Our Team

English Instructor

Volunteer and Community Partnerships Manager

Kaela has a background in youth work and started her nonprofit career as a case manager. She most recently managed an AmeriCorps VISTA program, building partnerships with youth serving organizations and supporting folks in creating a meaningful year of service. She’s excited to use her skills and passion for relationship and community building to connect our programs to the amazing talents of our volunteers and ensure that they feel supported during their time with us.

Kaela was born in South Korea and raised in rural Minnesota. She holds an M.Ed. in Youth Development Leadership, was a NorthStar Youth Worker Fellow, and is TEFL certified. Kaela is also a dedicated volunteer herself – some of her earliest memories include volunteering at the nursing home and with her local 4H club. She has been matched with her Little Sister through BBBS since January 2020.

Employment Navigator

Julius is a goal-driven entrepreneurial leader that brings a track record of success in the start-up Best Future Center for refugee children and adults. He has more than eight years of experience successfully managing multiple tasks from generating revenue, program planning, recruiting staff and mobilizing the community to them be able to find solutions to their challenges rather than passively relying on others. Julius has a strong entrepreneurial spirit, open mind and willingness to take on new challenges that require patience and perseverance. He served as a project manager for more than five years at BFC, the first refugee-led organization to receive the Rotary International Global Grant.

• Professional Affiliations: ILO SIYB and i-UPSHIFT Trainer of Trainers, Professional Teacher
• Education: Grade Three Certificate, Bishop Stuart Professional Teachers’ College, Uganda and ILO
• Experience: Project manager at BFC, and paraprofessional in Roseville Area Schools.
• Passion: Assisting new Americans in achieving success through employment opportunities
• Current job: Employment Navigator at IIMN.

Employment Counselor 

Endalkachew Chala is an Employment Counselor with the Nursing Assistant Training (NAR) Program at the International Institute of Minnesota. Passionate about supporting immigrant communities, Endalkachew finds great fulfillment in helping individuals settle and build meaningful careers in their new home. He brings a strong background in academia, where he previously worked as an educator, into the non-profit sector, offering guidance and resources to new Americans as they embark on their professional journeys.

In his role at the Institute, Endalkachew is dedicated to empowering clients with the skills and opportunities they need to succeed in Minnesota . He loves the sense of community and connection that the Institute fosters and is excited to help individuals take their first steps toward rewarding careers in healthcare and beyond

Nurse Instructor

Matching Grant Case Manager

Nur Tusa has a degree in computer science and previous experience as a nursing assistant, giving him a solid foundation in both technological abilities and compassionate care. Nur, a former refugee from Kenya, has a profound personal awareness of the obstacles that newcomers encounter, having firsthand witnessed the intricacies of resettlement. His passion for supporting refugees and immigrants is evident through his work at StepUp.One, where he reskilled refugees in digital marketing and helped them find remote opportunities, empowering them toward greater self-sufficiency.

In his current role as a case manager, Nur assists in the resettlement process by providing critical guidance in securing employment, housing, healthcare, education and public transportation. His commitment to making a lasting impact on the lives of vulnerable individuals drives him to ensure they have the resources and support needed to thrive. Fluent in English, Kiswahili, Oromo, and Somali, Nur effectively communicates and builds trust within diverse communities, helping refugees and immigrants establish a new home and future.

Matching Grant Case Manager

Employment Counselor

With a passion for helping others and a commitment to excellence, Tia brings a blend of empathy and expertise to her role. She thrives on fostering positive relationships and delivering impactful solutions.

Outside of her professional life, Tia cherishes quality time with her husband and children, finding joy in family adventures and shared experiences. Her dedication to both her work and family life exemplifies her balanced approach to achieving personal and professional fulfillment.

Student Services Assistant

Espoir Katengura is the Student Services Assistant at the International Institute of Minnesota. Espoir is Congolese in nationality and left his home country to seek asylum in Zambia in 2011. He lived in Zambia for 10 years. During this time, Espoir served as an interpreter and translator for refugees unable to speak English. He worked for governmental and non-governmental organizations inside and outside refugees’ camps in Zambia including UNHCR, IOM, USCIS, Save the Children and RSC Africa. Espoir speaks several languages fluently including English, French, Swahili and some African local languages.

