Our Team

Alanna Rice
Alanna Rice
CEO

Alanna founded Leading Prospects in 2015 after years of success providing quality career consultation and job-placement assistance. A leader in the industry, she is applauded for her personalized and whole-life coaching approach which consistently produces results. With a joy for helping others cultivate meaningful and lasting change, she is committed being there, with you, helping you build self-confidence as well as excitement in your career journey. 

Annie
Annie
Career Leader

Annie started her career after graduating from the University of Northern Iowa with a BA/Certification in Social Work working with teens as a residential counselor, planning activities, leading groups, and supporting them with personal and emotional development. She has since been working with people to achieve self-driven goals in their homes, community, and work settings.

Annie has years of experience in training on the job one-on-one and as a team. She specializes in working with each person’s individual development to achieve their goals. In the summer she enjoys going to her family’s summer camp, where she was a camp counselor, that brought kids from around the world to experience the Minnesota Northwoods. Annie will still lead activities when she visits, like tie-dying, talent shows, and encouraging the campers to fulfill peer leadership roles around the camp. Annie stays busy at home with her cats, dog, and chickens. She likes to travel and has the goal to visit all of America’s National Parks.

 

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Keith
Director of Community Engagement/Creative Lead

Keith has recently joined the team of quality professionals at Leading Prospects as the Director of Community Engagement/Creative Lead, and offers decades of experience as a leader in Program Management, Employment Consultation, Marketing and Public Relations. A graduate of Iowa State University, Keith has been awarded for his advocacy and notably, he was a finalist for the ARRM Cares Award among 175 nominees state-wide, which recognizes employees’ dedication and service as the top our field has to offer. Keith also holds an ACRE certification (Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators), and is among the growing number of Community Practitioners in Customized Employment throughout the state of Minnesota. 

Keith has a natural curiosity in others, along with a particular interest in the business community. He offers a supportive, empowering approach when engaging services. Outside of his work with Leading Prospects, Keith produces radio programming, and has had the pleasure of interviewing notable singers/musicians such as Randy Bachman, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Kathryn Crosby, and blues legend Bobby Rush. As for his music performance and production background, he has worked with the likes of Buddy Miles, as well as international guitar extraordinaire Eric Gales. Keith continues to perform and teach music in one or more capacities, either as a pianist, guitarist, percussionist or singer.

Lien Tran-Doan
Lien Tran-Doan
Employment Support Specialist/ Job-Coach
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Tim Edstrom
Career Leader

Tim Edstrom is an experienced educator and coach who brings more than ten years’ experience teaching and mentoring middle school and high school students to Leading Prospects.  As a debate coach he led his teams to multiple competitive successes at the state and national level, including a Minnesota High School League state championship and a top 5 Nationally ranked team.  He has been an established Speech and English Language Arts teacher for an online academy for the past three years, and looks forward to translating his experience with curriculum design and group dynamics to Leading Prospects.  He has experience as a paraprofessional, an early childhood educator, and an administrator as a Head Coach.  He has a passion for working with individuals and helping them achieve their goals, and as a Career Leader at Leading Prospects, he brings his talents of team leadership, mentorship, and lesson design to each person he is fortunate enough to work with. 

Tim is a writer, a musician, and a visual artist and spends his time pursuing his variety of interests with his loyal cat of eighteen years, Little Chicken, always by his side. 

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Jennifer Meza Mendoza
Career Leader

Jennifer is a passionate and dedicated individual committed to supporting the growth and development of young people. Jennifer pursued a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Augsburg University and also pursued coursework in psychology and youth studies, which deepened her understanding of the unique needs and challenges faced by young people. She has extensive work in the school setting which has reinforced her love for the community and her desire to make a positive impact on the lives of students and families facing resource limitations. Jennifer strives to be a reliable resource and advocate for families, ensuring they have the support they need to thrive. Her diverse work experience has fueled her motivation to continue expanding her professional growth. She is eager to contribute to a collaborative and supportive team where she can utilize her skills and knowledge to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people and their families.

Thus far Jennifer’s journey has been marked by a huge dedication to her professional endeavors, while simultaneously cherishing the moments spent with her family and dog, Princess. In her free time, she loves taking her dog on walks, reading, and spending time doing art. She has a passion for travel and hopes to continue exploring the world to learn more about different cultures and to try new food. Above all, Jennifer’s dedication to continuous learning and personal development makes her a valuable asset both in and outside of the workplace. She embraces every opportunity to acquire new knowledge and enhance her abilities. By investing in herself, she believes she can be a role model, contribute to her community, and lead a fulfilling and meaningful life.