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.
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.
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.
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.
Shyhiem
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.
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.
When Johnny isn’t supporting people make meaningful change, he’s spending time with his children and family.
Johnny
Andrea
Human Resources & Volunteer Coordinator
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.
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.
Duane
Custodian
Duane brings dedication and heart to his role as Custodian at Listening House. He takes pride not only in keeping things spotless, but in creating a space where dignity is felt in every corner.
Having experienced homelessness himself, Duane brings deep empathy and understanding to his work. He values the many personalities of the guests and believes in the power of a helping hand. His commitment to accountability, hard work, and kindness makes him an essential part of the Listening House family.
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.
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.
Kaleb
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.
Makayne
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.
Shavez, a.k.a Chevy
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.
Elena
Program Advocate
Ella has spent many years supporting individuals through treatment centers, temporary housing programs, and other homeless services across St. Paul and Minneapolis. She loves bringing positivity, lightheartedness, and a welcoming presence into the space while meeting people where they are.
Outside of work, Ella is passionate about fitness and spends much of her time at the gym or out running.
Ella
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.
Jerri, a.k.a J
Program Advocate
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.
Paul, a.k.a P.J
Program Advocate
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.
Joe
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.”