ABOUT US
OUR HISTORY
Robert Sweeney, Owner and Director of Progressive Living inc. started providing in home care services for his neighbors in the early 90’s. Soon after Robert and his wife Leann were approached by a case manager about starting in-home foster care services. Robert and Leann then started providing services to four individuals in their family home in 1995. He and his family continue to care for those same individuals to this day. In 2001, Robert built the first of several group homes in Mankato and has been expanding the company ever since.
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Today Progressive Living has 13 group homes providing services to over 30 individuals
25
Years in Operation
34
Individuals Provided For
2001
Year of First Group Home
13
Group Homes in Mankato
Billy Soutthivong
Executive Director
Billy holds an A.A.S degree in both Liberal Arts and Accounting. Billy is known by our team for being very detail-orientated, helping him to ensure that everything from 245D licensing requirements to delivery of services are being met for each of our individuals. Billy began his career with Progressive Living Inc as a Direct Support Staff in September 2016. After gaining experience, he began to realize that he could make a huge impact by helping individuals served to reach their goals. Billy takes pride in helping each of our individuals to reach their maximum potential. He has worked with over 45 individuals and counting in his time with the company. Some of Billy’s hobbies outside of work include watching his favorite sports teams (Vikings, Timberwolves, Twins), traveling, fishing, and gaming.
Megan Theobald
Administrative Program Coordinator
Megan grew up on a farm in Huntley, MN and moved to Mankato in 2007 after graduating from Blue Earth Area High School. Megan has worked for Progressive Living for over 10 years. Megan started in 2010 as a Direct Support Staff where she worked directly with the individuals providing person centered supports. In 2014 Megan was promoted to House Manager where she oversaw the day-to-day operations of one of our homes. In 2017 Megan transitioned into the Designated Coordinator roll. As a Designated Coordinator Megan oversaw multiple homes to ensure that the services and needs of the individuals were met while also maintaining 245D compliance. Today Megan’s position entails attending all support team meetings, advocating for the individuals wants and needs, and coordinating services and supports for the individuals we serve. Megan has completed additional training in person-centered planning and supports and has a passion for providing high quality, person centered services for the individuals we serve. Outside of work, Megan enjoys spending time with her family, kayaking, camping, traveling, and attending live music events.
Britney Clark
Administrative Coordinator
Britney moved to Mankato in 2015, from the Minneapolis area. She started her career with Progressive Living in the summer of 2016 as a Direct Support Staff. Britney worked her way up from there, she was promoted in Spring of 2017 to ILS/SLS Manager, and from there became on-call, a live-in staff and took on overseeing the scheduling for the company. Britney goes above and beyond for Progressive Living and takes pride in helping her colleagues and Progressive Living individuals to succeed. Outside of work, Britney enjoys reading, being with friends, and spending as much time as possible with her family.
Yainelis Baldrich
Senior Designated Coordinator
Yainelis moved to the United States when she was 16 years old from Cuba. She is known by her coworkers for always being able to develop a positive work environment. Yainelis has been working in the healthcare field for 6 years and joined the Progressive Living team in 2020 as a direct support staff but was quickly promoted to a Designated Coordinator. Yainelis is dedicated to her individuals and is always looking for new creative ways to help them succeed in reaching their goals. Yainelis is the epitome of a caretaker, with her daughter at home Yainelis’s is never truly off the clock. She enjoys spending time with her family, and being outdoors in whatever way she can.
Robert Lee
Designated Coordinator
Robert (prefers to go by Rob) has been living in Mankato since 1988. He has worked in the field since November 1988. He has worked in both vocational and residential settings. Rob joined Progressive Living in August 2022, he strives to provide the best support possible to help people succeed. Rob enjoys reading, crossword puzzles, watching movies and spending time with his family and friends.
Peter Schuch
Designated Coordinator
Peter (prefers to go by Pete) moved to Mankato in 1999 from Wisconsin. He worked at the St. Peter Regional Treatment Center in the Sex Offender Program for a little over 2 years. Pete moved on from there to work at Mankato East Junior High School in the Special Education Department. At East, he worked 1 on 1 with Autistic students. After 10 years with East, he took over as a Program Supervisor for REM in Mankato. Pete started off running a house for juveniles and transitioned onto running 2 ICF facilities. He loves working with individuals with special needs and being an advocate for them. Pete has 2 teenage sons and likes to spend his free time playing sports with his boys, coaching soccer and basketball.
Stephanie Nepper
Designated Coordinator
Stephnaie grew up in Le Sueur, MN and moved to Mankato for school in 2018, that was also when she started her career with Progressive Living. Stephanie attended MSU and majored in Corrections and Alcohol/Drug studies. She worked her way up through the company starting as a DSP, then accepted a House Manager position a short time later. In 2020, Stephanie was looking for more of a challenge and when Progressive Living opened a new High Behavior ladies home, she accepted the House Manager postion there. In the summer of 2022, Stephanie was promoted to a Designated Coordinator. Stephanie has been and continues to be an amazing asset to the PL team.