Speakers

We’re excited to welcome Janell Yule to the Rotary Club of Chanhassen. With more than 20 years of experience in functional health and wellness, Janell has helped thousands of people uncover the root causes behind symptoms such as fatigue, digestive issues, weight changes, autoimmune conditions, hormonal imbalance, and a general sense of disconnection from their health and energy.

As a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner and Mind-Body Health Coach, Janell blends science-based strategies with emotional healing to create meaningful, lasting change. Her approach goes far beyond “getting back on track.” Instead, she helps clients understand the “why” behind their challenges — and empowers them to rebuild balance, confidence, and vitality from the inside out.

What makes Janell’s work especially powerful is her personal experience. She knows firsthand what it feels like to be frustrated by symptoms, overlooked by practitioners, and let down by quick fixes that don’t last. That perspective drives her mission to create a more compassionate, personalized path to wellness.

Janell’s talk will explore how mindset, environment, and self-awareness intersect with physical health — and how small shifts can lead to remarkable transformation. Her message connects naturally with Rotary’s spirit of lifelong learning, service, and community well-being.

Join us for an inspiring and thought-provoking session with Janell Yule — and leave with new insight into how health, purpose, and connection work together to help us thrive.

A warm thank-you to Beth Petersen Randall for referring Janell to our club.

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The Rotary Club of Chanhassen proudly supports Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a global movement that has gifted hundreds of millions of books to children from birth to age five. Each month, families receive a high-quality book delivered directly to their mailbox at no cost—a simple but powerful way to inspire a lifelong love of reading and help level the educational playing field. The program reflects Rotary’s core values of promoting education, supporting youth, and strengthening community.

Local leadership for the initiative comes from Maud Duggan and Melissa Hansen, who co-chair the club’s Imagination Library efforts. Maud, owner of Union Place Home Entertainment and Design and the 2025 recipient of Rotary’s Distinguished Service Award, helped launch Chanhassen’s affiliate with her trademark energy and commitment. A longtime Rotarian, she has led local markets, mentored students, and mobilized volunteers—channeling that same drive into enrolling hundreds of children in the program soon after launch.

Melissa brings decades of marketing and communications experience from her work with Eastern Carver County Schools and a passion for connecting families with resources. Her leadership ensures that awareness turns into action—building partnerships, engaging parents, and helping books reach the households that benefit most.

Together, Maud and Melissa will share how imagination, collaboration, and community spirit have come together to make the program thrive in Chanhassen—and how this homegrown effort is helping children across the southwest metro turn the page toward brighter futures.

We are proud to host Dr. Toenies and Tammy to share their expertise on keeping pets safe and healthy during the holiday season.

Dr. Toenies, a 2020 graduate of Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, has been part of the VCA Chanhassen Animal Hospital team since 2011, starting as a kennel attendant and veterinary assistant before joining the doctor team in 2020. A lifelong area resident from Eden Prairie, she has a special interest in dermatology, behavior, and rehabilitation.

Tammy Knutson, a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) and Veterinary Hospital Manager, supports veterinarians in providing excellent care. CVTs like Tammy are key to administering medications, assisting in procedures, monitoring patient recovery, performing lab work, and educating pet owners.

Please join us as Dr. Toenies and Tammy offer practical tips for protecting pets during the holidays, from avoiding common hazards to maintaining routines and ensuring seasonal celebrations are safe and enjoyable for every member of the family!

We’re excited to welcome Dr. Tyronne E. Carter to the Rotary Club of Chanhassen. As a member of the Metropolitan Council, he represents 17 cities across the Twin Cities metro — including Chanhassen, Minnetonka, Eden Prairie, and Wayzata — helping shape policies on transportation, housing, and regional planning with an eye toward equity and inclusion.

Dr. Carter has a long history of serving and inspiring others. With 20 years in teaching, including STEM, robotics, and International Baccalaureate programs, plus experience as a school administrator and a decade leading diversity programs, he knows how to build teams, mentor the next generation, and create environments where everyone’s voice is heard. His work reflects a simple philosophy: leadership is about listening, learning, and making a difference for others.

On the Council, he serves on the Transportation and Environment Committees and the Green Line Extension Corridor Management Committee, helping ensure that essential services and regional growth benefit all residents. He’s also a children’s book author, a Minnetonka Rotarian, and someone who blends professional expertise with a personal commitment to community.

Join us for a conversation with Dr. Carter about inclusive leadership, building shared prosperity, and creating stronger communities across our region. His insights promise to be inspiring, practical, and a reminder of the power of service-driven leadership.

 

We are proud to have Erik Hansen, CEO of SouthWest Transit since June 2023, visit our club. Erik leads this organization that provides vital transportation services, including routes to downtown Minneapolis, connections to the University of Minnesota, and the popular SW Prime on-demand ride service. SouthWest Transit operates a fleet of 92 buses and serves a growing suburban region with a 2023 budget of $16 million.

Before joining SouthWest Transit, Erik served as City Administrator of Tracy, Minnesota, and previously held a variety of positions in Colorado, including County Commissioner, Mayor, and Councilmember in the Denver suburbs. He also worked in the private sector as a marketing and e-commerce executive and helped found regional initiatives promoting public transit, such as the North Area Transportation Alliance and Smart Commute Metro North.

Erik grew up on an Iowa farm and holds an MBA from the University of Denver and a BA from Truman State University. He lives in Chanhassen with his two college-age children, enjoys skiing, and spends way too much time on Zillow dreaming of his next home improvement project.

Please join us in welcoming Erik Hansen to share his insights on leading a dynamic public transit organization and navigating the challenges of growing suburban communities!