Name

Virginia Strand

Preferred Mailing Address

Contact Phone

651.431.3876 (Work)

Fax

Email

virginia.strand@state.mn.us

Education

BA, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Campus
MA, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND

Interest in developmental disabilities

I raised a child with learning disabilities due to neurological deficits and a head injury. It became apparent to me that kids weren’t the factor in a plan to move to a productive life, but rather the comfort of the teacher. I was told often that his behavior needed to be "managed" before they could teach him. I didn’t subscribe to that premise. So I became an advocate for my son in his educational settings.

Experience in developmental disabilities

Served as a lay member of the Grant County Welfare Board for 6 years

Volunteered at the Developmental Achievement Center in Grant County for 10 years

Prior service on the Governor’s Council for Developmental Disabilities while working on Aging

Anything else about yourself

I have three adult children and a 2-year-old granddaughter. I approach life challenges trying to figure out how to go around or through a barrier instead of letting it deter my progress — boundary bending.