The People Behind the Mission

  • Molly

    Executive Director
    Molly has over twenty-five years of experience in housing and unsheltered services, focused on the steady, practical work that allows people to show up and be human.

    Her leadership centers on building calm, accountable teams and turning values into daily operations. At Listening House, she prioritizes consistency, dignity, and trust. The goal is simple: a space where people are welcomed without having to perform crisis, and where staff have the structure and support to do the work well over time.

    She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Minnesota and a Master of Nonprofit Management from Hamline University. Molly works closely with neighbors, partners, and public systems to strengthen sustainable responses to poverty in Saint Paul.

    It isn’t glamorous. It’s important.

  • Shyhiem

    Program Manager

    Listening House is excited to welcome Shyhiem to our Program Advocate team. He brings with him experience in working with the unhoused community both here in St. Paul and Minneapolis. His steady and calm personality brings a level of comfort for our guests, volunteers, and staff alike.

    After work, Shyhiem looks forward to hanging out with his daughter and family.

  • Arantxa

    Operations Manager

    Arantxa has always looked for ways to help others, even if it’s just in a small, meaningful moment. She’s worked in a variety of settings over the years, and each experience has taught her something new and valuable. Arantxa is always eager to learn and grow.

    Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her family, watching anime, Lilo & Stitch, and reading fiction.

  • Joe

    Shift Lead

    Joe is a dedicated professional committed to serving vulnerable adults experiencing homelessness. With close lived family experience, he understand the challenges individuals face. He is deeply dedicated to helping people remain safe, stable, and supported.

    When he’s not working, he enjoys spending time with his family, listening to music, and watching football.

  • PJ

    Shift Lead

    Meet P.J., a lifelong resident of St. Paul. He happened upon Listening House, and while curiosity drew him in, his passion for helping others has kept him here. P.J. is glad to be here and we are equally glad to have him on the team.

    Now he is taking the chance to make tomorrow easier for everyone.

  • Carlos

    Program Advocate

    Carlos is a passionate professional who brings dedication and heart to his work. Although new to the field, he has spent years supporting and uplifting members of his community. Outside of work, Carlos enjoys spending quality time with his family, traveling the world, following sports, fishing, and listening to music—interests that reflect his well-rounded and energetic personality.

  • Sue

    Program Advocate

    Sue joined Listening House in 2021, bringing with her three years of experience working at a family homeless shelter in Oakdale. Her journey with Listening House began when a staff member invited her to tour Freedom House. After that visit, Sue knew she wanted to be part of the mission.

    Having witnessed her own children face housing instability, Sue carries a deep empathy for those experiencing homelessness. She finds joy in connecting with guests, listening to their stories, and offering support whenever she can.

    Sue’s presence is a steady reminder that dignity begins with being seen and heard.

  • Alfred

    Program Advocate

    Alfred has lived experience that he brings to his job every day as a Program Advocate and Custodian at the Listening House since 2021. When our Freedom House location opened, Alfred would spend his days cleaning and caring for the building.

    He joined the staff in June of 2021. He brings his experiences of cultural traditions, personal challenges, and his joy of helping people to his job every day. He reminds us all that sometimes, it's okay to let people be — give them space to breathe.

  • Kaleb

    Program Advocate

    Kaleb joined the Listening House team as a part-time Program Advocate with a lot of enthusiasm and excitement to learn what it means to care for guests the Listening House way. He especially likes our day-room where all the guest activity happens from watching basketball games to playing cards.

    When Kaleb isn’t working he’s hanging out with his brothers and asking if there’s more hours to be had at Listening House.

  • Katie

    Program Advocate

    Katie joined the Listening House team with years of experience working with unhoused youth. Although Listening House is an adult only program, her experience working with youth helps to transition them to partnering with youth oriented organizations. Katie brings a strong and steady support for guests, volunteers, and staff alike.

  • Elena

    Program Advocate

    Elena grew up in a small town in Minnesota where everyone knew and looked out for each other. She brings that mindset to Listening House: we are stronger together and we have your back. Long-term, she’d like to pursue a Master’s in Social Work specializing in trauma treatment.

    In her free time, Elena likes to play (or talk trash about) basketball, have philosophical conversations with anyone who will entertain her, and listen to music like Ethel Cain, Mariah the Scientist, and Sufjan Stevens.

  • KB

    Program Advocate

  • Chevy

    Program Advocate

    Chevy is someone who finds joy in the simple but meaningful things in life. Recognized for leadership by example, clear communication with team members, and the ability to support training, safety enforcement, and daily operational flow, Chevy brings valuable work skills to Listening House. He loves cooking and bringing people together over a good meal. Music is a big part of who he is — especially live bands and the energy that comes with them. Whether Chevy is in the kitchen or in a crowd listening to great music, he’s happiest when he’s creating moments and memories.

    Passionate about cooking and inspired by the energy of live music, he’s someone who values creativity, connection, and community. Chevy enjoys bringing people together through food and believes in the power of lending a helping hand. Whether it’s in the kitchen or supporting others, he is driven by heart and purpose.

  • J

    Program Advocate

    Jerri is dedicated to helping individuals and families build stability, independence, and opportunity. With years of experience supporting vulnerable populations, she is known for her commitment to removing barriers, empowering others, and creating practical solutions that improve quality of life.

    Jerri’s work is rooted in integrity, service, and a genuine desire to see people succeed. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys spending time with her family, crafting, working on new projects, and continuing her passion for helping others in meaningful ways.

  • Chloe

    Program Advocate

    Meet Chloe. In the past, she has worked at The Freedom House and the Ramsey County Warming Hubs. Now, Chloe is here at the Listing House for our guests to make connections, problem solve, be a shoulder to cry on, or just talk. Whatever it is, she is here and there's truly nowhere else she’d rather be. 

    “I can confidently say I love my job. I'm so blessed to be able to come to work and spend time with so many amazing people.”

  • Nichelle

    Program Advocate

  • Makayne

    Special Projects Coordinator

    Most of Makayne's career has been in the world of education, spending years living and teaching English in Southeast Asia. She firmly believes community has the power to be both radical and transformative, and champions the idea that we are stronger together.

    Growing up, Makayne's parents always emphasized the importance of service and kindness, instilling in her a commitment to lending a helping hand — a philosophy which has led to her finding joy in building relationships, listening, learning, and supporting others within her community.  

  • Johnny

    Special Projects Coordinator

    Johnny’s tenure here at Listening House of St. Paul has been the longest of any staff member. He started as a Program Advocate and moved on to becoming a coordinator of special projects. Johnny is in partnership with the other St. Paul Work Now Coordinator in leading a one-of-a-kind work project that aims to get unsheltered adults to work by picking up litter in the City of St. Paul.

    When Johnny isn’t supporting people make meaningful change, he’s spending time with his children and family.