OUR PEOPLE

THE GROWtH BY DESIGN LEADERSHIP TEAM

  • Top 5 Clifton Strengths: Empathy, Strategic, Futuristic, Positivity, Activator

    Katrina has been an advisor to socially conscious leaders across the Midwest as a consultant since 2011, guiding transformative projects through a variety of experiences such as transition planning, major gift consulting and leadership development.

    She has consulted on major transitions and projects in MN and beyond with theatres and galleries, foundations, hospitals, colleges, women’s advocacy and social justice groups, environmental organizations and public media and has taught thousands as a sought-after speaker for the University of Wisconsin, The Minnesota Gift Planning Association, Propel for Nonprofits, The Blandin Foundation, and the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits.

    Katrina is an ex-officio ambassador for Leave a Legacy MN, which exists to educate Minnesotans and the nonprofit community about their planned giving options.  She has dedicated her career to advancing progress in the social sector, both in her role as a leadership consultant and executive coach and as a thought-leader in the sector and specializes in philanthropy and community engagement. She is especially energized by cultivating high performing teams through assessment-based communication strategies and in helping her clients improve their social-emotional awareness. She and her partner Kristi are currently developing curriculum for a professional certificate in Nonprofit Leadership and Sustainability in partnership with Winona State University.

    In addition to change management and search work, Katrina has trained and partnered with more than 500 nonprofit and foundation boards to help them harness the power of generosity to bring more intentional, enduring impact to their community.

    Katrina holds a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing and is a Certified Fundraising Executive. She lives in Duluth, MN with her two teenage children and spends her free time in nature and on outdoor adventures with friends and family.

  • Top 5 Clifton Strengths: Futuristic, Connectedness, Belief, Strategic, Arranger

    Kristi is a visionary leader, creative voice, and lifelong learner who has dedicated her life to serving others. Her passion for helping ideas come to life and her ability to reframe conflicts into opportunities for growth have made her a respected figure in various sectors.

    Kristi’s first career was as a cryptologist in the US Navy which allowed her to live and travel to many places across the globe. Recognizing her passion for coaching and supporting her fellow Sailors, she made a pivotal decision to change her job to become a career counselor. This shift allowed her to empower and guide others in their personal and professional development. Through her experiences, she gained invaluable insights into leadership, organizational structure, and the profound impact of culture on morale and team effectiveness.

    Following her honorable discharge from the Navy, Kristi continued her journey of service in the nonprofit sector. While working at the Initiative Foundation, a regional rural community and economic development foundation, she was able to bring her diverse skills and perspectives to help communities and organizations make a positive impact. In 2018, she took a leap of faith and established her own consulting firm, focusing on empowering nonprofits, philanthropic businesses, and women entrepreneurs. In 2023, she merged with Katrina’s company and together they formed what is now Growth By Design, LLC.

    In addition to her consulting work, Kristi is the CEO of Families Abroad, a social enterprise with a mission to build global.citizens and create connections. Kristi believes that through shared experiences and interactions, stereotypes and biases can be challenged, and a foundation of mutual respect and appreciation can be fostered. With her global mindset and dedication to lifelong learning, Kristi is passionate about helping families create meaningful memories and expand their horizons.

    Kristi's educational background has provided her with a strong foundation for her work. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management with a concentration in accounting, equipping her with financial acumen essential for effective organizational leadership. Additionally, she is a Journeyman Career Counselor, demonstrating her dedication to supporting individuals in their career journeys. To further enhance her skills in philanthropy and fundraising, Kristi attended the prestigious Lilly Family School of Philanthropy's "The Fund Raising School."

  • Top 5 Clifton Strengths: Relator, Harmony, Consistency, Empathy, Context

    Amy keeps the Growth By Design team on track and provides support to both the internal team and clients in a multitude of ways. Amy is a writer, interviewer, prospect researcher and creative project manager. She holds a BA in English.

    Since beginning work in the nonprofit sector, Amy has helped hundreds of clients plan and execute successful projects during times of transition, including capital campaigns, executive searches and hires, strategic planning, and program evaluation.

    Amy is a diligent and compassionate listener and Ioves to pull together threads of data into a clear picture to illuminate the path forward. She is a wife, mom of two, and resident of Milaca where she has served as campaign counsel for a major endowment campaign for the Milaca Scholarship Foundation.

