Angie Miller, Executive Director, has been with Community Action Duluth since December 2003. She became the associate director in March 2007 and the executive director on July 1, 2008.

She has a master's degree in social work from the University of Minnesota Duluth and previously worked for North Star Community Development Corporation, New Moon Publishing, and as a community organizer at the TenantsUnion/Renter's Hotline at the Damiano Center. Angie serves on the board of Center City Housing and Duluth Local Initiatives Support Corporation.

Email Angie at: angie@communityactionduluth.org

Tim Beaster, Duluth Stream Corps Project Coordinator, graduated from Carleton College in Northfield, Minn., in 2005 with a B.A. in geology.  In 2007 Tim joined the Conservation Corps of Minnesota, where he soon learned that natural resources and environmental conservation were his passion.  After four years with that program, Tim joined Community Action Duluth in November 2010. 

He is the Project Coordinator with the new Duluth Stream Corps program. That program employs low-income people from the community to work on projects designed to restore the streams and watersheds in the Duluth area.

Tim is originally from Grand Marais, Minn., and has called Duluth home since 2008. His interests include hiking the Superior Hiking Trail, camping, playing YMCA basketball, and playing guitar.

Email TIm at: tim@communityactionduluth.org

Xavier Bell, Director of Community Engagement, has 15 years experience working with diverse communities to strengthen and develop social assets through positions held in community and faith-based organizations across the country. Under his management, Circles of Support has blossomed from a pilot into one of the most effective community social asset development programs in Minnesota (as recognized by the Legislative Commission to End Poverty). Xavier also oversees and guides strategies that include Community Engagement, Circles of Support Match program, and Race Awareness Workshops (RAW). He provides organizational leadership for the Citizens for Improved Community and Police Relationships and recently served on the Duluth Human Rights Commission.

Prior to his present position, Xavier served as volunteer coordinator and community liaison for Circles of Support programming at Community Action Duluth. During this time, he worked as a community organizer and implemented Anti-Racism Study Dialogue Circles and numerous complementary community outreach programs.

Previously, Xavier served as director of youth guidance and chaplain for Stanislaus County Juvenile Hall with Stanislaus County Youth for Christ. He worked with community volunteers, churches, and the Stanislaus County Juvenile Hall to develop a family-like support system for youth exiting the county's juvenile detention center to lower recidivism rates of juvenile offenders.

Xavier is an ordained minister, motivational speaker, and workshop facilitator. He is a graduate of the Blandin Foundation Leadership Program and Blandin Leaders Partnering to End Poverty.

Email Xavier at: xavier@communityactionduluth.org

Kaprice Brown, Community Advocate, joined us in January, 2012. Her passion is community organizing which is what drew her to Community Action Duluth. While volunteering here in 2009, she became involved in the Circles of Support program. Working with low-income people touched her heart and she stayed involved with CAD programs. Motivating people to become involved in their community is important to her.

She is now employed part-time by Community Action Duluth in "Big View" which is a part of the Circles of Support program.

Kaprice was raised by her grandmother, and has two children of her own, so she knows first-hand that life can be a struggle. She also knows that with hard work and determination, one can not only change their own life, but can help others who are struggling, to change theirs.

Email Kaprice at: kaprice@communityactionduluth.org

Sarah Butler, Financial Coach, joined Community Action Duluth in March 2011. She is a Financial Coach hired as a result of the Financial Opportunity Center grant from Duluth LISC. She graduated from Bemidji State University with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. After college she became a VISTA member with AmeriCorps at Park Avenue Foundation in Minneapolis. In 2007, Sarah moved to Duluth to be closer to family. Most recently she was a financial counselor with Lutheran Social Service – Financial Counseling Services.

Sarah is excited to support clients in setting and reaching financial goals to strengthen families, neighborhoods, and communities. She believes in meeting people where they are at financially to build assets and confidence.

Email Scot at: sarahbutler@communityactionduluth.org

Maggie Campe, Assets Associate, started with Community Action Duluth in September 2010 as an assets associate working with the FAIM IDA program, Duluth Saves, and the Free Tax Site.

Maggie attended University of Minnesota Duluth for both her bachelor of arts and master of arts degrees in criminology. She is passionate about promoting equity on all fronts and volunteers as a victim advocate with PAVSA and an on-call crisis advocate with the Bethany Crisis Nursery.