Unaccompanied Children Case Manager

Santiago Suarez, born in Colombia and raised in Medellin, embarked on a transformative journey in the city where he studied, graduating as a social worker with an emphasis in Organizational Social Responsibility and community development.

In mid-2022, Santiago arrived in the United States, having worked in the social work field, which generated great passion and enthusiasm, where he dedicated his efforts to working with migrants in worker centers and organizing day laborers by establishing safe places. His commitment extended to ensuring the safeguarding of labor and human rights in these communities. In addition, his experience highlighted his dedication to the welfare of communities, with an emphasis on public health initiatives.

Santiago’s impactful career began in Colombia, where he worked with diverse marginalized groups such as women’s collectives, LGBTIQ+ communities, the homeless and rural populations. His efforts focused on curbing the environmental and social impact of industrial practices, advocating for sustainable and equitable community development.

He considers himself a fierce advocate for human rights, social justice and gender equality. Santiago’s experiences and dedication to sustainable community development reflect his unwavering commitment to fostering inclusive environments and promoting diversity in all facets of society.

Employment Counselor

Kara Green is an Employment Counselor for the Nursing Assistant program. Kara received her Bachelor’s degree from MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe, KS and her teaching degree from Augsburg University in Minneapolis. She recently joined the Institute after spending nine years in education. Most recently, she worked as a teacher imparting wisdom into the curiously brilliant minds of 3^rd graders in Minneapolis Public Schools.

Kara has a true passion for helping others. She is excited to assist New Americans as they work towards setting and achieving their employment goals. In her spare time, she enjoys walking around the Twin Cities’ lakes, seeking out the best street tacos and hanging out with family and friends.

Case Manager

Delaney graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College in Saint Peter, MN with degrees in Political Science and Peace, Justice, & Conflict Studies (and a minor in African & African Diaspora Studies). During her college career, she studied U.S. and international human rights policies during the PPIA Junior Summer Institute and post-genocide restoration and peacebuilding while abroad in Rwanda. They conducted an independent study project focusing on the healing process of genocide trauma survivors while abroad and wrote their thesis on domestic refugee politics in the United States, Australia, and Türkiye. She has a strong sense of justice and immense care for others that has set her on the right path to help others.

She is excited to be working as a Reception and Placement Case Manager with the Institute so she can help newly arrived refugees feel welcome from the moment they arrive until they are confident in their self-sufficiency.

Preferred Communities Case Manager

Hassan is a dedicated humanitarian professional with an extensive experience in refugee assistance, community outreach, and case management. Hassan holds a master’s degree in international development from Clark University, specializing in Forced Migration and Refugee Studies. His expertise extends to field research, having worked as a Field Researcher at Tufts University’s Refugees in Towns Project, where he collected qualitative data on refugees’ socio-economic situations and integration processes. Hassan also served as a Community Mentor with Save the Children, offering crucial support to unaccompanied minors and facilitating access to essential services.

Before his current role at the Institute, he interned at the International Rescue Committee in Manhattan, New York. He played a crucial role in the Preferred Communities team, ensuring clients received essential services efficiently. With a background as an Interpreter with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Cairo, Egypt, Hassan is proficient in English, Arabic and Somali, providing vital linguistic support for refugee registration and status determination processes.

English Instructor

Cheela Lao is an English Language Instructor at the Institute. He has international experience in Japan and over 6 years of English teaching experience.

As an immigrant himself, he is very excited to come full-circle and work with the Institute to help students.

Reception and Placement Case Manager

Najma Mohamed graduated from the University of Saint Thomas with bachelor’s degree in public health and a minor in sustainability, her academic journey was complemented by internships and volunteer work with local organizations in Minnesota, where she engaged and worked with diverse communities from various backgrounds and walks of life. Through these experiences, she has developed an understanding that each community and individual’s journey is unique and the importance of applied client assessment in crafting service plans tailored to specific needs.  Najma’s approach emphasized holistic solutions that address immediate needs while also considering long-term goals.

Najma is dedicated to fostering self-sufficiency, resilience and resourcefulness that go beyond addressing immediate challenges. She recognizes the significance of cultural sensitivity in the resettlement process and is committed to mitigating potential barriers faced by the refugee population in their new home. By prioritizing personalized service and strategic planning, Najma strives to ensure positive outcomes for the individuals and communities she serves.

