Mission Statement

Owner

Chair of the Board 

Alaina Gallagher is the CEO and Owner of Technology for Independence Consulting, an organization dedicated to expanding awareness, access, and use of Assistive Technology, Enabling Technology, and Remote Support. She is committed to helping everyone gain access to the tools and support needed to live with greater autonomy and control.

Alaina loves high adventure activities, traveling, and spending as much time in the outdoors as possible.

Vice Chair

Mariah Gallagher is the Director of Assistive Technology at Mercarik, an Assistive Technology consulting firm focused on evaluation, design, and implementation of multiple tailored systems to enhance the lives of individuals experiencing barriers in their daily life. Her educational background includes a bachelor's degree in public health sciences and an associate's degree in occupational therapy. She uses the knowledge and skills from these programs to help find creative solutions to help enhance the lives of others through the use of assistive technology.

Mariah loves running long distance, discovering new books to read, and cuddling with her cats.

Board Secretary

Keeri Tramm is the Director of Disability Initiatives at Lifeworks, a non-profit empowering disability inclusion. She is also an Autistic professional who holds a degree in Special Education with experience as an educator, county assessor, and case manager specializing in transition age I/DD co-occurring with Serious and Persistent Mental Illness (SPI).

Keeri loves rock climbing, 3D printing, and designing 3D printed assistive tech.

Social Media Chair

Rachael is an Employment Counselor and AT Specialist at MN Direct Care and Treatment Programs, passionate about advancing equitable access to assistive technology. She is dedicated to leveraging innovative technology to remove barriers, increase awareness, and create opportunities for people to thrive in meaningful, inclusive workplaces.

Rachael enjoys being outdoors, gardening, and living the country life with her family in northern Minnesota.

Owner & Co-Founder

Board Member

Matt Hansen worked for six years as a Direct Support Professional, as Director of Assistive Technology for a Minnesota non-profit and understands the dynamics of supporting people in their own home. Matt is a certified Assistive Technology Professional, Environmental Accessibility Specialist, the owner of Mercarik and has his MBA and Bachelors from the University of St. Thomas.

Matthew enjoys sports of all kinds and travels around the US to run long distance races.

DHS Representative

Board Member 

 Anna has a Master’s Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stout in Rehabilitation Counseling and Vocational Evaluation and an Assistive Technology Certification. She has over 25 years’ experience working with people with disabilities in a variety of capacities; Currently at  MN-DHS’ as the Waiver Policy Lead for Assistive and Monitoring technology/remote support. 

Anna enjoys gardening, being on the water, traveling (especially if it involves a beach) and spending time with family and friends.