03/25/2026
đź“° OPTIONS INC Quarterly E-Newsletter:
đź“• The Next Chapter at Options Inc in 2026
After nearly 30 years with Options, I will be retiring effective June 30. Writing those words brings a mix of emotions—gratitude above all. Serving as part of this organization has been one of the greatest privileges of my life, and I am deeply thankful to everyone who made these years so meaningful.
One of the greatest gifts of my time at Options has been the unique, ever-changing day-to-day work. No two days were ever the same, and I truly learned something new every single day—from the individuals we support, from families, from staff, and from our community partners. That constant learning, growth, and shared problem-solving has been a gift I will always treasure.
I want to sincerely thank the individuals we support, the families who have trusted us, our dedicated staff (past and present), our Board of Directors, and the many community partners and friends who have walked alongside Options over the years.The integrity of Options—its commitment to doing what is right, even when it is hard—has always been something I deeply admired and valued. Along the way, I have gained not only professional collaborators, but lifelong friends, and for that I am truly grateful.
As I step into retirement, I do so with great confidence in the future of Options. I am pleased to announce that Stacie Skalak will be assuming the role of Executive Director. Stacie brings strong leadership, a deep understanding of our mission, and a genuine commitment to the people we serve. I know Options will continue to thrive under her guidance.
Thank you for nearly 30 wonderful years. Options will always hold a very special place in my heart.
~ Brenda Geldert
đź‘‹ Meet our New Executive Director, Stacie
Twenty-five years ago, I began my journey at Options as a Production Assistant. At the time, I could not have imagined the path ahead or the incredible people who would shape both my career and my heart along the way. Today, I am deeply honored and truly excited to step into the role of Executive Director of Options.
Throughout the years, I’ve had the privilege of serving in many roles — from Production Assistant to Employment Support Manager, Community Employment Coordinator, and most recently Director of Employment Services and Quality Assurance. Each position has given me a unique perspective on our mission and, most importantly, on the individuals we support. What has remained constant is my passion for walking alongside people as they set goals, build skills, and create meaningful lives in their communities.
I would not be in this position today without the mentorship, leadership, and support of our outgoing Executive Director, Brenda. Her guidance throughout my journey at Options has meant more than I can put into words. She believed in me, encouraged growth, and modeled the kind of servant leadership that puts individuals and staff first. I am incredibly grateful for the foundation she built and for the trust and encouragement she extended to me over the years.
Options has never just been a workplace for me — it has been a place of purpose. I have seen firsthand the power of advocacy, the importance of opportunity, and the impact we can make when we believe in someone’s potential. As Executive Director, I will be committed to building on the strong foundation that already exists, supporting our incredible staff, strengthening community partnerships, and continuing to expand opportunities for the individuals we serve.
The future of Options is bright. Together, we will continue to ensure that individuals have strong voices, meaningful choices, and access to employment and community experiences that reflect their goals and dreams.
Thank you for trusting me in this new role. I am excited for what lies ahead and grateful to continue this journey with all of you.
With appreciation,
~ Stacie Skalak
đź“· Photo: Brenda (left) Stacie (right)
👉 Read the entire Quarterly E-Newsletter:
http://eepurl.com/jCr8co
👉 View past newsletters on our website: https://www.optionsincmn.org/resources/
👉 Sign up here to receive future Options, Inc. E-Newsletters: http://eepurl.com/ipf2Pg
