Staff

Kate Bitney

Kate Bitney, Metro Regional Manager, joined Hearth Connection in May 2008.  Prior to joining Hearth Connection, Kate had been working in the field of direct service since 2001, doing street outreach, case management, and advocacy work.  She has also done supervisory work at a local family shelter, and served on various committees and community groups in the East Metro.  Kate holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Justice and Peace Studies from the University of St. Thomas. 

Kristine Davis

Kristine Davis is the Director of Programs, leading the Supportive Housing Team of Regional Managers and Rental Assistance Coordinators. She has been with Hearth Connection since October 2003. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Social Work from St. Olaf College and a Master's in Not-For-Profit Leadership from Seattle University. She has done street outreach and case management, and directed programs with juvenile offenders and adult/family populations that have multiple barriers to health and stability. She has also worked in public relations, international aid, and as an outdoor guide in Montana and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

Warren Duncan

Patti Hague

Patti Hague, Interim Executive Director, joined Hearth Connection in July of 2008.  Previously she has held the positions of Vice President of Programs for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities (2 ½ years), Director of Community Relations for HealthPartners (10 years), and Director of Health and Community Services for the Greater Minneapolis Chapter of the American Red Cross (10 years).  Prior to that she spent 8 years in the field of disability advocacy.  Patti has served on the board of several organizations, including the Minnesota Council on Foundations, HealthPartners, Minnesota Environmental Fund, and Philanthrofund Foundation.  Patti has a Master's degree from George Washington University and a BA degree from Carleton College.

Karen Johnsen

Karen Johnsen, CPA, Director of Finance and Administration, joined Hearth Connection in February 2007. Karen has been working in the field of accounting since 1999, and in the area of non-profit accounting since 2004. Prior to working for Hearth Connection she was the Business Manager for the Ridgedale YMCA. She holds the degrees of Master of Science in Applied Math from Colorado State University and Master of Accounting and Financial Management from the Keller Graduate School of Management at DeVry University.

Julie Jones

Julie Jones, Office Manager, joined the Hearth Connection team in October 2008. Julie has a degree in Business Administration and has extensive experience working in this field. She worked as Office Manager at African American Family Services where she supervised and managed the support services team. After 8 years with AAFS, Julie took her skills to Transformation House where she supervised program assistants, secretaries, and oversaw all medication services. She also worked directly along side the Executive Director assisting in daily operations.

David OLeary

David O’Leary, Northeast Regional Manager, has been with Hearth Connection since October of 2008. Previously, David was Director of Human Services for the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. David brings with him eight years experience working with disenfranchised and at-risk populations of all ages and demographics in a variety of both faith-based and secular settings. David studied at Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Winona, Minnesota, Saint John Vianney Theological Seminary in Denver, Colorado, and earned his bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. A native of Duluth, Minnesota, David is an enrolled member of the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa.

Max Schaefer

Max Schaefer joined Hearth Connection as Rental Assistance Coordinator in December 2007. Prior to joining the organization, Max worked as a DataSite Assistant Project Manager at Merrill Corporation providing Executive Technical Support and Training for Mergers and Acquisitions deals.  In addition, he has studied Philosophy, Urban and Regional Studies, and Cultural Studies and Comparative Literature at both the University of Minnesota and Minnesota State University, Mankato

Ben Van Hunnik

Ben Van Hunnik, joined the Hearth Connection as Director of Information, Research and Evaluation in May 2009. Over the last ten years, he held the positions of Marketing Manager and Research Coordinator at HousingLink, Case Manager with People Incorporated’s Project SAIL, and Research Specialist with the University of Colorado’s Project Safe. His experience in Colorado also included a year of volunteer work as a Public Relations Coordinator with the Women’s Bean Project. Ben holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN.  

Dave White

Dave White, Information & Evaluation Coordinator, joined Hearth Connection in September 2008.  Prior to joining Hearth Connection, Dave had been providing database, network, and programming services at other Twin Cities social service nonprofits since 1998, and working with Habitat for Humanity in affordable housing construction prior to that.  He has a Bachelor’s degree in Urban Studies and Geography from Macalester College.

Teresa Williams

Teresa Williams joined Hearth Connection as Rental Assistance Coordinator in December 2007. Prior to joining the organization, Teresa worked for Guild Incorporated on the Delancey Street team for four years where she worked directly with clients experiencing chronic homelessness, mental illness, and chemical dependency. At Delancey Street, Teresa also was responsible for administering the housing subsidies which eventually brought her to Hearth Connection.