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YIPA employees and directors are one team. Like you, the well-being of our young people is our just cause.
Meet Your YIPA Team
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Barbara Van Deinse (she/her)
Operations Director

Hi, I’m Barbara, YIPA’s Operations Director. I strive to make everything we do better! I am involved in just about everything YIPA does and my job is to ensure your satisfaction with our services. I want every interaction you have with us to be positive, because you deserve nothing less.

Before joining YIPA, I worked in the corporate world. As a manager, I got to combine my love for helping people grow, solving problems, and providing exceptional customer service. The work had plenty of rewards but I felt I could do more to make a difference in the world.

My desire to do more meaningful work brought me to YIPA. And that’s when I discovered the amazing work of youth-serving agencies and the awesome power of youth workers! Helping you get the tools and training you need, advocating for the recognition and funding you deserve for the invaluable services you provide is the greatest work I’ve ever done!

I’ll help you make the most of your membership, so contact me at barbara@yipa.org or 651-688-3866.

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Dan Huebsch (he/him)
Board Secretary

Hello, I’m Dan! I truly believe that positive change in our world starts with providing the next generation with as many tools and opportunities as possible.

Having an Elementary Education background gives me a unique perspective while working directly with youth and families in rural Minnesota as a diversion worker and mentor. This provides the YIPA team another voice to communicate the needs of our smaller communities and continue building on the important resources YIPA provides.

In my free time, I enjoy traveling with my wife, running, and spending time with our two dogs.

Feel free to contact me at dan.huebsch@co.todd.mn.us or 218-371-7101.

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Gaonu Yang (she/her)
Grantee Member Advocate

I am passionate about working with and for young people, recognizing the invaluable role that youth workers like you play in bridging generational gaps. I am thrilled to be YIPA’s Grantee Member Advocate, where I have the opportunity to support members through the YIP grant and establish a crucial link between grantees and MN legislators.

I graduated from the University of Minnesota with a B.S. in Sociology of Law, Criminology, and Justice. Through my experiences at the YMCA, and involvement in leadership programs, I have had the privilege of providing direct services to young people. I’ve also been a recipient of youth-support services when I was younger. These opportunities have furthered my understanding of the unique challenges faced in youth work.

I would love to be of service in any way possible. Please contact me at 651-300-1146 or email gaonu@yipa.org.

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Jade Schleif (she/her)

Training Director

Hello there! I joined YIPA because I believe in the power of youth workers. I’m committed to thinking critically and holistically about how our work can best serve you. Born and raised in Minnesota, I earned my B.A. in Sociology and Justice and Peace Studies from the University of St. Thomas. I served multiple terms as an AmeriCorps Promise Fellow at the American Indian Magnet School in St. Paul, as well as the Minnesota Alliance With Youth.

As YIPA’s Training Director, I’m able to integrate my passions for youth work, connection, and lifelong learning in order to offer you opportunities for exceptional professional development. I’m devoted to Restorative Justice and facilitating Circles, as I believe they are key to being with each other in a new way that upholds compassion and accountability.

In my free time, I enjoy losing myself in nature, walking my cat, re-reading Kurt Vonnegut novels and crafting any excuse for a weekend trip to the North Shore!

Please know that you can reach out to me anytime at jade@yipa.org or 651-390-9320.

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Joanne Rice (she/her)
Member Satisfaction Specialist

Hello, I’m Joanne, your Member Satisfaction Specialist. I’m here to make sure you have what you need from our exceptional trainings and relentless advocacy at YIPA.

I have a B.A. in Sociology with a Family Concentration. My passion for working with youth started as an AmeriCorp volunteer at the Family Violence Center shelter. Before joining YIPA, I worked in several different youth and adult advocacy roles and most recently was a Shelter Manager at Tubman.

We have much to learn from young people and I’m encouraged to see them leading, using their voice, and taking action for racial, economic, and social justice. I believe we all have a responsibility to walk alongside young people and support them in their journey. I enjoy spending time with friends and family, my partner and our two boys, and our beagle, Jack. I love road trips, the outdoors, hiking, fishing, bike riding and spending time on the lake.

I am honored to work with you and support you. Feel free to call me at 651-491-0212 or email joanne@yipa.org.

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Kristin Elizondo (she/her)
Board President

I believe that supporting our youth is the most impactful way to effectuate positive change in our world. I was a juvenile public defender and saw how a lack of resources hinders even the best of intentions. As your board member, I’ll use my personal and professional skills to address the myriad needs of our youth at a macro level.

I have lived and traveled many places, but I love Minnesota the best. I enjoy Viking’s and Twin’s games, ballet, theater, movies, and chef-driven restaurants. My greatest joy is sobremesa – friends and family sitting around my table after a shared meal.

I’m happy to help, please reach out to me at 612-201-5640 or kristin@elizondolaw.net.

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Dr. Laurel James (she/her)
Board Treasurer

I believed that I could make a difference in the lives of other young people in my community and in the world in the 1970’s. Fast forward to today, I remain steadfast in my belief about every young person.

As your board member, I bring my passion, education, life experiences, and skills as a social worker, youth advocate, educator, and organization leader to YIPA. Let’s work together in a quest to advance opportunities for young people all over the world.

