Next Rotary Club of Edina meeting is Jan. 7

The story of Erik's Ranch & Retreats began in 2008 as Nordberg, CEO and founder of Erik's Ranch & Retreats, searched for options that would provide her son Erik, a moderately functioning young adult on the autism spectrum, the kind of life he deserves—active and full of possibility and purpose. Her search came up empty. She quickly found that there were few good options for moderate- to high-functioning adults with autism, including those with Asperger syndrome. Despite years of hard work, even those high-functioning individuals often look for a community that offer some level of structure and support in their lives —with living accommodations, relationship building, work and recreation. So, in the past few years, Kathryn and a team of psychologists, attorneys, architects and marketing and business professionals have developed an innovative model for young adults with autism: Erik's Ranch & Retreats, with locations in Edina and Montana's Paradise Valley, not far from Bozeman.

Nordberg has the background—and the vision—necessary for this important living and working experience for those with autism. She has held executive positions with organizations in technology, packaged goods and health care, and has leadership experience in organizational planning, management and marketing. For the past decade, she has helped run the largest privately held assisted living facility in Minnesota, seeing firsthand, how residents benefit from a consistent caring and dedicated staff. To that end, she streamlined the documentation process and improved efficiencies to allow nursing staff more time for personalized care. Nordberg's goal for a better life for those with autism is the foundation behind Erik's Ranch & Retreats.