Meet Our Team
Cara DeHaan
Co-Founder, Executive Director, and Board Member
M Ed Curriculum & Instruction, TBRI® Practitioner, Making Sense of Your Worth Facilitator
As an educator, children’s ministry director, and life-long learner, I’ve dedicated my career to nurturing young minds and hearts. My personal journey as an adoptive parent has deepened my understanding of trauma and resilience. I’m passionate about empowering families and communities to create supportive environments where every child can thrive.
Shannon Ehli
Co-Founder and Board Chair
BS Marketing Mgmt, MS Leadership, TBRI® Practitioner, Making Sense of Your Worth Facilitator
I live in Sioux Falls, SD with my three children. I believe that our greatest human need is to be seen, heard, and valued. I’ve been deeply impacted by the awareness and application of connected parenting concepts and the belief in the power of caring more about connecting with people than controlling them, and it’s spilled over into all of who I am. Walking with families is a humbling and beautiful journey that I’m so honored to get to be a part of!
Toni Hettich
Kids Programming Director
AA ECE, TBRI® Practitioner
My main background is working with young children using my AA ECE. Recently, I have become a TBRI practitioner and have been so blessed to be connected with The Gathering Well team. My role is putting my background, education, and TBRI® knowledge together to create a fun, educational, enriching night for your kiddos! My husband and I have three beautiful boys and spend our days wrangling in the chaos, which we absolutely love. Caring for kids is my absolute passion and fills my heart with joy!
Tanna Waldner
Operations Coordinator
Adoption has been a significant part of my story for many years, and the resources and community I’ve received through The Gathering Well have been an incredible gift! I’m thankful to be part of their team and to play a role in equipping caregivers with the tools they need for their families to flourish.
Eric DeHaan
Board Member
BS Accounting & Business Administration
I am deeply grateful to be the father of five children (three biological and two adopted), the husband to Cara, and child of Christ. I have experienced firsthand both the joys and trials of adoption. I appreciate being a part of and learning from the broader adoption/foster community. In my spare time, I am a partner with the accounting firm Brady Martz.
Tony Trussell
Board Member
As a grandfather of five foster/adopted children, I see firsthand the unique challenges parents face. I also see the real and pressing need for people who will accept and love these kids. The Gathering Well provides community, support, and education for both parents and kids which gives everyone their best shot at success. That success impacts individuals, families, and communities in very positive ways.
Grace Weaver
Social Media Intern
I am a freshman at South Dakota State University. I have been so blessed with the opportunity to spread the love and support that The Gathering Well has to offer through creativity and social media. I have adored seeing the power of foster care and adoption through close family friends, and I am over the moon to continue to learn more about this community.