In my free time I enjoy traveling, visiting Tea Rooms and museums, and curling up with a good book at the beach.

If I can be of help to you, call me at 301-467-5560 or email me at laurel.t.james@outlook.com.

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Louis Ochoa Jr. (he/him)
Board Director

I have a passion for public service and believe that all youth can be successful and productive citizens if given the opportunities that they need. As your board member, you can count on me to support and advocate for our youth and youth programming.

Since 1997 I have worked at the Moorhead Police Department and have a bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. My experience and education help me make the right decisions when it comes to positive Youth Intervention programming. In my free time I enjoy camping, boating, fishing, ice fishing, hunting, golfing, and spending time with my family.

You can reach me by email at louis.ochoa@moorheadpolice.com or call 218-790-4054.

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Lucy Bossert (she/her)
Board Vice President

As an experienced and proud youth worker, I’ve seen firsthand how quality training impacts the outcomes of youth-serving organizations. As a YIPA board member I bring expertise in youth programming, project management, and volunteer training. I’m excited for this opportunity to collaborate with other changemakers in the field to keep pushing boundaries to better show up for our youth.

In addition to my work as Outreach Director at Bolder Options in Minneapolis, I’m a dog mom to two rescue dogs, I make visual art, enjoy sailing with my husband, and soaking up the outdoors, no matter what season.

If I can be of help, reach out to me at lucy.bossert@bolderoptions.org or 715-410-4244.

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Paul Meunier (he/him)
Executive Director

Hello. I love my job and enjoy working with you as a way to impact the lives of our young people. I’m lucky to be connected with so many dedicated, passionate, and skilled people in this field of youth work. You and I share a desire to make life better for others and most of my work life has involved public service.

I worked directly with young people for many years as the lead of a therapeutic unit in a setting IV emotional behavioral disorder (EBD) program. I’m a trained psychologist and was also a City Council member and then Mayor of Ham Lake. Yep, I am a political junkie too.

I’ve been involved with YIPA for many years, as a member of YIPA’s Board of Directors and its Vice President before joining the team as an employee. Most people tell me I work too much and they’re likely right, but I always make time for family fun, running and working out, and reading and listening to podcasts about leadership.

Please know you can reach out to me anytime by emailing me at paul@yipa.org or calling me at 763-434-4190.

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Shalin Johnson (he/him)
Board Director

“Action taken before a loss is cheaper than action taken after a loss.” I believe that Youth Intervention is practicing personal risk management and I enjoy being an advocate for your work.

My degree is in Risk Management and Insurance. I bring that perspective to YIPA with over 29 years of experience. I’m active on various Brooklyn Park commissions and a Rotarian. In the past, I was active with the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Foundation and served as the treasurer for Bolder Options’ board of directors. My hobbies include attending various sporting events, fishing, golfing, and being outdoors as much as possible.

You can contact me at shalin.johnson@marshmma.com or 612-598-3883.

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Sherrita Allen (she/her)
Board Director

I believe in giving back to those committed to supporting our youth. As your board member, I use my 25+ years of experience in social services to help empower amazing youth workers like you.

I’m enthusiastic about teaching youth how to be their authentic selves. Our goal is to help them understand who they are in the skin they’re in despite the ever-changing societal standard of “normal.”

With a Master of Arts in Counseling specializing in grief & loss, sexual maladaptive behavior, and human trafficking, I’m ready to help. On a personal note, I enjoy reading, socializing, and singing.

Feel free to contact me at sherritamallen@gmail.com or 417-300-3386.

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Stacey Guilfoyle Collier (she/her)
Board Director

Youth are the key to world change. As a young person, I benefited greatly from mentorship and intentional youth programs. As your board member, I’ll work to ensure your program can create similar opportunities for all youth.

I’m committed to assisting YIPA in bringing youth work to the next level and expanding it for years to come. You can count on me to utilize my Business Management degree, extensive experience facilitating equity and inclusion trainings, and a sincere compassion for youth to advance YIPA.

In my spare time I enjoy spending time with family, being outdoors and traveling.

Call me at 651-560-5144 or shoot me an email me at Annastasia.Guilfoyle@ymcamn.org if I can help you.

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Yedidya Erque  (she/her)
Operations Associate

Hello! I’m Yedidya, YIPA’s Operations Associate. I take pride in my meticulous attention to detail and problem-solving skills. And I put those skills to work for you, ensuring that our operations run smoothly to save you time.

YIPA’s core values of supporting young people and providing them the opportunities they need to thrive and achieve their full potential align perfectly with my values. I am excited and honored to use my background to contribute to such a noble mission!

I earned my Bachelor’s degree in psychology from Williams College in Massachusetts. My education taught me how to form genuine connections with people from all walks of life, and real-life work experiences taught me to consistently deliver exceptional service. My interpersonal skills and multiple certifications in data and business analytics are put to work to make your experiences with us better.

In my free time, I love reading novels, taking long walks in nature, visiting museums, listening to personal development podcasts, and spending quality time with my loved ones.

Please reach out to me at any time by calling 240-283-4436 or email me at yedidya@yipa.org.