Staff
- Meg Bale, Public Relations Coordinator
- Bonny Donzella, Senior Research Fellow
- Kristin Frenn, Study Coordinator
- Shanna Mliner, Research Fellow
- Nancy Ward, Project Coordinator
Meg Bale is the Public Relations Coordinator for The International Adoption Project. Meg graduated from Carleton College with a degree in Sociology and completed her masters at Hamline University. Until her retirement in 1999, Meg worked as a social worker and supervisor for 19 years in the Post Adoption Department at Children's Home Society. Prior to working at Children's Home Society, Meg was an Adopted Adult Resource Person, participating in panels and workshops throughout Minnesota. She also worked on an Adoption Curriculum for the Minneapolis Public Schools. Meg joined the project in 1999 and is contacting adopted parent groups, agencies and the media to inform them about the Project. She conducted informational meetings throughout the state during the summer and fall of 2000.
International Adoption Project University of Minnesota51 East River Road
Minneapolis, MN 55455
612-624-9322
Bonny Donzella is a Senior Research Fellow in the Gunnar Laboratory, and is actively involved in the International Adoption Project. She earned a Masters degree from the State University of New York at Albany, and was trained in psychophysiological techniques and the study of emotion at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Since 1995, Bonny has worked with Dr. Megan Gunnar on studies of the physiology of stress regulation and temperament.
Gunnar Lab University of Minnesota51 East River Road
Minneapolis, MN 55455
612-624-4351 or 612-624-6609
Kristin Frenn completed her Bachelors of Science degree at the U of M in December 2004. Since then she has been working in the Gunnar Human Development and Psychobiology lab on the International Adoption Project (IAP). In the summer of 2007, Kristin became the primary study coordinator for the project. She is responsible for maintaining the registry, helping plan and execute research studies, and coordinating staff and undergraduates on the project. In addition to her IAP duties, Kristin is pursuing a Masters in Public Health here at the University of Minnesota.
Gunnar Lab University of Minnesota51 East River Road
Minneapolis, MN 55455
612-624-9322
Shanna Mliner joined the Gunnar Laboratory in 2001, and is actively involved in the International Adoption Project as a Research Fellow. She earned a Masters degree in Early Childhood Education/Early Childhood Special Education and a bachelor's degree in Child Psychology from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. Shanna also holds Minnesota teaching licenses in both Early Childhood and Early Childhood Special Education.
Gunnar Lab University of Minnesota51 East River Road
Minneapolis, MN 55455
612-624-4351
Nancy Ward is the Project Coordinator for the BDNF Gene grant. Nancy graduated from Wittenberg College with a degree in education and completed her Master’s degree at Oakland University. Nancy has worked in the field of adoption for the past 30 years, the first 15 years in Michigan and for 15 years at Children’s Home Society. Nancy was a caseworker and supervisor of social workers in that agency’s adoption program. She co-authored a book aimed at preparing adoptive families for their experience with a child from a different culture. Nancy has done numerous trainings at national adoption conferences. Nancy joined the IAP staff in April of 2008. Gunnar Lab 51 East River Road Minneapolis, MN 55455
Gunnar Lab University of Minnesota51 East River Road
Minneapolis, MN 55455
612-626-8949