Anna Cariad-Barrett

Much of my education and career explores how larger contextual factors–both in society and the natural world–affect individual family wellbeing across the lifespan. I was drawn to Vital North Foundation, because our work takes me upstream where we can be proactive, preventive, and innovative. I love focusing on supporting healthy and thriving families in Cook County, and delving into the unique challenges and beauty of our region. Our ability to partner collaboratively with local stakeholders and organizations on the front lines gives us the opportunity to make real, substantive change where it’s needed most–I’m grateful to be a part of that.

In her career, Anna has explored how the human-nature relationship creates wellbeing and wholeness. She is the author of two books, Shamanic Wisdom for Pregnancy and Parenthood, and Sacred Medicine of Bee, Butterfly, Earthworm, and Spider. Anna has worked with children, families, and individuals as a counselor and minister, and has a Doctorate of Ministry, Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family, and Bachelor’s Degree in Family Social Science.

Anna teaches and volunteers as a MN Master Naturalist and Master Gardener in Cook County, and you can often find her working in her pollinator garden. Indoors, Anna loves to knit, do crosswords, and tend her houseplant collection. She loves connecting with nature in every season: cross-country skiing, hiking, kayaking, birdwatching, and camping in the BWCA with her family. She is the mother of two awesome kids, and is also a devoted dog-mom.

Sandra Sedo

Bio Coming Soon!

Scott Gislason

In 2023, after retiring from a career in financial services, Scott, and his wife Candace, moved from St. Paul, MN to the south shore of Devil Track Lake – just inland from Grand Marais. A honeymoon at Bearskin Lodge in 1991, originally introduced the couple to the North Shore’s natural beauty and its many opportunities to hike, bicycle and ski – not surprisingly, they returned many times over the years. Scott is excited to serve on the NSHCF board and do everything he can to further the foundation’s mission of improving and maintaining the health of the North Shore community.

Scott grew up in Mankato, MN, graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College in 1977 and William Mitchell College of Law in 1982. Scott’s early career focused on tax accounting with an international accounting firm – Arthur Andersen & Co. In his early 30s, Scott pivoted to the financial services industry by joining the North Star Resource Group where he spent 37 years working with individuals and businesses to create and manage financial and estate plans. Scott also volunteers with and serves on the Pincushion Ski and Run Club board. Before retiring, Scott served as the Loppet Foundation’s Treasurer for 14 years.

Sam Usem

Sam is passionate about creating meaningful impact in rural healthcare and strengthening community well-being. As a Senior Enterprise Architect at Mayo Clinic, Sam manages R&D projects that explore innovative strategies and new capabilities in healthcare, including the use of generative AI to enhance patient care. This work aligns with his commitment to fostering compassionate care and building trust through transparency, which also guides his service as a Cook County Hospital District (Northshore Health) Board Member.

Outside of work, Sam is deeply rooted in his community. He enjoys the natural beauty of Cook County, spending time skiing, hiking, canoeing and fishing , and relaxing along the shores of any lake with his family. Sam is also a dedicated volunteer, whether it’s coaching youth sports, supporting local initiatives, or finding creative ways to help his community thrive.

A devoted father to two awesome kids, Sam values the balance of professional purpose and personal connection. He brings this spirit to his role on the healthcare foundation board, where he helps incubate new ideas and distribute grants that make a tangible difference for rural and frontier communities.

Rebecca Barrett

Tucked away in Cook County, MN, I split my time between paddling the BWCA, chasing my son around, planting flower gardens that (usually) grow, and turning wood into something useful. I’m an engaged community member who finds joy in investing time and energy into building a brighter, more connected future for our small but mighty community.

Coralyn Koschinska

Coralyn was born and raised on the east side of St. Paul, Minnesota. She and husband Greg have spent their married life living in Minneapolis and the suburbs raising three children and volunteering in numerous capacities. The Koschinskas then built their home and moved to the North Shore in 1996, where Coralyn has been involved in several non-profit organizations, including:

Helping to further the health and well-being of citizens and visitors to Cook County through community programs is supremely important to all of us and is deserving of our best efforts to make changes that will improve the quality of life for all people. The North Shore Health Care Foundation is doing its best to help realize this goal and I am proud to be a part of this.

Inger Andress

Bio Coming Soon!

Georgene Daubanton

Bio Coming Soon!