Description

Join Us for the March Young Professionals Event!

Tuesday, March 17th | 12:00pm to 1:00pm

We are excited to invite you to join us for a special event highlighting the work of SWWC Service Cooperative. Guided by a mission to be a collaborative partner providing exceptional services, innovative solutions, and proactive support, SWWC is committed to helping children, families, schools, and communities learn, succeed, and thrive.

SWWC supports districts and organizations across the region through comprehensive behavioral health services, evidence-based teaching and learning support, payroll and finance services, and strategic technology leadership including cybersecurity, networking, and instructional technology. Their work focuses on strengthening systems, ensuring compliance and efficiency, expanding access to critical services, and equipping schools with the tools and support they need to succeed.

The event will also feature a panel of SWWC team members who will share insight into their roles and the impact of their work across the region. Attendees will have the opportunity to tour SWWC’s new facility and see firsthand how their space supports collaboration, innovation, and service delivery.

We hope you’ll join us to learn more about how SWWC partners with schools and communities to deliver forward-thinking solutions that make a lasting impact.

Amber Bruns

Amber Bruns is the Clinical Director of Behavioral Health Services and Director of The READY Clinic at SWWC. She holds a Doctorate in Interdisciplinary Leadership (EdD) from Creighton University, where her dissertation, “A Phenomenological Study on Principal Behaviors During Staffing Shortages in Rural Public Schools,” explored the intersection of leadership and workforce challenges in rural education. She has a MS in Applied Behavior Analysis from St. Cloud State and completed a graduate certificate in Organizational Behavior Management (OBM) through the Florida Institute of Technology.

Amber brings over two decades of experience working with children and adults with autism and related developmental disabilities, including individuals who engage in severe problem behavior. Her expertise lies in behavioral assessment, the design of individualized interventions, and systems-level consultation. Amber oversees strategic planning, clinical operations, and service delivery across Behavioral Health Services at SWWC. She is responsible for program development, staff supervision, compliance, and cross-sector collaboration to expand access to high-quality behavioral health services throughout the region. Her work is grounded in data-driven decision-making, sustainable systems change, and a commitment to equity and inclusion in behavioral healthcare and education.

Elizabeth Deen

Elizabeth Deen serves as the Senior Director of Teaching and Learning Services at SWWC, where she leads regional initiatives that support districts with evidence-based instruction, continuous improvement, professional learning, and strategic program development. She oversees a team of educational consultants and other educational professionals who manage large-scale statewide projects including COMPASS, Read Act, Title III Consortium services, Career and Technical Education initiatives, Alternative Schools like STARRS Online Academy, Curriculum & Instruction coordination, regional student enrichment activities and special education pathway initiatives. Ms. Deen partners closely with district leaders to strengthen instructional systems and improve student outcomes.

Elizabeth has been with SWWC since 2019, bringing more than 25 years of experience across all levels of education PK-adult as a general and special education teacher, principal, district office leader, adjunct professor, and instructional leader across rural, urban, and international settings. She holds an Education Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction along with multiple administrative and teaching licenses, with

a leadership approach grounded in implementation science, visionary thinking and innovation, integrity and collaboration, maximizing outcomes for all, effective and efficient operations, and high-quality teaching and learning. She is passionate about literacy, supporting educators and leaders to be their BEST and nothing less, and designing systems that maximize learning opportunities for all students.

Christine Schmitt

Christine Schmitt is the Director of Business Services at SWWC, where she leads teams that support Minnesota school districts with comprehensive payroll, finance, and compliance services. Over her 27 years with SWWC, Christine has built a reputation for accuracy, integrity, and unwavering service to districts across the region.

With deep experience in school business operations, she ensures districts stay current with evolving regulations while maintaining transparent and reliable financial processes. Guided by a commitment to integrity, service, and practical problem solving, Christine focuses on anticipating district needs and designing solutions that enhance efficiency and confidence. She partners closely with school business managers, payroll processors, and superintendents to strengthen financial operations and uphold high standards of accountability. Christine is dedicated to creating systems that not only meet compliance requirements but also empower district staff, improve workflows, and support the students and communities they serve.

Josh Sumption

Josh Sumption serves as the Chief Technology and Information Officer for SWWC Service Cooperative, where he has dedicated 23 years of leadership and innovation. He oversees a highly skilled team of 33 professionals specializing in Information Technology, Instructional Technology, Networking, Cybersecurity, Project Management, and other critical domains that support SWWC and its members in remaining at the forefront of technological advancement.

Josh is a Certified Education Technology Leader (CETL) through the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) and is actively engaged in leading multiple statewide and national initiatives focused on advancing educational technology. His work reflects a long-standing commitment to empowering schools and organizations through strategic technology leadership, security, and innovation.


Melanie Kray
s the Senior Director of Special Education at Southwest West Central Service Cooperative (SWWC) in Minnesota. She has experience in special education leadership, policy, and compliance, with a strong focus on collaboration, transparency, and service-based leadership. Melanie works with districts across Regions 6 and 8 to support staffing, fiscal oversight, professional development, and system improvement, while advocating for inclusive, high-quality services for students with disabilities and their families. She is actively engaged in state-level initiatives, including Minnesota Department of Education special education efforts.

Event Schedule:
12:05 p.m. – Arrival & Lunch
12:10/12:15 p.m. – Panel Discussion
12:40 p.m. – Facility Tour
1:00 p.m. – Event Concludes

Sponsors

Thank you to our 2025-2026 Marshall Area Young Professionals Sponsors!
Southwest Initiative Foundation
Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU)