Staff

Kate Bitney

Kate Bitney, Regional Manager, joined Hearth Connection in May 2008. Prior to joining Hearth Connection, Kate had been working in the field of direct service since 2001, doing street outreach, case management, and advocacy work. She has also done supervisory work at a local family shelter, and served on various committees and community groups in the East Metro. Kate holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Justice and Peace Studies from the University of St. Thomas.

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Kristine Davis

Kristine Davis is the Director of Programs, leading the Supportive Housing Team of Provider Support Managers and Rental Assistance Coordinators. She has been with Hearth Connection since October 2003. She holds a Bachelor's degree in social work from St. Olaf College and a Master's in not-for-profit leadership from Seattle University. She has done street outreach and case management, and directed programs with juvenile offenders and adult/family populations that have multiple barriers to health and stability. She has also worked in public relations, international aid, and as an outdoor guide in Montana and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

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Eric Grumdahl

Eric Grumdahl is Hearth Connection’s Director of Information, Evaluation and Regional Community Relations. He has been with Hearth Connection since before its incorporation, starting with the Corporation for Supportive Housing in July 1997. At CSH, he provided staff support for the planning of the Supportive Housing and Managed Care Pilot, and assisted in the legislative efforts that led to the first appropriation for the project. Eric has managed the development and execution of the evaluation of our Supportive Housing Pilot with the National Center on Family Homelessness. He has led the design and development of Hearth Connection's information system, Co-Pilot. Eric also led the planning and implementation of our regional projects in Northeastern Minnesota and South Central and Southeastern Minnesota. Previously, he was Research Associate and Assistant to the President at INTER-RACE, a think-tank on race relations and diversity issues. Eric holds a Bachelor's degree in philosophy and women's studies from the University of Minnesota.

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Patti Hague

Patti Hague, Director of Operations, joined Hearth Connection in July of 2008. Previously she has held the positions of Vice President of Programs for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities (2 ½ years), Director of Community Relations for HealthPartners (10 years), and Director of Health and Community Services for the Greater Minneapolis Chapter of the American Red Cross (10 years). Prior to that she spent 8 years in the field of disability advocacy. Patti has served on the board of several organizations, including the Minnesota Council on Foundations, HealthPartners, Minnesota Environmental Fund, and Philanthrofund Foundation. Patti has a Master's degree from George Washington University and a BA degree from Carleton College.

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Jeff Hayden

Jeff Hayden, Regional Manager, joined Hearth Connection in August of 2006. Jeff has worked for Hennepin County as a financial worker and community liaison. Jeff has also worked as a Housing Search Coordinator and Section 8 Administrator for the Minnesota Supportive Housing Consortium/ Mental Hearth Resources. Jeff worked as a Senior Policy aide for Minneapolis city council member Gary Schiff.

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Jennifer Leimaile Ho

Jennifer Leimaile Ho has been the Executive Director since November 1999. Previously, Jennifer was Vice President of product development at United Health Group, working with AARP, and managed Medicaid and Medicare programs at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota. Jennifer is chair of the Saint Paul - Ramsey Homeless Advisory Board. She serves on the Board of the Corporation for Supportive Housing. A Minnesota native, Jennifer graduated from Bryn Mawr College with a bachelor's degree in philosophy.

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Karen Johnsen

Karen Johnsen, CPA, Director of Finance and Administration, joined Hearth Connection in February 2007. Karen has been working in the field of accounting since 1999, and in the area of non-profit accounting since 2004. Prior to working for Hearth Connection she was the Business Manager for the Ridgedale YMCA. She holds the degrees of Master of Science in Applied Math from Colorado State University and Master of Accounting and Financial Management from the Keller Graduate School of Management at DeVry University.

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Max Schaefer

Max Schaefer joined Hearth Connection as Rental Assistance Coordinator in December 2007.

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Teresa Williams

Teresa Williams joined Hearth Connection as Rental Assistance Coordinator in December 2007. Prior to joining the organization, Teresa worked for Guild Incorporated on the Delancey Street team for four years where she worked directly with clients experiencing chronic homelessness, mental illness, and chemical dependency. At Delancey Street, Teresa also was responsible for administering the housing subsidies which eventually brought her to Hearth Connection.

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