staff

JHF Executive Director

Erin has a Masters Degree in School Counseling and 13 years of experience working in the Anoka-Hennepin School District, providing care and support to students and families. Erin felt a strong pull to meet the needs of families and students, especially kids with special needs and their caregivers, in a community setting outside of the school system. In the Fall of 2022, she brought her experience of working with diverse learners, a passion for nurturing encouraging relationships with youth, and a vision of creating a community of inclusivity, and became the Executive Director of Jam HOPE Foundation. Erin’s personal drive is the belief that each person has unique gifts and abilities that are meant to be shared to create a thriving community. Jam HOPE Foundation, Helps Optimize the Potential in Everyone, by creating opportunities for the gifts and abilities of our neighbors with disabilities to be nurtured and highlighted. 

Jam HOPE Café Coordinator

Holly has a degree in education and has been a preschool teacher and director of the academic preschool at our host site for over 5 years. Holly grew up alongside a close family friend with Down Syndrome, and their friendship fostered a deep passion for inclusion and care for those with disabilities. Holly is also raising a bright, tenacious, and servant-hearted teen who was born with a rare genetic disorder, Crouzon Syndrome. Holly was the inspiration and visionary for our Jam HOPE Café, with the desire to provide a space for people with disabilities to make meaningful contributions to our community. Holly has combined her heart for serving others, and passion to advocate for and support community members with disabilities, as the Jam HOPE Café Coordinator. That tenacious teen of hers is also one of our first baristas/cashiers of the Café. 

JHF Community Outings Coordinator

Katie has a degree in Exercise and Sport Science, and is a Certified Adaptive Special Needs Trainer, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and Functional Aging Specialist. She has an incredible knowledge and experience base in providing individual and group fitness for all ages. She is passionate about health and wellness and has a natural ability to support and build relationships with people to help them reach their personal potential. Katie brings her enthusiasm and expertise in healthy living to our programming for youth and adults with disabilities. Katie has created incredible social and fitness opportunities for our community partners, with visions to continue to expand and grow our offerings.