A Message from Diane Cross, Fraser President and CEO
The Annual Report presents a time of reflection each year for me, our staff, and you, our donors and Fraser family. It’s about more than compiling numbers and dollars spent. The report is about what those dollars do for the individuals and families we serve.
Your generosity helps families like Rachel and Billy’s. Their adopted daughter, Seeley, is a force of nature who considers herself a freshwater mermaid. Seely also has autism, ADHD, anxiety, bipolar 2 disorder with rapid cycling, and an alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder. And yet, she still is a joy-filled girl. Through Fraser, Billy and Rachel have learned to better support her and themselves. Seeley has also learned more about herself and managing her emotions through her Fraser therapists.
Before Mabel came to Fraser, she couldn’t eat, sleep, or communicate. Her anxiety seemed insurmountable, and then she started services at Fraser. Little by little, she became less afraid, as she could communicate her needs.
Though these stories are so different, the thread holding them together is the same: YOU. You helped connect each of these individuals and families to the services they desperately needed. You lent support when their parents felt overwhelmed and like they couldn’t go on. You demonstrated that they weren’t alone, but had a community to say, “You belong here!”
As you read through these stories, you’ll see that for many individuals, this thread is a life-long support. That can mean transition services, like those for Taylor, or a supportive home, like for the women who enjoyed a recent trip to Disney Land. It can also be a place that still feels like home, like for Kylie, who now has come full circle as an assistant teacher at Fraser.
Thank you for continuing to be that thread of support, pulling families along, and connecting us over the years. In 2025, Fraser is celebrating 90 years of operation. When I think of all the people who have connected families like these with support over 90 years, my heart overflows with gratitude. YOU are so important to us!
With gratitude,
Seeley, Rachel, and Billy
Seeley is 10 years old. She loves sparkles, rainbows, and her cat, Timmy. She considers herself a “freshwater mermaid.” Seeley has a style all her own, which includes rainbow extensions her mom braids into her hair. The braids are grounding for Seeley and prevent the need to brush.
Brushing her hair causes Seeley sensory overload. She prefers to be in motion: moving and dancing. She enjoys the tactile sensation of slime and the feeling of braids swinging around her head.
When Seeley was 4, she was diagnosed with autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder at Fraser. At 5, she was diagnosed with anxiety and depression. When she was 6, her team at Mayo Clinic diagnosed Seeley with bipolar 2 disorder with rapid cycling. At 7, she was diagnosed as having an alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder (ARND). The CDC states, “People with ARND might have intellectual disabilities and problems with behavior and learning. They might do poorly in school and have difficulties with math, memory, attention, judgment, and poor impulse control.”
Despite her challenges, Seeley is a joy-filled girl. Her parents, Billy and Rachel, feel lucky; they adopted Seeley when she was a baby.
“She is a storm of glory and just embodies herself,” says Rachel. Billy adds, “We don’t always have great days, but we have a great moment in each day.”
Seeley started talking at a young age, but around age 2, she stopped using verbal language. Rachel had taught her sign language, so she still communicated this way. They noticed other differences. She would re-enact things she saw through her play, and her thinking was very literal.
Running off was an issue. If she saw something in the street in front, she would immediately want to run into the street to get it.
At being diagnosed with autism and ADHD, Seeley occupational and speech therapy at Fraser. Her speech started to improve, and her parents learned how to better support Seeley.
“They gave us language to describe what was going on with her, and let us know we weren’t the only people going through something like this,” says Rachel. “No one looked through or past her strengths, which was important to me.”
About 3 years ago, their family was struggling. Seeley was experiencing one of the severe lows that mark bipolar disorder, and they weren’t sure when it would end. Rachel and Billy were unsure how to support her and each other. Their social worker recommended family therapy.
Together, Billy and Rachel learned how to better tackle problems and to use the same language.
“Giving us just an hour to sit next to each other and talk was just so important,” says Rachel. “I appreciate that Fraser helps uplift us and has never said there is no more hope. You help us honor the sparkly, shiny parts of Seeley as well.”
