clearwater forest
Staff
Executive Director
Erin Anderson
Erin grew up in Wisconsin and Iowa, following her dad’s job as a pastor. She graduated from Emmetsburg (IA) High School and, eventually, from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, where she studied English, education, and music (piano performance). Erin has continued her education by earning a master's degree in education, CIS certification, and her administrative license. Erin recently completed graduate work in Nonprofit Management and will be taking courses at Luther Seminary this fall as part of a Leadership and Innovative Ministries program.
Erin's career has encompassed teaching (middle school language arts, high school and college-level literature and writing), running her own piano studio, and school administration.
Erin has felt called out of the realm of education and into ministry. She is passionate about the mission of Clearwater Forest, and enjoys dreaming up an exciting future with the whole Clearwater community!
Site Director
lance baumann
Lance Baumann joined Clearwater Forest’s ministry in early 2016 as the maintenance manager with his expertise and experience in carpentry, plumbing and general construction. He is a native of Aitkin, MN where he lives with his wife and three teenagers. Lance is active in the community with 4-H, construction, volunteering, and more. His favorite thing about Clearwater: “I mostly enjoy meeting people and learning everybody’s stories.”
Program Manager
Lara Parkin
Lara Parkin grew up in Naperville, Illinois, where she attended Waubonsie Valley High School. She went onto the University of Illinois where she majored in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Athletic Training. While in college, her parents moved to Aitkin, Minnesota, where they owned and operated the Farm Island Store. After graduation, Lara moved "up North for the summer" and never left! She has been married for over 20 years to her husband Tom, and they have two sons, Seth and Reed. As a family, they enjoy all things outdoors.
Lara's career path has traveled through healthcare where she was an Athletic Trainer for 15+ years, through education where she was the Community Education Director for 7 years, and through the business world where she owns Karmady Yoga and Fitness. She received her Masters in Educational Leadership from MSUM in 2019. She is passionate about community engagement and youth leadership. She is excited to create fun, new programming at Clearwater Forest!
Administrative Assistant & Guest Services and Camp Host
Kendal Johnson
Kendal grew up in Andover, Minnesota. She loves spending time outdoors, being creative, and making meaningful connections with people. She has a heart for encouraging others and creating an environment where everyone feels welcomed, heard, and cared for, whether that is through listening, encouragement, or sharing a laugh. Kendal likes to make crafts with her Cricut, read, be outdoors, and spend time with family and friends.
employment Opportunities
Current Openings:
We do not currently have any employment opportunities, but please check in another time. We are growing and anticipating expanding our staff team soon!