Communities of Practice

Our time-bound cohorts are organized around a specific systems challenge. Residents build a shared understanding of the issue, learn from one another and outside experts, examine data and policy, identify gaps, and co-create recommendations. The model pairs sustained relationship building with concrete outputs and implementation opportunities.

Cohort 1: 2023 - 2025

Student Homelessness in Minnesota

  • Cassandre Peterson, Minneapolis Public Schools

  • Angela McDowell, Minneapolis Public Schools

  • Natasha Lige, Stable Homes Stable Schools

  • Emmett Dysart, Hennepin County Youth Advisory Board

  • Thaddeus Lesiak, Minneapolis Public Schools

  • Meghan Hickey, Minneapolis Public Schools

  • Angela Gauthier, Move Fwd

  • Jenny Moses, Governor’s Children’s Cabinet

  • Charlotte Kinzley, Minneapolis Public Schools

  • Christa Mims, Hennepin County

  • Lauren Ryan, Hennepin County

Cohort 2: 2025 - 2027

Prenatal through Early Childhood Homelessness

  • Allison Corrado, BCBS Foundation

  • Ian Brunzell-Looney, Hennepin County

  • Jennifer Moses, Governor’s Children’s Cabinet

  • Jyoti Wadhwa, Minnesota Departmet of Education

  • Kristen Wheeler Highland, People Serving People

  • Lauren Ryan, Hennepin County

  • Lauren Stelter, MN Housing

  • Melissa Amundson, MN Tribal Resources for Early Childhood Care

  • Nancy Urbanski, MN Housing

  • Patrina Kasper, Owatonna Public Schools

  • Tiffany Yang, Minnesota Department of Health