Assistant Fraser School Teacher Publishes a Book Inspired by Her Students (and a Stuffed Alligator)
After a trip to New Orleans, Kylie Claybrook brought home a souvenir that would bring all her passions together: a stuffed alligator she named Darcy.
Kylie started working as an assistant teacher at Fraser School around the same time. She loves reading books to the kids, drawing with them, and singing songs with them. She also enjoys writing music. Kylie and her sister, Stephanie, attended Fraser School, an inclusive environment that welcomes disabled, neurodiverse, and neurotypical children. Kylie has autism, and her sister is also neurodivergent.
“It’s really cool and fun that now I work with the two teachers, Elizabeth Eng and Amy Noran, who taught me when I was a preschooler. Fraser does make life-long connections,” says Kylie. “I remember taking apart a chair when I was at Fraser School. I was a curious kid. I loved going there; it made me happy.”
Curious is one way Kylie describes Darcy — that is, her character, Darcy. After bringing home the stuffed alligator, Kylie began adapting Darcy’s voice, both how she might sound and her personality. First, Darcy was a character in a song called “Moving with the Dinos” that Kylie wrote to the tune of “Are You Sleeping?” She sang the song with the Fraser School kids.
“I love playing and singing with the kiddos here at Fraser School. They love Darcy the Alligator, and they love singing her songs with me! We do the motions for the songs,” says Kylie.
A video idea began to take shape in Kylie’s head. Soon, she had drawn sketches for the song and put together storyboards. In 2021, Kylie published the finished video of “Moving with the Dinos.” Kylie is the voice of Darcy because she enjoys doing different voices.
But Darcy had more to say. Kylie started working on storyboards for a book and reached out to an illustrator. In October 2024, she, with the help of her mom, self-published “Darcy the Alligator: Moving with the Dinos”. She dedicated the book to the kids at Fraser School.
“I’ve been at Fraser School almost 9 years, and I just have a blast spending my time with the kiddos,” says Kylie. “They’ve made an imprint in my life, and I love them. I love getting to know them and watching them grow.”
Kylie has written another song starring Darcy the Alligator, “Everybody, Let’s Be Friends,” with an accompanying video. She plans to turn this into a book and envisions a series of Darcy the Alligator books.
On August 19, Fraser Minneapolis had a ribbon-cutting for a new playground. The playground was funded by The FS Foundation, which believes in bringing “together people of all abilities and backgrounds as they pursue passion, prosperity, and purpose.”
The playground was developed with feedback from Fraser Sensory Supports and Training Manager Gina Brady, Sensory Supports and Training Program Specialist Karmen Nyberg, and Fraser Rehabilitation Therapy staff. It includes sensory-friendly elements, like shade canopies, soft flooring, and musical instruments. The fence is an important safety feature, as children with autism are prone to elopement. Of course, it’s also a space for the kids to play.
“The kids have enjoyed the nature aspect of the playground with the bugs. They like to go on a scavenger hunt for them. The kids also enjoy the music; the drums and the windchimes have been a big hit,” Fraser Outpatient and Early Childhood Day Treatment Clinical Trainee Elena Bursch.
Kristen Drewing, a Fraser mental health practitioner, adds that the children she works with — 4 to 5-year-olds in Day Treatment — like to race on the double slides. Fraser Clinical Trainee Aidan Chapman appreciates that the playground is more adaptable for all ages and safer for young kids.
“The new playground equipment is lower, which makes it much easier and safer to explore and play games like hide and seek,” says Aidan. “Rather than having to set a bunch of rules for kids, we can allow them more autonomy and freedom. It also allows therapists to play and interact with the kids more, which is fun for everyone.”
The new playground helps children practice gross motor skills while moving their bodies.
“The playground helps kids with motor planning. There are many ways to get on and off the structures and different steps at different heights,” says Kristen. “Going down the slide is also great for motor planning and development.”
But these aren’t the only skills the playground builds.
“There are great opportunities for verbal communication practice, since kids play together on the playground. They also might have to ask us for help on the stairs, or want to know more about insects or things they observe,” says Elena. “The playground offers opportunities for children to practice important play skills, like waiting their turn to go down the slide.”