English and Community Workshops Instructor

Born and raised in Syracuse, New York, Anni came to Minnesota seven years ago to study Human Rights and Linguistics at Macalester College. They are honored for the opportunity to share their knowledge and love of language with new Americans, and to support people as they settle into their new lives.

Outside of work, you can find Anni reading some poetry or walking around a lake.

Refugee Cash Assistance Coordinator

April started working at IIMN summer of 2021 as an Americorps Emergency Response Initiative member but was quickly hired as a part time Housing Case Aide in the fall during her final year of studying. After graduating in 2022 from the University of Minnesota with a degree in German and Linguistics, April left IIMN to teach English in Austria for a year.

She couldn’t stay away for too long because she’s excited to be back and learn more about the services we provide to clients as a Refugee Cash Assistance Coordinator. Getting to work with such dedicated staff and motivated clients brings her joy and energy to her work.

Communications Specialist

Alisa Blackwood serves as a press contact and writer for the International Institute of Minnesota. She strives to share stories about what happens after refugees and immigrants have the chance to start anew, bringing their courage, experiences, skills and determination to Minnesota. Ultimately, she hopes readers finish these stories with a more full and human picture of the families served by the Institute and the contributions New Americans make to the community.

Alisa’s favorite part of her job is sitting down one-to-one with clients, learning about what they’ve overcome, and celebrating their successes. She approaches each interview from a trauma-informed lens, following the lead of the storyteller and writing stories that reflect how the Institute has impacted clients’ lives.

Alisa’s work at the Institute comes after years of journalism work for organizations such as The Associated Press, O, The Oprah Magazine and more. Her nonprofit experience began at mothers2mothers in Cape Town, South Africa, where she worked as a communications volunteer in 2006. She hopes her writing about the Institute’s clients, students and staff brings to life the stories behind the news headlines.

Marketing & Communications Manager

Joe Shannon has been working in communications since 2014. He has a great passion for helping others and utilizing his skills to make a difference. Working in the communications and marketing fields gives him a voice and allows him to make an impact.

As the grandson of Mexican immigrants, working at the Institute feels like a full-circle moment because his family’s hard work allowed him the career opportunity to support immigrants and refugees thrive and achieve success as New Americans.

Joe grew up in a suburb of Omaha, Nebraska. He received a B.S. in History from Iowa State University in 2012 and has primarily worked for non-profit organizations since then.

Data & Reporting Coordinator

Cameron graduated from Bethel University in 2012, with majors in both Psychology and Philosophy. Since graduating, he has spent the last 10 years in various data analyst roles, with much of that time at 3M. Cameron enjoys working with data (especially Microsoft Excel!) and is energized when he can remove data-related roadblocks for others.

Cameron is excited to bring his skillset to a non-profit with such an incredible mission. Being able to see the direct impact the Institute has on so many individuals’ lives is inspiring, and he looks forward to contributing to the Institute’s present and future successes in his role.

Finance Assistant

Ervin began his career as an accounting assistant at a not-for-profit organization, where he quickly demonstrated his skill and knowledge. He later joined Access Bank Liberia as a Junior Internal Auditor and quickly rose through to the ranks to become head of the audit function. He worked as lead revenue auditor and audit supervisor, conducting and supervising tax audits for several companies, and gained experience in various industries and sectors. Throughout his career, he has become a trusted and reliable financial personnel.. His passion for numbers and meticulous attention to detail have helped him become a top-performing accounting professional.

The opportunity to work with the International Institute of Minnesota (IIMN) as the Accounting Assistant, given its different programs and diversity of clients as advertised, was inspiring for him due to his desire to help people whenever he can, irrespective of their race, color, religious background, and political affiliations. Ervin holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting with distinction (cum laude) from the University of Liberia.

Senior Accountant

Ted Hewes holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Maryland. He spent much of his career working as a financial professional for various educational organizations. Prior to joining the International Institute of Minnesota, he had been working as a Senior Grant Accountant at Literacy Minnesota.

Ted believes this work is critical to the well-being and happiness of all of us. He feels privileged to have met so many wonderful people through his involvement.

