness, as she involves and encourages the women at the home as much as possible. Claire is very well-regarded from all associated with Duluth – ranging from the ladies at Duluth, her coworkers, and the families/guardians of the women at the home. Claire is someone who recognizes the need to take care of “business first, but then leans into the fun.” With Claire being so instrumental in the day-to-day care of the women at the home, ensuring that all medical appointments are up-to-date, keeping the home clean, and preparing meals (along with doing so ahead of time & then freezing for future use) – Claire is very deserving of being one of our April ‘DSPs of the Month.’ Congratulations, Claire!

Bill

Bill Pugh [Plymouth Colony] – Bill has long been a terrific staff at our organization – Bill shines as one of the Lead DSPs at our Plymouth Colony apartment program, and when working shifts at other programs, Bill carries-over that same work ethic and person-centered focus! Bill is known for being passionate about the people we support, and he routinely goes out of his way to accommodate the unique needs of each person, along with coming up with creative ways to get people involved in activities (including folks that are not as keen on socializing, etc.) – about three years ago, Bill instituted a “Movie Night” every Friday night at Plymouth Colony, and this has been very well-received and well-attended! Bill has also started a health challenge at Plymouth Colony, in which many of the people supported at Plymouth Colony are participating in, and he has been very encouraging to the men and women at this program (where he will also reward them with a certificate to commemorate their personal progress). Plymouth Colony, as well as our organization as a whole, is very fortunate to have Bill as a staff member, and he without a doubt is a terrific choice as one of our April ‘DSPs of the Month.’ Congratulations Bill!

April Program Manager of the Month: Carin Callanan

Carin

Please join us in congratulating Bailey Ridge’s Carin Callanan, our Program Manager of the Month for April! Program Managers are at the heart of our residential services, providing leadership, support, and encouragement to both staff and the people we serve. We appreciate Carin’s commitment to Bailey Ridge and the positive impact she makes each day. Thank you for all you do, Carin, and congratulations on this well-deserved honor!

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