Our Team

Meet the faces behind The Landing MN.

  • Alex has worked with people experiencing homelessness in the Rochester community for nearly 15 years. He has a Masters degree in social work, and a passion for advocacy. As the Executive Director of The Landing MN Alex feels privileged and motivated to support the organization's remarkable staff in achieving their individual departmental missions, ensuring people in homelessness receive the best level of care while they are with The Landing MN and beyond. In his free time Alex shuttles kids to and from youth sports, and finds time to walk his Labrador (Odin) with his wife.

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  • Shawna spent 20 years in the dental field before becoming the Director of Operations at The Landing MN. She has always loved serving others and helping the underserved. Her desire is for each client to feel heard, supported, and valued. Her favorite part of her job is creating relationships with each client. In her free time she enjoys traveling, working out, and spending time with family and friends. 

  • Erin has experience working with nonprofits and the homeless community before coming to The Landing MN. She is excited to capture the stories of the clients, through written word and photographs, and to share that with the community so that they can better understand homelessness. In her free time Erin enjoys spending time exercising, being musical, and being with her family. 

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  • Stephanie earned her BSW from Winona State University in Rochester. For over 4 years she has been working with people experiencing homelessness in the Rochester area.  She really enjoys listening to people’s stories and advocating for them based on their unique needs. 

  • Crystal earned her Associate of Applied Science from Edgecombe Community College in North Carolina and her Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences from Southern New Hampshire University. Since 2013, she has served in a variety of clinical, administrative, and patient care roles, including as a Certified Nursing Assistant. As Medical Services Coordinator at The Landing MN, she finds it incredibly rewarding to connect individuals experiencing homelessness with compassionate healthcare, essential resources, and the support they need to improve their health and well-being.

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  • Andy Boysen is a storyteller, music-lover, and friend to all. Born and raised in Rochester, Minnesota, he’s passionate about using his skills in media, design, and community engagement to support The Landing MN and its mission to serve people experiencing homelessness. Andy believes in the power of connection and hopes to help bring more awareness, empathy, and support to those who need it most.

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  • Ashely has a B.S. in Family Social Science from the University of Minnesota. She is dedicated to ensuring that any individual that walks through our doors feels seen, understood, and cared for. She loves having the opportunity to connect to so many people, and show them a bit of light each day.

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  • Over a decade ago Tara turned her life around. She sought a life bigger than who she thought she had been. Tara enjoys creating unique relationships and building a safe and comforting space for each individual. Her passion lies in making all people feel loved and restoring a little happiness where there was no hope. Tara loves being a mother to 3 beautiful children. 

  • David has a true passion for making people feel good by serving them delicious, thoughtfully prepared food. He loves creating a fun, welcoming atmosphere—whether that’s through sharing a laugh or keeping the energy high. You’ll almost always find David in the kitchen, jamming to great music while he cooks up something special.  

  • Deja has overcome the struggles of addiction and worked hard to build a life rooted in recovery, growth, and purpose. Her journey has taught her compassion, strength, and the importance of being there for others who are struggling to find their way. Deja has a deep passion for helping people who are battling addiction as well as life struggles and reminding them that recovery and a better life are possible. Above all, she cherishes her two children and her love for animals, who bring so much meaning, joy, and unconditional love into her life.

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  • Chad’s desire to be more involved with assisting those less fortunate in our community led him to first volunteer and then become a staff member with The Landing MN. He enjoys getting to know the clients and making sure they feel safe and welcome. In his spare time Chad enjoys spending time with his family and getting out into nature. 

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  • Dena holds a degree in Religious Education and Theology and is passionate about serving others. She finds deep purpose in her work at The Landing MN, supporting individuals experiencing homelessness and mental health challenges. Committed to spreading hope, Dena believes in the power of connection and the possibility of change at any moment.

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  • Denise enjoys the success of the clients as they’re able to achieve stability and move on. Camping with family and friends, along with fishing and enjoying a fish fry, are interests that she enjoys.

  • After a month of volunteering, Jake decided to join the team because of the satisfaction they feel from playing a part in a client achieving a favorable outcome through the services at The Landing MN. Jake has a wide range of interests from gardening and listening to music to playing air-guitar and air-drums. 

  • Justine wanted to work with people experiencing homelessness and fight the stigma surrounding it for a long time, so The Landing MN was a perfect fit! She loves her job because she gets to connect with and serve clients in a kind, meaningful way. Each client brings her joy, and she desires that each one knows they are valued and loved. She holds a Human Services Technician diploma and will soon earn her teacher license as well!

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  • Jane is a 40-year retired nurse who enjoys caring for all people in all walks of life. Jane is married and is a mother of two adult men. When she is not working or volunteering in our medical clinic she enjoys sewing, baseball, and traveling. 

  • Jill is a kind hearted compassionate woman who is always looking for ways to spread joy and hope to each person she encounters. Her biggest gift at The Landing is being a good listener and making sure clients feel seen and heard. She is a huge animal lover and enjoys fostering senior and hospice dogs at home with her wife.

  • Kevin’s life is a testament to strength, redemption, and love. Coming from a past of addiction, he chose a new path- one built on responsibility, healing , and deep devotion to family and humans in general. Today, he is a proud father of four boys, a loving husband, and someone who works hard every day to be the steady shoulder others can lean on. Kevin is committed to sharing his experiences so others can learn from his mistakes, reminding them that they are valued, cared for, and never alone.

  • Linsay has a bachelor's degree in human services. She loves being able to help others in making sure their story is heard and letting them know hard times are temporary. Linsay has dealt with some difficult life situations and didn't let it define her. She wants our clients to know addiction, homelessness,poverty, and mental health can be overcome with the right support. 

  • Serena has a degree in administrative assistant. She is very compassionate and caring and loves supporting others. She loves kickboxing and her four children. 


Join the Team!

Interested in being a part of The Landing MN team? Visit our Careers page to see openings.

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