What do you do as the Executive Director?

As Executive Director I oversee and provide support for all areas of our Long-Term Homeless Housing program. I strive to ensure quality of service and create meaningful experiences for the women who live in our homes. I also connect with community members and providers to enhance the lives of our participants.

What inspired you to do the work that you do?

There is a saying, "Be who you needed when you were younger."  I want to be that for the ladies in Grace Place. I want to be who I needed when I was in their shoes.

Some fun facts about you.

• I am the first person ever in the history of my family to graduate college.
• The girls in my family are named after the month they are born in.
• My German Shepard's name is Shane. 
• I love sushi.
• I feel peace when I am on a prayer walk with my husband.

What do you do?

I help the women at Grace Place achieve their short- and long-term recovery goals and provide addiction education and life skills coaching to all locations. I also conduct house focus groups, assess needs, and provide assistance to utilize community resources/make referrals as needed. Most importantly, I just listen.

What inspired you to do the work you do?

Besides my own personal journey in recovery, I believe addiction forces us to address life’s deepest questions with no stone left unturned. I find it profoundly meaningful to help others navigate through that process.
 

Some fun facts about you

• I grew up in New York. 
• I lived in Asia for two years. 
• I got married at Lutsen resort.
• I hiked the Himalayas with Sherpas.
• I was a finalist in major screenplay competition. 
• My favorite movie is Lord of the Rings. 
• I have been sober for a decade. 

What do you do?

As the housing manager, I provide direct support to the Grace Place residents. I do this by checking in and ensuring everyone has their basic needs met. I help with transportation, ordering household supplies, and assisting residents in community engagement while also making sure they are following the regulations of the program.

What inspired you to do the work you do?

I have always enjoyed helping people. I love seeing people accomplish things they did not think they were capable of. I have similar experiences as some of the Grace Place residents. I believe that I have a good understanding of the struggles they deal with. From my shared experiences and background, I hope to help them through theirs.

Fun facts.

• I love spending time with family.
• My husband and I got married on Park Point.
• We have one son.
• I have 3 cats.
• I love fishing
• I am the youngest of 5 siblings.

What do you do?

I am the Case Manager for Grace Place and Zachary Place. I can also provide Housing Support Specialist Services to eligible persons in our program. My role with Grace Place and Zachary Place is flexible and dynamic! I get to support people in their recovery and housing goals by connecting them to supportive community resources, providing advocacy for their needs, and assisting in referrals for external services. The best part about my role is that I get to build relationships with people and work towards supporting them at whatever crossroads they may be at in their life.

What inspired you to do the work you do?

Some fun facts about you

• I have traveled to 5 different countries so far
• have two ferrets named Jackie and Louie!
• I am the youngest sibling in a family with three older brothers
• I am from Duluth, MN
• My favorite scent, food, and color is orange :)

What do you do?

As the Program Coordinator, I do a lot of the behind-the-scenes work. I spend a lot of my time at my computer organizing and creating documents as well as communicating with St. Louis County. When I am not at my computer, I am at the houses spending time with the wonderful people in our program!

What inspired you to do the work you do?

Some fun facts about you

• I LOVE coffee!
• I really enjoy baking.
• I am 18 years older than my youngest sibling.
• I would love to be a beekeeper!

What do you do?

What inspired you to do the work you do?

Some fun facts