Human Resources Manager

Dana Onato-Pannkuk is a Human Resources professional with over eight years of experience. In 2022, Dana joined the Institute as she was inspired by the work the organization does by serving New Americans.

As part Hawaiian, Dana values the Aloha Spirit because Aloha is more than a word of greeting or farewell. Aloha means mutual respect, affection, compassion, and kindness – expecting nothing in return. She firmly believes that everyone has a right to be heard, seen and advocated for – no matter who they are. Dana believes that adding a personal touch to people’s places of work can boost performance and culture at the same time. She strives to live by these values in work and her personal life by bringing the Aloha Spirit to everyone she meets.

Case Manager

Lisbeth Samaniego’s background includes significant experiences as a Clinical Psychologist at the University of Azuay in Cuenca, Ecuador. In her role as a Case Manager, she strives every day to offer comprehensive support to survivors, contributing to the creation of a more compassionate and understanding environment. Her professional work is a testament to her dedication to facilitating access to resources and emotional support, especially for those navigation challenges within the system.

Her commitment to the Spanish-speaking community is reflected in her work “ No eres tu, no soy yo, es la ansiedad” (It’s not you, it’s not me, is the anxiety), a book born from her desire to address the challenges faced by immigrants in an often-chaotic system.

By sharing her experience and knowledge, she aspires to provide resources and a beacon of hope from her position at the International Institute of Minnesota.

Case Manager

Abbey Weiler is working on a new pilot program called Project Thrive. She provides extended case management to refugee families who have lived in Minnesota for about one year. The goal of the program is to assist refugees past the point of initial resettlement services so that they aren’t just surviving here in America, but thriving.

She loves getting to support these families in reaching long-term stability, self-sufficiency and success. This position aligns with her background in youth development, teaching English as a foreign language, sustainable community development and capacity building.

Refugee Cash Assistance Coordinator

Fahima is the Refugee Cash Assistance Coordinator at the Institute. What she likes most about the position is that she can help by offering assistance and providing a resource for individuals to meet their needs. Seeing those individuals thrive is what motivates her to work. Their success stories from resettling in a new country, to finding a job, to becoming self-sufficient inspire her most. She likes that she can help and be a part of her clients’ journeys.

Refugee Cash Assistance Coordinator

Zamzam Hussein started at the Institute as an immigration legal intern and has also previously worked as a Preferred Communities case manager for Afghan, Somali and Ukrainian clients.

Her own experience as a refugee motivates her work at the Institute.

Business Pathway Instructor

Since joining the Institute in 2021, Mohammed has worked in Refugee Services and now teaches Professional Leadership Training & Entrepreneur Class in the Business Pathway. He has more than 20 years of experience working with immigrants, refugees and non-profit organizations in different capacities. Before joining the Institute, Mohamed was an instructor and business coach at Neighborhood Development Center in Saint Paul. He helped emerging entrepreneurs, newly arrived immigrants and refugees learn the fundamentals of running a business in Twin Cities and assisted clients in developing business plans.

 Mohamed studied Economics at Cairo University in Egypt and Leadership studies at Augsburg University in Minneapolis Minnesota. He is fluent in English, Arabic, Somali and basic Spanish. 

Matching Grant Employment Counselor

Matching Grant Case Manager

Hassan’s degree in General Studies from Central Maine Community College is a solid foundation for his professional life. His commitment to helping others was evident through his work as a case manager at Catholic Charities of Maine, where he assisted newcomers to the country, specifically refugees. This role involved providing critical support to individuals and families during a challenging transition period. After working in Maine, Hassan transition to working at the Institute as a Refugee Resettlement Case Manager.

His current role as a Matching Grant Case Manager demonstrates his continued growth and leadership in the field. Matching grants are an essential part of refugee resettlement programs, and managing these grants effectively ensures that refugees have access to necessary resources for their successful integration into American life. Hassan’s hobbies and interests reveal a well-rounded and adventurous personality. Engaging in sports like soccer, enjoying outdoor activities such as hiking and swimming, and having a passion for travel and experiencing diverse cultures show a love for exploration and personal growth.

