Priscilla Weigel
Executive Director
Priscilla Weigel has worked with young children and families for more than 35 years. She has been a classroom teacher, staff development coordinator, mentor teacher, Early Childhood Consultant and Inclusion Coach. Priscilla started with CICC in 2012 as the Inclusion Coaching Coordinator. She currently works as the Executive Director, overseeing all staff and programming. In addition to successfully including and supporting children with special needs in community settings, Priscilla presents to teachers, parents and early care and education professionals throughout Minnesota and nationally.
Beth Menninga
Relationship Based Professional Development Manager
Beth has been in the early childhood field for almost forty years. Her work has primarily focused on professional development efforts in the content areas of of infant toddler care giving, early literacy and early math. She has been with CICC since 2018, supporting the work of the Infant Toddler Specialist Network team through professional development, mentoring and developing local community partnerships. She is also supporting the full team of CICC RBPD Specialists and coordinating RBPD efforts with other CICC team members.
Amy Petersen
Finance Manager
Amy has been with CICC for over 18 years. In her role as finance manager, Amy handles all billing, budgeting and record-keeping. She works alongside the executive director to establish our budgets and ensure each fiscal year runs smoothly.
Alicia Sandness
Human Resources Manager
Alicia currently serves as the Human Resources Manager with CICC. She has spent over 18 years in the human resources field. Much of Alicia’s work has been in compensation, talent acquisition, performance management, and employee relations management. She also has expertise in policy development, HRIS system implementation, legal compliance and training. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree and an MBA. Alicia started at CICC in 2020.
Becky Gillard
Coaching Intake and Data Coordinator
Becky has been in the early childhood field for over 17 years. Her focus has been on program development and continuous quality improvement. She currently works as the Health and Safety Coordinator with CICC, coordinating the implementation of coaching, supporting coaches and developing systems for program development and supporting coaches. Becky has been with CICC since 2017.
Becky Espersen
Learning Resources Support
Becky currently assists the whole CICC team, serving as the Learning Resources Support. She maintains the resource library, supports the success of our coaching program and provides technical assistance to those accessing our online courses. She has worked with children most of her life- in both child care centers and as an elementary and substitute teacher. Becky enjoys helping children develop a love of learning. She has been with CICC since 2017.
Brenda Lowe
Coach Mentor
Brenda Lowe has over 19 years of experience in early childhood. She has served as the director at numerous child care centers, operated her own family child care, and worked as the Director of Family Services at Head Start. She is also a trainer and teaches in higher education. Brenda started at CICC in 2016 as a coach and currently serves as the Coach Mentor, supporting the work of CICC coaches in the field.
Nene Folorunso
Marketing and Communications Specialist
Nene has over 10 years of experience as a communications and marketing professional. She has contributed to various organizations by helping them adopt effective communication strategies that lead to growth and visibility. She also has expertise in crisis communication and interactive media relations. She holds a master’s degree in strategic communications management. Nene started at CICC in 2020 where she serves as the Marketing and Communications Specialist.
Cindy Croft
Founder
Cindy Croft was the Executive Director of the Center for Inclusive Child Care from its beginning in 1995 as Project EXCEPTIONAL until her retirement in 2019. She led the CICC from a training project to a stand-alone nonprofit in that time and leaves a legacy of inclusion of children with special needs in quality settings and the positive social emotional development of all children. She promoted collaboration between early educators, the families they served and CICC partners in early childhood through relationship-based professional development, training, technical assistance, and leadership. She was in the early childhood field for over 25 years.
