Meet the Leaders Behind Move Forward’s Youth Outreach and Support Services
we are united by one purpose:
Bringing decades of experience in youth outreach, mental health services, housing support, and nonprofit leadership. Together, we work to remove barriers, challenge injustice, and create lasting solutions for at-risk youth and families in Minnesota.
ensuring every young person has the support they need to thrive.
Angela is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 15 years of experience in nonprofit work focused on youth homelessness and community-based mental health. Since 2010, she has led programs centered on emergency shelter, street outreach, transitional living, supportive housing, prevention services, and Indian Child Welfare Act advocacy. As Executive Director of Move Foward, Angela is passionate about systemic change and strives to ensure all youth and families have access to safe housing and culturally affirming services. Outside of work, she enjoys family road trips, gardening, cooking, and a great cup of coffee.
Executive Director
Angela Gauthier, MA, LMFT
MeET our staff
Amanda Dwinell, MA, LPCC
Amanda is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with over 20 years of experience in nonprofit settings. She joined Move Forward in 2013, previously serving as Therapist and Clinical Manager. With a Master’s in Counseling and Psychological Services, she has worked in various settings including in-home, residential, shelter, clinic, and school-based programs. Amanda approaches her work with compassion, commitment, and creativity—believing that mental health and safe housing are essential to community well-being. She enjoys puzzles, comedy, cooking, music, and spending time with family and friends. One of her favorite quotes is, “We all do better when we all do better.” – Paul Wellstone.
director of programs
Sarah Williams, M.Ed
Sarah is a passionate youth advocate with over 25 years of experience in youth development. She holds a master’s degree in Youth Development and Leadership from the University of Minnesota and brings a strong background in program design, facilitation, and strategic leadership. Sarah’s work is rooted in equity, experiential learning, and building trusting, strengths-based relationships with young people. Known for her warm, non-judgmental presence, she is committed to creating inclusive, trauma-informed spaces for youth experiencing housing instability. Outside of work, Sarah enjoys traveling, trying new foods, crafting, and spending time with her family.
Housing and Outreach Program Manager
Tina Coatta, MSW, LICSW
Tina has a master's degree in social work (MSW) from Boston University and is a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW). She has more than 10 years experience in providing therapy and support to kids, teens, young adults, and families, including school-based mental health, crisis intervention, autism day treatment, and community-based interventions. She is passionate about building relationships, breaking down barriers, and helping youth and families improve their well-being and mental health. She utilizes a strengths-based and person-centered approach, which includes solution-focused strategies, expressive arts, EMDR, and DBT skills. She supports youth and families in building tools and increasing resources to cope with stressors and live authentically.
Clinical Program Manager
Tamisha Willams
Born and raised in Minnesota, Tamisha brings discipline, creativity, and heart to her role as an Office Administrator. With a background in office management, customer service, and marketing — and as a licensed aesthetician currently pursuing a business degree — she approaches her work with both precision and empathy. Tamisha is deeply dedicated to creating spaces where young people and families feel genuinely seen, respected, and supported. Her work is grounded in the belief that every detail — from paperwork and scheduling to the first welcome at the front desk — can help build trust and open the door to hope. Living in the same community she serves, Tamisha shows up each day with purpose: to make sure that every person who walks through the door knows they matter and feels empowered to take the next step forward.
Office Administrator
Mohamed Issack Mohamed, LGSW
Mohamed earned a Master of Social Work from Salem State University and a BA in Social Work from Boston University Wheelock College. He has direct practice experience with at-risk youth and families in school and community settings. Mohamed builds genuine, supportive relationships with clients using a strength-based, client-centered, and systemic approach. His goal is to promote resiliency, self-awareness, and autonomy by engaging the full environment around each child.
Therapist
Gail Ferguson, LGSW
Gail is a Licensed Graduate Social Worker who holds a Master of Social Work from Texas State University and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. Her passion for mental health emerged through volunteer support group facilitation. Gail is committed to providing inclusive, antiracist, and nonjudgmental care where individuals feel seen and supported on their wellness journeys. Outside of work, Gail enjoys spending time with her family and playing video games—especially RPGs and first-person shooters.
