Our Staff

Barbara Houg

Executive Director, has over 28 years of experience in the nonprofit and social service field. She has a B.S. in Community Service and completed graduate coursework in Therapeutic Recreation. For over a decade she has been involved in developing educational and prevention-based programming that concentrates on innovative, student-centered practices. Her experience in grant writing and organizational development has been helpful in her quest to create caring and compassionate schools and communities.

Sue Liedl

A licensed social worker and registered nurse, has taught conflict resolution skills for nearly twenty years. In 1997 she was a recipient the McKnight Foundation Award in Human Service for her innovative work in designing such programs for elementary students and in 1998 received an Outstanding Service Award from the Northwest Minnesota Foundation. She has initiated Cooperative Life Skills programs in the Bemidji schools and was a primary creator of the successful STAR (Students Teaching Attitudes of Respect) program for 6th and 7th graders.

Brooke Wichmann

Cooperative Life Skills Trainer, has a Masters in Peace Education from the United Nations University for Peace. She is currently working as a Cooperative Life Skills teacher at two Bemidji area schools. Her passion is helping individuals develop skills to peacefully resolve conflicts, create positive change, and improve their overall quality of life.

Kathy Magnusson

Has a Masters of Education and taught in the public school system for ten years before being employed by Peacemaker Resources. For the past six years she has been a Cooperative Life Skills teacher in the Lake of the Woods and Warroad School District. Her passion is teaching peacemaking skills to children.

Jennifer Lindholm

Prevention Specialist, has a B.A. in Intercultural Studies and has trained in critical incident stress management. She is currently working as a Suicide Prevention Facilitator and Peer Leader Advisor for middle school children. Her passion is empowering young people to be confident community leaders.

Katrina Carrier

has a B.S. degree in Social Studies and English Education. She has worked in the Nevis Public School as a school/home interventionist for the past eleven years.  She is also a STAR Team Advisor and teaches seventh grade history.  Katrina is active in several organizations including the Hubbard County Child Abuse Prevention Council, and Circle of Parents.  She resides in Park Rapids with her two children and husband.  Her goal is to continue to teach kids the skills that are necessary to be successful in all areas of life.

Jessica Olds

has a B.S. degree in Elemendary Education from Bemidji State University and teaches Cooperative Life Skills in two Bemidji area elementary schools.  Her passion is helping those around her succeed in all areas of life.

Leanne Jaskowiak 

Administrative Assistant, has an A.A. in office management from Northwest Technical College.  She is a 2010 LeaderImpact graduate, a published writer, public speaker, and a member of the Bemidji Chorale. She is passionate about enthusiastically supporting the Peacemaker Resources Staff and Board in a way that enhances and strengthens their work in the community.