Our Team

The First Children's Finance team brings together dedicated professionals across Minnesota, Iowa, Michigan, Oregon, Vermont, and beyond — all united by a shared commitment to strengthening child care businesses and expanding access to quality care.

A woman with straight dark hair, wearing a black blazer and light blue collared shirt, smiles at the camera. She stands in front of a reddish-brown brick wall.

Heidi Hagel Braid

President & CEO

Heidi Hagel Braid serves as President & CEO at First Children's Finance.

ph. (612) 279-6504
A woman with straight brown hair in a bob, wearing a black collared shirt and small gold earrings, smiles at the camera against a plain light background.

Abigail Sylvester

Chief Program Officer

Abigail Sylvester serves as Chief Program Officer at First Children's Finance.

ph. (612) 439-3489
A woman with shoulder-length dark hair and glasses smiles at the camera. She is wearing a black top, a gray patterned jacket, and a necklace, posing in front of a dark, neutral background.

Stacie Reiner

Chief Financial Officer

Stacie Reiner serves as Chief Financial Officer at First Children's Finance.

ph. (612) 504-7406
A woman with long, curly black hair in a high ponytail smiles. She is wearing a white blazer, gold earrings, and has natural makeup with defined eyebrows and nude lipstick. The background is plain and light-colored.

Cheyenne McGregor

Chief Advancement Officer

Cheyenne McGregor serves as Chief Advancement Officer at First Children's Finance.

ph. (612) 439-1897
A man with short brown hair and blue eyes, wearing a light blue button-up shirt, smiles at the camera against a plain gray background.

Michael-John Myette

Chief States Officer

Michael-John Myette serves as Chief States Officer at First Children's Finance.

ph. (612) 279-6517
A woman wearing a black blazer and light yellow top smiles at the camera. She has short, curly hair styled to one side and a single earring. The background is a solid light blue.

Ericka Warmack

Director of National Lending

Ericka Warmack serves as Director of National Lending at First Children's Finance.

ph. (612) 294-0083
A woman with straight brown hair, wearing glasses, a dark collared shirt, and a single dangling earring, smiles in front of a plain beige background.

Suzanne Pearl

Minnesota Director

Suzanne Pearl serves as Minnesota Director at First Children's Finance.

ph. (612) 223-7215
A person with shoulder-length gray hair, wearing glasses and a navy blue sweater with red, white, and blue stripes, smiles in front of a plain gray background.

Anne McSweeney

Director of National Initiatives

Anne McSweeney serves as Director of National Initiatives at First Children's Finance.

ph. (612) 294-0038

Ellen Whelan-Wuest

Vermont Director

Ellen Whelan-Wuest, Vermont Director

Sarah Minshull

Director, Iowa and National

Sarah Minshull is Director, Iowa and National

A middle-aged woman with short gray hair smiles at the camera. She is wearing a gray vest over a black top and is pictured against a softly blurred, warm-toned background.

Erin Roche

Senior Advisor, Vermont

Erin Roche serves as Vermont Director at First Children's Finance.

ph. (802) 341-0368
A woman with long straight black hair smiles warmly at the camera, wearing a black top. The background is blurred and dark, drawing attention to her cheerful expression.

Jessica Affholter

Business Development Manager

Jessica Affholter serves as Business Development Manager at First Children's Finance.

ph. (612) 464-5090
A woman with long brown hair, wearing black-rimmed glasses and a light-colored blazer, smiles at the camera against a plain, softly lit background.

Nellie Anderson

Information Systems & Data Strategy Manager

Nellie Anderson serves as Information Systems & Data Strategy Manager at First Children's Finance.

ph. (612) 416-5823
A woman with long, wavy blonde hair wearing a black top smiles at the camera. She is standing against a light-colored, textured background.

Amy Arena Couture

Business Development Manager

Amy Arena Couture serves as Business Development Manager at First Children's Finance.

ph. (612) 445-0360
A woman with long dark hair is smiling at the camera. She is wearing a green top, gold earrings, and a gold necklace, with a neutral gray background.

Jyotsna Chakka

Salesforce Administrator

Jyotsna Chakka serves as Salesforce Administrator at First Children's Finance.

ph. (612) 294-0082
A woman with long brown hair, wearing a black top and a single dangling earring, stands in front of a plain gray background, looking at the camera with a gentle expression.

Samantha Collins

Business Development Specialist

Samantha Collins serves as Business Development Specialist at First Children's Finance.

ph. (802) 341-4622
A woman with long dark hair, wearing gold hoop earrings and a necklace, poses in front of a plain background. She is dressed in a patterned black and pink top and smiles softly at the camera.