MNsure Navigator

Zahra Gaal is the MNsure Navigator at IIMN. She decided to work at IIMN because of her experience as a refugee and remembers watching her mother go through the steps of adjusting to living in the United States. She is very enthusiastic about uplifting immigrants/refugees by helping them find resources to help them achieve their goals as well as adjusting to live in the US.

Outside of work, she likes to spend lots of time with her cat, painting or drawing and reading a nice book.

Employment Counselor

Ian Erickson is an Employment Counselor with the Institute’s refugee services. He helps refugees find their first job in the United States. His role as an Employment Counselor enables him to help people meet their financial goals and achieve self-sufficiency in their new country.

Ian’s dedication to his job stems from his passion for the international community and his heart for the disregarded and displaced. He enjoys encouraging people in difficult circumstances, empowering them to build endurance in the workplace and allowing them the opportunity to provide for their family and future.

Employment Counselor

Hussein Abdi is an Entomologist by profession but chose to work in a different field after realizing the importance of helping refugees arriving with a lack of skills and language barriers. Hussein, who was himself a refugee, knows well the barriers refugees face and what they strive to achieve immediately after arriving in the U.S.

He enjoys working with refugees and is proud to work at the Institute. He devotes his time and energy to helping others. What motivates him to do his job is his deep knowledge and connection with the immigrant population. He always reminds himself to be kind and helpful to others.

Reception and Placement Case Manager

Courtnie Georgalas is new to the Institute and serves as one the Reception & Placement Case Managers. She is from Ohio and attended The Ohio State University – go Buckeyes! – where she majored in Political Science and International Studies. While there Courtnie interned for Senator Sherrod Brown as well as with the Department of State Crisis Management and Strategy team.

After college she spent a year as a Team Leader with AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps where she served in multiple communities leading teams on different community service projects. Courtnie hopes to use her experience in crisis management and team building at the Institute and is excited to get started in this new role and begin assisting clients!

Volunteer Coordinator

Sarah Burbage began her work at the Institute in January 2022 during the height of the Afghan housing crunch. She uses her past experiences in quality assurance and compliance to secure high-quality housing at favorable lease terms for New Americans.

Sarah loves children and always makes sure to place toys on each child’s bed when setting up a home for a family.

Housing Case Manager

Arrivals Coordinator

Grace Walton is the refugee resettlement arrival coordinator at the International Institute of Minnesota. She works in preparations for the incoming refugee and immigrant arrivals. She studied at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in public health and community health education.

Refugee Services Program Manager

Abebe Dashew has a background in law but has returned to working with newly arrived immigrants and refugees to provide crucial support and navigate challenging transitions. As the child of refugees from Ethiopia, Abebe understands the hurdles immigrants face both in the short and long term. He is familiar with the various facets of the immigration process, and work that the Institute does resonates deeply with his passion to help the immigrant population.

Abebe received his Juris Doctor from Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law and, prior to that, his Bachelor of Science degrees from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Most recently, he worked at a legal tech company, where he helped highlight impactful values of the company’s legal research platform to the legal community.

Refugee Services Program Manager

Zahra Halboon started working at the Institute in 2012 as a case aide, assisting refugees with resettlement. Working here fulfills her passion to help and assist New Americans thrive in Minnesota.

Being able to see the tremendous progress families make during a short time, and the positive team environment at the Institute motivates and encourages Zahra to keep doing the work.

Director of Refugee Services

Michelle joined the Institute in October 2023, bringing with her several years of refugee resettlement experience from having previously served as a Reception and Placement program director at another local resettlement agency.  More recently, Michelle has worked in employment immigration and as a consultant.  Guided by the personal belief of “do with, not for,” Michelle is humbled, grateful, and excited for the opportunity to return to the incredibly important work of welcoming New Americans to Minnesota and partnering with organizations and individuals in our communities to do so with dignity and thoughtfulness.

Michelle earned an M.A. in Human Rights Studies with a concentration in genocide and atrocity prevention from Columbia University in the City of New York.  Prior to that, she received a B.A. in each French and Peace Studies from the College of Saint Benedict/Saint John’s University.  In her free time, Michelle enjoys running, writing, gardening, and playing competitive broomball.

Anti-Trafficking Case Manager

Arhyel Ngada is a trainer of trainers on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) case management with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Originally from Nigeria, he has experience in implementing and coordinating gender-based violence prevention and response programming in community and emergency settings.