Gordon Girls Create Lifelong Memories at the Happiest Place on Earth
In September 2024, Angie, Jess, and Leah from the Fraser Supervised Living Gordon house, aka the “Gordon Girls,” created magical memories at the happiest place on Earth. The trip was the second of its kind; the women went on a Disney cruise in 2023.
Angie and Jess’ families have known each other for their entire lives. They lived across the street from each other, became friends, and their daughters were born just a month apart. Jess has Down syndrome. Angie has a developmental disorder that impacts her brain functioning. The girls grew up together and also moved into Gordon house on the same day.
The idea for the cruise was meant to be a celebration for Angie and Jess turning 40, which was in 2020. Then the pandemic hit, and the trip was put on hold. By 2022, Jess’ mom and Angie’s mom had passed away. Jack and Pat weren’t sure how much fun the girls would have with them as chaperones. They are both in their 80s.
During a meeting, Pat mentioned Angie's dream to go on a Disney cruise.
“I casually mentioned, ‘Can I come?’ as a joke,” says Community Living Program Manager Nicole Bazzani. Pat asked Nicole if she was serious. Pat and Jack wanted to pay for Nicole to chaperone the trip.
Leah, who also lives in Gordon's house, decided to go. Stepheny, a lead staff member, joined as a chaperone. In June 2023, the five women took a five-day Disney cruise to the Bahamas and Cozumel, Mexico.
“Angie is a very social person, and she gets along with almost everybody. She really thrives when she has things to look forward to and events to attend in the community. The trips have helped her create wonderful memories,” says Pat.
Jess is more introverted. However, she enjoys trips and outings, like attending plays and musical events. She loves country music, particularly love songs. Jess also likes journaling, or writing her “social stories,” as she puts it.
“It’s a real positive outlet and allows her to express her feelings,” says Jack.
This past September, the women traveled together again, visiting Disneyland and Universal Studios in California. Nicole agreed to chaperone and asked Gretchen Priebe to support.
On the first day of the trip, the ladies dipped their toes in the Pacific Ocean. The waves were too high to swim, but the water was surprisingly warm.
The next day, the group went to Disneyland and met characters, went on rides, ate good food, enjoyed shopping, and did a lot of walking. Angie, Jessie, and Leah liked Fantasyland (the Castle), Pixar Pier, Cars Land, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Main Street USA, and the Avengers Campus. The women were also excited to buy souvenirs of their favorite characters, including Baby Yoda aka Grogu, Stitch, Goofy, and Mickey. Jess loves Baby Yoda.
The group also visited Universal Studios Hollywood, where they enjoyed checking out the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where they had butter beer, a non-alcoholic cream soda float and tried spells with their new wands. They also visited fan favorites, The Secret Life of Pets and Despicable Me.
“The ladies know how to make the most of every situation, and every day was met with smiles and laughter, even when return travel plans came to a halt with a canceled flight. An 18-hour delay meant one more day together, making the best memories,” says Nicole.
Growing Together: The Journey of Declan and Silas
Declan was born in October 2013, a healthy baby boy. He was Joel and Christa’s first child. But they soon started to notice differences. He would take a toy to play with and examine it deeply. He’s pick up a book and tap it with his thumb repeatedly. He started to make less eye contact and verbalize less.
When they brought Declan to Fraser, he was 15 months old. It was too early for an autism diagnosis, so he started speech and occupational therapy. Christa and Joel attended every speech and occupational therapy session and tried to learn alongside him. They would then parallel many techniques at home.
“When we brought Declan in, the Fraser staff immediately assured us that we didn’t break our kid, and that there was nothing we could have done differently. They really put us at ease, and let us know, we were here now, and they were here to help,” says Joel.
After a few months, Christa and Joel noticed Declan making more eye contact. He was eventually diagnosed with autism and continued with therapy. Declan continued to grow and learn, interacting with others more. After feeding therapy, he tried more foods.
Declan’s brother, Silas, was born when Declan was 2. Like Declan, Silas taught himself to read at a young age, just 18 months old. Silas was interested in other languages, so they enrolled him in a Spanish immersion preschool. Silas wasn’t interested in being social with the other kids and would manipulate the toys, much like Declan.
