Leadership


Jenna Perez

Executive Director

Jenna became the Executive Director of the Dwelling Place in October 2023. Previously, she served as the Director of Programs starting in 2022.

Prior to starting at The Dwelling Place, Jenna graduated from North Central University with a degree in Intercultural Studies and Theology. She was a missionary in Venezuela, facilitating a children's home that sheltered an average of 80 children fleeing abuse or neglect. She moved back to the United States and worked for Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota for nine years, ending her tenure as the Senior Program Manager. 

Jenna’s life mission is to help people find healing, freedom, and their identity in the Lord. Some of her favorite experiences at The Dwelling Place are the graduation ceremonies. She loves seeing the transformation in the women and children’s lives after they find their true identity in Christ.

Jenna met her husband, Jose, while serving in Venezuela, and they now have three children. Together, they planted a bilingual Spanish/English church to reach the Hispanics in Columbia Heights, and Jose continues to serve as the lead pastor.

Leadership Team

Staff

 

Andee Acosta, Family Advocate

LeAnne Christensen, Office Manager

Petra Donohue, Bookkeeper

Madeline Edwards, Program Coordinator

Donna G, Alumni Program Manager

Cindy Hall, Intake Manager & Family Advocate

Marissa Hanson, Women’s Program Manager

Amanda Lindquist, Family Advocate

Christy Meidt, Child Care & Volunteer Assistant

Connie Meyer, Accountant

Lilly Mwambi, Family Advocate

Tori Urch, Marketing & Communications Manager

Jessica Vaage, Community Relations & Development Associate

Risa Van Helden, Children’s Program Manager


 

Board of Directors

 

Alexandra Bartolic, Board Chair

Chris Chell, Secretary

Kevin Bethke, Treasurer 

Lee Granquist, Member

Mary Hennessey, Member

Alan Howard, Member

Carol McCormick, Member

Taryn Shuck, Member

Jenna Perez, Non-voting Member