He is currently a doctoral student in business administration researching the socio-economic impact of intimate partner violence and gender inequality.

Anti-Trafficking Case Manager

Program Manager

Andrea Kittleson leads a wonderful team that provides trauma-informed services to survivors of trafficking and unaccompanied refugee youth. Andrea and her team recognize the dignity and worth of each individual survivor and young person, and work in partnership with them to achieve their goals and dreams.

Andrea is a Licensed Graduate Social Worker with a background in family case management, youth development work and community-based research. Her career began as a volunteer with youth programs in Morelos, Mexico. She has also worked for Lutheran Social Service of MN, the Minneapolis Youth Coordinating Board and Minneapolis Community Education. Andrea hopes that her work at the Institute will inspire hope, justice, and compassion towards all New Americans.

Grant Writer

Greg Gramza has been the Grant Writer at the Institute since December 2019. In his role, Greg leads funding proposal projects to foundations and government agencies with the support of program managers and directors. He crafts each application. He also provides funders with grant and outcome reports and provides grant and agency revenue projections to the Development Director.

As parts of both sides of his family fled Eastern Europe during World War I, Greg was raised with the family stories of seeking refuge in the United States and the challenges of simultaneously navigating a new home, a new language and employment. Inspired by those events and the stories from other New Americans, Greg works to increase the capacity of the Institute’s programs to welcome and serve New Americans as they adjust to life in a new community and begin a pathway towards self-sufficiency.

Career Advancement Specialist

Carrie Mann’s background includes ESL teaching, International Environmental Policy, and German language and policy. Most recently she worked in evaluation and strategic planning training in refugee resettlement.

Carrie has taught English to adult learners both in California and Poland, as well as living and doing environmental work in Germany. She is a graduate of UC Berkeley. She then worked on her California teaching credential at San Francisco State University, and has a graduate degree from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies.

Community Orientation Workshop Instructor

Dani Saunders is an English and Citizenship educator at the Institute. Born and raised in St. Paul, Minnesota, she appreciates being able to aid and assist her community through her work preparing New Americans for the citizenship test.

Dani recently completed the graduate Adult Basic Education licensure program at Hamline University.

English Instructor

Mary Ellen Kavanaugh, originally from New York state, brings years of experience as an educator to her teaching. She taught high school for many years and has been teaching English to New Americans since 2004. She started at the Institute as a volunteer in 2019 and is now a happy staff member.

She delights in coming to work each day alongside excellent colleagues and students who are hard-working, eager to learn and great fun to be with. When she’s not at work, she volunteers with Standing Up for Racial Justice, practices the concertina and is part of three reading groups.

English Instructor and Intake Specialist

Liz Reid enjoys welcoming new arrivals at intake and helping them grow in her intermediate English classes. Seeing students grow in confidence and community together is always a rich reward for her. She is passionate about helping students harness the power of words and gain a voice in their new home.

Liz gained an increased empathy and passion for helping new arrivals after three years of living and teaching English in Thailand. Every gesture of kindness and welcome had a profound impact on her, and she feels privileged to extend that to others at the Institute. Before becoming an English teacher, Liz worked as a writer and writing coach.

English Instructor

Quyen Dang works directly with adult language learners from varying backgrounds and English proficiency levels, ranging from intermediate to advanced. Originally from Rochester, Minnesota, she has lived and worked in the Twin Cities since 2003. She holds an Adult Basic Education Teaching License, Advanced Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) Certificate, an M.Ed., and an MS in Educational Leadership, and has over 15 years of experience in the field of adult basic education.

Being passionate about changing and enriching the lives of adult language learners, particularly immigrants and refugees, Quyen feels deeply honored and motivated to be working for an organization that shares the same perspective and goal.

Languages Program Manager and English for Work Instructor

Stacy Dietrich-Varney has been the program manager for education since 2016. She has worked with students ranging from pre-literacy to advanced, but specializes in pre and low literacy education.

She takes pride in developing new materials to meet student needs and fosters an environment of creativity and adaptability within the department.

Academic Support Instructor and Data Specialist

Heidi Anderson is an academic support instructor, employment counselor and data specialist with the nursing assistant training program. She has been working as an ELL instructor, abroad and in the United States, for over five years. Heidi also has extensive education in teaching English to speakers of other languages.

