Staff
People in transition or crisis feel isolated and need a welcoming space where they can feel connected and accepted. Our committed and compassionate staff members are essential to making our mission possible each and every day.
Leadership
Molly
Executive Director
Systemic and cyclical poverty require persistent rivalry. Molly has worked in social service program management focused on low-income housing and the unsheltered for over 20 years. She received a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Minnesota and earned a Master of Nonprofit Management (MNM) from Hamline University School of Business. Molly believes in and is committed to being at the table, altering power imbalances and working against injustice.
Mark
Program Manager
Mark comes to Listening House with a deep understanding of what it’s like to experience being unhoused after spending an extensive amount of time experiencing homelessness as a teenager. During his time as a housing case manager at Handy Helper, he also built an in-depth knowledge of how to navigate the complex maze that makes up the housing support system.
It also explains why he’s come to Listening House. “I wanted to help people deal with some of the things I’d been through.”
A father of two, his own experience, coupled with his work in the housing field, have given him a unique perspective and plenty of practical insights. He sums up his philosophy in a single sentence.
“Giving people hope is sometimes all they need.”
mark@listeninghouse.org
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, and she believes that mindset helps her show up better for the people in her community.
Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her family, watching anime, Lilo & Stitch, and reading fiction.
Staff
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.
Andrea
Volunteer Coordinator & Program Advocate
After 20 years Andrea has returned to her Listening House roots! Coming back to us after working for the City of St. Paul’s Homeless Assistance Response Team.
Her time with the city opened her eyes to the many gaps and pitfalls our unsheltered community experience, all while navigating mental health complications, chemical addiction, alienation and isolation. Her goal is to use this experience as a building block for opening her own unique shelter designed to break down the walls between all our communities - so she can continue to do her part to provide hope and dignity to our unsheltered neighbors.
Cristina
Program Advocate/Trainer
Cristina has worked with unsheltered adults for many years here in St. Paul. She is known for her “Big Heart” by guests and staff alike.
Since joining Listening House Cristina has utilized her big heart to build relationships with guests and recently has taken on the added responsibilities of being a trainer for the organization.
Dak
Program Advocate
Dak made a smooth transition to staff after volunteering with Listening House.
As a Program Advocate, Dak enjoys the opportunity to interact with guests and to witness the power of kindness each and everyday he’s working. Besides work he enjoys exploring his neighborhood and being involved in social media.
Gloria
Program Advocate
Gloria has worked and volunteered with the unsheltered community for many years. She’s worked in overnight shelters, warming centers, and now here at Listening House as a program advocate. She is drawn to this work because of the immediate impacts she can have with guests, volunteers, and community members.
When she’s not working, Gloria is volunteering to feed the unsheltered and recruiting others to donate clothing, shoes, and blankets.
Staff
Kate
Program Advocate
Kate returned to Listening House after our Freedom House location closed. During her time away she continued her education and started a “day job” with Hennepin County. Now that she is back at Listening House part-time, she continues to care for our guests and brings joy by offering crafting and creating art activities.
She is a walking resource about supports available to our unhoused guests. When she’s not working, she loves to travel, craft, and find unique ways to show her artsy eye.
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, Katie’s 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. What a wonderful addition to the team!
Katie works part-time at Listening House and when she’s not here, she’s working other customer service oriented jobs.
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 brother and asking if there’s more hours to be had at Listening House.
Mahad
Program Advocate
Mahad has worked in unsheltered services for 4 plus years before starting at Listening House of St. Paul. Although his experiences have been at overnight shelters, Mahad is making an impact for our guests during their daytime hours. The biggest impact he’s making is helping those who need IDs, Birth Certificates, and Social Security cards complete the documents needed and coordinating the money orders needed for our guests.
When Mahad is not working, he’s a full-time student seeking a bachelor’s degree in computer science.
Sean
Program Advocate
Sean is new to this work, but knows how lucky he is to have joined the Listening House team with so many experts he can learn from. He enjoys the different areas of support for our guests, but the place he enjoys to most is in our dayroom. That’s where all the activities are.
When he’s not working, Sean is a full-time student and athlete. He also enjoys hanging out with his football teammates and his family.
Shyhiem
Program Advocate
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.
Work Now: Staff
Johnny
St. Paul Work Now -
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. Work Now is a practical, meaningful, and life changing opportunity for adults who may not be able to land a job because of their work history, criminal background, or mental health challenges. Work Now helps to support those participating to gain the skills and experience needed to change their path and trajectory.
When Johnny isn’t supporting people make meaningful change, he’s spending time with his children and family.
Work Now: Staff
Makayne
St. Paul Work Now -
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.