Angela Gauthier, MA, LMFT

Executive Director

Angela, Executive Director at MoveFwd, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 15 years of experience in nonprofit organizations dedicated to youth homelessness and community-based mental health. She holds a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and has been leading nonprofit programs since 2010. Angela’s expertise encompasses community-based mental health, youth emergency shelter, street outreach, transitional living, supportive housing, prevention services, and Indian Child Welfare Act advocacy. Committed to advocating for systemic changes, she strives for safe and stable housing within strong and welcoming communities, emphasizing culturally affirming supportive services. Angela enjoys the outdoors, family road trips, gardening, cooking, savoring a good cup of coffee, and cherishing moments with family and friends.

Amanda Dwinell, MA, LPCC

Director of Programs

Amanda, Director of Programs, is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and has been with MoveFwd since 2013, previously working in Therapist and Clinical Manager roles. She brings over 20 years of nonprofit organization experience and steadfast dedication to accessible mental health and housing. Amanda earned her Master’s degree in Counseling and Psychological services in 2004 and has worked in community, in-home, residential, shelter, clinic, and school settings. Amanda shows up with compassion, commitment, and creativity, believing mental health and safe housing are essential to the overall health and well-being of our entire community. One of her favorite quotes is “We all do better when we all do better” by Paul Wellstone. In addition to spending time with friends and family, Amanda enjoys comedy, cooking, puzzles, and music.

Sarah Williams, M.Ed

Housing and Outreach Program Manager

Sarah Williams is a passionate youth advocate, she holds a master's degree in Youth Development and Leadership from the University of MN, and has over 25 years of experience working with youth. From program development and facilitation to program management and evaluation, Sarah has the education and experience in the field of youth development to propel positive change. Sarah values approaches that emphasize experiential learning, building trusting, reciprocal relationships, and a non-judgemental, positive attitude in the world of youthwork. In her freetime, Sarah loves to travel, eat, watch nature documentaries, craft and most of all, spend time with her family. Sarah Williams, M. Ed.

Tina Coatta, MSW, LICSW

Clinical Program Manager

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.

Rachel Norman

Office Manager

Rachel has a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health Education. Her background includes 35 years working with nonprofits in operations, finances and staff support. When Rachel is not at MoveFwd, she spends time with her 3 grown children, traveling and fostering dogs for Ruff Start Rescue.

Mohamed Mohamed, MSW

Therapist

Mohamed has an BA in Social Work from Boston University Wheelock College of Education & Human Development and Master of Social Work from Salem State University. Mohamed has a strong background in working with youth and families, direct practice experience with at-risk youth and families in school and community settings. Mohamed goal is to to establish genuine and supportive relationships with individuals in hopes of providing a better understanding of mental health. "I am primarily interested in working with children, adolescents, and their families in a strength-based, client centered and systemic approach to promote resiliency, self- awareness, and autonomy." I want to engage the entire system around the child or adolescent. The environment in which the child and adolescent is growing and developing, is the best place to asses and impact change. “

Jeressa O'Leary, MA

Therapist

Jeressa has worked in mental health and human services in the Twin Cities since 2003 in a variety of settings, including inpatient, residential, school and community based settings. She is passionate about working with children and their caregivers using a strength and relationship-based approach. Jeressa is also experienced in treating mental health symptoms related to neurodivergence (such as autism and ADHD), mood disorders (such as depression and anxiety), trauma, attachment problems and relationship conflicts. She enjoys working with children and adolescents, individual adults, couples, and families. Jeressa offers mental health therapy through her lens, the perspective being mixed race and having an immigrant and military family background and also proudly offers gender affirming treatment to clients.

Gail Ferguson, LGSW

Therapist

Gail has earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. After volunteering to facilitate support groups, she realized her purpose. Seeking to become a therapist, she entered graduate school and earned a Master of Social Work at Texas State University. She is now a licensed graduate social worker (LGSW) and is working towards becoming a licensed clinical social worker. Gail is dedicated to providing a nonjudgmental, antiracist, and inclusive space for participants to start a path toward good mental health and reach their full potential. She strongly believes that no one should feel alone and is honored when she is allowed to accompany someone on their journey. When she isn’t working or spending time with her family, she can be found sitting at her computer, gleefully playing RPGs and first-person shooters.

Jackie Venegas

TLP Case Manager

Jackie has a Bachelor's of Science in Social Work from MSU Mankato and has a strong background in working with individuals with disabilities of all ages, children and youth, and case management. Her primary goal is to connect with and build professional relationships with the youth and help them achieve their short and long term goals. Jackie's hobbies and interests include reading, learning new recipes, making art, and hanging out with her cats, friends, and family.

TBD Homeless Youth Case Manager

Homeless Youth Case Manager

Grecia Lozano Fuentes

Family Housing Case Manager

Grecia is a dedicated community member that has worked with people experiencing homelessness for over 10 years. She is passionate about helping others. She brings a nurturing personality to our organization, with a person center approach to her case management. Grecia's experience ranges from youth to the BIPOC population, including seniors, people with disabilities and people from other countries. Her clients have many positive things to say about her work. Her studies at the university of St Thomas have given her the privilege to take a path of care and concern for people in difficult situations, making her work with us more than a job.

Harley Hopkins

TLP Case Manager

Harley is dedicated to making a positive impact for youth in her community. She is pursuing a degree in social work with a minor in child advocacy. In her free time she enjoys reading and hiking.

Abby Petersen

Homeless Youth Case Manager