Camp Sweet Life 2023
2025 Camp Sweet Life Executive Board of Directors
President & Interim Treasurer: Timothy Emmers
Tim works for KEYC TV as a Marketing Sales Representative. Tim and his wife (Rochelle) have six amazing kids including 2 beautiful Type 1 daughters (Malayna and Mariana). Started Strike Out T1D in 2020 to help raise funds for CSL and awareness of Type 1 Diabetes. Joined the Board for CSL in 2021 with a goal to continue Strike out T1D and to bring families of those with Type 1 Diabetes together.
Vice-President: (position currently open)
Secretary: Anna Reedy
Anna, T1D since 1998; served as the Youth Ambassador for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s (JDRF) Walk to Cure Diabetes in 2004 and has served as a volunteer with JDRF since that time, working closely with newly diagnosed families and participating on JDRF’s Young Leadership Committee. Equity Specialist at Buffalo High School. Anna serves on the Camp Sweet Life Board of Directors because she is passionate about ensuring kids with T1D have the resources they need and are connected with others like them.
Board Member: Barbara Evans
Barbara, after years at home spent raising a family, recently re-entered the work force as an event planner with Lund’s & Byerly’s. She enjoys reading, writing, cooking, and playing pickleball. She loves spending time with her husband and four children. Years ago, she worked as an educator and a lawyer. She values compassion, kindness, and collaboration. In 2019, her daughter was diagnosed with T1D and continues to be amazed at the efforts of so many people to help her daughter to cope with this disease.
Board Member: Alan R. Fitterer
Alan has Masters & Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership/K-12 School Principal from Minnesota State University, Mankato; was a Public School Teacher for 10 years; and Secondary Principal for the past 20 years. He enjoys family travel, hiking/visiting State & National Parks, is an avid MN sports fanatic. He enjoys being a dad & supporting his kids in their activities, and is a recycling & an environmental concerns advocate. Type 1 Diabetes since 1980.
Board Member: Tara Littler-Scholl (TJ)
Tara is a K-12 Art educator in Iowa. Type 1 diabetic since 1986. In her youth she was a Youth Ambassador for the JDRF. She attended Camp Hertko Hollow in Iowa as a camper and now as leadership staff. She currently is a co-program director for Camp Sweet Life. She is actively involved in her church, community and school. Tara as well as her husband Cory has two boys, Tanner and Cooper and live in Griswold, Iowa. Tara is excited to be a part of the “Big Picture” for Camp Sweet Life and have an active role in creating a lifelong camp for kids in Minnesota and surrounding states Type 1 diabetics.
Board Member: Kelly Kirar
Kelly is currently an at home parent living in St Michael with her family after many years in accounting for corporate offices in the Twin Cities area. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and an Associates in Accounting. Her son wasvdiagnosed with T1D in 2021. She has done volunteer work for A Night to Remember Prom and as yearbook coordinator for St Michael Elementary School. She enjoys camping and going to concerts.
Board Member: Kristin Kilgren
Kristin has been an Elementary Art Specialist for the past 20 years with a degree in Studio Art and Masters in Elementary Education. She volunteers with Girl Scouts, school Parent Teacher Organization, and church. She enjoys spending time with family on the water, off-roading and traveling. Type 1 Diabetic since 1988. She grew up attending diabetes camp and is excited to share that opportunity with others.
Board Member: Nick Kilgren
Nick has a Bachelors and Masters in Engineering with various engineering roles over 20 years, with the last 10 in management and leadership positions. He is a volunteer and leader for his daughter’s elementary Parent Teacher Organization. He enjoys time with family, youth sports, fishing and being on the lake, traveling, and camping. His wife is a Type 1 Diabetic, and he is passionate about helping others with the disease.
Board Member: Dr. Robert Larson
Dr. Larson is an MD with 40+ years in Pediatric Diabetes care. Completed fellowship in Pediatric Endocrinology. Past President of Camp Sweet Life.
Board Member: Dr. Sandy Liu
Sandy Liu, MD is a pediatric endocrinologist at Children’s Minnesota, where she works closely with teenagers with type 1 diabetes. She completed her pediatric residency and pediatric endocrinology fellowship training at the University of Minnesota and has worked at diabetes camps as medical staff since 2018. She joined the CSL board of directors to help create the best camp experience for kids with T1DM!
Board Member: Cheryl Loughmiller
Cheryl has a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science and Nursing. Experience with volunteer groups through church, school, and community. Type 1 Diabetes for over 40 years and 3 sons with Type 1 Diabetes.
Board Member: Libbie Tuthill
Libby has been a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in the Endocrine Clinic at Children’s Hospitals and Clinic of Minnesota for the past 9 years. Prior to becoming a Pediatric Nurse practitioner, she was a Certified Diabetes Educator for 18 years. She has been Med Staff at Diabetes camps in Michigan, Colorado, and Wisconsin. She volunteers for a Therapeutic Horseback Riding Program called Walk On. She enjoys spending time with family (both human and furry-cat, dog, and horse), tennis, skiing, anything on the water, and hiking.
2025 Camp Sweet Life Staff Members
Executive Director: Rene’ Maes, Jr.
Rene’, Bachelor of Science in Business Management and minor in Sales, Marketing, and Mgmt. Initial Board member for Camp Sweet Life Adventures, Inc. Member of the Mankato Sunrise Lions Club.
Contact Info: Phone (507)995-6910 Email: rene.maes@campsweetlife.org
Administrative Assistant/Camp Administrator: Ashley Bedard
Ashley has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Minnesota. In addition to working part-time for Camp Sweet Life, she also works as Chapter Coordinator for the Minnesota Chapter of American College of Healthcare Executives, and Program Coordinator for C-Suite Resources Learning to Lead Physician Leadership Program. She is wife to Mat and mother to Ella and Eli. Ella was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in June 2022 at the age of 10. Ella has attended camp the last two years (and loves it) and has made many new friendships, memories and valuable experiences thanks to Camp Sweet Life!
Contact info: Phone (507)-934-9352 Email: Ashley.Bedard@campsweetlife.org
CSL Connects / Marketing Administrator: Mary Smith
Mary is a dedicated marketing professional who recently graduated from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Science in Business. At Camp Sweet Life, there is no challenge that is too big when it comes to generating excitement and engagement. Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in 2012, Mary embodies resilience and passion in everything she does. When she’s not working, you’ll likely find her on the golf course, where her drive is just as impressive as her marketing skills. Known for her proactive approach and infectious enthusiasm, Mary is the kind of person who brings positivity and determination wherever she goes.
Contact info: Phone (612)-965-2015 Email: Mary.Smith@campsweetlife.org