Our team
The staff and board behind Barnesville Area HELPERS.
Meet the staff
Debra DeMuth
Debra comes to HELPERS after recently moving to Barnesville. With 25 plus years in nonprofits across the country, from direct service to management, she's excited for the potential she sees to support seniors in our service area. Debra has a BFA from Massachusetts College of Art where she majored in Glass.
Her experience has been drawn from working in multiple Community Action agencies, an organization like HELPERS in northern Minnesota, as well as directing a youth mentoring program. A recent empty nester, Debra came out of retirement to serve in this role.
She lives in Barnesville with her husband, Greg, who serves as pastor at St. John's Lutheran Church, a calico cat named Ivy and a grand cat named Jax. Camping and outdoor adventures, gardening and being creative bring her joy.
Deb Abbey
Deb, a seasoned master's level social worker, joined Barnesville Area HELPERS in 2018 in the role of Wellness Coordinator. In 2024, Deb transitioned to the role of MN Board on Aging Certified Caregiver Consultant and Respite Care Coordinator.
In her role, Deb utilizes her extensive background as a therapist to provide confidential support, assessment, and referral tailored to each family's unique needs. She develops and facilitates educational programs and oversees a dedicated team of respite volunteers, all with the goal of empowering caregivers to navigate the challenges of caregiving with confidence and grace and to enhance the quality of life for them and the care receivers.
“Use your voice for kindness, your ears for compassion, your hands for charity, your mind for truth, and your heart for love.”
Julie Nelson
Julie joins us as a believer in Volunteering. Most recently she's spent time at her church booth at Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion volunteering to serve food, while also covering a friend's shift. Julie's interest and passion for helping elders started when she was little, watching her grandma's home care for several family members. As a teen and into her college years she got to assist that same grandma when she needed help and support. Being well taught and learning from the best, Julie loves to continue to bring sunshine and gratefulness to others, young and old. When she's not working, she loves to spend time with her family, baking, and spending time with her corgi, Daisy.
Board of Directors
Misy Palmer
Misy Palmer is a dedicated Senior Licensing Specialist at Stoneridge Software. She has called Barnesville home for the past 12 years, where she lives with her husband, Matthew, and their three children. She is active in her church and has a genuine heart for serving the community.
Susan Yeske
Susan and her husband, Jon, moved to Barnesville in 2004 to begin their family. She works as an early childhood special education teacher at Lake Agassiz Education Co-op, and serves part-time as an EMT for both Barnesville and Ringdahl Ambulance.
Jay Holter
Jay has lived in Barnesville with his wife since 2014. He is recently retired after working in Long Term Care and Hospice as a Registered Nurse since 1987. His passion is working with the elderly and helping them to maintain their highest level of well being through the end of life. He has served in many roles including Director of Nursing.
Dr. Clay Danielson
Dr. Clay moved to Barnesville in July of 2024 after purchasing Barnesville Chiropractic. Soon after moving, he was introduced to Barnesville Area HELPERS through a board member. He believes in the mission of HELPERS to promote independent living in the elderly by providing individualized resources along with group classes to help promote community in the aging population. With the baby boomer population reaching an age of increased dependence on healthcare, programs like HELPERS have become more important than ever to support the community's needs, and he is glad to be a part of such an essential organization to the Barnesville community.
Carol Van Brocklin
Carol has lived in Barnesville since 2015 and learned about HELPERS almost immediately through friends on the board at the time. She worked at the Barnesville Public Library until retiring from full time in 2024, and still substitutes a few times a month. She started volunteering with Meals on Wheels, then began driving for medical appointments after retiring. “Since I have no family close by, I know I may someday need these services — so if there is some small way I can pay it forward now, I am more than willing to do it.”
Kayla Gonser
Kayla is a stay-at-home, homeschooling mom. In January of 2025, her family bought Barnesville Grocery, and that has turned into a full family adventure. They love being in Barnesville and calling this wonderful town home. Her favorite thing is family trips, and her favorite place is Florida and the beaches there! She also loves exercising and going on walks.
Want to get involved?
We are always glad to hear from neighbors who want to help.
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