  • Top 5 Clifton Strengths: Learner, Input, Adaptability, Connectedness, Empathy

    Drawing on her background in community organizing and the performing arts, Nicole Navratil provides intuitive, project-based support to non-profit organizations and artists across the Midwest. Nicole has been an educator and entrepreneur since 2003, and her work centers around community engagement, content creation and relationship building. She holds a B.M. in Music Education from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.

    Most recently, she served as the community engagement specialist for Evolve Yoga in Duluth, MN and prior to that she worked with the long-term care community as part of Benedictine Health System, delivering a range of wellness opportunities for residents and staff. She is passionate about advancing equity and human rights, especially for the LGBTQ community, and spearheaded the We Love to Be Free CD Project, raising awareness and funds for Minnesota United for All Families in 2012 (marriage equality advocacy organization). Nicole served as Board Member and Production Committee Liaison for One Voice Mixed Chorus. In 2009, she was Project Manager for a “Green Makeover” of W.R. Sullivan School in Phoenix Arizona, in coordination with the D.C.-based Earth Day Network. Nicole has recently worked to affect change on the city level on behalf of the musician community, successfully expanding the number of musicians allowed in small venues throughout Minneapolis alongside council persons Johnson and Reich and co-organizer Dave Alderson.

    In addition to her work supporting artists, Nicole is an artist herself and has co-produced and recorded albums with her band, Sonic Love Child, as well as solo (under the name Nikki Black). Nicole is a yoga teacher, mama to two little boys and is currently writing her first book. She lives in Minneapolis with her sweet family.

The Growth Collective brings together a dynamic team of consultants and specialists whose unique mix of backgrounds, skills, and experiences help spark innovative ideas and produce better outcomes for our clients. The needs of our clients are often multifaceted, requiring expertise across a broad range of specialties to make the most of our work together. Through The Growth Collective, we thoughtfully curate the right project team to meet your needs. We are so honored to be in community with this collective.

THE GROWTH COLLECTIVE

  • Holly is an executive search recruiter with a decade of experience in the civic sector. With a background in journalism, Holly asks the right questions to get to the root of an organization’s culture, along with establishing the kind of person best suited to join their team and take their mission to the next level. Her approach is both client and candidate based as she focuses on matching an executive’s core values with the organization’s. She prides herself on maintaining ongoing relationships with the nonprofits and foundations she has served and the executives she has placed there.

    Holly has an Associate of Arts Degree from the University of Eau-Claire, Barron County Campus and is currently enrolled in a Bachelor of Writing Degree program at the University of Wisconsin-Superior. She is an award-winning writer and has worked abroad as a journalist, and as a media advisor to a member of Australian Parliament. Holly has served as a board member on the Humane Society and the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation, and recently joined the Generations Health Care Initiatives Board.

    She is a foster for Retrieve a Golden of the Midwest and an active advocate of all animals. She lives on a nature conservancy in Northern Wisconsin with her husband and their dogs, Bundy and Harriett.

     

  • Sara is an experienced and award-winning trauma-responsive facilitator and coach, a community organizer, school board leader, and published writer. She holds a BS in Community Psychology, with a focus on group work and systems dynamics, and an MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an emphasis on trauma education. Sara’s professional experience draws from the fields of mental health, education, and nonprofit businesses, forming an intersection at authentic human interaction. She is a lifelong learner, a seeker, a storyteller, and best of all, a listener.

    Sara is certified with the National Board for Certified Counselors. She is a member of the Association for Women in Communications, Association for Specialists in Group Work, American Counseling Association, and part of the Neuromarketing Science and Business Association.

    Sara is deeply committed to the curation of beauty and fun. She believes in honoring the whole person, recognizing our full humanity, and working to find alignment between our actions and our values.

  • Anne Rodenberg, M.A. brings a love of people and a spirit of service to her work in fundraising. She purposefully transitioned to fundraising in 2014 after leading nonprofit communications work for 20 years, and has supported a wide variety of missions including mental health, homelessness prevention, food access, faith-based organizations, higher education, aging services, and entrepreneurship. Her work with donors is thoughtful, highly personalized, and focused on building long-term relationships that result in significant growth in giving and engagement. She loves learning the stories behind donors’ gifts, especially from legacy donors whose planned gifts reflect their deepest-held values.

    She is skilled in building major and planned giving programs, planning and implementing campaigns and fundraising events, and leading all aspects of fundraising communications. She has worked with nonprofits including the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation, Second Harvest Heartland, the Catholic Community Foundation, the YMCA’s Camp DuNord, Relate Counseling Center, Dunwoody College of Technology, and WomenVenture.

