Meet Our New Board Members:
We are thrilled to welcome four new members to the Pathways' Board of Directors. This brings our number of Board members to thirteen. Michele Anderson, Dee Baskin, Aurea Gerard, and Ann Thompson each bring a unique depth of skill, presence, and perspective to our organization. We invite you to take a few minutes to learn more about them.
Michele Anderson, DNP, PMHNP, E-RYT
Michele is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, working in a local emergency room. Michele holds a Doctorate in Nursing Practice from the University of Minnesota, a Masters from Augsburg College, and a Bachelors of Science from University of Minnesota. Michele is deeply passionate about the mental health of birthing individuals and their partners, and has devoted herself to the support of perinatal mental health care in Minnesota. Michele has been teaching yoga and leading gong meditations for more than 10 years, and she has also completed all levels through certification in Healing Touch. Michele, her husband, and her daughter live in Minneapolis, and enjoy spending time with their many pets.
Dee Baskin, JD (she/they)
Dee is a communicator, educator, advocate, queer person of color, and Executive Director of Loan Repayment Assistance Program of Minnesota (a nonprofit that helps dedicated public interest attorneys throughout the state repay their student loans). Dee is also passionate about equitable and accessible health care, and volunteers weekly as a Pranic Healer to provide free healings to those in need. In addition to Pathways, Dee serves as a board or committee member for several local and national organizations, including Ballet Co. Laboratory, Nonprofit Technology Network (NTEN), and the Hennepin County Department of Community Corrections and Rehabilitation. Dee's educational background includes a JD from the U of M Law School, and a Bachelor’s in English and Public Relations from the University of Indianapolis.
Aurea Gerard, M.MSC
Aurea is a Philanthropic Advisor at the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation, the largest community foundation in the state of Minnesota. In her role, she assists donors to achieve their short and long term philanthropic goals by helping them discover or clarify their values, interest, and charitable vision. She is a 21/64 Certified Advisor which makes her an expert in fundraising, donor engagement, family philanthropy, family dynamics and engaging the next generation. She joined the foundation in 2012. In addition to her decades of experience in the nonprofit sector, especially in the areas of fundraising, project management and development, Aurea is also a Holistic Energy Healing Practitioner and runs a small practice. Aurea studied at the University of Saint Thomas and holds an associate and bachelor's degree in business administration and metaphysical science. She also holds a master’s degree in metaphysical science from the University of Metaphysics in Sedona, AZ. In her free time, she shares her skills as a certified Reiki Master at Pathways. She’s been a committed volunteer since January 2012. Aurea also loves traveling with her spouse Terrance, exploring her creative side and spending time in nature. In addition to being a certified Reiki Master/Teacher, she is also an Integrated Energy Practitioner, VortexHealing® Practitioner and a Metaphysician.
Ann Thompson
Ann is owner of Sage Communication. Founded in 1991, her firm provides communication and marketing services to a variety of for- and non-profit organizations around the Twin Cities. Ann holds an M.A. in communication from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and a B.A. in communication from the College of St. Catherine (now St. Catherine University) in St. Paul, MN. In addition to her professional work, she and her registered therapy dog, Leo the sheltie, volunteer at Gillette Children’s Hospital and Minneapolis St. Paul Airport. She is a musician and singer-songwriter hobbyist and a registered ULCA minister.