Meet Our Team

Executive Director

Amanda Rueter

Amanda is a wife and mom to five children. Her 10 year old son, Eisen, was born with multiple heart defects in 2014. Her dedication to Lasting Imprint stems from her experiences with her own child and his CHD journey. She is committed to helping families navigate the world of CHD and advocating for research, increasing awareness, and helping to bring families together.

Board Chair

Lesa Drysdale

Lesa lives in southern Minnesota with her husband, Tanner, and their two children, Ryann and Callan. Lesa has a number of heart warriors and a heart angel within her family which drives her passion to serve the CHD and heart family community. She has been a volunteer for Lasting Imprint since 2017 and is proud to be part of such a strong, supportive community.

Board Vice Chair

Avery Malakowsky

Avery was raised in southern Minnesota where he currently lives and works. His motivation to serve comes from his nephew, a heart warrior, who was diagnosed with a CHD shortly after birth. Having learned more about Lasting Imprint and the support provided, becoming a member was an easy decision.

Board Treasurer

Kimberly Dauer

Kimberly is from Mankato, Minnesota and works as an accountant at Abdo. She loves to volunteer and has a passion for non-profit organizations. Kimberly has been a valued board member for Lasting Imprint since 2017.

Board Secretary

Darian Nagel

Darian was born and raised in a small town in Southern Minnesota. Her roots have remained a few miles north of her hometown, where she now has a private practice in mental health therapy. She is married and has three children. Ellis, her oldest daughter, is a heart warrior and was diagnosed (in utero) with a right aortic arch vascular ring. Ellis underwent her first surgery at 5 months of age and her second surgery at 16 months old. Due to the heart journey of her daughter, Darian became part of the Lasting Imprint Board in January of 2024. Her family enjoys spending time outdoors in the camper, up north at the cabin, and being involved in all their kids activities.

Board Member

Elissa Karels

Elissa was born and raised in Southern Minnesota, where she resides with her husband, Ethan, and their two daughters, Evelyn and Taylor. She has been on the board of Lasting Imprint since February of 2022. Her passion to join the board started 5 years prior when her family started attending the annual “Our Community Has Heart” walks in support of team Ryann (Drysdale), who holds a very special place in her family’s heart. Elissa is a nurse practitioner in family medicine at Mankato Clinic. She enjoys being a part of such a dedicated group of volunteers that ensure our area heart families feel supported.

Board Member

Tracy Culbertson

Tracy is an active wife and mom of 2. She has been married to her husband Jack for 18 years, and has two children: Khya and Jackson. She was born and raised in south central MN, and has been a Registered Nurse for over 20 years. Tracy was introduced to her first CHD patient while doing home care. She has had a strong passion for providing quality care to these patients while also offering resources and bringing together those who are experiencing similar journeys. Tracy also has an avid interest in community involvement and providing awareness, and Lasting Imprint is a perfect way to get involved! When not working, she enjoys spending time with her family, camping, reading, exercising, and attending her children’s activities. She is very excited to be a part of Lasting Imprint!

Board Member

Sharm Rigdon

More information coming soon!

Committed Volunteer

Michaelle Waletzko

Michelle got involved in the CHD community after her son Isaac was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (or HLHS) in 2015. Isaac has undergone 5 heart surgeries and will be having another heart surgery in the near future. Michelle loves sharing Isaac’s story and being another support system to local heart families who are going through similar situations; which is why she’s teamed up with Lasting Imprint. The CHD community is strong and spreading CHD awareness is something that is near and dear to Michelle’s heart. Michelle works at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN as a sonographer, and in her spare time enjoys camping with family and friends, baking, and crafting with girlfriends.

Interested in joining our Board?

Are you passionate about fighting against congenital heart defects (CHD)? Do you enjoy volunteering your time to support a good cause? Join the Board of Directors of Lasting Imprint and help guide our mission to support families affected by CHD. Your leadership and insight can make a lasting impact, shaping programs, expanding our reach, and creating hope for the CHD community. E-mail staff@lastingimprint.org for more details!