May 24, 2021
TO: All Minnesota Adult Education Staff and Stakeholders
We are following up with additional information and resources regarding Todd’s passing. [See the original message that was sent on May 21 at the bottom of this page.]
On Sunday, Todd Wagner’s obituary was published. You can find the obituary online here (https://www.startribune.com/obituaries/detail/0000391941/?fullname=todd-wagner). Todd’s family wrote a touching memorial, and we are thankful for them sharing. We appreciate you reaching out and sharing your feelings and showing your support. We continue to process our grief and show our support to Todd’s family and to all of you who have treasured memories with Todd.
As you can see in the obituary Todd took his life. We have been shocked about Todd’s death by suicide and we have been asking many questions as a team, including wondering about signs we may have missed or not acted on. It has been helpful to process these emotions both individually and as a team.
Session for the Minnesota Adult Education Field
It is important for us to have some time to come together and share mental health and suicide awareness resources. We are grateful to PANDA and to ATLAS for hosting a session for the Minnesota Adult Education field.
Session: Coming Together, Moving Through: Mental Health & Suicide Resources for ABE
Date: Wednesday, June 2
Time: 12:00-1:00 pm CDT
Registration: https://atlasabe.org/event/coming-together-moving-through-mental-health-suicide-resources-for-abe/
We appreciate Wendy for presenting and facilitating this session. We are also thankful for Patsy and the ATLAS team for coordinating the session.
Mental Health Resources
We want to make sure you have resources available to support the mental health of you and of those around you.
- PANDA Website (https://pandamn.org/category/mental-health/)
PANDA has mental health information and resources collected on their website that could be helpful for you, your classroom and your program.
- Department of Human Services Website (https://mn.gov/dhs/people-we-serve/seniors/health-care/mental-health/programs-services/)
This DHS website has many helpful adult mental health and crisis response resources available statewide.
- Suicide Prevention Resource Center (https://www.sprc.org/) and National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK (8255)
The Suicide Prevention Resource Center has a wide variety of resources, most notably the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline that is available 24/7 for people wanting or needing to talk.
We Want You to Have the Support You Need
Please, take time to care for yourself and to check in with your loved ones. Please know we value, respect and support you. Please reach out to us if you need support or if you need someone to hear you.
From, the Adult Education Team at the Minnesota Department Of Education
Alice Smith
Astrid Liden
Julie Dincau
Brad Hasskamp
Jodi Versaw
Minnesota Adult Education
Career and College Success Division
Minnesota Department of Education
1500 Highway 36 West, Roseville, MN 55113
education.mn.gov
May 21, 2021
TO: All Minnesota Adult Education Staff and Stakeholders
We are reaching out to you to let you know that Todd Wagner, former state ABE director at the Minnesota Department of Education, has suddenly and unexpectedly passed away. We are profoundly saddened by this news. Our hearts go out to Todd’s wife, sons, and family. He will be deeply missed.
Todd really cared about people and was one of the most selfless people we ever met. He loved talking with people. He was always happy to share his experience or his thoughts. We were always amazed at how Todd had an anecdote or detailed knowledge about any topic, no matter how seemingly obscure. We learned a lot from Todd, and we know that he also impacted many of you over the years. He supported us all professionally and personally in so many ways.
There will be an obituary published on Sunday. We will share the link to the obituary with you next week. In the obituary, there will be additional information, including how to make donations in his honor.
Please take some time to care for yourself and to cherish your loved ones.
Please contact Brad if you need support, if you need to talk, or if there is anything we can do to help. Brad can be reached at (651) 582-8594 or [email protected].
From, the Adult Education Team at the Minnesota Department Of Education
Alice Smith
Astrid Liden
Julie Dincau
Brad Hasskamp
Jodi VersawMinnesota Adult Education
Career and College Success Division
Minnesota Department of Education
1500 Highway 36 West, Roseville, MN 55113
education.mn.gov