We have highly trained teams providing compassionate care.

Kelly started Bellis’ online Stronger Together Peer Support™ programming in July 2021 before moving to Executive Director in February 2024. She continues to facilitate one of the weekly online groups to keep her close to the people and the mission for which she cares so deeply. Her desire to support parents is seen through the creation of her own parent education services, Parent Connection, and as a Family Support Coach for Children’s Home Society. She was appointed to the inaugural State Board of Appellate Counsel and Training in MN in 2023. Kelly has an M.Ed. degree with licensure in Parent and Family Education from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. Kelly’s strength lies in her ability to share the Bellis story and advocate for the people she supports with unwavering compassion, integrity, and vision.

Vanessa has over a decade of experience in communications, research, and operations, including a role as VP of Consumer Engagement at Orman Guidance, Inc. Her work spans health, wellness, and education in both public and private sectors. Known for her skills in data analysis, storytelling, and event management, Vanessa combines creativity and empathy in her approach. As a former Bellis volunteer speaker, she has shared her story and insights with various audiences, including classrooms and professional organizations.

Sarah’s work is centered in compassionate and collaborative learning. She served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Ukraine, taught immigrants and refugees for over a decade at St. Paul’s Neighborhood House, and developed arts education in Minneapolis Public Schools. At Optum, she created training protocols for domestic and international teams, as well as programming for the division Chief Operating Officer. Her M. Ed. in Family Education with a minor in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health from the University of Minnesota unites her diverse background to serve Bellis with a focus on the dignity and value of all people.

As Strategic Advisor, Jenny draws upon her deep understanding of Bellis' history and, as a content expert, helps the organization expand its strategic networks both in Minnesota and nationally. Her primary focus in this role is to enhance Bellis' capacity to build high-level relationships, influence policy and legislation, and secure partnerships that advance the organization's mission. Jenny previously served as Bellis Executive Director from 2012-2024.

Tracy is the former President of Mount Olivet Rolling Acres, a Minnesota nonprofit offering care and services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Prior to nonprofit leadership, Tracy worked as an executive at Target Corporation for more than 25 years, in the U.S., Canada and India, with a focus on Enterprise Business Architecture. She has also served on the boards of Keystone Human Services International and the Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery.

Kristine is Senior Vice President Human Resources at Project for Pride in Living. Former human resources lead at CARE Counseling, Fraser, Volunteers of America, and Jeremiah Program. She is a Society for Human Resource Management, Senior Certified Professional. Her corporate experience includes Target and Apple in the U.S. and Asia. She volunteers with the Gustavus Mentoring Program.

Mary is the retired CEO of Keystone Community Services, a St. Paul-based non-profit that provides a variety of support services for low-income neighbors, including Meals on Wheels, food shelves, afterschool and older adult programs, and case management services for older adults and people with disabilities. She holds an MA in non-profit management from St. Mary's University. Mary has served on the boards of the Minnesota Leadership Council on Aging, the Senior Services Consortium of Ramsey County, and the Suburban Ramsey Family Collaborative.

Kate is Executive Director at Reach for Resources, Inc., a nonprofit that empowers people of all-abilities to reach their full potential by providing individualized services that maximize independence, boosts community engagement and improves physical and emotional well-being. She has an MBA from Bethel University and has also served on the boards of the National Neutropenia Network and the Minnesota Alliance for Volunteer Advancement.

Monique is Senior Controls Engineer at Prime Data Centers. She is skilled in Control Systems Design, Management, Renewable Energy, Engineering, and Energy Management. Monique has a Master's Degree focused in teaching from Hamline University. She volunteers with Nimbus Theatre in Minneapolis, teaches youth hockey, and plays on Minnesota’s first LGBTQIA Queer League.

Elif is a healthcare operations executive currently serving as Administrator - Family Medicine @ Mayo Clinic. She started her career at Mayo Clinic and was at HealthEast Care System, prior to joining Fraser as Chief Administrative Officer – Specialty Healthcare, where she held various key leadership roles including program leadership in Population Health, and overseeing RN triage, clinical messaging and scheduling. Elif holds a Master of Arts in Health and Human Services Administration from St. Mary’s University. She received her B.A. in Business Administration (with honors) from Dogus University in Turkey. She is currently a member of American College of Healthcare Executives and Women’s Health Leadership TRUST.

Natalie is an Associate Professor and Director of Clinical Legal Education at Mitchell Hamline school of law. She is an affiliated professor with the Institute to Transform Child Protection (ITCP) and has experience in child protection cases and training legal professionals on best practices. Natalie has scholarly expertise in trauma-informed lawyering and pedagogy, and law student and attorney mental health and well-being. Natalie was a judicial law clerk for the Minnesota Court of Appeals. She received her B.A. from Hamline University, her M.S.E. in counseling from the University of Wisconsin-Superior, and her J.D. from Mitchell Hamline School of Law.