VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

Amanda joined the Jericho Road staff in February 2025. She helps new volunteers find the right role, supports them as they begin serving, and assists with Elliot Park events like food distributions and cooking classes.

She previously worked in communications at the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Bethlehem Baptist Church, holds a BA in English from the University of Minnesota, and is currently pursuing a Social Work degree at North Central University.

Amanda loves Jericho Road’s relationship-centered ministry – coming alongside neighbors with encouragement, prayer, and assistance. She enjoys time in Powderhorn Park, classical music, and her church community at Bethlehem Baptist Church.

DIRECTOR

Jeff has led Jericho Road Ministries as its Director since its founding in January 2011. He provides vision, direction, and Christ-centered leadership to the ministry.

He studied at the University of Northwestern–St. Paul, the University of Minnesota, and Bethel Seminary, and previously spent 23 years at Community Emergency Service in various roles. He felt a calling to urban ministry at a young age and met his wife, Krista, at a prayer gathering for the city.

Jeff is a longtime resident of the Phillips neighborhood and member of Bethlehem Baptist Church. He enjoys Minnesota sports, traveling, time with family (his wife and three kids), and walking his dog. He remains deeply committed to Jericho Road’s mission of leading people from crisis to Christ-centered hope and restoration – seeing it as a great honor to see God at work.

BUSINESS OFFICE ASSISTANT

Ken joined Jericho Road Ministries in 2021. As the Business Office Assistant, he supports daily administrative and financial tasks which keep the ministry running smoothly.

He spent his career devoted to helping others, working in health care administration and as a Registered Nurse until his retirement. Ken is passionate about walking alongside our neighbors in need and values contributing to Jericho Road’s work behind the scenes.

In his free time, Ken enjoys nature photography, yard work, and spending time with his dogs.

PROJECT & SITE MANAGER

Kurt has served as Project and Site Manager since 2023, overseeing daily operations at Jericho Road’s Elliot Park site.

He holds an MBA in International Development and has served in pastoral ministry, an urban Minneapolis nonprofit, and as a missionary in West Africa with SIM International.

Kurt loves connecting with Jericho Road’s neighbors and volunteers and responding to needs with the compassion of Jesus. He enjoys biking, kayaking, and spending time outdoors. After living in different parts of the world, Kurt and his wife settled in Edina, where they enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren.

SPECIAL PROJECTS COORDINATOR

A founding staff member in 2011, Laurie serves as Special Projects Coordinator. She supports volunteers and neighbors daily and helps with special events like the flu shot clinic, backpack distribution, and shoe bus events.

Before Jericho Road, Laurie worked as a landscape architect for several decades and later entered urban crisis ministry in 2005. She loves the opportunity to show mercy and kindness to all who enter Jericho Road’s doors, offering a listening ear and seeing lives transformed.

When she’s not at Jericho Road Ministries, Laurie enjoys gardening, spending time in nature, serving at church, watching movies, and time at home with her cat.

ASSISTANT PROGRAM MANAGER

Shantel joined Jericho Road in July 2024. She serves as the Assistant Program Manager, helping oversee daily operations, supporting volunteers, and walking alongside neighbors at the Elliot Park location.

She brings experience in education, social services, finance, and nonprofit leadership. Her career has included work in shelters, children’s programs, food access initiatives, and providing guidance to those experiencing trauma or crisis.

Shantel loves that Jericho Road meets people where they are – offering a safe, welcoming space for those that need it. She is blessed by the neighbors that visit and sees it as an honor to cultivate genuine, organic relationships rooted in the love of God. Shantel enjoys time with family and friends, choir rehearsal, gardening, and pursuing a healthy lifestyle.