Who We Are

THUMBS UP was founded in 2014 by several community members in honor of two great men, Bob Schmit and Chuck Dahlheimer, who like many others took their lives after living in silence from a mental illness

THUMBS UP MISSION

Bringing awareness to mental health and providing support and resources to all.

THUMBS UP VISION

THUMBS UP is all about EMBRACING those struggling and breaking the stigma around mental health.

CONNECTING, SUPPORTING and ENCOURAGING one another to talk about their feelings and challenges and to “KEEP MOVING FORWARD”.

We want to EDUCATE and TEACH about mental illness, the warning signs of suicide, what you can to do help others who struggle, and community awareness initiatives.

Let’s UNITE to help others to KEEP MOVING FORWARD.

MISSION STATEMENT

Bringing awareness to mental health and providing support and resources to all.”

kid

#KEEPMOVINGFORWARD

THIS IS HOW WE’LL ACHIEVE OUR MISSION

  • Kickstart important conversations via our THUMBS UP apparel.
  • Encourage social connectedness via our community outreach events.
  • Drive awareness via carefully selected relationships with individuals and organizations.
  • Bring the brightest minds together to inform, educate & teach coping skills for those who struggle with a mental illness.

MISSION

Promote

Help promote wellness and positive living for people through awareness and early education programs.

Encourage

Encourage people to be open, engage in conversation, and be vulnerable.

Connect

Connect people to support services in the area.

Create

Create a movement with a brand that makes mental health relatable and that people can build a relationship with.

HOW YOU CAN JOIN THE THUMBS UP MOVEMENT?

By purchasing apparel, you can help break the stigma and start the conversation.

Join a planning committee, volunteer or join our board!

Alternatively, by making a donation to THUMBS UP you are helping us support our mission and vision. Make a fully tax-deductible donation right now by clicking the button below.

Staff

Kate Swanson headshot

Kate Swanson

Hannah Johnson headshot

Hannah Johnson

Office Manager & Program Coordinator

218-206-4360

hannah.johnson@thumbsupformentalhealth.org

Christi Tullbane headshot

Christi Tullbane

Site Lead – Rogers After-School Program

612-991-1822

christi.tullbane@thumbsupformentalhealth.org

Eileen Toombs headshot

Eileen Toombs

Site Lead – Elk River After-School Program

612-245-4872

eileen.toombs@thumbsupformentalhealth.org

Mandy Christy headshot

Mandy Christy

Marketing Intern

763-218-9560

mandy.christy@thumbsupformentalhealth.org

Board of Directors

Laura Vevea headshot

Laura Vevea

Board Chair

Chris Merritt headshot

Chris Merritt

Vice Chair

Breanna Heintzelman headshot

Breanna Heintzelman

Secretary

Asa Veek headshot

Asa Veek

Treasurer

Amy Walz headshot

Amy Walz

At Large Board Member

Cassie Stangler headshot

Cassie Stangler

At Large Board Member

Melissa Bohlsen headshot

Melissa Bohlsen

At Large Board Member

Ali Blake headshot

Ali Blake

At Large Board Member

Dr. Kari Rock headshot

Dr. Kari Rock

At Large Board Member

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