Our experienced and mission-driven leaders are the lifeblood of our organization. The majority of our executive team started their career as direct support professionals, some as many as 30 years ago. That hands-on experience speaks volumes about their ability to understand and respond with empathy to the needs of our clients and the staff members who support them. These professionals and their exemplary service are the cornerstone of our organization and our solid reputation.
Timothy Nelson, Chief Executive Officer
In 1998, Tim Nelson was appointed CEO after having served Hammer in a variety of capacities since 1977 when he began his service as a direct support professional. Tim is responsible for the overall management and operations of Hammer. Tim has a BA in education and an MA in psychology.
James Landt, Chief Financial Officer
Since joining Hammer in 1997, Jim Landt, CFO, has been responsible for all financial functions including the accounting of all revenue and expenses, finance management, budgeting, and reporting. Jim has a BSB in accounting.
Lisbeth Armstrong, Director of Program Services
Since 1985, when Lisbeth joined Hammer as a direct support professional, she has been a strong advocate for the people we serve. In 1999, she became the Director of Program Services, responsible for the overall delivery of our services. Lisbeth has a BA in social work and child development.
Kim Hansen, Director of Human Resources
In Kim's 30-plus years of service to Hammer, she has held a variety of positions including direct support professional. As Director of Human Resources, she is responsible for hiring and coordinating orientation with new employees and addressing personnel issues. Kim has a BA in social work.
Ellen Timmerman-Borer, Director of Development and Communication
Ellen started her career at Hammer as a direct support professional in 1982. Since then, she has served in a variety of capacities and in 1999, joined Hammer’s development and communication department. She has served as director since 2006. Ellen has a BA in education.
Tim Eshelman, Director of Environmental Services
Tim has contributed to Hammer’s environmental services team since 1990. As the director, he is responsible for maintenance, fire safety and compliance to federal and state codes for all our sites. Tim also oversees the requisition of all goods and services purchased for the organization.
Katie Bottiger, Director of Community Supports
Katie joined Hammer in 1992 as a direct support professional and has held her current position since 2000. She is responsible for recruiting, training, supervising and recognizing our volunteers. Katie also oversees the recreation program and advocacy group. She has a BA in criminology and sociology.
Sharon Knodel, Director of Health Services
In 1983, Sharon started her career at Hammer working as a nurse and a direct support professional. Her dedication to our clients and their health inspired her to become one of our full-time nurses in 1991. Our Education Grant Program assisted her in receiving her RN and she has served as director since 2005. Sharon is responsible for all health-related training and the management of the nursing department.
Dan Bottiger, Director of Information Systems
In 1990, Dan came to work at Hammer as a direct support professional serving four adults with traumatic brain injuries. He began working in the IT department in 2000 and has held his current position as director since 2008. Dan is responsible for the overall vision, development and implementation of our information and technology systems.
Respecting Abilities. Reaching for Opportunities. Realizing Dreams.