Email Maggie at: maggie@communityactionduluth.org

Julia Cheng, Tax Site Coordinator/Assets Associate, earned a bachelor of arts degree in international studies from Johns Hopkins University. After two years of AmeriCorps service at Community Action Duluth, she joined the staff as tax site coordinator and financial counselor. She is one of Community Action's Common Cents financial class instructors, and she advises FAIM small business participants. Julia was a newspaper photojournalist in the Boston area before moving to Duluth in 2004. As a photographer, filmmaker and amateur cellist, Julia strongly believes in the role of the arts in building a vibrant community.

She has served on the Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial, Inc. board of directors since 2006, most currently as treasurer. She is also a member of the Dismantling Racism team at Peace United Church of Christ and an alumna of Duluth's first round of Anti-Racism Study Dialogue Circles. Julia strives to foster racial equity through economic empowerment and regards taxes as a social justice issue. She is passionately dedicated to the volunteer income tax assistance program as a means of engaging our entire community in breaking the cycle of poverty.

Email Julia at: julia@communityactionduluth.org

Kris Cook, Family Employment Advocate, began working for Community Action Duluth as an advocate with the HOPE program beginning in June 2010. Kris comes to us with four years of experience working as a family employment advocate with the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe's HOPE program (Duluth, Cloquet, Virginia, and Nett Lake), helping families with low incomes overcome barriers to employment and become more self sufficient.

Originally from Minneapolis, Kris loves Duluth and has been an active community member since she completed her education at the College of St. Scholastica, where she earned a bachelor's degree in psychology. Previous community involvement includes membership with the Junior League of Duluth, supporting youth peewee hockey, and volunteering at the Boys & Girls Club, North Country R.I.D.E., PAVSA, Girl Scouts, Loaves & Fishes Community, Union Gospel Mission, Whole Foods Coop, and Community Action Duluth. She also enjoys volunteering at her daughter's school and youth group. In her spare time, Kris enjoys hiking, walking, and anything outdoors!

Her passion is helping people discover their true selves and destinies. She is committed to building relationships in this community, working to end poverty, and promoting an environment where each person's dignity is recognized and valued.

Email Kris at: kris@communityactionduluth.org

Anna DeFoe, Bookkeeper, joined the Community Action team in February 2009. As a Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Ojibwa woman who grew up in the Central Hillside of Duluth, she brings that unique voice to the organization. She currently is pursuing an accounting degree and hopes to one day travel the country, performing independent audits for Native-led organizations.

Email Anna at: anna@communityactionduluth.org

Kris Eilers, Duluth Stream Corp crew member, brings a wide range of work experience to the crew including work on the Wisconsin Conservation Corps, 25 years of carpentry, landscaping, graphic design, and personnel management.  She has a degree in Graphic Communications as well as a diploma in Guitar Building and Repair.  In her spare time she builds guitars and has volunteered at a women’s retreat where she passionately worked to help empower women with necessary skills to live authentically and independently.

She looks forward to contributing to the community and having the opportunity to make a positive impact on Lake Superior.

Email Kris at: kristi@communityactionduluth.org

Aaron Finke, Duluth Stream Corp crew member,graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato in 2009 with a B.S. in Recreation, Parks, & Leisure Services. Following graduation, Aaron worked a season for the National Park Service.

Aaron is involved with various conservation groups and is an avid outdoorsman. He enjoys hunting, fishing, canoeing  and wildlife viewing.

Aaron is originally from Welcome, Minnesota, and has called Duluth home since August, 2010.

Email Aaron at: aaron@communityactionduluth.org

Rachel Forsyth, Duluth Saves/FAIM Coordinator, joined Community Action Duluth in June 2008 as a student intern. From June to April, she conducted research for the FAIM program and worked closely with the agency’s tax sites. In May 2009, Rachel was hired as coordinator for the Duluth Saves and FAIM programs.

