GRACE Kids Program Care Providers

Program Manager

Katie Kaszubski graduated from Northwestern College in the spring of 07’ with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She has a great love for children and enjoys encouraging children to explore and experience life with the passion that they so easily express. Currently, she works for The Lovaas Institute Midwest in the Twin Cities, as a Senior Behavior Therapist where they provide an early intervention, in home therapy program, for children who have autism. Katie has been involved in the Missing Grace Foundation for many years and typically finds herself working with the children. This year planning the Grace Kids Program has been very enjoyable. She is looking forward to spending the day with the kids doing lots of fun activities; from playing outside, doing art, having story time, playing games, and much more!


Child Caregivers

Diane Dingley has been a child life specialist at Children's Hospital's and Clinics of Minnesota for over 27 years. She has a Bachelor's degree in child development and a Master's in Early Childhood Education/Child Life, and specializes in working with children and families around the emotional impact of illness, stress, and grief. Diane has worked with children with acute, chronic, and life-limiting conditions, and currently works in the neonatal intensive care units. She provides consultation to staff and families dealing with high-risk pregnancies, and has extensive experience helping families in grief.

Laura Merrill is a recent graduate from University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire with a BA in Psychology and an emphasis in child and family studies. In November she became a Certified Child Life Specialist. Fall of 2009 she plans to go back to graduate school to pursue a master's degree in Occupational Therapy. She is currently working as an Assistant Teacher with preschoolers at Fraser School in Richfield, MN.