    She holds a Master of Arts in Leadership from Augsburg University and a B.A. in journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Her community involvement includes serving on the boards of the Minnesota Gift Planning Association and Metro Meals on Wheels, and as a member of the St. Odilia Parish Leadership Council. For fun, Anne enjoys downhill and cross-country skiing, biking, hiking, yoga, camping, scrapbooking, and cooking for family and friends. She has completed two MS150 bike rides and three YWCA Women’s triathlons. She and her husband Jeff live in Shoreview with their teenage twins Sara and Aaron, a flock of backyard chickens, and rescued Ragdoll cat, Bean.

  • Amy brings a wealth of experience and expertise to nonprofit consulting. With a Master’s degree in Organization Design and Leadership from Fielding Graduate University and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse, Amy has honed a diverse skill set over the years working in healthcare, higher education, and community-based non-profits.

    As a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach and iPEC-trained coach, Amy leverages her coaching proficiency to guide nonprofit organizations toward sustainable growth and impactful change. Her dedication to empowering nonprofits is evident in her collaborative approach, where she works with organizations to think outside the box and dream big. Helping to cultivate innovation, develop visionary solutions, and foster a culture of accountability and excellence.

    Amy is a seasoned nonprofit professional and fundraiser with a background in organizational change, nonprofit leadership, and development, including board and community engagement; she has a proven track record of success spanning over three decades. Her key organizational roles reflect her ability to drive results, inspire teams, and foster innovation.

    As a dedicated consultant, Amy is committed to inspiring nonprofits to reach their full potential, guiding them through challenges, and helping them achieve their mission with more significant impact. With Amy's guidance, nonprofits can confidently navigate the complexities of the nonprofit landscape, ultimately making a lasting difference in their communities.

    Outside of work, you’ll find Amy reading, learning, creating, cooking, singing, talking on the phone with her four children, and snuggling with her two cats.

  • Terri Allred is a dynamic and experienced consultant, leadership development expert, and catalyst for team transformation. With a passion for helping nonprofit and business leaders unlock the full potential of their teams, Terri brings a unique blend of skills and expertise to drive impactful change. She is passionate about helping purpose-driven women leaders succeed at work without sacrificing their wellbeing and does so through her Holistic Leadership Academy.

    Even while she served as Executive Director of 6 nonprofits in three states, Terri always owned and operated a consulting and coaching business. For more than 25 years, she has provided training, leadership and personal coaching, program development and many other services to hundreds of individuals and organizations.

    Her work is trauma-sensitive in both theoretical approach and interactions with people and organizations. She brings her extensive experience working in the sexual and domestic violence field to all of her interactions. She uses an asset-based approach respecting and valuing each person’s strengths, competencies and gifts.  She believes in the capacity for healing and resiliency inherent in each person and that growth occurs in relationship.  She strives to maintain curiosity in communication to learn, grow and form deeper relationships.  She celebrates the diversity of human experience recognizing that we all come from unique backgrounds, perspectives and life experiences. 

    Terri is a certified Spiritual Coach, Enneagram Facilitator, Reiki Master, Restorative Justice Facilitator, Life Coach and Hypnotherapist.  Terri is also a certified Neuro-Linguistic Programming practitioner, Emotional Freedom Technique practitioner, and HeartMath Institute Trauma Certified Practitioner.

    When Terri isn't working, you can find her looking for seashells with her family, creating pottery or snuggling with her dogs at home.

  • JULIE PAGE is the CEO of IMPACT Coaching Solutions, LLC. She has been coaching for over 20 years in the wellness & fitness industry, focusing on personal growth and forward movement. In the last 6 years she has been coaching and training in the business world, collaborating with business owners and teams to build better communication and leadership skills. This results in happier teams and work environments, leading to an increase in profitability.

    Her passion is for equipping and empowering individuals to discover, maximize, and lead with their strengths, while offering advanced strategies to achieve higher levels of performance. This results in long-lasting transformation in lives and organizations.

    As a two-time successful business owner, best selling author, and experience in business management, she understands the importance of strategic planning, clear communication, and team collaboration of achieving bottom-line results.

    Julie knows first-hand how important leadership is in the world. As a Maxwell Leadership Executive Program Leader, she can bring powerful programs, resources, and workshops to you and your team to elevate how people lead themselves, their projects and their teams.

