Our Team

Kelsey brings experience in nonprofit management, educational leadership, and youth development to her work with the Duluth Community School Collaborative. Prior to joining the Collaborative, she served as Food Access Manager and Rutabaga Project Manager at the Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency and the Operations and Communications Manager for the Minnesota Elementary School Principals' Association. She has a passion for building sustainable community connections and holistically supporting youth. She holds a BA in Business Management and English from the University of St. Thomas. 

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Contact: kelsey@duluthcsc.org or 218-212-5952

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She has spent the past six years learning about and connecting with the Duluth community. She holds a degree in Community Psychology and Health Promotion from the Southwest Minnesota State University and is a trained sexual assault advocate with Program for Aid to Victims of Sexual Assualt (PAVSA). 

Sadie strives to be a trusted friend and advocate, who can offer judgment free, culturally appropriate, and trauma conscious support and resources to those she meets. Her studies in psychology alongside her personal experiences with food, health, and wellness, led her to become deeply passionate about using food as medicine, uncovering what it means to truly be healthy, and sharing that knowledge with others.  

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Contact: nd.sadie.herbst@isd709.org

Anne has been a youth work professional since 2003, coordinating programs that build opportunities for stronger youth-adult partnerships, Social-Emotional Learning (SEL),  Service-Learning, and youth leadership in both school-based and community-based settings. Before taking her current role at DCSC in 2023, Anne served in several youth-serving Minnesota nonprofits in Carlton County and the Twin Cities, as well as international NGOs. They have Master’s Degrees in Education and Youth Development Leadership from St. Catherine University and The University of Minnesota respectively. Anne authored a chapter in the book Service-Learning by Design for the National Youth Leadership Council. In 2020, they received a Fellowship from the National Mentoring Summit. Anne currently serves on the board of directors for The Minnesota Alliance with Youth. 

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Contact: nd.anne.parish@isd709.org

Lisa is a new member of the Duluth community, as well as the Duluth Community School Collaborative. She comes from the sunny land of New Mexico where she has lived for the past 23 years. Lisa holds a BA in Community Health from New Mexico State University.  Lisa has many years of experience working with kids in various settings. She has been a Volunteer Coordinator with CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) supporting children in the foster care system. She has also worked as a Home Visitor in the First Born Program, supporting families prenatally until the child is three years old. Lisa is passionate about creating a more just and equitable community for kids to thrive! 

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Contact: lisa@duluthcsc.org

Saraiya began her position as Denfeld Community School Site Coordinator in 2020. She has been working with children in nonprofit settings, including the YWCA Duluth, Boys & Girls Club, and Northwood Children's Services since 2013. She attended the Education Studies Program at the University of Minnesota, focusing on Early Childhood Education and Special Education. Saraiya specializes in mental health, trauma, and emotional and behavioral needs. She currently serves as co-chair for the MLK Planning Committee of the Duluth NAACP. She enjoys going on hikes and spending time outside during her free time. Saraiya cares deeply about building a safe place for all students to meet their needs and reach their full potential.

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Contact: nd.saraiya.piantek@isd709.org

Kellsey comes to the team with over ten years of experience supporting young people. She moved to Duluth in 2016 and has enjoyed working with youth in a variety of organizations including Neighborhood Youth Services, Safe Haven Shelter and Resource Center, and the Duluth Area Family YMCA. Kellsey has a Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Minnesota Duluth and is interested in exploring unique ways to connect people not only to resources and supports across systems but also to each other. In her free time Kellsey enjoys supporting food justice through the Duluth Community Garden Program and exploring Duluth's many outdoor spaces with her husband and dogs. She is excited to foster youth curiosity and connection at Myers-Wilkins Elementary!

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Currently on leave

Caitlin Smith started with the Collaborative in September, 2021. She brings her experience working with youth who have been impacted by homelessness living in permanent supportive housing. She attended UMD’s Unified Early Childhood program and has a passion for understanding brain development and the impacts of trauma on the brain. She is an experienced Circle of Security Parenting facilitator and has recently been trained in Restorative Practices. Caitlin also serves on the board of The Duluth Center for Women and Children. She loves to spend her free time with her loved-ones. Any activity by a body of water is her favorite, including paddleboarding, rowing, swimming, fishing, rock-picking, and pontooning.

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Contact: nd.caitlin.smith@isd709.org

Rachel works alongside a collaborative leadership team composed of families, school staff, and community partners to create, strengthen, and maintain the bridge between school and community. She has been in her current role since 2016 and has been involved with the Collaborative since 2003, including several years on staff at the Myers-Wilkins site. Rachel has a B.A. in Behavioral Arts and Sciences with emphases in Psychology and Education, and more than fifteen years of experience in youth development and full-service community schools. She is inspired by the strength and resilience of people around her and a vision of a more hopeful future. Rachel is committed to co-creating the conditions of well-being necessary for all people to learn and thrive through authentic connection and collaboration.

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Contact: rachel.thapa@isd709.org