• Pre-Employment Workshops
• Training Opportunities
• Community Offender Re-entry Program

Executive Staff

Emily Edison - Executive Director

eedison@soarcareers.org
(218) 722-3126 Ext 2412

Emily is the Executive Director at SOAR Career Solutions. She has over 12 years of non-profit professional and volunteer experience. Most recently, Emily worked at United Way of Greater Duluth, where she served as the Community Impact Director. Her expertise includes organizational development, strategic planning, outcomes measurement, communications and revenue development.

She earned a BA in General English from St. Cloud State University, an Organizational Development Certificate from the University of Minnesota's College of Continuing Education and certification from the Grantsmanship Training Center. She is also trained in the practices and principles of The Art of Hosting. She is currently obtaining an MA degree in Rhetoric and Applied Writing from St. Cloud State University.

Edison serves on the board for the Port of Duluth Kiwanis Club and advisor for the St. Scholastica Circle K Club.

David Mattson - Associate Director

dmattson@soarcareers.org
(218) 722-3126 Ext. 2411

David Mattson is the Associate Director at SOAR Career Solutions.  He has over 15 years of experience in management and financial planning.  He is responsible for the data collection system at SOAR and manages a sophisticated data base and reporting system.  David performs all the financial management, accounting, and budgeting functions for the organization.  He has been with SOAR since October 2001.

Prior to his current position, David worked for the St. Scholastica Monastery for 16 years, progressively advancing from an unskilled entry-level position as a dishwasher to diet clerk, certified dietary manager, interim food service director, and ultimately as information coordinator/supervisor.  In each position, he demonstrated leadership and systems development skills.  He was responsible for creating a comprehensive computer program to manage all aspects of the Food Services Department.  David aggressively seeks new learning and more efficient and effective ways to complete whatever task is before him. 

David holds a bachelor’s degree in history/political science from the University of Minnesota, Duluth.  He gained his accounting training at Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College and has completed extensive continuing education work in data base programming, office management, and leadership development. David is a "Certified Nonprofit Accounting Professional" (CNAP) as of November 2007.

Administrative Staff

Cathy Lasley - Administrative Assistant

clasley@soarcareers.org
(218) 722-3126 Ext. 2401

Cathy Lasley is SOAR Career Solutions’ Administrative Assistant. She has 20+ years experience in bookkeeping, customer service, and assisting business administrations. As the Administrative Assistant, she is responsible for providing administrative and staff support to the general organizational operations. Working under the direct supervision of the Associate Director, she performs all routine administrative duties, is responsible for providing excellent customer service, assisting staff and completing a variety of bookkeeping functions along with assignments of a diverse nature requiring attention to detail and efficiency.

Cathy chose to work at SOAR because she likes the idea of helping people and giving back to the community. She feels she can make a difference by being part of SOAR’s mission to help people recognize their potential and realize their dreams.

Linnea Lebens - Office Assistant

llebens@soarcareers.org
(218) 722-3126 Ext. 2409

Linnea Lebens is the Employment Services Office Assistant. She started at SOAR the summer of 2011. She oversees the Computer Resource Lab and assists Career Specialists in coordinating workshops. Linnea graduated from UW-Superior in 2010 with a BA in Broad Field Social Studies. She has experience working and volunteering with non-profits organizations. She is excited to work for SOAR and help people help themselves find meaningful and sustainable employment.

Employment Services Staff

Jason Beckman - Disabilities Career Specialist

jbeckman@soarcareers.org
(218) 722-3126 Ext. 2417

Jason Beckman is SOAR’s Disabilities Career Specialist. He provides career services to all job seekers using a holistic and creative approach, while respecting the core values and talents they have brought with them.

Jason graduated from Metropolitan State University in Minneapolis in 2002 with a Bachelors degree in Psychology and a minor in criminal justice.  He has worked in the human services field for more than 15 years, in the areas of counseling, nursing, housing, and now employment. Most recently he was the case manager at the Salvation Army’s Family Transitional Housing Program. He’s pleased to work at SOAR because of SOAR’s mission, philosophy, and excellent previous history with clients.

John Bartikoski - Career Specialist

jbartikoski@soarcareers.org
(218) 722-3126 Ext. 2419

John has worked at SOAR since June, 2010 and comes to us with over six years of experience in the nonprofit human services sector. In his role as a Career Specialist, he enjoys assisting clients develop career goals to find ideal jobs. He also teaches the STEPS (Steps to Economic and Personal Success) workshop at off-site locations.

A former volunteer at SOAR, John enjoys helping people find meaningful employment. He holds a BA in Psychology and Communication from UMD. He is a native Duluthian.

Alexis Carlson - Career Specialist

acarlson@soarcareers.org
(218) 722-3126 Ext. 2402

Alexis Carlson has been at SOAR since, August 2009 as a Career Specialist. She has worked in the Human Services field for over four years providing customer service to a variety of clients in securing employment. Prior to coming to SOAR; she taught computer training to a diverse population with a nonprofit agency. She brings over 15 years of employment history from both the public/private sector. She also facilitates the new Career Quest workshop. She's delighted to be a part of a team that is "Keeping Our Community Working.

Community Offender Reentry Program (CORP) Staff

Dana Race - Case Manager

drace@soarcareers.org
(218) 722-3126 Ext. 2408

Dana Race is a Community Offender Reentry Program (CORP) Case Manager. She offers assistance and resources for persons who are leaving their former lives behind and are ready to become productive and active members of society. Dana also facilitates a Women's Support Group and a Recovery Support Group for the clients of CORP. Prior to her current position, Dana worked in the criminal defense field for over 10 years serving as a paralegal and investigator. Dana holds a BA in Criminology from the University of Minnesota Duluth. Dana has stated, "Being a Case Manager working with individuals and assisting them with overcoming their barriers is her dream job.