Raelyn Duening

Grant Writer & Coordinator

Raelyn Duening serves as Grant Writer & Coordinator at First Children's Finance.

ph. (612) 504-6690
A young man with short light brown hair and a beard smiles at the camera. He is wearing a dark zip-up jacket and is outdoors with a blurred green background.

Jack Bello

Business Development Specialist

Jack Bello serves as Business Development Specialist at First Children's Finance.

ph. (541) 253-5100
A woman with long, wavy brown hair smiles at the camera. She is wearing a white top and standing against a plain white background.

Crystal Ballard

Program Specialist

Crystal Ballard serves as Program Specialist at First Children's Finance.

ph. (651) 309-4188
A woman with long wavy brown hair smiles at the camera. She is wearing a dark blazer over a patterned top, with light makeup and hoop earrings, posing in front of a white background.

Jessica Beyer

Associate Minnesota Director

Jessica Beyer serves as Associate Minnesota Director at First Children's Finance.

ph. (320) 288-2652
A woman with straight red hair, wearing tortoiseshell glasses, hoop earrings, a white top, and a necklace, smiles while sitting in front of a light gray background.

Christine Bordewyk

Graphic Designer

Christine Bordewyk serves as Graphic Designer at First Children's Finance.

ph. (612) 439-1812
A woman with long wavy brown hair, wearing a brown checkered blazer and black turtleneck, smiling in front of a plain light gray background.

Francisca Braun

Child Care Systems Analyst

Francisca Braun serves as Child Care Systems Analyst at First Children's Finance.

ph. (510) 340-9939
A woman with straight, shoulder-length brown hair smiles at the camera. She is wearing a black blazer over a peach floral top and a pendant necklace, with a plain gray background behind her.

Amanda Brewington

Loan Fund Manager

Amanda Brewington serves as Loan Fund Manager at First Children's Finance.

ph. (612) 279-6507
A woman with short, wavy blonde hair and glasses smiles at the camera. She is wearing a royal blue top with ruffled edges and long, geometric earrings, standing against a textured light-colored wall.

Candace Cegla

Business Development Manager

Candace Cegla serves as Business Development Manager at First Children's Finance.

ph. (320) 288-2698
A woman with long brown hair, wearing a light green collared shirt, smiles at the camera against a plain gray background.

Pam Chapman

Grants Manager

Pam Chapman serves as Grants Manager at First Children's Finance.

ph. (612) 439-1923
A woman with long straight black hair and red lipstick smiles at the camera. She wears a black top, beaded earrings, and a beaded necklace. The background is dark and out of focus.

Jannan Cotto

Manager, Child Care System, Ekinoonaad (the one who guides)

Jannan Cotto serves as Systems Coordinator, Ekinoonaad (the one who guides) at First Children's Finance.

ph. (612) 439-9719
A woman with blonde hair and blue eyes smiles at the camera. She is wearing a patterned black top, a gold necklace, and black circular earrings. The background is softly blurred.

Angie Rae Duncan

Business Development Manager

Angie Rae Duncan serves as Business Development Manager at First Children's Finance.

ph. (515) 316-9134
Lynda Duncan Headshot

Lynda Duncan

Portfolio Manager

Lynda Duncan serves as Portfolio Manager at First Children's Finance.

ph. (612) 279-6514
A woman with long brown hair smiles at the camera. She is wearing a dark top with a floral pattern and is standing against a plain, light-colored background.

Holly Gabrielson

Learning & Development Specialist

Holly Gabrielson serves as Learning & Development Specialist at First Children's Finance.

ph. (210) 469-8679
A woman with long dark hair smiles at the camera. She is wearing a green patterned top and has a nose ring. The background is a plain light color.

Tiffany Grant

Business Development Manager

Tiffany Grant serves as Business Development Manager at First Children's Finance.

ph. (612) 279-6503
A woman with short blonde hair and glasses smiles at the camera in front of a rocky waterfall and clear blue water surrounded by trees.

Deb Whitney Grennon

Business Development Specialist

Deb Whitney Grennon serves as Business Development Specialist at First Children's Finance.

ph. (802) 341-0268
A woman with long light brown hair and wearing a black top smiles at the camera against a plain white background.

Robin Harjo

Business Development Specialist

Robin Harjo serves as Business Development Specialist at First Children's Finance.

ph. (612) 439-4142
A woman with straight, shoulder-length brown hair smiles at the camera. She is wearing a reddish blouse and a tan cardigan, standing in front of a white paneled door.

Diana Hoffman

Grants Specialist

Diana Hoffman serves as Grants Specialist at First Children's Finance.

ph. (612) 439-9551
A woman with long black hair and pearl jewelry smiles at the camera. She is wearing a green top and a black blazer, with a light background behind her.