At the Institute, she assists nursing assistant students develop academic skill sets, such as studying and test-taking strategies. Heidi also assists students with finding employment after they become certified nursing assistants. She enjoys helping students achieve success by helping them find employment at facilities that best fit their needs and goals.

Academic Support Instructor

Anna Benker has been with the Institute since 2019. In her current role she supports students on their journey to becoming certified nursing assistants She is passionate about working with New Americans, and enjoys supporting individuals with their education and employment goals. The best part of her work is getting to meet people with many different experiences.

Anna has a background in sociology, refugee and migration studies, and teaching English as a foreign language.

College Coordinator and Navigator

Norzin Waleag immigrated with her family to Minnesota, where she was raised from the age of nine. She completed her undergraduate degree at St. Olaf College in Minnesota and pursued her graduate degree from Boston College.

Having gone through the higher education system herself and working with college access programs targeted toward first-generation students, Norzin knows just how crucial it is to provide support so that students persist once in college

College Navigator

Giovanna Antrop-Colón is a Minnesota transplant who was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico, and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. During her sociology studies at Metropolitan State University, she volunteered in English language and citizenship classes. She then spent three years at the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office and a corporate law firm before deciding that serving adult learners is where her passion lies.

Giovanna’s experience as a student of color navigating the Minnesota state system has proved invaluable during her time as a college navigator for the Institute. She understands how overwhelming the world of higher education can be for adult learners facing multiple barriers and is proud to serve the Institute’s mission of making higher education more accessible for all.

College Readiness Academy Instructor

Luke Kretchmer has over 10 years of teaching experience both in the United States and abroad, having taught children and adults in public, private, and organizational settings. He formerly taught with the Peace Corps in China and with Teach for America in Mississippi.

He has taught middle and high school in the Twin Cities and has been a volunteer adult ESL tutor with Literacy MN and here at the Institute. In addition to his teaching background, Luke has worked in sales and the service industry.

College Readiness Academy Instructor

Jamie L. Wright teaches integrated academic skills in her intensive courses and is the curriculum specialist in the program. Given her life experiences, Jamie empathizes with her students feeling “out of place” or that they need to prove or explain themselves. She truly enjoys connecting with each of her students individually and helping them to work towards their dreams and goals for their college education in the United States.

Born and raised in Minnesota, Jamie L. Wright is the granddaughter and great-granddaughter of immigrants from China, Canada, and Italy. She spent many years living in various places outside of the state, including two years in Seoul, South Korea. She holds a B.A. in Psychology and Bilingualism: Language and Culture from St. Olaf College, and an M.S. in Applied Linguistics from Georgetown University.

Medical Career Advancement Program Manager

Brooke Anttila-Escoto oversees the Medical Career Advancement, Internationally Trained Professionals, and International Medical Graduates programs. Brooke is a graduate of Macalester College and attended graduate school at the University of Minnesota and Hamline University.

She has worked for the Institute since 2001 in a variety of roles, walking alongside clients and encouraging them as they realize their educational and career goals. She loves working with clients and colleagues from all over the world. Brooke also enjoys building connections with employers and education partners across the state as she advocates for clients and participates on advisory committees.

Immigration Counselor & DOJ Accredited Representative

Emily Linder assists clients with various immigration processes, including achieving permanent residency, removing conditions from residency, and renewing DACA status.

Emily received a BA in Anthropology from Luther College. Following her undergraduate studies, she worked with refugee clients in Minneapolis in both refugee resettlement and immigration. This work lead her to pursue her master’s degree in Refugee and Forced Migration Studies at DePaul University in Chicago. Upon completing her master’s degree, she moved back to Minnesota.

Emily is passionate about working with clients as they navigate the barriers that many face in their journey to self-sufficiency in the United States. She has been with the Institute since 2022.

Immigration Services Manager & DOJ Accredited Representative

Joining the Institute in 2018, Kristin Nelson assists clients in achieving immigration benefits such as naturalization, permanent residency, work authorization and family reunification.

Kristin is committed to immigration reform and client advocacy and seeks to connect and collaborate with New Americans in achieving full membership in the U.S. She holds a BA in Sociology from the College of Saint Benedict/Saint John’s University.

