Leadership Team

Susan Warweg

President

Susan is the President of PAI. and has been an advocate for people with disabilities since l972. She’s worked as a residential provider, social worker and program developer. In l989, she authored the proposal to start Phoenix Alternatives, Inc. as a new day training program in Ramsey County.

Her greatest sense of accomplishment is figuring out another way to provide a service to a consumer.

Lisa Olson

Human Resources Director

Joining us in 1992, Lisa oversees the Human Resource functions. With over 20 years experience working in the field of Developmental Disabilities in Day Training and Residential Programs, Lisa enjoys using her undergraduate degree in Psychology and her Masters in Business Administration.

Pamela Sans

Oakdale Site Manager

Pamela is a five-year employee of Phoenix Alternatives. Her initial position was a Designated Coordinator at the Linden Ave. site. She currently serves as Site Manager at the Oakdale site. With a BS degree in Sociology. Pamela feels she has found her niche in program services for people with developmental disabilities.

Toni Quirk

Program Director

White Bear Parkway

Applying her B. S. degree in Special Education (University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh), Toni’s experience has included being an Educational Coordinator for children in residential treatment, teaching and developing curriculum for students in grades 9-12 including students with autism. Toni joined PAI in l990, and brings innovation and leadership to the program services

Terry Higgs

Director of Administrative Services

Having spent over 25 years of his professional career in business management (nine with PAI), Terry’s business experience ranges from starting, operating and successfully selling a small business to years of managerial experience as an employee of a Fortune 500 company. His responsibilities currently include overseeing finance, benefits, payroll, transportation, IT, and general operations.

Denise Ryan McKee

Vocational Services Program Director

Denise Ryan-McKee brings 34 years of experience in assisting persons with developmental disabilities in the areas of skills acquisition, work adjustment, job seeking and job placement for both supported and competitive employment. She is also conversant with Department of Labor requirements pertaining to special wage certificates. Her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology and English (University of

Minnesota) served her well at Tuscon’s Arizona Training Program, Mesa’s ARC Center for site and community based employment, as well as 20+ years managing Day Training and Habilitation work programs in Minnesota.

Bonnie Sykora

Program Director Linden Ave.

Bonnie volunteered in special education classes in high school and found the profession a perfect match. With a SpecialEducation degree from St. Cloud State University in hand, she worked at a small southern Minnesota group home before starting at the Phoenix Residence in l977. As a teacher there she found her niche teaching and developing customized communication systems for consumers. In 1990, she moved to P.A.I. as a Director of Services.