About Range Respite

Since 1989, many gifted and generous people have worked hard to bring Range Respite to where it is today. The agency was actually started by family caregivers who couldn't find the kind of services we now offer. Patty Carter, our Director, and Doris Abramson, our Administrative Assistant, were original founders of Range Respite. Both women had children with complex medical conditions and were in need of respite care.

As a local nonprofit, charitable organization, our mission is "To provide professional, affordable, flexible and accessible support services designed specifically for informal family caregivers of all ages."

To communicate with anyone on staff or the Board, please click Contact Us.

Board of Directors

Meeting bimonthly, a volunteer board of directors oversees Range Respite. We know that caregivers are the experts when it comes to knowing what will meet their needs. Because of that, we continually seek caregiver input as we plan programs, make policies, develop procedures, and determine funding. That is true of our board of directors, as well.

Members of the board for fiscal year 2007 are:

• Pat Tamminen, Board President
  (Physical Therapist, Iron Range Rehab Center)
• Brian Lundstrom, Board Vice President
  (Former Caregiver/Head of Security, Virginia Target Store)
• Cheryl Claviter, Board Secretary
  (Former Caregiver/Blue Cross-Blue Shield employee)
• Kris Coombe, Board Treasurer
  (Former Caregiver/Manager, Schmitt Music Store)
• Sharon Hanson
  (Caregiver/Retired)
• Jean Mell
  (Assistant Vice President, Queen City Federal Savings Bank)
• Geri Ohman
  (Retired teacher)
• Susan Tuomela
  (Former Caregiver/Founder of You Never Know Bereavement Services)

Range Respite Staff

Range Respite had 18 employees for fiscal year 2007: two full-time, two half-time, and 14 casual employees.