Rachel graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Superior’s legal studies and criminal justice programs in 2007 and earned a master's degree in social work from the University of Minnesota Duluth in May 2009. Her previous internship and work experience include Woodland Hills Male Residential Unit, Lutheran Social Service’s Truancy Action Project and Youth Empowerment Programs, and the United Way of Greater Duluth’s 2009 Community Impact Report. Rachel currently serves on the Lutheran Social Service Area Advisory Council and the University of MN-Duluth, Masters of Social Work Department's Advisory Council..

Email Rachel at: rachel@communityactionduluth.org

Teresa George, Office Manager, brings a variety of great skills to Community Action Duluth. She was an administrative assistant for 15 years at KDLH TV in Duluth. Before that she was part owner and manager of St. Louis Billiards and Eating Emporium, a family-owned business and home of the area's famous seafood bisque.

In addition to the daily management of the office, she coordinates more than 90 tax site volunteers. From the end of January through mid-April, Teresa spends her Tuesday evenings and Saturdays volunteering at CAD's Free Tax Site.

Email Teresa at: teresa@communityactionduluth.org

Heidi Jaros, Transportation Advocate, joined Community Action Duluth as a transportation advocate in October of 2008. Heidi graduated from the University of Minnesota Duluth with a master's degree in social work and has experience working at a variety of nonprofit organizations, including the Health Care Access Office, Lutheran Social Service of Minn., the Life House Youth Center, and Safe Haven, where she has assisted people in reaching their fullest potential and finding their voice. She currently serves on the board of directors for the Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial, Inc.

Heidi believes that access to reliable transportation can be a key to getting and maintaining work, as well as a means to acceptance and participation in mainstream society. Heidi is passionate about making transportation in Duluth accessible, reliable, and affordable for all. She enjoys assisting JumpStart participants to open the doors of financial stability and social supports through car ownership.

Email Heidi at: heidi@communityactionduluth.org

Treasure Jenkins, Circles Coordinator, worked with Community Action for several years as a consultant before joining AmeriCorps in September 2011.

Treasure Ann Jenkins was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - the fifth among the seven children of Thomas and Margaret Jenkins. The family moved to Southern New Jersey, where Treasure completed high school and graduated from Rowan University with a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology. She began graduate study in the Philosophy Program at West Chester University prior to relocating to Duluth, Minnesota in 1995.

Out of a dedication to social justice - race, class and gender issues, Treasure volunteered at Safe Haven Shelter and P A V S A. She served for 7 years on the Clayton, Jackson, McGhie Memorial Board. Currently, she is the Circle Coordinator for the Circles of Support Program - a program that addresses the systemic barriers keeping poverty in place.

Email Treasure at: treasure@communityactionduluth.org

Ashley Joseph, Getting Ahead Community Advocate, started with Community Action Duluth as an AmeriCorps member in September 2011. She has been working in the Human Service Field since 2005, and has a passion for helping people find their inner strength to change their lives and achieve their goals. Before coming to Community Action Duluth Ashley worked for Accend Services as a mental health practitioner. She also has worked in various adult foster and assisted living facilities.

Ashley grew up in Munger, MN and moved to Duluth with her family in 2006. Although she grew up in the country she enjoys being part of the Duluth Community. In her spare time, she enjoys creating art, sewing, and enjoying the outdoors.

Email Ashley at: ashley@communityactionduluth.org

Michael Latsch, Seeds of Success Urban Farming Program Coordinator, is originally from Milwaukee and went to college near Chicago. He became interested in agriculture after excavating the fields and houses of ancient Mayan farmers while working for several summers on archaeological projects in Belize.

During and after a stint with the Catholic Worker Movement in Houston and Duluth, he decided he would rather be a farmer than dig them up. In 2006, he started volunteering at Shubat's Fruits in Knife River, followed by a summer helping out at Northern Harvest vegetable farm in Wrenshall. In 2008, he partnered with another novice grower to manage the Abazs family's vegetable farm in Finland, Minn. After another productive season up the shore, Michael is excited to take his growing urban with Seeds of Success.

Email Michael at: michael@communityactionduluth.org

Sarah Lee, Seeds of Success Outreach Coordinator,went to Northland College and studied Environmental Studies and Environmental Education- it ignited the spark to pursue a life of teachable moments and purposeful life-long learning. She spent her adult years working with people and plants in horticulture, landscaping, florists and more recently volunteering at an organic farm and a public orchard.
Her passion for gardening, food preservation and self-sufficiency in an urban environment lead her to Community Action and Seeds of Success. Working with Seeds she hopes to connect with the community, broadening the potential to make the impossible possible through local food production and education; leading the way to a sustainable future. 