Christa and Joel weren’t sure if Silas was imitating Declan, but they brought him to Fraser. Silas didn’t have as many barriers to daily life, but Fraser soon diagnosed him with autism, and he started therapy. He learned to interact with his peers and to understand his and other people’s emotions.
After starting public school, Silas flourished. He now regularly checks in with other kids and asks how they’re doing. His parents hadn’t seen Silas express that level of empathy before.
Silas is now 9 and in the 3rd grade. He’s really into video games and creating cardboard-based projects that allow him to explore virtual reality. Silas enjoys music and is taking keyboard lessons.
Declan is 11 and in the 5th grade. He still loves to read and has more than 200 books. He enjoys spending time in the backyard with his Toniebox, a portable speaker that plays different songs and tells stories. He also enjoys opening up and exploring Google Maps.
“I can’t speak highly enough of the people at Fraser, and all the care and the effort that they put into both of our kids,” says Joel. “They showed so much compassion and empathy to us and our kids and really got to know us. What our kids learned and their growth, they really speak for themselves.”
Mabel's Story
At just two years old, Mabel’s world was overwhelming. Everyday activities were monumental struggles. She couldn’t sleep, couldn’t eat, and her body was suffering.
Her parents, Sara and Michael, were desperate to bring her comfort and help her thrive. They’d brought Mabel’s older brother to Fraser for an evaluation and services. With cautious hope, they reached out again, hoping Fraser could bring relief to their struggling daughter.
Fraser diagnosed Mabel with severe developmental delays and anxiety. Her therapists understood that part of Mabel’s anxiety stemmed from the unknown, so starting a new therapy and working with new people could cause Mabel’s anxiety to flare.
However, her therapists helped ease her fears. They didn’t rush her. Instead, every session focused on small, gradual steps — patiently repeated — until the new experience became comfortable.
“Before Fraser Rehabilitation Therapy, I wasn’t sure that Mabel was going to be able to benefit from any services. Every doctor we had ever seen brought her so much anxiety. She couldn’t leave my arms,” says her mom, Sara.
Small victories fortified Mabel’s confidence. With her therapist’s help, she learned to use tools, like her electronic communication device, to express herself. Her therapist also taught her self-advocacy skills and helped Mabel and her family learn how to control sensory input in her environment. Mabel could now communicate when something was wrong, when she needed to stop or slow down, or when she needed more time.
As her ability to communicate grew, something profound happened: Mabel’s anxiety lessened. For the first time, Mabel had a voice to express her needs.
With her newfound confidence, Mabel’s world expanded. She was gently introduced to other children, and she learned how to interact and build friendships.
“Now, when I bring her to therapy, I see her running toward her therapist with a smile on her face,” says Sara. “I have wonderful check-in meetings with her therapist who offers me many ideas of how to support Mabel at home, and I know that Mabel has a village, and that’s exactly what she needs
Where fear used to live for the 3-year-old girl, there is now curiosity and joy. Mabel’s spirit is blossoming, her courage is growing, and her days are filled with laughter. Fraser has become a place where she can be her authentic self, embraced by care, compassion, and unwavering support today, and for her future.
Taylor's Story
As Taylor approached 18, she knew she needed more help. Taylor has autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, dysthymic depression, and also some challenges with muscle coordination and speech articulation. She’s also a high school graduate. Taylor loves animals. She enjoys puzzles and puzzle books, coloring, reading, playing softball, shopping, and spending time with her friends.
“When I was going into adulthood, I just wasn’t sure what to expect,” says Taylor. “I wanted to be ready when it came, and I needed some help planning the next step.”
Taylor and her four siblings have been receiving Fraser services on and off for 11 years. With her mom Nicole’s help, Taylor joined the OnTRAC SUPPORT Pathway group. They discussed topics like housing, managing finances, how to connect with people outside of school, and relationship management skills. The group was made up of her peers, and Taylor made friends.
“It was important to me that I take it slow and not be rushed into adulthood,” says Taylor.