  • Jess is a digital marketing specialist based in Duluth, MN, who specializes in improving the online presence of small businesses in the Twin Ports area. Her work includes creating websites and digital assets for Lake Effect, Fitger's Barrel Room, Jeff Foster Trucking, and The Great Duluth Sweat Together. Over the past two years working with Just Take Action, Jess has effectively utilized her skills in marketing and graphic design to promote several bars, restaurants, and boutique hotels in the Duluth area.

    She has actively pursued further education in graphic design and digital marketing, completing a comprehensive program at the University of Minnesota College of Continuing & Professional Studies in 2022. This program covered digital advertising, web design, and the use of tools such as Google Ads and Analytics, enhancing her ability to provide complete digital marketing solutions.

    Outside of work, Jess enjoys bringing well-loved furniture back to life and finding it a new home. In the summertime, she enjoys kayaking on Lyman Lake, camping up the North Shore, and going for bike rides along Park Point, and spends her free time snuggling up with her cat, Riley. Her hobbies include embroidery and making DIY projects with her Cricut machine, demonstrating her creativity outside of her professional endeavors.

  • Bio coming soon!

  • Samantha Herr is the creative spirit and plant-loving soul behind Herr Branding Company. In every aspect of her life, she strives to infuse creativity, warmth, and authenticity.

    She attended South Dakota State University, where she obtained her Bachelor's of Science Degree in Marketing & Advertising, along with Minors in Graphic Design, Copyright Law, Sociology, and Psychology. Pairing this with her early interests in art and love of design, Samantha has always been captivated by the power of creative expression.

    Throughout her career, Samantha has had the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse clientele, ranging from heartfelt non-profit organizations to dynamic solopreneurs and thriving multi-million dollar corporations. Her work has been recognized with several accolades, including being named the #1 Website Designer, #1 Graphic Designer, and #1 Marketing Agency in the Rochester, MN area for several consecutive years.

    Samantha is partnered with her husband, Eric. He might prefer the backstage, but his insights, business acumen, and, let's not forget, his glorious cooking, are the secret ingredients to their success. He is her rock, her sounding board, and an integral part of her life journey.

  • With over 20 years of experience in marketing technology and web development, Jeremiah has worked with more than 30 creative agencies, with clients ranging from small startups to companies with over $100 million in annual revenue. Throughout his career, he has built over a thousand websites and consulted with thousands of companies, helping them create impactful digital strategies and engaging customer experiences. Currently serving as the Community Connector for the American Advertising Federation of Central Minnesota, Jeremiah is dedicated to fostering collaboration and growth within the marketing community.

    An active member of the Regenerative Marketing Movement, Jeremiah is committed to exploring sustainable, equity-driven approaches to marketing. He is currently researching the intersection of marketing, history, and living systems to illustrate how marketing behaviors mirror ecological patterns found in nature. With a Certificate in Regenerative Economics from The Capital Institute, Jeremiah brings a fresh, systems-thinking perspective to his work, guiding businesses toward practices that align with the natural world while meeting the demands of modern economies.

  • Janie Dunckley Moore is the Founder & Lead Changemaker at Brico Works.

    Her journey with social impact organizations began nearly two decades ago—but truly, it’s rooted in her earliest experiences. As the child of a low-income, single mother, Janie was cared for by a network of people and organizations that supported them. One core memory her mother shares is of the doctor who applied just a bit of pressure to the scale to make sure Janie reached the "healthy baby" 6-pound mark so she could access the services they needed. This foundational support sparked her lifelong calling in the social and environmental sectors. Yet, after working in this field, Janie experienced the burnout that causes too many to leave. Her focus now is: How can we build organizations that support leaders to stay, feel fulfilled, and become employers of choice for talented people across generations?

    As the founder and dreamer of Brico Works, Janie brings 20 years of experience in nonprofit operational alchemy to the table. Her passion lies in building teams, systems, and tools that help changemakers do their work better. She has worked in program development, fundraising, communications, evaluation, and served as a volunteer and board member for multiple social change organizations. She has seen, felt, and been a part of what differentiates a good nonprofit from a great nonprofit, and she is excited to help social change leaders reimagine their work. 

  • Dylan Koltz-Hale, the founder of Mesaba Digital, is the “Smartest Man in Minnesota” according to Google... (seriously—try it!).  

    With nearly a decade of experience in consulting and digital marketing, Dylan specializes in empowering mission-based organizations to expand their reach through SEO, advertising, digital analytics, and strategic consulting.  