Email Sarah at: sarahlee@communityactionduluth.org

Gabe Mayfield Sr., Duluth Stream Corp crew member, attended the University of Wisconsin at Superior where he studied Visual Arts and Theater. He has lived in Duluth for over ten years now, and also does Community Theater with the Duluth Playhouse, Renegade Theater Company, and The Lyric Opera of the North. Gabriel has worked with the youth in the community for over six years coaching basketball, and is looking forward to helping his community restore their streams and wildlife. His interests include singing, acting, creating music and spending time with his family. 

Email Gabe at: gabe@communityactionduluth.org

Michele Naar-Obed, Seeds of Success, completed the beginning farmer internship with Seeds of Success in August 2011 and was able to continue working with SOS through the Duluth senior workforce program. Michele believes strongly that it is a human right for all people to have access to affordable, locally grown, nutritious produce and is grateful to be part of a program that is working on ways to make that happen.

Michele and her family moved to Duluth in 2002 to join the Loaves and Fishes Catholic Worker community and has been a live-in volunteer for over 9 years. She has been actively involved in nonviolent resistance to war and militarism for 20 years and has spent 3 years out of the past 6 years in Northern Iraq volunteering with the violence-reduction, human rights organization, Christian Peacemaker Teams. Much of her work has been accompanying and advocating for farmers and shepherds who have been displaced from their villages as a result of military attacks by surrounding countries.

Email Michele at: michele@communityactionduluth.org

Kurt Oelhafen, Duluth Stream Corp crew member, graduated from University Wisconsin-Stevens Point with a B.S. in Wildlife Biology. Kurt has always enjoyed spending his time outdoors, which left him with a desire for work in conservation. He has worked for several natural resource agencies as a seasonal wildlife technician and forestry technician. After several years working in the western U.S., Kurt returned to the Midwest and was happy to land in Duluth.  He is excited to have the opportunity to work with the Stream Corps and have the chance to make a positive impact on local environmental issues.

Email Kurt at: kurt@communityactionduluth.org

Sharon O'Leary, Duluth Stream Corps crew member, has an A.S. in Environmental Science from Fond-du-Lac Tribal and Community College. While attending there she was involved in campus clubs and held positions on 'Our Earth Club' (Gidakimanaan) and the Anishinaabe Student Congress. She is currently earning her B.A. in Biology at UWS. She has always lived in the Duluth/Cloquet area where she enjoys hiking, swimming, viewing wildlife/insects, Lake Superior and spending time with family and friends. Her goals include applying any knowledge/skills gained in life to improving northern Minnesota with a focus on freshwater, entomology and overall environment restoration. She is honored and excited to be working for Community Action Duluth and the Stream Corps.

Email Sharon at: sharon@communityactionduluth.org

Amanda Peterson, Career Coach with the FOC (Financial Opportunity Center) at Community Action Duluth, received her bachelor of arts degree in social work in 2005 from the College of St. Scholastica. In July 2006, Amanda joined Community Action Duluth as a family employment advocate for HOPE (Help and Opportunity in the Pursuit of Employment), an advocacy program that assists families with low incomes in overcoming personal and systemic barriers to economic self-sufficiency.

In 2008 Amanda began working as a FAIM Coordinator (Financial Assets for Independence in Minnesota) at Community Action Duluth and provided low- income individuals and families ongoing financial counseling that accompanied a three-to-one matched savings account. Later that year, her commitment to end the cycle of poverty led her to implement Cash Course, a youth financial education curriculum directed at providing financial literacy and independent skills development for youth at risk and adults with disabilities. With her background in employment advocacy and financial counseling, Amanda is excited to expand these services to the broader community through the Financial Opportunity Center. With a mix of financial coaching, educational development and personalized career coaching, she hopes to provide a holistic approach to ending generational poverty by helping families increase their income and build assets.

