WE ARE HERE FOR YOU
Avenues Team
Our dedicated staff are here to support youth. If you are looking for a staff member not listed below, call 612-522-1690 or email info@avenuesforyouth.org.
Zayed Ahmed, PhD, LPCC, LICSW, Director of Research, Evaluation and Education
zahmed@avenuesforyouth.org | 612-844-2004
Christopher Banks, Operations Manager
cbanks@avenuesforyouth.org | 612-844-2013
Ryan Berg, ConneQT Program Manager
rberg@avenuesforyouth.org | 612-345-8445
JJ Fournelle, HR Manager
jfournelle@avenuesforyouth.org | 612-522-1690
Rachel Blair-Paladino, Assistant Director of Communications
rblair@avenuesforyouth.org | 612-844-2001
Trevor Burns, Facilities Specialist
tburns@avenuesforyouth.org
Andre Chessier, Youth Support Specialist
achessier@avenuesforyouth.org
Melissa Cuff, Director of Development
mcuff@avenuesforyouth.org | 612-844-2012
Latosha Evans, Youth Support Specialist
levans@avenuesforyouth.org
Beth Haney, Director of Finance & Operations
bhaney@avenuesforyouth.org | 612-522-1690
Kunta, Abule Youth Advocate and Engagement Specialist
kharris@avenuesforyouth.org | 612-718-2401
Rosie Irons, Overnight Lead Youth Support Specialist
rirons@avenuesforyouth.org
Sheena Jimmick, Administrative Assistant
sjimmick@avenuesforyouth.org
Bryce Jones, Program Manager, Transitional Housing
bjones@avenuesforyouth.org | 612-718-5451
Abha Karnick, Development Coordinator
akarnick@avenuesforyouth.org | 612-844-2005
Kevin Kjonaas, Development Manager
kjonaas@avenuesforyouth.org | 612-522-1690 Ext. 117
Makeda Lacking, Youth Advocate and Engagement Specialist
mlacking@avenuesforyouth.org | 612-844-2007
Nylisha McNutt, Family Advocate and Engagement Specialist
nmcnutt@avenuesforyouth.org
Katherine Meerse, Executive Director
kmeerse@avenuesforyouth.org | 612-844-2002
James Mullins, Education and Career Development Specialist
jmullins@avenuesforyouth.org | 612-522-1690
Murad Owda, Abule Program Manager
mowda@avenuesforyouth.org | 612-750-9503
Quentin Pittman, Youth Support Specialist
qpittman@avenuesforyouth.org
Corey Ramsey, Youth Support Specialist
cramsey@avenuesforyouth.org
Maia Pruim, ConneQT Youth Advocate and Engagement Specialist
mgladney@avenuesforyouth.org | 612-214-5964
Amy R/M, Youth Support Specialist
amartinek@avenuesforyouth.org
Rafito Thomas, Youth Support Specialist
rthomas@avenuesforyouth.org
Anika Tol, Data Compliance Coordinator
atol@avenuesforyouth.org
Brittany Wilson, Youth Advocate and Engagement Specialist
bwilson@avenuesforyouth.org
Elaine Woods, Young Families Program Manager
ewoods@avenuesforyouth.org
Janet Yeats, Mental Health Therapist
jyeats@avenuesforyouth.org
Avenues Board of Directors
Avenues' Board of Directors is a dedicated group of volunteers who provide strategic insight, governance, and fiduciary responsibility of the organization.
Officers
Paul Blom, President
Owner/CEO, Right at Home
Shawn Sorrell, Vice President
Diversity and Equal Justice Unit Manager, Department of Community Corrections and Rehabilitation, Hennepin County
Linnea Eiden, Treasurer
Vice President, Senior Corporate Counsel at U.S. Bank
Rachelle Haroldson, PhD, Secretary
Clinical Assistant Professor, U of WI – River Falls
Members
Kojo Baafi
Vice President, Audit Services, Allina
Kweku Bankah
Risk Consulting Director, KPMG
Corey Falls
Business Development Manager, MyTech
Russ Heilbrun
VP Omnichannel Commerce, Category Management, Procurement, National Veterinary Associates
Sheri Johnson
Associate Vice President Billing & Enrollment, UCare
Jeffrey Nasers
Account Supervisor at Modern Foundation