Board of Directors

Gage
 As Board President of Gage Gives Back, provides leadership, vision, and oversight to advance the organization’s mission of awareness, prevention, and inclusion. With a strong commitment to advocacy for families affected by traumatic brain injury, [Name] works closely with fellow board members, community partners, and supporters to guide strategic growth and ensure lasting impact. Through dedication, collaboration, and service, the Board President helps strengthen Gage Gives Back’s role as a trusted voice for education, support, and positive change

Peggy - Vice President
Peggy was born in Williston, ND; grew up in Cannon Falls, MN; and currently resides in Farmington, MN with her husband, Kevin.  She is a commercial real estate attorney and has been employed with Faegre Baker Daniels for almost 20 years.  Peggy is Gage's aunt and has been there throughout the journey.  She has witnessed firsthand the impact of SBS and TBI.  We, as a family, decided that is was imperative that we take back that day of tragedy and turn it into something positive. Thus, Gage Gives Back was born.  She became involved to raise awareness for SBS and TBI and to raise funds to help organizations that have helped Gage in his journey.

Jennifer
​ Jennifer is a creative spirit who loves bringing people together. A lifelong crafter and DIY enthusiast, she enjoys refurbishing furniture, decorating her home for every season and holiday and tackling new creative projects. A former high school athlete and cheerleader. Jennifer still carries that energetic team oriented spirit into everything she does. She's an avid concert course (so many she's lost count) and loves hitting the road for new adventures. Above all, Jennifer treasures time spent with family and friends and is always excited to meet new people and create meaningful connections.

Becky - Financial
Becky currently lives in St Paul, MN. She has two grown daughters. She brings over 20 years experience in the financial industry.  In addition, she has volunteered with non-profits in many capacities over the last 25 years. After following Gage on his journey, she gained knowledge and a strong desire to educate others for the prevention on SBS.

Janine - Fundraising 
Janine grew up in Farmington, MN and has resided there for many years. She has 2 amazing children. Her youngest Zach who is now 11 years old has Asperger's and ADHD.  She has been dealing with these disabilities since he was diagnosed at 4 years old.  She met Penny in 2012 and learned of Gage and the story of his TBI.  Janine and Penny have become good friends. Her son, Zach, and Penny's son, Gage, have become best friends. Janine has supported Penny and her family in the fight against SBS by helping in educating others.

Deb - Photography 
Deb has worked with special needs people for 40 years.  Both in facilities and private home care.  This has always been her passion in life to help everyone to the best of their abilities. She loves to see the success no matter how big or small.  And her motto, " Never give up no matter what."  

In her spare time she volunteers, does all types of crafts and really enjoys photography.

Vicki - Education
Vicki is a California transplant who has spent most of her life dedicated to children.  She and husband, Richard, had 10 children whom she has raised on her own after being widowed nearly 17 years ago. Vicki holds a degree in Child Development and has applied that education in her work in Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) and preschool classrooms, as well as with special education students, over the past 16 years. Gage and Penny came into her life shortly following the shaken baby incident through an ECFE class. She has worked closely with him throughout his preschool years and later as his educational assistant. As an advocate for children and families, Vicki looks forward to applying her lifetime experience and educational focus to the successful endeavors of Gage Gives Back.

Cheryl - Daycare Experience
Cheryl lives in Farmington, MN. She is married and has 3 children. She has been an early learning educator in the childcare field for 22 years. Prior to that, she worked in long term care for 7 years.  Cheryl feels that the more we educate parents and care givers, giving them the tools to know how to cope, the more we can help to combat this preventable form of abuse. “Watching my godchild, Gage, grow up and go through his daily struggles is the reason that I feel so strongly about educating others. No child should have to endure all that he has.”

Gage - Gage is an 16 year old boy who was shaken as an infant. He suffered a traumatic brain injury. He is the reason Gage Gives Back was founded because he wanted to give back to the organizations that have helped him get where is is today.  He goes with his mom, Penny, to many events to educate people on SBS.  His hopes is that no one will have to go through what he has had to go through.