Taijha Harden

Manager, Child Care System

Taijha Harden serves as Child Care Systems Coordinator at First Children's Finance.

ph. (612) 294-0041
A middle-aged woman with wavy gray and brown hair smiles at the camera. She is wearing a tan blazer over a patterned top, and the background is plain and neutral.

Michele Hutchinson

Senior Business Development Specialist

Michele Hutchinson serves as Senior Business Development Specialist at First Children's Finance.

ph. (218) 288-2601
A woman with straight, shoulder-length brown hair and a friendly smile poses in front of a plain, light brown background, wearing a dark top.

Brianna Jordan

Operations Coordinator

Brianna Jordan serves as Operations Coordinator at First Children's Finance.

ph. (612) 279-6513
A woman with long, curly black hair wearing a gray coat over a black turtleneck, looking confidently at the camera against a plain white background.

Safiya Aden

Business Development Specialist – Bilingual

Safiya Aden serves as Business Development Specialist – Bilingual at First Children's Finance.

ph. (612) 223-7223
A woman with straight, light brown hair smiles at the camera. She is wearing a tan blazer over a white top, and the background is softly blurred in shades of gray and blue.

Deborah Kroksh

Business Development Specialist

Deborah Kroksh serves as Business Development Specialist at First Children's Finance.

ph. (515) 316-1274
A woman with long, straight blonde hair and black glasses is looking at the camera. She is wearing a sleeveless floral top and is posed against a plain, light-colored background.

Shelly Kunz

Business Development Specialist

Shelly Kunz serves as Business Development Specialist at First Children's Finance.

ph. (507) 218-2265
A woman with straight, shoulder-length brown hair smiles at the camera. She is wearing a brown top with white polka dots and is posed in front of a plain, light gray background.

Dolly Kshirsagar

Accountant

Dolly Kshirsagar serves as Accountant at First Children's Finance.

ph. (612) 504-4316
A smiling woman with short blonde hair and glasses, wearing a gray blazer and green blouse, sits in front of a light wood panel wall.

Julie Lindgren

Business Development Specialist

Julie Lindgren serves as Business Development Specialist at First Children's Finance.

ph. (218) 288-2623
A woman with shoulder-length brown hair and light eyes is wearing a white blouse and a gold necklace, smiling softly while standing in front of a bright, blurred cityscape background.

Trisha Lien

Business Development Manager

Trisha Lien serves as Business Development Manager at First Children's Finance.

ph. (320) 288-2775
Woman with long wavy dark hair, wearing a green and white striped shirt, gold hoop earrings, and bright red lipstick, posing against a plain gray background.

Grace López

Senior Program Specialist - Oregon

Grace López is the Senior Program Specialist for Oregon at First Children's Finance.

ph. (612) 279-6527
A man with a shaved head and gray beard, wearing a dark button-up shirt, smiles at the camera against a plain, light-colored background.

Nic Ludwig

Accountant

Nic Ludwig serves as Accountant at First Children's Finance.

ph. (612) 294-0113
A woman with shoulder-length brown hair, wearing a bright pink blazer and dangling earrings, smiles at the camera against a blurred background.

Dana Miller

Business Development Specialist

Dana Miller serves as Business Development Specialist at First Children's Finance.

ph. (515) 335-4887
A smiling older woman with long gray hair wearing a light purple blazer over a teal blouse and a cross necklace, posing in front of a plain beige background.

Rose Morrison

Business Development Specialist

Rose Morrison serves as Business Development Specialist at First Children's Finance.

ph. (802) 341-0589
A man with short dark hair and a trimmed beard, wearing a dark suit jacket and black shirt, smiles at the camera against a plain, light-colored background.

Juan Muros

Bilingual (Spanish) Business Development Manager

Juan Muros serves as Bilingual (Spanish) Business Development Manager at First Children's Finance.

ph. (541) 253-2937
A Black woman with grey braids and eyeglasses smiles at the camera. She wears large hoop earrings and a black and white striped sweater.

Susan Newell

Business Development Specialist

Susan Newell serves as Business Development Specialist at First Children's Finance.

ph. (612) 473-4413
A person with curly, shoulder-length blonde hair smiles at the camera. They are wearing a blue and white patterned button-up shirt and pose in front of a plain gray background.

Ellen Nikodym

Manager, Child Care System

Ellen Nikodym serves as Manager, Child Care System at First Children's Finance.

ph. (612) 473-9797
A young woman with wavy blonde hair smiles at the camera. She is wearing a denim jacket over a white top, and the background appears to be an indoor setting with warm lighting.

Destiny Oberg

Business Development Specialist

Destiny Oberg serves as Business Development Specialist at First Children's Finance.

ph. (612) 439-9771
A woman with straight, blonde hair, wearing a black jacket over a gray shirt, smiles at the camera against a plain, beige background.

