Board Vice President

Dianne Polasik has a BS in Nursing from the University of Iowa and first moved to Stillwater in 1976. She first worked for Washington County Public Health and later as a startup board member and public health nurse for the non profit, CommonHealth Clinic. After a few years away she returned in 1990 with her husband and three children to work for Stillwater Area Public Schools as a licensed school nurse in their Early Childhood Special Education program and later as district Lead School Nurse. After 24 years, she retired in 2011 and stays active in the community serving on Community Health Action Team and Lakeview Health and Wellness Advisory Committee. Dianne served on Stillwater School’s Best Work Force and currently on the Superintendent Community Advisory committee. She is an active volunteer with the Wild River Conservancy and visionary behind Valley Community Center.

Board President

Sally Anderson has a masters in health administration from Indiana University and earned a certificate in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from the University of Wisconsin. Prior to joining Community Thread as their Executive Director, she served in senior leadership positions at Valley Outreach, the local food shelf, and basic needs provider where she worked extensively with volunteers. Her professional experience includes starting a nonprofit mental health clinic and managing programs serving aging and disabled populations in collaboration with other nonprofits.

Vice President, Community Health and Partnerships for HealthPartners

As the Vice President, Community Health and Partnerships for HealthPartners, Marna brings a strong record of collaborating with the community to achieve shared goals in health assessments, priorities, strategies, partnerships, programs, and evaluation. Marna has served on multiple nonprofit boards and committees including Minnesota Council of Health Plans, Health Equity Committee Center for Community Health, Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement (ICSI) Expert Panel on Social Determinants of Health, Valley Outreach Food Shelf board and Valley Community Center board.

Board Secretary

As a mother to four young children & local resident of Stillwater, Melissa recognizes the incredible need of a central place for families in the St Croix River valley to gather, build connections and engage in health & wellness activities. She holds a Master’s Degree in Public Health from the University of Minnesota with a focus on non clinical approaches for improving community health. She has worked in non profit organizations, school settings & yoga studios. She is active in local youth athletics and coordinates elementary school PTA events. Melissa enthusiastically connects with everyone she meets.

Board Treasurer | Retired Director of Public Health and Environment, Washington County, Stillwater, MN

Lowell Johnson retired as Director of Public Health and Environment, Washington County, Stillwater, after 36 years of public service at Washington County in October 2021.His educational background includes Bachelor of Science in Community Health Services, Mankato State University, and masters degree in public administration, Hamline University, St. Paul. Current community involvement includes, Lakeview Health Foundation Board Member, Lakeview Health and Wellness Advisory Committee (chair), St. Paul Sons of Norway Lodge (President), and the Valley Community Center Board. Lowell lives in Oakdale, MN, with wife Bev Johnson. His hobbies are music, woodworking, walking/hiking, and traveling. He enjoys spending time with family and grandchildren.

Project Manager for Valley Community Center

Shari Mogren has worked professionally in marketing and business development since 2008. She was brought on in 2024 as the Project Manager for Valley Community Center, and is motivated to champion this vital project. Shari is a freelance brand manager and events producer, passionate about community and camaraderie. An enthusiastic and motivated project manger, Shari is always dreaming of ways to enhance the community in which she lives. Shari embraces the vision of Valley Community Center, and will work together with the community to make the Minnesota St. Croix Valley’s first Community Center happen.

Community Education Director, Stillwater Area Public Schools

Annette Sallman has worked for Stillwater Area Public Schools since 2004. In July 2014 she assumed the role of Community Education Director. She has a Leadership in Education master’s degree from University of Minnesota and a BA in psychology with an elementary teaching license from Hamline University. Her 30-year career has been focused on healthy communities and youth development.

Orthopedic Surgeon, Twin Cities Orthopedics

Andrew works for Twin Cities Orthopedics and has for the past three years. Through this experience, he has had the opportunity to work with athletes and active individuals of all demographics in the St Croix Valley. Growing up in Stillwater, both Andrew and his wife were involved in youth sports and an active community. After spending time living in Virginia and California they returned to the Stillwater area in 2021. They have three boys and are now active in youth sports as parents and coaches. Andrew and his wife see the value in having a community center which would allow for parents and families to be active is ways not currently offered in the St Croix Valley. 

Sales Operations Manager, Andersen Corporation

Nicole Willenbring holds two Bachelor of Arts degrees in Journalism and Business: Finance from Bethel University. She has worked in data analytics for over 12 years, and has spent the last 10 years at Andersen Corporation where she is a Revenue Operations Manager focused on strategy and analytics. She is also a small business owner, co-owning Manger Restaurant and Wine Bar with her husband in Bayport, MN. Nicole is passionate about the St. Croix Valley community, where she has lived for over 25 years, and is where she raising her 3 young children.