Email Amanda at: amanda@communityactionduluth.org

Sarah Priest, Director of Financial Services, has been in the Community Action world since 2005. She first worked as a program coordinator for Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency (AEOA) in Virginia, Minn., and has been with Community Action Duluth since July 2007. Sarah graduated from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn., with degrees in political science and sociology/anthropology. Seriously enjoying people and cultures, her travels have taken her to Guatemala, Turkey, Morocco, Egypt, France, Iceland, the Netherlands, the Bahamas, and India. She also spent time living with a Hmong immigrant family in West St. Paul.

Sarah is passionate about helping people reach their potential. She advocates for the elimination of poverty through education, coaching, and by the intentional increasing of income and assets. As a strong believer that asset building creates positive outcomes for both personal and community development, Sarah enjoys managing the FAIM IDA Matched Savings program, the Duluth Saves program, the Home Repair IDA Matched Savings program, and Common Cents: The Money Class.

Sarah is a member of the St. Louis County Public Health and Human Services Advisory Committee, the Minnesota Home Ownership Center's Advisory Council, the Duluth Affordable Housing Coalition, and the At Home in Duluth Collaborative. She enjoys biking, alpine skiing, skijoring, swimming, sailing, and walks with her dog.

Email Sarah at: sarah@communityactionduluth.org

Shannon Wagner, Employment Coach with Financial Opportunity Center, has been an AmeriCorps member at Community Action Duluth since September 2011.

She received a Business Marketing Degree from the University of Minnesota Duluth in 1995. She also has over 15 years Management experience. As an Employment Coach, Shannon's mission is to place low- income job seekers into employment, and provide support with resume building and interview skills.
Shannon is mother of three and lives in Duluth. Her passions are her children and helping others get out of poverty.

Email Shannon at: shannon@communityactionduluth.org

Sonya Welter, Tax Site Assistant, graduated from Northland College in 2002, with concentrations in Fine Arts and Writing. She has exhibited her artwork regionally and has published her writing locally, nationally and online. She is currently focusing her creative efforts on short stories, novels and mixed media painting/collage. She also enjoys organic gardening, native plants, bird watching, and walking everywhere.

Sonya joined Community Action Duluth as an AmeriCorps member in September 2011, and she is looking forward to getting more involved in the community and learning as much as she can. Sonya lives in Duluth's Central Hillside with her cats, in a house she bought through the FAIM program.

Email Sonya at: sonya@communityactionduluth.org

George Whitebird, Financial Coach Assistant with the Financial Opportunity Center, joined the staff as an AmeriCorps member in September 2011. He graduated from Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College with an Associate's degree in Law Enforcement. George enjoys time outdoors and teaching Youth Martial Arts to children. His desire has always been to help others, and he now works for Community Action as a Financial Coach to help people balance their financial situations to reach their economic goals. George has lived in Duluth most of his life and owns a home here mainly due to the FAIM Program at Community Action. His goals are to graduate with a bachelor's degree in accounting and continue to help people elevate themselves economically.

Email George at: george@communityactionduluth.org

Kate Wigren, Director of Employment Services, has worked with Circles of Support since February 2007. She initially came on staff as an intern through the Masters of Social Work program at the University of Minnesota, Duluth. Kate currently coordinates the advocacy components of Circles of Support. Within Circles of Support, she oversees the Duluth at Work employment program and the Education that Works! programs. Kate additionally coordinates and provides advocacy for the Duluth at Work Green Jobs program. She has been active professionally and personally in addressing issues of poverty and discrimination in the Duluth community.

Before pursuing her master's degree in social work, Kate worked as a housing advocate, assisting people experiencing homelessness in Duluth. She has also been active locally as a volunteer board member and has served on the board of directors for the Housing Access Center and Women's Community Development Organization. A native Minnesotan, she has lived in Duluth for nine years and currently lives in West Duluth with her husband and two young daughters.

Email Kate at: katewigren@communityactionduluth.org

Stephanie Williams, Bridge to Employment Program Coordinator, has been with Community Action Duluth since November 2010.

She received her B.A. in English from the University of Wisconsin-Superior in 2005. As Program Coordinator/Employment Advocate Stephanie’s mission is to place African American job seekers into employment, provide ongoing job retention support to participants, and encourage the development of long-term employment/career goals that will move them into self sufficiency.
Stephanie currently lives in Superior and is very active at her church.

Email Stephanie at: stephanie@communityactionduluth.org