Tonia Pauli

Business Development Specialist

Tonia Pauli serves as Business Development Specialist at First Children's Finance.

ph. (612) 439-9614
A woman with long, curly dark hair smiles at the camera. She is wearing a dark magenta top and tassel earrings, standing in front of a plain light-colored wall.

Ingrid Perez

Business Development Specialist

Ingrid Perez serves as Business Development Specialist at First Children's Finance.

ph. (541) 253-4438
A woman with short, wavy gray hair smiles outdoors. She wears a navy sweater over a blue-and-white striped collared shirt. The background features flowers, stonework, and a blue wall.

Gina Porter

Senior Grants Specialist

Gina Porter serves as Senior Grants Specialist at First Children's Finance.

ph. (612) 444-7144
A woman with dark hair pulled back, wearing a patterned button-up shirt and a silver necklace, smiles in front of a plain gray background.

Marilu Plamann

Business Development Specialist-Bilingual (Spanish)

Marilu Plamann serves as Business Development Specialist-Bilingual (Spanish) at First Children's Finance.

ph. (612) 504-7518
A woman with straight, long brown hair and blue eyes, wearing a beige cardigan over a black top and large dangling earrings, poses in front of a neutral, blurred background.

Haley Ramsey

Lending Support Navigator

Haley Ramsey serves as Lending Support Navigator at First Children's Finance.

ph. (612) 223-7239
A woman with straight, shoulder-length brown hair wearing a teal top and turquoise earrings smiles at the camera against a softly blurred indoor background.

Cathy Reitz

Senior Grants Specialist

Cathy Reitz serves as Senior Grants Specialist at First Children's Finance.

ph. (802) 341-4788
A smiling person wearing a floral shirt and red tie poses in front of a white tiled wall with decorative greenery and a sign that reads, "Love grows best in little houses.

Kyle Sanchez

Business Development Manager

Kyle Sanchez serves as Business Development Manager at First Children's Finance.

ph. (541) 253-2385
A woman with long dark hair and a black top smiles at the camera against a plain light-colored wall.

Angie De Los Santos

Business Development Specialist

Angie De Los Santos serves as Business Development Specialist at First Children's Finance.

ph. (612) 268-5241
A woman with curly brown hair wearing glasses, a green plaid blazer, and a white top is smiling in front of a dark background.

Amanda Saillant

Child Care Systems Analyst

Amanda Saillant serves as Child Care Systems Analyst at First Children's Finance.

ph. (612) 445-8246
A woman with straight, long brown hair and bangs poses in front of a wooden wall, wearing a blue top and a necklace. She has a neutral expression and natural makeup.

Stephanie Sanvig

Senior Business Development Specialist

Stephanie Sanvig serves as Senior Business Development Specialist at First Children's Finance.

ph. (612) 473-4542
A woman with gray hair, wearing a black top, smiles softly while standing in front of a red brick wall.

Jennifer Severance

Business Development Manager

Jennifer Severance serves as Business Development Manager at First Children's Finance.

ph. (802) 341-0338
A woman with long, light brown hair wears large, patterned eyeglasses, a pink turtleneck, a pearl necklace, and a black jacket. She is smiling slightly and sits in front of a striped, textured wall.

Maura Trout

Program Specialist

Maura Trout serves as Program Specialist at First Children's Finance.

ph. (612) 429-0847
A woman with long dark hair, wearing a light beige collared shirt and flower-shaped earrings, smiles in front of green leafy bushes.

Jeniffer White

Business Development Specialist - Bilingual (Spanish)

Jeniffer White serves as Business Development Specialist - Bilingual (Spanish) at First Children's Finance.

ph. (541) 253-4232
Smiling woman with long brown hair wearing a black top with leather accents, posing against a plain white background.

Patricia Welsch

Business Development Specialist

Patricia Welsch serves as Business Development Specialist at First Children's Finance.

ph. (612) 223-7207
A woman with medium-length wavy dark hair, wearing a white blouse and gold necklaces, smiles at the camera against a plain light gray background.

Kale Weber

Business Development Specialist

Kale Weber serves as Business Development Specialist at First Children's Finance.

ph. (612) 294-0054
A woman with light brown hair pulled back, wearing a dark top, smiles at the camera against a softly blurred dark background.

Tess Weafer

Program Specialist

Tess Weafer serves as Program Specialist at First Children's Finance.

ph. (802) 341-8935
A smiling person with curly hair, wearing large black glasses, hoop earrings, and an orange knit sweater, stands in softly lit indoor surroundings.

Alexis Brown

Business Development Specialist

Alexis Brown serves as Business Development Specialist at First Children's Finance.

ph. (612) 439-9508