Therapist
Jackie Venegas
Jackie has a Bachelor's of Social Work from Minnesota State University Mankato and is currently working on her Masters of Social Work at St. Mary's University of Minnesota. Jackie has a strong background in case management and working with individuals of all ages. She has a strong passion for working with children and the youth and believes in the importance of creating a safe environment for the youth to fully be their authentic selves. Jackie's long-term goal is to become an independently licensed clinical social worker and do outpatient therapy. Jackie's hobbies and interests include dance, reading, hiking, trying new restaurants, food truck festivals, and anything and everything relating to the arts.
Lead Youth Case Manager/TLP
Grecia Lozano Fuentes
Grecia brings over a decade of experience working with individuals and families experiencing homelessness. She takes a person-centered, compassionate approach to her case management work and has served youth, BIPOC individuals, seniors, immigrants, and people with disabilities. Grecia studied at the University of St. Thomas and is passionate about building trust and making a meaningful impact in the lives of those she supports.
Family Housing Case Manager
Harley Hopkins
Harley is pursuing a degree in Social Work with a minor in Child Advocacy. She is deeply committed to making a positive impact in the lives of youth. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking and reading.
TLP case manageer
Kelly Owens, MPS, LADC
Kelly holds a master's degree in integrated behavioral health from University of Minnesota and is under supervision working towards LPCC licensure. Kelly has a dynamic background in addiction and mental health with more than 10 years experience working with youth and families in various community and school settings. Kelly holds strong beliefs that providing non-judgmental, inclusive, collaborative, and compassionate spaces for all not only allows each individual to recognize their own potential, but also creates space for progress and growth to occur. She believes that while we often hurt alone, we heal together and that it is a privilege to come alongside individuals in their journey of healing and wellness. In her free time Kelly enjoys yoga, going to the gym, spending time with friends and family, and trying new restaurants.
Therapist
Sudi Mohamed, msw
Sudi earned her Master of Social Work from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota and a Bachelor’s from Metropolitan State University. She has several years of experience in nonprofit organizations and has provided case management to individuals experiencing homelessness. As a clinical trainee, she has also supported clients facing mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Sudi enjoys spending time with loved ones and going for long walks in nature.
therapist
Dega ALi, LSW
Dega holds a bachelor’s degree in social work from St. Catherine University. She has 19 years of experience in case management, working with non-profit organizations that serve the elderly and individuals with disabilities. Her work focuses on promoting independence, access to resources, and overall well-being for those she serves. In addition to her professional work, Dega is committed to community engagement through volunteer service. She values spending quality time with her boys and finds joy in supporting and uplighting those around her.
Care Coordinator
Oliva Hanninen
Originally from Detroit Lakes, MN, Olivia holds a B.A. in Sociology of Law, Crime, and Justice from the University of Minnesota. She is a dedicated youth worker with a deep passion for transforming youth justice systems and advancing housing stability for all young people. She prioritizes working through a decolonizing lens to foster holistic wellbeing, “As a practitioner of yoga and mindfulness, I aim to integrate these practices into my work to support young people in healing and self-empowerment.”
Drop In/Outreach Youth Case Manager
Asia Benford
Asia is a passionate caseworker supporting homeless youth through creativity, compassion, and culturally rooted care. A mother and one of 12 siblings, she brings deep-lived experience and empathy to her work. Asia is currently studying Human Services to expand her impact and continue serving youth and families with purpose. She leads recreational programs, teaches art as a tool for expression, and helps youth build confidence and stability. Above all, Asia is dedicated to being a safe, consistent, and uplifting presence in the lives of youth and families—helping young people grow into confident, compassionate leaders of the future.
Drop in\outreach youth case manager
Development & Communication
Matt Walzer
Development & Communication | Governance &
Nominating
Keesha Walzer
Treasurer | Finance Committee Chair | Development & Communication
Geoff Turgeon
Tavernier Development & Communication Chair
Anne Rondoni
Governance &
Nominating
Annie paul
Board Chair |
Governance &
Nominating Chair
Kalin Lebrun
Development & Communications |
Governance & Nominating
Joel Feder
Development & Communication
Jessica Brama
Our board of directors
CASE COORDINATOR
Current Openings:
Board Members
We’re always looking for passionate, purpose-driven people to join our team. Click the current openings below to apply.
