Michelle Basham, JD, ESQ, MPA, Executive Director
Michelle Basham came to Genesis II from the MN Department of Human Services where she was responsible for strategic planning and special projects, including initiatives focused on at-risk adults, cultural competency, diversity, disparities in health care, and emerging issues in human services. Michelle was also the founder and Executive Director of Avenues for Homeless Youth, the first shelter for homeless youth in Minneapolis. She has a Masters in Public Administration from Hamline University and earned her Juris Doctor from Hamline University School of Law.
Email Michelle Basham or call 612.877.7827.
Bernell E. Buchanan, Associate Director
Bernell Buchanan has been involved with Genesis II for over 7 years first as a consultant, then as Director of Finance & Development, Interim Executive Director, and now as the agency’s Associate Director. She has a varied background in organizational management and finance, including 5 years of consulting on nonprofit accounting and finance, 3 years as controller of a national non-profit, 3 years of auditing in the public accounting sector and several years in the private corporate sector. Bernell holds a BA in Accounting and an inactive Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license.
Email Bernell Buchanan or call 612.877.7828.
Jane Bates, LSW, Manager of Adolescent Parenting Programs
Jane Bates has over 20 years experience in social services, most within the youth services arena. She is a great source of information on the difficulties faced by youth today and the community resources available to them. She has an undergraduate degree in Social Work and is a Licensed Social Worker (LSW). She manages our Bright Beginnings Program and our Teen Parenting Program.
Email Jane Bates or call 612.877.7824.
Jill Helgemoe, Manager of Supervised Parenting Services
Jill Helgemoe has extensive experience advocating for women and families at various domestic abuse shelters and advocacy organizations beginning her career in 1995. She has a BA in Women’s Studies from the University of Minnesota and is pursuing her Masters of Social Work. She manages all aspects of our Supervised Parenting Services.
Email Jill Helgemoe or call 612.877.7832.
Susie Hodges, MSW, Manager of Family Focus Day & Evening Programs
Susie Hodges has worked in the social service field since 1998, beginning her career as a Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) Counselor. She obtained her Masters Degree in Social Work (MSW) from St. Thomas University. Susie has been with Genesis II for Families since 2002. She is responsible for managing our Family Focus Day & Evening Programs.
Email Susie Hodges or call 612.877.7841.
Beverly Pfeiffer, Manager of Children’s Services
Beverly (Bea) Pfeiffer has been working in child development since 1997, including being a center manager and lead teacher. Bea also has experience working with troubled youth through work at teen shelters. Bea started her career at Genesis II in 1999. She has an AAS in Child Development. Bea is responsible for our Child Development Center and Buzzy Beehive Child Care.
Email Bea Pfeiffer or call 612.877.7821.
Kate Rickord, MA, LPP, LPC, Director of Clinical & Educational Services
Kate (Nokleberg) Rickord has prior clinical experience working with children and adolescents including children with autism spectrum disorders. She is a Licensed Psychological Practitioner (LPP) and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Her key competency areas include clinical interviewing; psychotherapy for individuals, couples, and families; group therapy; assessment of parental abilities; and psycho-education. She holds a Masters in Counseling & Psychological Services (MA) from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Kate supervises all of our clinical services including Therapy and Evaluation, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy and Parenting Assessments, as well as our educational services including our Family Focus Day & Evening Programs, In-Home Parent Education, Independent Living Skills, and Adolescent Parenting Programs.
Email Kate Rickord or call 612.877.7831.