Category Lino Lakes Show all
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Transforming Lives Award Winner: Lino Officer Rachel Ryan
By Latoya Shelby
The following narrative was submitted on behalf of Officer Rachel Ryan's award nomination.
Officer Ryan Volunteers at a local equestrian facility in Lino Lakes. Officer Ryan works first watch at the Lino Lakes Facility and when she gets off of work, she goes to the equine facility to help care for the horses. She spends hours a day several days a week feeding, exercising horses and cleaning up after the horses at the equine facility.
This facility houses several horses that are involved in a program that uses horses that need a job and helps them find a second purpose in life. These are horses that may not have ended up in good situations otherwise and may be considered for kill pen.
This facility provides an outlet for several Officers and their families throughout multiple Department of Corrections facilities as well as the local community. This program works with children and adults alike. This program thrives on helping people build confidence and independence through working with horses as well as destressing and connecting with their family members when doing group lessons. Several clients of this program not only come to the facility to learn how to ride, but to learn more about themselves and help heal some of the traumas that they have had to endure in life. Although this program is not a “Equine Therapy” program, therapy does occur between the clients and the horses. Some of the horses in the program come with their own scars and trauma, and through working with people and volunteers they have also begun their own healing process.
Without Volunteers like Ofc. Ryan this facility would not be able to keep their doors open and keep up on the quality of care that the horses need in order to provide the service to the community that they do. Officer Ryan makes sure that the horses not only receive their feed and supplements on a regular basis but that their stalls are immaculately cleaned. Ofc. Ryan helps make sure that the isles are clear and in great condition for students to have a safe area to groom and saddle horses. Ofc. Ryan in addition to helping this program has also volunteered her time to help other people who benefit our community care for their horses while they were enduring hardships in life and could not provide physical care to their animals. Ofc. Ryan shows exemplary team work as a volunteer and is always willing to go above and beyond when it comes to the care of the animals and helping others. This mirrors what it is like working with Ofc. Ryan in the facility. Ofc. Ryan is always willing to go above and beyond to help other Officers and help train in the new Officers in the facility.
Officer Ryan has in addition to her volunteer work at the equine facility rescued several small animals and rehabilitated them on her own and with her own financial contributions.
I truly believe that Officer Ryan deserves recognition for her volunteer work outside of the prison because her work not only impacts those that work in Corrections but it also impacts the community that she already serves as a Correctional Officer. Her role in the program is often easily overlooked as it is part of the background fundamental care needed in order for the horses to excel in what they do.
Thank you for your time and efforts Officer Ryan you are truly an asset inside and outside the fence!
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NAAWS Warden of the Year Nomination - Shannon Reimann
Warden Shannon Reimann's exceptional dedication and leadership within the Minnesota Department of Corrections has earned her a well-deserved nomination for the prestigious NAAWS Warden of the Year Award. Commissioner Schnell, recognizing her outstanding qualities as a leader, submitted a compelling nomination, highlighting Warden Reimann's remarkable 29+ year career in corrections.Commissioner Schnell commended Warden Reimann's exemplary leadership, emphasizing her role as a model for others. Warden Reimann's journey within the department began in 1994 as a correctional officer, and over the years, she ascended through various roles, including case manager, program director, executive officer of the Hearings and release Unit, Associate Warden, and ultimately Warden for the past six years.
A significant aspect of Warden Reimann's leadership revolves around her genuine commitment to employee wellness. Recognizing the importance of personal well-being in managing others, she actively supports the physical, spiritual, and mental health of her staff. Commissioner Schnell praised Warden Reimann for her personal engagement in promoting a culture of wellness, making her a unique and commendable leader within the Minnesota Department of Corrections.
Despite not securing the NAAWS Warden of the Year Award, Warden Reimann is celebrated as Minnesota's Warden of the Year. Commissioner Schnell extended further appreciation for Warden Reimann's contributions to the agency and her active involvement in community organizations.
Congratulations, Warden Reimann, on this well-deserved recognition!!
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Shout Out: Lino Lakes Communications Class Instructors
By Officer Kayla Snustad
I wanted to take some time and shout out Kristina Stier and Samantha Godeen for their great job teaching Communications class in Lino Lakes this week! it was a full class and this was their first time teaching the class! Well done ladies!!!
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Congratulations to Lino Lakes Adam Kok on Promotion
By Latoya Shelby
Form Sgt. Kok: I worked in the WI-DOC from 2003 until 2014 working in both a medium and maximum security institution. I then worked at a halfway house in the Twin Cities for a half year. I then began my career in the MN-DOC in January of 2015. Since then, I have worked in nearly every position at Lino and look forward to continuing to grow and learn in this new and challenging role."
