We have highly trained teams providing compassionate care.
Meet the Leadership Team
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Kelly Tronstad, Executive Director
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.
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Sarah Hernandez, Director of Education, Programming, and Training
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.
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Bridgid Dunlap, Director of Advancement
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.
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Vanessa Mullenix, Director of Operations
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.
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Kristine Moser, Board President
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.
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Elif McCain, Board Member
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.
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Monique Lindqust, Board Member
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.
Meet the Clinical & Outreach Team
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Paola Schnabel, M.Ed. Social Work, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker; M.Ed. Public Health
Facilitator
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Kelly Tronstad, M.Ed. Licensed Parent Educator
Facilitator
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Kjersta Hoffman, Licensed Social Worker
Facilitator
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Bethany Glass-Janson, M.Ed. Licensed Parent Educator
Facilitator
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Sarah Hernandez, M.Ed. Licensed Parent Educator
Facilitator
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Deb Newton, Licensed Social Worker
Facilitator
Stronger Together Peer Support Model™ participants say…
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“I’m at a loss for words on how to explain my experience other than I ABSOLUTELY LOVE this group. I recommend it so much!”
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“The facilitators had safe vibes from the start. Thank you sooo much for being non-judgmental and very accepting and open with us as a group and individually.”
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“This group was exactly what I needed in my journey.”

