PRESIDENT: Ellie Skelton, MA
Current CEO of Touchstone Mental Health, an organization of excellence creating innovative, person-centered care with individuals whose lives are affected by mental illness. Touchstone operates a variety of programs including three Intensive Residential Treatment Services (IRTS), Community Based Mental Health Services (Case management, Care Coordination, Housing Stabilization Services, Behavioral Health Home and Adult Rehabilitate Mental Health Services). Touchstone also partners with many local affordable property owners to be an on-site supportive housing provider and uses a housing first and trauma informed approach to help people find and keep housing. Ellie is an energetic mental health leader with over 30 years of experience in the sector. She has worked in a variety of behavioral health care settings including mental health, substance abuse and eating disorder treatment programs with nonprofit organizations in the Twin Cities, MN.
VICE PRESIDENT: Brooke Schultz, MSW, LICSW
Brooke Schultz is Associate Director of Clinical Services for RADIAS Health, formerly known as South Metro Human Services. She oversees Community Foundations (IRTS), ReEntry House (IRTS) and ReEntry Crisis Stabilization (IRTS), fourteen homes licensed under 245D, and multiple programs related to helping people with mental illness and housing instability obtain and maintain housing. She also conducts trainings related to various clinical topics, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Integrated Dual Disorder Treatment. Brooke started her career with RADIAS Health in 1994, went on to do case management and supported housing services for Guild, Incorporated, and later worked for Washington County as a case manager. Brooke returned to RADIAS in 2004. Brooke has always had a special interest in serving people with serious and persistent mental illness, and is passionate about helping people with mental illness work toward recovery and a life worth living. Brooke is also interested in clinical supervision and helping professionals new to the field develop empathy, compassion, and skills to best serve people with mental illness.
TREASURER: Hugh Aylward, MA, LP
Current President of Kelly-Norton Programs, which provides mental health services at two IRTS facilities (Oasis Program and Bill Kelly House). Employed by Kelly-Norton Programs since 1985, Hugh became part of the ownership group in 2007. He was involved in the MAMHRF trade organization, 1995-2010. He has served on the MHPAM Board of Directors since 2011 and is the current Treasurer. He earned a Bachelor’s degree from University of Minnesota (1988), and a Master’s degree from Saint Mary’s University (1992). Hugh became a Licensed Psychologist in 1995.
SECRETARY: Jeni Kuhfuss, MSW, LICSW
Jeni is the Quality Assurance Manager at SpringPath Mental Health services (formerly ResCare). This role allows her to provide support to eight IRTS programs, three ACT and FACT teams, and a supportive housing program. Jeni provides teaching and coaching to staff to interpret policy into day-to-day practice. Jeni has 10 years of experience in the mental health, substance use, and housing field with a bachelor’s and master’s in social work. Jeni joined the board in 2022 and appreciates the opportunity to collaborate with other providers and offer effective support to people in our community.
DIRECTOR: Beth Scheetz, MSW, LICSW
Beth Scheetz joined Guild in 2019 as the Director of Residential Services and transitioned to Guild’s Chief Clinical Officer in 2020. As an innovative and dedicated leader in community mental health, she brings 20 years of experience in social services, mental health, and healthcare. Prior to Guild, Beth oversaw the operations, development, and programming of three community-based teams serving over 1,200 adults living with mental illness as Director of Community Mental Health at Touchstone. Evaluating program performance, implementing program and process improvements, increasing quality and continuity of care, and achieving positive individual outcomes have benchmarked her professional performance. Beth holds a master’s degree from the University of St. Thomas. She enjoys traveling, gardening, and spending time with her family and cats.
DIRECTOR: Julie Bogenholm
Julie Bogenholm is the President and CEO of Safe Transitions, established in 1996. Safe Transitions provides adult mental health focused CRS, IHS, ARMHS, and Shared Living in northeast Minnesota. Julie has been in this industry since 1989 and has seen many radical changes over the years. Mental health providers are faced with a unique set of challenges and have learned to adapt and succeed despite difficulties and roadblocks for the benefit of the people they serve. Julie has been a part of MHPAM since its beginning, along with its predecessor, MAMHRF. She currently serves on the Board of Directors as well as the AFC (CRS) subcommittee. Julie appreciates the MHPAM group very much. They help one another to grow and evolve with change, as well as take a proactive approach to the changes imposed on us by our environment and governing bodies. Julie also appreciates the specific focus on mental health systems, which is often a sidebar with similar organizations.
DIRECTOR: Jeff Bradley
Mr. Bradley's journey in the mental health sector began with the establishment of Thrive Behavioral Network, a company committed to providing quality mental health services to individuals in need across Minnesota. In 2008, Jeff Bradley played a pivotal role in the formation of the Mental Health Provider’s Association of Minnesota (MHPAM), a collaborative effort among providers to address critical issues in mental health care delivery. As one of the original members, he has been deeply involved in the association's activities and initiatives. Since 2011, Jeff Bradley has served on the Board of Directors of MHPAM, bringing his expertise and insights to the table. He initially served as the Treasurer of the association, demonstrating his commitment to sound financial management and accountability. Later, he assumed the role of President in late 2011, leading the association through various challenges and opportunities until 2023. Despite stepping down from his role as President, Jeff Bradley continues to contribute to the mission of MHPAM as an active member of the board. His leadership, vision, and dedication to improving mental health services in Minnesota have made a lasting impact on the community and the broader field of mental health care.
DIRECTOR: Julie Duncan
Julie is an Associate Director of Clinical Services at RADIAS Health. She has been in this role since 2018. Julie has over 25 years of experience working in behavioral health in various leadership, project management, project development and training roles. Prior to joining RADIAS, she was a Human Services Manager at Ramsey County Social Services. Julie currently supports multiple programs at RADIAS including Homeless Services, Assertive Community Treatment, Targeted Case Management, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Outpatient Services. Her direct practice experience includes assessment, psychotherapy and Assertive Community Treatment. She has participated in MHPAHM since 2018. She is a board member and chair of the ACT and the TCM subcommittees.
Director: Kristal Mckenzie-peterson
Kristal is the Director of Substance Use Services at SpringPath Mental Health Services. In her current role, she oversees and provides comprehensive support to eight Intensive Residential Treatment Services (IRTS) programs, two Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) teams, and a Forensic Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) team. With 15 years of experience in the mental health and substance use fields, Kristal offers consultation, training, and educational guidance to staff members, particularly emphasizing co-occurring disorders and forensic-based practices. Since joining SpringPath in 2018, Kristal has utilized her Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) knowledge to develop and enhance substance use and Competency Restoration programming within the programs she works with. Within her company she co-facilitates the outreach and public relations team, and assists with the Quality assurance, Policy, DEI, recruitment and training teams.