Immigration Services Director & DOJ Accredited Representative

Corleen Smith is proud of her almost 25 years of employment with the Institute. She has a background in legal interpretation and education, enjoys using her Spanish-speaking skills and teaching skills every day on the job.

Corleen grew up in Minneapolis but now calls St. Paul home after having lived and worked in Guatemala and Mexico. Her Swedish great-grandfather became a naturalized citizen in 1920 at the age of 32 and her work in Immigration Services acknowledges his immigrant spirit of determination. She believes in working together with clients to remove the barriers that too many people still face to reach their dream of U.S. citizenship.

Development Officer

Janet joins the International Institute with over 15 years of fundraising experience. Much of her career was spent fundraising for healthcare programs and education where she raised funding for initiatives that fostered diversity equity and inclusion. Janet moved to the United States during her middle school years. Her experience as a new American helps her understand the importance of the Institute’s mission.

Her primary responsibilities are to grow and support relationships with major donors and present opportunities for new donors to make a positive impact in the lives of newly arrived Americans and their path to self-sufficiency.

Director of Education

Elizabeth Fontaine’s career in teaching, adult education, program management and leadership spans 30 years. She has taught at adult education centers, colleges and universities, and directed programs at the college and Adult Basic Education levels. In all of her roles, her focus has always been to help integrate New Americans into the workforce and educational systems. Along with this, she has strived to help eliminate the barriers that learners face as they gain access to the opportunities they deserve.

As the Director of Education, Elizabeth continues to advocate for systems to evolve with the needs of the changing population, to help staff connect to students authentically, and to support the incredible programming at the Institute.

Director of Operations and Economic Empowerment Programs

Tanya Battista is the Director of Operations and Economic Empowerment Programs. In this role, she can share her passion for helping others achieve their goals. Tanya started at the Institute as a financial coach and managed the youth and financial coaching programs, where she was able to use her experiences as a business owner, teacher and nonprofit program administrator.

As her roles expanded, she was able to dig into her love of learning to grow into managing the Institute’s operations, human resources, IT, building rentals, and Economic Empowerment programs. The best parts of coming to work each day are meeting people from all different backgrounds and handling whatever comes her way.

Development Director

Cori Ertz joined the Institute as Director of Development in 2017. Her primary responsibility is to support the Institute’s donors and community as they contribute to helping New Americans make a new start in Minnesota. In this role, she provides leadership for the team responsible for fundraising, marketing, communications and volunteer programs.

Cori began her career as a program manager and director in the fields of public health, health equity and public policy. She has worked as a fundraiser for nonprofit missions and community foundations operating in nine countries.

Senior Director of Workforce Development

JP joins the International Institute with 10 years of experience in workforce development and has overseen the launch of a variety of innovative program pathways, including at Chrysalis. He brings a broad range of leadership experiences in both the non-profit and for-profit industry.

Most recently, he worked in the tech start-up and green jobs sector, where he led financial and operational expansion across the Midwest.

Senior Director of Immigration and Refugee Services

Micaela Schuneman has been interested in telling stories about immigrant experiences since college when she made a documentary film about a Mexican bakery in rural Iowa. She is proud to work at the Institute which is a “one-stop shop” for immigrants in Minnesota. It is the sort of place that she wishes her Abuelita could have turned to when she came to the U.S. many years ago.

Micaela received her Juris Doctor and Bachelor of Arts degrees from the University of Iowa. She is the author of “Seven Years of Bad Luck: How the Government’s Delay in Issuing U-Visa Regulations Further Victimized Immigrant Crime Victims,” published in Volume 12, Issue 2 of The Journal of Gender, Race, & Justice.

Associate Director

Michael Donahue has been working at the Institute since 1999. Before moving to Minnesota, Michael worked for 20 years in New York City as a high school and middle school teacher, in church ministry, and at a social services and political asylum office. His undergraduate degree in psychology and philosophy is from Fordham University. He has a Master of Divinity degree from the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley and a Master of Science degree in Urban Affairs from Hunter College of the City University of New York.

Michael is humbled and honored to work on behalf of the New Americans who receive services at the Institute and to share their life stories and dreams. He is also delighted to work alongside so many extraordinary co-workers.