About Us
About Us
Cindy Parsons, Executive Director
Robert Dickie, Communications and Development Director
Robert Dickie, Communications and Development Director
Cindy has a BA in Psychology from Hamline University and an MA in Human Development from St. Mary’s University. She also earned a certificate of Non-Profit Management. Cindy’s work experience in the St. Croix Valley began three decades ago. She has worked with youth, adults with mental and physical challenges, victims of domestic violenc
Cindy has a BA in Psychology from Hamline University and an MA in Human Development from St. Mary’s University. She also earned a certificate of Non-Profit Management. Cindy’s work experience in the St. Croix Valley began three decades ago. She has worked with youth, adults with mental and physical challenges, victims of domestic violence, and low-income families including homeless families. It has always been important to Cindy to provide a holistic approach in her work whether she is working with individuals or collaborating with partner agencies and groups. With a heart for prevention and early intervention, Cindy looks for innovative ways to help people and communities be safe and healthy. Cindy brings a passion to her work that encourages and empowers people toward self-growth and building healthy community connections.
“It is such a privilege and joy to help people set and reach goals that changes their lives and also the lives of so many others in the community.”
-Cindy Parsons (651) 231-7807 cindyparsons@theconnectcenter.org
Robert Dickie, Communications and Development Director
Robert Dickie, Communications and Development Director
Robert Dickie, Communications and Development Director
Bob was a former law partner of the Washington County Attorney and was later a county and state public defender. Bob became Vice-president of a forty-million-dollar company that exclusively served the non-profit sector. Bob served on several non-profit boards, usually in capital development, with leadership roles on the Rotary Foundation
Bob was a former law partner of the Washington County Attorney and was later a county and state public defender. Bob became Vice-president of a forty-million-dollar company that exclusively served the non-profit sector. Bob served on several non-profit boards, usually in capital development, with leadership roles on the Rotary Foundation and the St. Croix Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross. Bob founded the Afton Foundation and serves on several boards and commissions. Bob is responsible for TCC financial development.
“There are many barriers that stand in the way of people reaching their goals. It is our job to help break down these barriers and connect them to resources and to a community that cares.”
-Bob Dickie (651) 767-2533 robertdickie@theconnectcenter.org
Bre Isken, Advocate
Robert Dickie, Communications and Development Director
Tabitha Thurman, Ampact Housing Resource Navigator
Bre has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with an emphasis in mental health from the University of Wisconsin, River Falls. Bre has previous experience in a group home setting where she also worked with at-risk youth. She uses her skills and compassion to connect low-income and homeless youth and families to community resources. Bre enjoy
Bre has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with an emphasis in mental health from the University of Wisconsin, River Falls. Bre has previous experience in a group home setting where she also worked with at-risk youth. She uses her skills and compassion to connect low-income and homeless youth and families to community resources. Bre enjoys opportunities to walk alongside clients and help develop a successful foundation of self-sustaining moving forward.
“Laugh as much as you breathe and love as long as you live.” – Johnny Depp
-Bre Isken (she/her) (612) 417-4248 breannaisken@theconnectcenter.org
Tabitha Thurman, Ampact Housing Resource Navigator
Tabitha Thurman, Ampact Housing Resource Navigator
Tabitha Thurman, Ampact Housing Resource Navigator
Tabitha has achieved an Associates in Human Services through Century College in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. By being resourceful, creative, and innovative, Tabitha uses her skills to support and find stable housing for those experiencing housing insecurity. With her friendly and kind attitude, Tabitha brings hope when there is or was none
Tabitha has achieved an Associates in Human Services through Century College in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. By being resourceful, creative, and innovative, Tabitha uses her skills to support and find stable housing for those experiencing housing insecurity. With her friendly and kind attitude, Tabitha brings hope when there is or was none.
“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” – Theodore Roosevelt
-Tabitha Thurman (612) 212-3028 tabithathurman@theconnectcenter.org
Kristin Nelson, Coordinator
Tabitha Thurman, Ampact Housing Resource Navigator
Kristin Nelson, Coordinator
Kristin has worked in non-profits on and off for more than 15 years and has more than 25 years of office administration. She brings a deep sense of empathy, thoughtfulness, and dedication with her. Her skills, for the most part, have been learned on the job, and through a variety of situations and experiences. Kristin is uniquely adept at
Kristin has worked in non-profits on and off for more than 15 years and has more than 25 years of office administration. She brings a deep sense of empathy, thoughtfulness, and dedication with her. Her skills, for the most part, have been learned on the job, and through a variety of situations and experiences. Kristin is uniquely adept at navigating programs and services as she has used many of the same ones at different points in her life. She is excited to join our team and looks forward to meeting you!
“Be Happy, not because everything is good but because you can see the good in everything.” – Author Unknown
-Kristin Nelson (she/her) (952) 381-1387 kristinnelson@theconnectcenter.org
Leanna Miller, Advocate
Tabitha Thurman, Ampact Housing Resource Navigator
Kristin Nelson, Coordinator
Leanna brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her new role at The Connect Center. With a background in psychology and family education, along with her extensive experience in volunteer management and nonprofit work, she is well-equipped to build and strengthen connections within the community. As she embarks on her journey with T
Leanna brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her new role at The Connect Center. With a background in psychology and family education, along with her extensive experience in volunteer management and nonprofit work, she is well-equipped to build and strengthen connections within the community. As she embarks on her journey with The Connect Center, Leanna’s skills and passion for community engagement will undoubtedly make a positive impact on youth, individuals, and families in the St Croix Valley. Her commitment to fostering connections and her track record of success make her a valuable asset to the organization.
“Advocacy is empathy, compassion and community at work.”
-Janna Cachola
-Leanna Miller (she/her) (612) 475-4055, LeannaMiller@theconnectcenter.org
Natalie Houle, Advocate
Natalie Houle, Advocate
Natalie Houle, Advocate
Natalie's background and dedication to her clients are truly commendable. Her experience working with vulnerable populations, such as survivors of domestic violence and trafficking, speaks to her empathy and commitment to social justice. By starting from where her clients are and walking alongside them, she not only provides support but a
Natalie's background and dedication to her clients are truly commendable. Her experience working with vulnerable populations, such as survivors of domestic violence and trafficking, speaks to her empathy and commitment to social justice. By starting from where her clients are and walking alongside them, she not only provides support but also empowers them to navigate their own paths towards healing and independence. With her combination of skills, empathy, and personal experiences, Natalie undoubtedly makes a significant difference in the lives of those she serves.
“You are imperfect, you are wired for struggle, but you are worthy of love and belonging.” – Brene Brown
-Natalie Houle (she/her) (612) 212-5136.