Who WeARE
WeARE works to increase access and decrease barriers to accurate sexual health information and services. We educate youth and young adults to build their capacity to advocate for equity and a responsible and healthy sexual life. We work to increase access to confidential sexual health services for all those living in the Brainerd Lakes Area, focusing on the youth, young adults, and the underserved in our community.
Founders Julie Ingleman, Becky Twamley, and Sue Hadland
Staff
Devon Charlier
Executive Director
Sarah Fransen
Registered Nurse / Clinic Manager
Becky Twamley
Founding Executive Director
Arlyce Shook
Registered Nurse
Dr. Kristin Elliott
Medical Doctor
Carrie Chiodi
Office Manager
Chloe Baker
Education Coordinator
Volunteers
Hollie Radomski
Clinic Volunteer
Ashley DeLong
Clinic Volunteer
Board of Directors
WeARE 2023 Board of Directors
From left to right:
Dawn Espe, Erin Swanson, Danielle Arnold (Secretary), Linda Holliday (Vice Chair), Jennifer Perez-Krueger (Chair), Paul Jacobsen, Anne Nelson-Fisher (Treasurer), Chris Fastner, Kalsey Stults
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Not pictured:
Govinda Budrow
Community Partners
We are grateful to work with the following organizations in the Brainerd Lakes Area to bring reproductive education and healthcare to our community. In addition to the organizations listed below, WeARE collaborates with local educators, Crow Wing County, law enforcement, and other medical professionals.
If your organization is interested in partnering with WeARE to bring accurate and evidence-based reproductive education to our community, please contact us.
WeARE is a supporter and partner with the Brainerd Lakes Area Pride organization. WeARE and BLA Pride are here to support ALL members of the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as the non LGBTQIA+ community. Acceptance, awareness & advocacy are goals we strive to achieve through outreach, events, & activities together.
We partner with The Shop to provide monthly SxTalks to youth and young adults. Some examples of recent SxTalks include sexual health topics such as consent, sexually transmitted infections, and gender 101.
We partner with Port boy’s and girl’s home. We offer our Let’s Talk series on sexual health topics such as consent, contraception options, condoms, sexually transmitted diseases, and gender 101.
We partner with the Mid-Minnesota Women’s Center (MMWC) in Brainerd to staff a Registered Nurse weekly at the shelter who offers education and sexually transmitted infection testing. Residents of MMWC are transported to WeARE The Clinic for annual exams, birth control, and other appointments with a medical professional.