    Dylan leads a flexible, international team of on-demand experts, giving clients access to top-tier talent that scales with their needs. Whether managing short-term projects or guiding legacy organizations through sustained growth, Dylan and his team take a whole-systems approach—setting clear goals that align with the impact on organizations, communities, and the planet.  

    Dylan is based in Duluth, MN, where he enjoys bouldering, trail running, sauna sessions, free diving into the icy waters of Lake Superior, and leading yoga and meditation classes. He co-owns Evolve Yoga and Spin in downtown Duluth and brings mindfulness to his work and collaborations. Dylan holds a degree in Communication from the University of Minnesota, a Permaculture Systems Design Certification from Oregon State University, and completed yoga teacher training in India.  

    With a unique multidisciplinary perspective, Dylan ensures that Mesaba Digital delivers tailored, intentional solutions that elevate each organization’s potential. Clients are viewed as people first, partners second, and every engagement is rooted in a shared vision of working toward a healthier, more abundant future for all.

  • SPIRITUAL COACH, INTUITIVE ENERGY AND SOUND HEALER, KUNDALINI YOGA TEACHER, REAL ESTATE MAVEN, AND SERIAL ENTREPRENEUR

    Monique is the unique blend of business and woo.

    She started her first company at 26 years old and for the past 20+ years, she has been involved in all the aspects of business. Whether it has been starting or selling businesses, purchasing and selling real estate, her business acumen skills have served me well. With all that said, she has always been the person whose center is spiritual. Monique has been diligent throughout her life on continually improving not only her life and outlook but that of the ones who are around her. She has a gift to give to the world with her unique perspective and lens. She is able to be of service in the following ways: Being a witness and coach for those who are going through transitions in their lives or are just in need of someone to have their back. Leading group sessions that help others and herself to heal and evolve to higher levels of consciousness. She wants to continue to be the person that nourishes the light that is in all of us, even if it is only being the example.

    Monique lives in both Duluth and Bayfield and enjoys the beauty that is Lake Superior. She loves being by her or on her, feeling her beauty and bounty. She loves offering classes to groups to lift the consciousness and facilitate experiences that help people to do the deeper, more meaningful work. Monique is a calm extrovert who truly gets filled up and inspired by being around other fabulous souls. She has had many guides on my journey, but none was as helpful as the wolf. He guided her through so many of the hard challenges she experienced the past couple of years.

    Monique is excited for the future and what is yet to come. She has a deep knowing that connection is the way we will all grow and evolve this planet. Our influences and love is the only way.

  • Jebeh Edmunds is the founder and CEO of Jebeh Cultural Consulting LLC. She’s is a seasoned educator for over 18 years. Mrs. Edmunds has given numerous local and regional presentations related to diversity, African-American heritage, and cultural competency. She has a bachelor's degree in Communication from the University of Minnesota Duluth in 2002 and a post-bachelor's teaching certificate from the College of St. Scholastica. She graduated with a Master's of Science in Teaching from The College of St. Scholastica in May 2015. She’s also the former  Director of Education with the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce. Jebeh lives in Duluth with her husband Andy, and their two boys, Maxwell & Mateo.


  • Leadership Development Consultant, c c evans consulting, LLC

    Former Director, Master of Arts in Leadership and Center for Leadership Studies, Augsburg University

    Carolyn C. Evans, owner of c c evans consulting, LLC, advances transformative, equity-minded leadership development for leaders across industries. Carolyn is passionate about coaching leaders to heighten self-awareness, re-imagine goals, ignite bold action, and integrate reflection into their professional practice. Her coaching experience is multi-faceted; in addition to coaching leaders, she designs and facilitates professional development programs, develops curriculum for coaching courses, and strategizes with clients to develop and embed a coaching culture into the framework of their organizations.

    As a seasoned practitioner of both individual and team coaching, Carolyn is trained in both the Co-Active Coaching model (Co-Active Training Institute, California) and the Systemic Team Coaching model (Academy of Executive Coaching, London). She holds the Hogan Assessment Certification and is a Qualified Administrator (QA) of the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI). Additionally, as a certified Technology of Participation (ToP) Master Facilitator, Carolyn is trained in both virtual and in-person inclusive, sustainable facilitation techniques.

    Carolyn believes coaching is a process of listening well, building trusting relationships, and co-creating pathways forward that foster introspection, courageous action, and a spirit of continuous learning. Ultimately, Carolyn believes coaching can open doors to imagine and live our best lives, and in doing so, build a better world.