Taylor created her Fraser Transition to Adulthood Plan (TAP), which helped her refine and prioritize her goals. Her highest priority was getting her prescriptions switched from her pediatrician to a doctor for adults, which Fraser helped with. Staff also connected her and her mom with Social Security and helped them find resources to establish Nicole as Taylor’s legal guardian.
Through her TAP, Taylor and Nicole learned about Minnesota Vocational Rehabilitation services, who connected her with a job coach. Taylor wasn’t ready for college, but wanted a job. Taylor dreams of working with animals one day and is hopeful she’ll find something soon.
Taylor has also joined the Fraser Self Advocate Advisory Council (SAAC) along with her older sister Julia, where they’ve provided feedback on Fraser services.
“I like that Fraser is asking us for our input. That lets me know that they care, and they’re taking time to make sure services and programs work well for the clients,” says Taylor. “I also like being able to put my experience out there and hear other people’s experiences and thoughts.”
Taylor shares that she would recommend Fraser to others because it has greatly helped her and her family.
“At Fraser, I know so many people there and feel like part of the community. It really helped me change and improve emotionally and helped me improve and build a lot of other skills,” says Taylor.
Letter From Our Board Chair
Reading over the stories in the Annual Report this year, it’s a joy, as always, to see how many lives Fraser has touched over the years. I enjoyed reading about Kylie Claybrook, who is now an assistant teacher at Fraser School and has published a book, and who also attended Fraser School when she was a girl.
Like my daughter Jessica, Kylie’s story has continued to intertwine with Fraser over the years. Jessica was born with Down syndrome in 1977. She began services at Fraser when she was 18 months old. She then attended Fraser School and eventually moved into a Community Living apartment.
Jessica is still at Fraser, though today, she works at a desk and greets people who visit the Marketing and Development office at the Richfield campus. She enjoys working at Fraser, and we’re happy she has found another family there.
My story keeps intertwining, too. I’m back as the Chair of the Fraser Board of Directors. When I was last the chair, I helped recruit Diane as the CEO and President of Fraser. That was over 35 years ago, and I’m still so glad she said yes. Thanks to her dedication and business acumen, Fraser has become the oldest and largest autism, mental health, and disability provider in Minnesota, celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2025. It’s such a remarkable milestone.
And yet, when your life becomes intertwined with Fraser, as mine has, the milestone is remarkable, but not surprising. There just aren’t very many places like Fraser. The people who work here do so because they believe in their work. They work here because they want to help people. They work here because they believe that individuals with autism, mental health issues, and disabilities deserve to realize their full potential, and then, they do everything they can to support them.
And like me and like the Fraser staff, you believe that, too. Every dollar you give demonstrates that you believe children and adults, like my Jessica, belong here, belong there, and belong everywhere. Thank you for demonstrating the strength of our community and the goodness within so many of us. And thank you for intertwining your story with ours.
The Fraser Festival, Presented by Central Roofing Company
The Fraser Festival, presented by Central Roofing Company, was on Sat., May 20, at the Saint Paul RiverCentre in downtown St. Paul. The festival was a day of joy, freedom, and inclusion for people and families with autism and disabilities in the community.
The event included new activities and experiences in eight zones that engaged the body’s senses. Participants enjoyed a rock climbing wall, giant trikes, obstacle courses, and yoga. A face painter added color and delight to the event. A magician performed tricks, while a floating genie charmed guests. Performers from Stages Theatre Company spread laughter throughout the room. The silent disco created a sensory-friendly dance party for all to enjoy. Furry friends from North Star Therapy Animals offered soothing pets and snuggles.
Donors, sponsors, and event partners raised more than $170,000. These funds support:
- Autism programs and services for your family, neighbors, friends, and coworkers
- Increased inclusion in the community
- A growing number of children, adults, and families who are diagnosed with autism each year
- The critical need for services outside the Twin Cities
- Services delivered closer to home for all Minnesotans
Tee Off for Fraser, Presented by Geritom Medical
On Mon., July 8, Fraser held the 2024 Tee Off for Fraser, presented by Geritom Medical, at Brackett’s Crossing Country Club in Lakeville. The signature scramble golf event raised funds for Fraser Community Living, while participants played 18 holes of golf and enjoyed lunch and dinner, raffle prizes, contests, and camaraderie.