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Kristie Sperl Employee Recognition Award Presentation
By Latoya Shelby
Kristie was selected for 1st Place in the Employee Recognition Award Program for FY2023 in the category of Outstanding Individual Performance. Kristie was unable to attend the Annual Presentation Ceremony so this award was presented to Kristie on 10/31 at 8 a.m.
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State Court Administration and the DOC Virtual Court Project Lead Tour of MCF-Lino Lakes
By Latoya Shelby
Individuals on tour:
Wally Wallestad – Court Admin
Kate Malmon – Court Admin
Diana Miller – Project Team Lead, DOC
Sarah Knoph – Records and Sentence Administration Director, DOC
Connie Jones – Assistant Commissioner, DOC
Eric Beuning - Security Casewrkr , DOC
Leah Hanson – Central Office Records Supervisor, DOC
Matt Zehoski – Records Operation Manager, DOC
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American Indian Cultural Program Piloted at MCF-Lino Lakes
By Wendy Spry
Under the guidance, care and leadership of Chaplain Lynda Lee, the American Indian IPs at Lino Lakes facility have had an opportunity to engage in a six-week cultural program. IP John Goodman, III, developed the curriculum which includes historical knowledge, language, and cultural teachings. Included in the curriculum is also a section on tribal sovereignty and federal policy – information not consistently taught in public schools at this time.
Chaplain Lee and IP Goodman welcomed the group with words of gratitude and encouragement. Mr. Goodman reflected on how the curriculum was borne of questions raised by IPs in September 2022 about the involvement of two-spirit individuals in ceremony. This led to some talking circles, a Native speaker on the subject, and slowly became a realization that more cultural education and programming would be beneficial. As Chaplain Lee stated in her comments, "It soon became clear to us that we must first know people before we can know how to care for them."
The two began a process of research….finding relevant and available resources, and relying on oral storytelling/teaching. In addition to the weekly two-hour groups, each IP was provided a workbook on which he could reflect on the teachings of the session and share in talking circles which begin each weekly session. As Mr. Goodman commented, “Our Culture, our Traditions, Spirituality, it is what helps us change our lives for our families and for us. To reach deeper and come back to who we are as a first nations people is and should be the most important accomplishment in life…because when we dig deep, we will find ourselves along with our Ancestors."
Two groups have completed the six-week curriculum and were celebrated on September 21, 2023. Some of the participants have moved on via release or to another facility; however, they were each recognized by Mr. Goodman and Chaplain Lee in their absence.
Those present received Certificates of Completion of the course and shared the significance of having had the opportunity to learn. Comments shared by the men included, “There is honor in this. I feel different," “I'm no longer lost," and “I found myself." These sentiments echo the value of identity – much of which has been lost and/or interrupted via the various periods of federal policy designed to eliminate the Native American in the United States since its inception.
Also attending the ceremony were Warden Shannon Reimann, Captain Chad Oye, and Tribal Relations Director Wendy Spry. The ceremony began with the group smudging as they entered the building, followed by the drum group opening the ceremony with prayer, drumming and songs.
Experts have stated that culture is a protective factor – that it is medicine – and foundational to one's healthy adjustment in the community. The teachings in the curriculum have emphasized American Indian identity as an integration of spiritual path that formed culture and tradition. The individuals coming “home to themselves" have been given time and place to remember they are spirit, everything is spirit.
Kudos to the great work by Chaplain Lee and IP Goodman for the work and dedication that they put into the curriculum.
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Lino Lakes K3 Unit Move
By Ismail Yener
I would like to thank Lino Lakes Officers, Maintenance Staff, and IT staff for their tremendous assistance during our K3 unit move. Your efforts showed once again the TEAM power!
Thank you for your hard work.
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Lino Lakes Welcomes Latest Academy
By Latoya Shelby
Please Welcome MCF-LL newest academy that Graduated on September 12, 2023.
(L to R) - AWO Mary McComb, Captain Chad Oye, EMT Kimberly Kron, COI Emilio Marazzo, LPN Stephanie Cartharn, COI Jackie Brown, COI Katia Halverson, COI Adam Oldfeather, AWA Vicki Janssen, Captain Eric Knies, Captain John Kelly & OSI Matt Swanson -
Lino Lakes' Sergeant Promotion William Zierman
By Latoya Shelby
Effective September 13, 2023, CO2 William Zierman accepted a promotion to 3rd Watch Triad Sergeant at MCF-Lino Lakes.
Sgt. Zierman is an Army veteran with a degree in criminal justice. He spent the majority of his time with the DOC on 3rd watch. He's worked living units and A-Team, a member of SORT, and serves as a baton instructor.
Congratulations!
(L-R) Lt. Graham Besonen, Sgt. William Zierman & Lt. Michael McMahon
