Meet Our Core Team

Leeann Metzmaker

Owner & Administrator

Leeann Metzmaker started the company in 1999 and it has grown every year since. As the company has expanded, her focus has never wavered. She is focused on providing each individual with the right amount of assistance, care, and resources to succeed. She frequently surprises clients with visits to their place of residence, place of work, and even some of their extracurricular activities like personal hobbies and softball games.

Rayne O.

Human Resources Director

Rayne began working at New Challenges in 2001 as a Program Coordinator, and was later promoted to a Program Director. Her passion for the field is fueled by the experiences that New Challenges provides for their clients. In addition to interacting with clients, she also enjoys getting to know the new hires and as well as their stories that they share while in her office. She considers herself a people person and believes strongly in the values that New Challenges instills in their clients and employees.

Sue F.

Program Administrator

Sue began working at New Challenges Inc. in 2009. Upon joining New Challenges she brought with her more than 20 years of experience in the social service field and non-profit community. She is primarily responsible for program oversight, training, new development, staff management, client intake and placement. Around the office her homemade banana bars are enjoyed by both clients and staff.

Shannon O.

Senior Program Director

Shannon, Senior Program Director, Residential Services, joined New Challenges, Inc. in 2006. She has more than 13 years of experience managing homes for individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities and emotional and mental health issues. Shannon graduated from Winona State University in 2002 with a B.S. in Social Work.

Thea K.

Program Administrator

Thea passionately believes that everyone has a story and needs support at some point in their lives. In college, Thea served as a volunteer advocate for victims of sexual assault. While volunteering, Thea met a young lady that needed some help, but was unable to clearly articulate what had happened to her due to her disability. The experience changed Thea’s life and inspired her to change her major and work with individuals with disabilities and disadvantages. Twenty-five-plus years later, Thea continues to be inspired by and honored to support individuals with disabilities who bravely meet every day challenges with courage and strength. Thea and her spunky cat live in Saint Paul. She enjoys a variety of crafts in her free time and dreams of someday being physically fit. Thea joined the New Challenges team in 2015.

Dawn E.

Senior Program Director

Dawn has been employed in various different positions with New Challenges since 2008. Dawn is now a Program Director serving individuals with Mental Health and Chemical Dependence disabilities. These individuals live in Independent or Semi Independent Living Programs and receive staff supports to maintain housing, learning daily living and coping skills. Dawn very much enjoys the rewards of her job as well as the challenges. In her free time Dawn likes go walking, spending time in the sun/outdoors, and hanging out with her daughters/granddaughters.

Teresa M.

Program Director

I started at New Challenges February 2007. I was a PC at one site then a year later took on a second site. I worked with TBI and DD clients. I had an understanding of people with DD, I have a close relative who was born prematurely and was diagnosed with MR. He is my little cousin and I grew up taking care of him. When his Mom passed away in 2005, I became his Legal Guardian, he lives with me and he is a happy healthy 38 year old. In March 2015, I accepted a Program Director position working at the sites I have already been working in. It was an easy transition for me. I enjoy the clients I’ve worked with, also enjoy getting to know the clients that are new or have transitioned from other company’s and programs.

Tenika T.

Program Director

I have worked in the human services field for eight years. I worked my way up in the field from an overnight staff person to a Program Director. I enjoy working one on one while doing direct care and being a supervisor. I also believe in challenging myself and continuing to learn things. I want to help as many people as I can. Hobbies outside of work include hiking, exploring the Pacific North West, and listening to music.

Kelly B.

Program Director

I came to New Challenges in September 2020 having over 18 years of experience managing group homes in the field. My primary focus is on person centered planning and community supports. It’s rewarding when clients succeed in the goals they set out to achieve for themselves. In my free time I enjoy volunteering and attending events with the Special Olympics and ARC as well as playing guitar, piano and hiking with my Jack Russell Terrier.

Lora M.

Program Director

I started with New Challenges Inc. December of 2020. I have worked in the field with intellectual and physical disabilities along with mental health and TBI individuals. I started out as a direct care staff in 2005. I moved to the Twin Cities in 2015 when I took a promotion as a Program Coordinator. Quickly I had two houses that I was the Coordinator for. I enjoy working one on one with individuals as well as the management piece. In my free time I enjoy crocheting, sewing and organizing.

Megan W.

Program Director

Megan started with New Challenges, Inc. in June of 2019. She received her B.A. in Psychology and Spanish at the University of Minnesota- Twin Cities and is currently in progress of her M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Trauma and Crisis at Walden University. She has worked with both children and adults with SPMI diagnoses, victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking and is now in a Program Director role with New Challenges, Inc. working with In-Home Independent Living clients and Group homes. Megan is heavily involved in being multiculturally competent by diving into many cultures, studying in Spain and working at a local high school in Costa Rica teaching English and taking part in labor projects. Megan looks forward to finishing her Master’s degree, continuing services with adults who have mental illness and being able to be a part of disaster crisis response teams.

Briana A.

Positive Support Analyst

Briana graduated from St. Cloud State University with a degree in Applied Psychology, an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis, Counseling Theories and a minor in Child and Family Studies. Briana also attended Eastern Connecticut State University where she completed all course work for the Board Certification in Applied Behavior Analysis. She has spent most of her career working in the human service field as a Behavior Specialist working with both adults and children in developing positive behavior support programs. Briana spent nine years working in Connecticut as a Behavior Specialist working with people living in group homes, supported living arrangements, foster care settings, and day programs. Briana started working at New Challenges in October 2020 and enjoys meeting new clients and working together with their team to promote and foster all their goals.

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