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.

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.

Bridgid brings nearly 20 years of nonprofit fundraising experience to her role as Director of Advancement at Bellis. Much of her career has focused on healthcare and community-based organizations spanning major gifts, grants, corporate partnerships, sponsorships and donor stewardship. She has partnered closely with executive leaders and boards to translate mission priorities into fundable strategies. In 2025 she co-founded Forward Cadence Consulting, where she works as a fractional development partner helping nonprofit leaders strengthen their fundraising and build the systems to sustain their work. Bridgid is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications from Boston University. She brings a natural ability to connect with people and turn ideas into action, and joins Bellis with a deep commitment to helping build the advancement program that will sustain its mission for years to come.

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 program participant and volunteer speaker, she has shared her lived experience with various audiences, including classrooms and professional organizations. Vanessa holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and is a Certified Grief Support Specialist.

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.

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.

Raja began his career as a middle school social studies teacher, an experience that fostered his passion for working with young people. He earned his Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology from the Minnesota School of Professional Psychology in 2002 and is board certified in Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychology through the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP). After several years working in community mental health and serving as an assistant professor, he established a private practice in St. Paul, where he provides clinical services and professional consultation. Raja previously served on the Minnesota Board of Psychology and currently serves on the board of the Therapeutic Assessment Institute.

Beth Magistad works for the National Council on Family Relations as the editor of NCFR Nexus. Beth has a PhD in Family Social Science from the University of Minnesota, and taught at UMN from 2003 until 2022. She is a Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE), and holds a Minnesota teaching license for Parent and Family Education. She was the Director of Parent and Family Education at the University of Minnesota from 2018-2022. Beth does contract work presenting, writing, and editing.