
Care means
giving & receiving.
Caregiving & Aging Staff Bios
Our Caregiving & Aging staff provide a range of areas of expertise to make sure that you get the services you need delivered in the manner that will help you best. Experienced social workers, community educators and volunteer coordinators are all on site and in the community, ready to make a difference in your life, whether you are a caregiver, older adult, or volunteer. Feel free to browse our staff biographies below and contact FamilyMeans to let us know how we can help you.
Key to Credential Acronyms
These letters can refer to educational degrees:
- MA – Master of Arts
- MFT – Master of Marriage and Family Therapy
- PhD – Doctor of Philosophy
- PsyD – Doctor of Psychology
- BSW – Bachelor of Social Work
- MSW - Master of Social Work
Or to professional licenses:
- LAMFT – Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, practicing under supervision of another independently licensed provider
- LMFT – Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
- LGSW – Licensed Graduate Social Worker, practicing under the supervision of another independently licensed provider
- LICSW – Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
- LPCC – Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
- LP –Licensed Psychologist
- LISW- Licensed Independent Social Worker
- LCSW – Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- CSW- Certified Social Worker

Beth Wiggins, MSW, LISW
Director of Caregiving & Aging
Beth has more than 25 years of experience in developing and administering community-based supportive services for older adults and their families. With a broad understanding of gerontology, family caregiving, community involvement issues and nonprofit management, she has provided leadership in a number of collaborative entities and multi-sector partnerships to champion aging as a positive and integral part of family and community life. Beth holds a BA in Psychology from Carleton College, and a master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Minnesota.
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Sarah Gavin, LGSW
Caregiving & Aging Social Worker
Sarah became a part of FamilyMeans in 2015, taking on the position of Caregiving & Aging Social Worker. She earned her bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and obtained her master’s degree in social work from Dominican University. In her role, Sarah thrives on building connections with both community members and professionals. She is dedicated to offering personalized support to families from diverse backgrounds. In addition to her family coaching and consultation services, Sarah teaches classes such as Finding Meaning & Hope, Powerful Tools for Caregivers, and Shaping Your Tomorrow. With a wealth of experience, she specializes in assisting families dealing with complex chronic and neurodegenerative diseases.

Deb Newton, LSW
Caregiving & Aging Social Worker
Deb comes to FamilyMeans with a broad range of experience working in senior housing, county social services, and in the addiction and behavioral health field. As a social worker, Deb will focus on coaching and consultation, facilitating support groups, and education. She holds a BS in Social Work from Winona State University and has previous experience supporting clients with memory loss and their caregivers.

Heidi Ricks, COTA/L
Dementia Program Coordinator
Heidi joined the Caregiving & Aging team in 2020. Heidi is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, having worked over eight years in the adult day healthcare program of the Veterans Administration. She focuses on FamilyMeans' early-stage dementia programming including Community Connection, Journey Together, memory loss support and discussion groups, and consultations. She has a BA from Luther College and an Associate’s Degree in Occupational Therapy Assistantship from St. Catherine University.
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Jenny West, BS
Community Educator
Jenny has been on staff since 2010. During that time, she has educated thousands of metro-area caregivers in their workplaces and community settings, using both evidence-based and original curricula. Jenny facilitates support groups and Saturday Connections, leads Memory Club and Memory Cafés, and is a Powerful Tools for Caregivers facilitator and Master Trainer. Jenny holds a BS in Therapeutic Recreation from University of Wisconsin La Crosse and has previous experience in housing services for older adults and long-term care.

Dan Bohnker
Volunteer Resources ad Respite Coordinator
Dan became part of the FamilyMeans staff in 2022. Before joining FamilyMeans Dan worked as a volunteer coordinator at a food bank in Iowa. He has a degree from the University of Northern Iowa in Leisure, Youth, and Human Services. He recruits, screens, trains, supports, and recognizes volunteers who serve their community through FamilyMeans. Along with these responsibilities Dan also coordinates FamilyMeans respite and Night Out programs.

Jocelyn Hayden
Community Engagement & Intake Specialist
Jocelyn joined FamilyMeans at the end of 2022, taking on the role of Development & Communication Specialist, assisting with donor management, event planning, social media marketing, and more. Graduating with a Bachelor's in English with emphasis in Marketing and Communications from Southwest Minnesota State Univerisity, Jocelyn has a passion for sharing client stories, creating connections to broaden the span of our services, and being a connection point for those looking for help. She accepted this position in 2024, adding onto her already growing portfolio of work with FamilyMeans, with a goals of growing the program, reaching communities in need, and supporting individuals in anyway she can.