Meet the Team
-0069.JPG/:/cr=t:5.52%25,l:0%25,w:100%25,h:88.96%25/rs=w:1209,h:1612,cg:true/fx-gs)
Matthew Hansen, ATP, EAS - CEO
Matthew has worked in the human services field for over a decade as a Direct Support Professional (DSP), Director of Assistive Technology for a statewide Minnesota non-profit, and currently is the owner and CEO of Mercarik Inc. He is also a co-founder of the Minnesota Networking and Education for Assistive Technology (MN-NEAT). Matthew has earned the Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) certification by the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America, (RESNA) as well as the Environmental Accessibility Specialist (EAS) license through the state of Minnesota. He holds an Bachelor's Degree and MBA from the University of St. Thomas.
When he’s not at work he enjoys running with his wife and playing with their dog, Beau.
Annie Kuthart – Director of Operations
Annie has worked in the disability field for over 10 years, both “on the front lines” as a DSP and job coach, as well as “behind the scenes” as admin and project coordinator. She loves organizing and building systems, enabling staff to do their work as easily (and most efficiently) as possible, and hearing how her work creates more independence in the lives of Minnesotans with disabilities.
When not creating spreadsheets or procedures, she is at home knitting, cleaning up after her toddler, or scrolling through adoptable pets online.
Mariah Gallagher–Assistive Technology Professional
Mariah joined the Mercarik team after completing her Occupational Therapy AAS and Public Health BS degrees. She loves to use her knowledge and experience to help individuals live as independently as possible while ensuring they have the best quality of life. She places great importance on people continuing to do the things that they are passionate about, as they live with decreased or limited physical and mental abilities.
When she’s not working, you can find Mariah outside (running or competing in tug of war tournaments) or inside (snuggled up with her two cats and reading).
Stacy Zeigler – Finances and Administration
Stacy was previously a small business owner herself, and so has lots of experience juggling multiple projects as well as keeping the books straight – two qualities needed at Mercarik to keep our billing and schedules in line! Without realizing it, her work also helped people living with disabilities. Being a professional sewer she made custom adaptive clothing items for people (like coats to wear in a wheelchair, a customized backpack, weighted blankets, and weighted vests) and custom upholstery for medical purposes (walker bags, backs and seats and arm rests for wheelchairs, stretcher pads, etc.)
When not working, Stacy examines rocks, grows aquatic microinvertebrates on her bookshelf, loves her kids and cats, studies water quality and security online, and camps with family and friends. She’s all about making the world a better place for everyone.
Cody Gallagher – Director of Finance
Cody is a dedicated finance professional who has worked in the human services field for the last six years. He strongly believes in utilizing Assistive Technology to improve health outcomes for people and increase individual independence. He joined Mercarik to put his experience to use and help make a difference at a company that strives to enhance the quality of life for everyone.
When he’s not working, Cody enjoys hiking and camping as well as spending time with family and friends.
Leah Muller - Assistive Technology Specialist
Leah has an extensive background in serving individuals with barriers, including assistive technology, EAA home modifications, support planning, and adaptive personal training. She has completed the ATACP program from California State University Northridge (CSUN). She strives to provide everyone with the appropriate tools to be more independent.
Outside of assistive technolgy, Leah enjoys bodybuilding, axe throwing, and spending time outdoors with her husband & daughter.
Kalia Houghton - Director of Operations
Kalia has worked in the Assistive Technology world for 5 years. She has a background in customer relations, business process analysis and design. She has had successes in developing new departments, improving account process flows, and bringing in new accounts. She loves learning new things about people and organizing/analyzing data.
When she is not solving process puzzles, she enjoys hanging out with her daughter, and traveling to different places.
John Volkers - Technology Consultant
John is currently a student at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater as a Computer Science major. He plays baseball there, while pursuing his education. John has completed many technology related projects from a fast-food ordering system to an electric car charging station database. He finds working with technology comes just as easily as working with people.
When not working, John spends most of his time lifting, playing baseball, or catching up with friends. He also loves going to his cabin on vacations, spending time with family.
Beau Hansen - Office Mascot
When not attending to my VERY important and oh so difficult life of eating, drinking, barking, and sleeping, I like to make sure my human co-workers are staying busy and working hard.
In my free time I enjoy shredding toilet paper, barking at strangers near and far and lounging on MY pillows.