Thanks to generous contributions, more than $80,000 was raised for Fraser Community Living, a program providing long-term care and housing for individuals with disabilities and autism.
Donations and sponsorships fund:
- Ongoing home maintenance and repair
- Improved accessibility and security
- Recreational activities and equipment
- Support for our Community Living staff
Your contributions are just as crucial for supporting the well-being and mental health of people in Community Living as any therapy. All funds raised at the golf event ensure people with autism and disabilities continue to have safe homes, where they receive support and are a part of the community.
2024 Fraser Gala, Presented by Toy'n around
The 2024 Fraser Gala, presented by Toy’n around, was at the Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot on Fri., Nov. 1. The evening led guests on a journey through their emotions, from the Islands of Personality to Imagination Land.
Guests were delighted with the aerial bartenders from Enticing Entertainment pouring champagne while hanging from a trapeze bar. Kat Perkins wowed guests with her rendition of “Unstoppable” along with the Paul Peterson Orchestra. Longtime gala performer and former client Leo Dworsky joined Kat for a powerful duet of “I’ll Stand By You.”
Fraser Sr. Occupational Therapist and Mentor Kendra Williams spoke about what it means to her to support and serve children each day at Fraser. Dan Bowling, Owner of Toy’n around, encouraged guests to do all they can to make a difference in their community. The Glenn Family shared the emotional journey of their triplets, from the hardships they’ve faced to the hope they have for their future.
Thank you to everyone who donated; Fraser raised over $1 million at the gala. These funds will ensure thousands more children will receive early intervention services through Fraser Rehabilitation Therapy.
Lois Gernbacher
Since 2000, Lois Gernbacher has provided over $400,000 to support Fraser. She’s been impressed by the dedication of the Fraser staff, the new programs introduced, and the growth in the number of people receiving services.
“My Dad was my role model for giving. He told me, ‘Lois, you never miss what you give away.’ He was right,” says Lois.
Lois has known CEO Diane S. Cross since the 70s, when they both worked at Courage Center. She appreciates how Diane has helped Fraser evolve to meet the needs of children and their families.
“I am grateful for this recognition and the opportunity to help so many people through the years,” says Lois. “I know my gifts are appreciated and make an impact.”
Engelsma Family Foundation
In 2004, Fran Engelsma founded the nonprofi t organization, the Engelsma Family Foundation. Fran’s fi ve children are board members, including Dan Engelsma, former President and Chief Operations Offi cer of Kraus-Anderson Realty Company. Even before the foundation, Dan and his family were supporters of Fraser.
Dan joined the Fraser board in 1978. At the time, the board mainly consisted of parents, and Fraser needed business experts to help the organization grow.
Over more than 40 years, Dan served on the Fraser board, he helped Fraser grow from a small organization with an annual budget of $1 million to an organization with 52 locations and an annual budget of over $72 million in 2019. Dan also made the crucial decision to hire Fraser President and CEO Diane S. Cross in 1989.
Over the years, the Engelsma Family Foundation has donated to capital campaigns and to support Fraser’s wide range of programs and services. In 2019, the Engelsma Family Foundation donated to Fraser School® to recognize Dan’s retirement from Kraus-Anderson. The gift provided upkeep and new equipment for the Fraser School gym and ongoing teacher education support.
“The Engelsma Family Foundation’s mission is to empower individuals and change lives through our philanthropic work. We believe in giving a hand up to organizations and people in the community, whether through education, work possibilities, or medical services,” says Susan Wilcox, President of the Engelsma Family Foundation. “We also want to raise awareness and show the community that you can alter the environment to be respectful of people with autism and disabilities.”
When asked how the foundation feels about receiving the Louise Whitbeck Fraser Award, Susan says, “We are very honored and grateful to be recognized. However, we want to focus more on the work Fraser does for the disability community and continue to support the organization’s work.”
THANK YOU FOR VISITING!
Your gifts to Fraser helps build a community of inclusion that allows all people to belong and thrive. Thank you for strengthening our communities!
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Please visit our website at www.fraser.org to learn more about upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and other ways to get involved.