Reaching out to a Navigator
Mental Health Connect Navigators answer all texts, email and calls—they’re confidential, experienced, and trained to listen and find individualized resources and support for you or someone you care about.
Connect with them today.
Monday - Friday
8:30 am - 5 pm
Call/text 612.642.1220
Email navigator@mhconnect.org
Meet our Navigators
Russell
Lead Navigator
Russell became a navigator because he highly values mental health, and wants to play whatever part he can in helping others overcome mental illness. In the past, he has studied and worked in software engineering, but recently decided to devote himself to working with people. Navigating for MHC is his first step towards a career in mental healthcare.
Diane, she/her
Founder, Faith Community Nurse, and Navigator
For more than 20 years, Diane has been directing health and caring ministries at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, and helping members integrate faith and health to live healthier lives. In the last few years, there has been a focus on mental health and helping individuals and families navigate the medical system. Many of the programs/ministries created are open to the broad community. In 2014, Mental Health Connect was created to respond to the increasing needs in the area of mental health. MHC was formed to help reduce the stigma associated with mental illness and to help individuals and families navigate the system. Prior to working at the church, Diane was a pediatric nurse practitioner and practiced at Children’s Hospital of MN and Axis Medical Center, a community clinic. Diane is on the board of Westminster Counseling Center, Fairview Interfaith Leadership Team, and the board of Total Health Africa.
Judy, she/her
Navigator
Judy started volunteering with MHC several years ago by serving on the Outreach Team. Her knowledge in the mental health field grew as she engaged in MHC training opportunities, and she soon became interested in helping people access resources tailored to their needs. Judy grew up with a parent who suffered from anxiety and depression and experienced first hand how the right intervention can change lives. Judy volunteers in the Big Sister program, working with people experiencing homelessness, the Harriet Tubman shelter, and as a Minneapolis Institute of Art guide. Her career was spent in the education field as a teacher, product development and market research manager and sale consultant. She’s happiest in a museum, theater, or book store, and lunching with friends and family.
Margie
Navigator
Margie joined the Board of Directors at the Family Partnership after her children “launched” and became part of a strategic team looking to strengthen families in the Twin Cities. In many instances, ACEs (adverse childhood experiences) were a major factor. At the time, mental health issues were not discussed openly, so family issues perpetuated. Jump ahead a decade and now people are actively looking for help with mental health issues but find it can be hard to get started. After observing and assisting family members with various mental health issues and listening to one of our founders educate on the opportunity of Mental Health Connect, she came on board as a navigator.
Margie is a member of St. Philip the Deacon Church where she became involved with IOCP (Interfaith Outreach and Community Partners), where she continues to volunteer.
Rachel, she/her
Navigator
Rachel joined the Navigation team in 2024 after joining the Ambassador team at her church. It didn’t take Rachel long to recognize the important work that MHC was doing, and she wanted to jump right in. Rachel works in ultrasound at a metro hospital, and also has a master’s degree in Children, Youth and Family ministry. She has more than 10 years experience working with youth grief support programs. Rachel volunteers in multiple capacities at her church, Prince of Peace in Brooklyn Park, and through both healthcare and ministry, she recognizes the importance of mental health support and care. Rachel believes mental health is just as important as physical health and navigating either system should not be a roadblock to getting the care you need.
Chris, she/her
Navigator
Fresh off a 36 year career as an executive educator in the non-profit world, Chris wanted to find fulfillment in her next chapter. During her career she developed and executed leadership programs of which the core tenants were based on empathy, empowerment, and integrity. She wanted to translate all those skills by helping others—she chose MHC to focus her efforts. As a person who has been affected by depression and anxiety, Chris has been grateful to those that helped her on her journey to better mental health. She appreciates the opportunity as an MHC navigator to give back. She is married to Ben and has one daughter. In her spare time, she loves working out, yoga, theater, and reading.