Our Team

Get to know the amazing individuals who make up Reach Youth Adult Partnerships! Our team is dedicated to creating a supportive and empowering community for the youth in Carlton County. Each member brings unique skills and experiences to the table, contributing to our mission of fostering positive relationships and nurturing the potential of every young person.

Dakota Koski

Executive Director

Dakota is a good listener who wants to truly understand what you are saying. He is consistent and makes sure programs and services run correctly. He is very dedicated to the Reach Program as the Executive Director. He has a genuine interest in people. He is a born leader that embraces and leads the mission to provide learning and leadership through youth-adult partnerships in Carlton County. Dakota, a life long Cloquet resident, graduated from UWS with a bachelors in Business Management and Marketing. His hobbies include tennis, golf, hunting, camping, 4-wheeling, watching movies and watching his boy play hockey. He likes trying his hand at cooking too. In his down time, Dakota likes traveling, especially to tropical locations. He has a Chocolate Lab – Australian Shepherd named Jax.Lastly and most importantly, he loves spending time and doing these hobbies with family and friends. Family isn’t always about blood, but someone you’d do anything for and they’d gladly return the favor, knowing that whatever happens, they will always be there.

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Tyler Jackson

Youth Coordinator

Tyler Jackson has built a uniquely diverse professional path shaped by adaptability, curiosity, and strong people skills. His career journey spans roles as a bartender, a medical laboratory scientist, and most recently in orthopedic device sales with Zimmer Biomet. This varied background has given him a well-rounded perspective and a deep appreciation for communication, teamwork, and listening-skills that consistently define his approach in both technical and client-focused environments. Tyler holds a high school diploma from Marquette Senior High School in Marquette, Michigan, and earned a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science from Michigan State University. He completed an ASCP-accredited internship and is an ASCP-certified Medical Laboratory Scientist, with CPR certification as an additional professional credential. His education and training reflect a strong foundation in precision, accountability, and patient-focused care. Outside of work, Tyler is passionate about staying active and giving back to his community. He enjoys hockey, downhill and cross-country skiing, mountain biking, golf, and tennis-and especially loves cross-country skiing with his 5-year-old husky, Sasha. He volunteers with CAMP Star Bereavement Camp at Bay Cliff Health Camp and is deeply passionate about teaching and making a positive impact on youth. Fun fact: Tyler once had a pet bearded dragon named Leonidas.

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Ella Magnuson

Student Success Coordinator

Ella Magnuson is a compassionate and driven professional with a diverse career journey rooted in her dedication to helping others. After graduating from Esko High School in 2020, she attended the University of St. Thomas before transitioning to Liberty University Online, where she earned an Associate’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, focusing on Education and Social Studies. Ella has developed a wealth of experience across roles such as bartender, server, nanny, and daycare teacher, showcasing her adaptability and passion for making a positive impact. She now serves as a Student Success Coordinator at REACH, a role she finds especially fulfilling as it aligns with her long-standing commitment to the organization’s mission. Known for her organization, creativity, and altruism, Ella is passionate about teaching and influencing the lives of others. She holds CPR and QPR (suicide prevention) certifications, reflecting her dedication to safety and well-being. Ella enjoys reading, painting, baking, and traveling outside of work. A unique aspect of her journey includes receiving a pacemaker at 17, an experience that has shaped her resilient and empathetic approach to life. Ella’s passion for service is also evident in her volunteer work with organizations like the National Honor Society, Junior Rotarian, and her local church.

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Maegan Garson

Assistant Gambling Manager

Maegan is our assistant gambling manager, and while she might not be front and center every day, she is a huge part of what makes REACH run so smoothly. She is the quiet powerhouse behind the scenes at REACH and ever since she joined us in October, we’ve been wondering how we ever survived without her! 🙌 When she’s not buried in paperwork at the office, Mae is all about family life. She’s been married to her husband for 10 years, is the proud mom of 3 amazing kids, and wrangles 15 chickens like a pro! 🐔💪 During the school year, Mae also wears her teaching hat as an assistant at Little Esko Lutheran Preschool. And in her downtime? You’ll probably find her soaking up the sun by the pool 🌞, camping at the lake, running around with her kids and their schedules, or just laughing with her favorite people.

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Bethany Mayo Emilson

Youth Coordinator

Bethany Mayo Emilson has spent more than 20 years supporting individuals and families in the mental health field, with extensive experience working with those affected by traumatic brain injuries and mental illness. She also serves as a billet coordinator for the Minnesota Wilderness, helping players and their families feel at home in the local community. A Carlton High School graduate, Bethany studied criminal justice with focuses in psychology, nursing, and human services at Fond du Lac Community College. Her honesty, strong communication skills, and ability to create inclusive spaces shine through in all she does. After overcoming leukemia and receiving a life-saving bone marrow transplant, she became a volunteer recruitment ambassador for the National Marrow Donation Program (NMDP) and organized the “Tour de Tush” fundraiser for colon cancer awareness. Outside of her work and advocacy, Bethany is a devoted mother, sports enthusiast, and someone who finds joy in the simple things—whether cheering at the rink, cooking for loved ones, or spinning vinyl. With humor, resilience, and a passion for lifting others up, she strives to create safe, supportive spaces wherever she goes.

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This Could Be You

New Position

Looking for passionate youth workers.

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Our Board Members

The Board members are legally responsible for the actions of the organization. Specifically, the Board governs the organization through active oversight of:

Mission development and long-range planning

Financial management

Resource development and fundraising

Board education and development

Each Board member must express and demonstrate a commitment to the mission of the REACH Program and be fully committed to the vision and service of REACH Inc. Board members must be willing to give time and resources (skills, experience, finances) in providing leadership to REACH Inc. In addition, the Board has a fiduciary responsibility to donors and the community – and is ultimately responsible for attracting funding and resources to ensure the financial viability of the organization and its programs.

PDF Application

Online Application