JESS, Program Director

Jess joined Oasis in March 2016 to help launch the innovative partnership with Mall of America, where she provided onsite support to young MOA employees. Jess became Oasis' program manager in 2017 and has since moved into a program director role to provide increased strategic direction to Oasis' expanding programs. She works most closely with Oasis' housing and employment initiatives. Jess brings 15+ years of experience working with youth programs and recently completed her master's degree in public affairs at the Hubert H. Humphrey School.

Jess is honored to work with young people on a daily basis and seeks out opportunities to help them recognize their awesomeness. She is committed to working collaboratively with community partners to develop and implement strategic solutions to end youth homelessness.

JASMYN, Program Manager

Jasmyn oversees drop-in and outreach services, and is Oasis’ most tenured employee, having been with us since 2014 as our lead case manager. Jasmyn has an extensive history working with youth, starting her career as an outreach worker with StreetWorks, and going on to work at Lutheran Social Services, Salvation Army Booth Brown House, District 202, and SafeZone. She quickly became a leader in the outreach community, using her expertise and connections to create the “Guide to the Streets” for youth and young adults. She continues to share her knowledge and skill with the youth-serving community as she leads trainings, especially about how to work with youth who are commercially sexually exploited as well as parenting youth.

When not working, Jasmyn spends time with her toddler, Marrion, who is her world; or with her family. After all, she is the oldest of six!

HANS, LEAD School-based outreach

Hans heads-up Oasis’ school-based outreach services in eight area high schools and alternative programs. Since he joined us in 2015, Hans has utilized his positive energy and sense of humor to create and nurture holistic relationships with the youth he supports. He believes in a strengths-based approach, believing in a youth’s ability to drive and determine their own future.

Outside of the school year, Hans focuses on connecting with community partners and local police departments to raise awareness about suburban youth homelessness. Hans is a member of the StreetWorks Outreach Collaborative. He previously worked as an employment navigator and case manager with newly arrived refugees at the International Institute of Minnesota.

Outside of work, Hans enjoys adventuring with his wife Lauren, playing Ultimate Frisbee, photography and watching the Green Bay Packers.

Tina, moa program manager

Tina joined Oasis in July 2017 as the new Case Manager at our Mall of America office. She will be an advocate for youth employed at MOA who may need help with housing, transportation, employment advocacy, basic needs support and more. Tina comes with 4 years of experience in the employment services world. She previously was an AmeriCorps Employment Navigator serving at CAPI USA, leading their South East Asian grant program. After working with various groups, she is returning to her main passion: working with youth.

Ran, moa case manager

Ran joins us as the Onward Eden Prairie Case Manager. He will be providing support to the four youth in the Onward EP house. Ran used to volunteer with Oasis, and we are so excited to have him on our team! He is very intentional in using daily interactions like cooking, fitness, and humor to build relationships with our youth.

Ran comes to us from Full Cycle, a program of Pillsbury United Communities, that focuses on building relationships and employment skills with youth experiencing homelessness with the use of bike mechanics, a retail shop and more. Ran and his youth interns would bicycle a mobile food shelf to communities that needed food. Ran also is a StreetWorks outreach worker, providing community-based outreach to youth and developing community connections. He is a graduate of Normandale Community College and is currently pursuing his psychology degree at Augsburg College. His ultimate goal is to bring more mental health resources to marginalized communities.

Jakyra, office manager

Since 2017, Jakyra has been a consistent presence at the Drop-in Center, supporting our young people. She started working with youth in 2015 as a volunteer Youth Leader for Young Life, during which time she earned her Human Services A.S. Degree.

Jakyra is very passionate about the youth at Oasis and enjoys being able to walk alongside them on their journey to success. In 2018, Jakyra’s position expanded so that she could support the team and keep things running as smoothly as possible.

ANTHONY, SCHOOL-BASED OUTREACH

Anthony Howard, school based case manager, is uniquely suited for this role, as he is a graduate of Jefferson High School in Bloomington. In addition, Anthony has three years of experience working in Minneapolis Public Schools. Anthony also holds his Bachelors of Arts in Religion from Luther College in Iowa. Anthony is by nature a coach, he has been coaching youth basketball for 3 years. His coaching skills are apparent as he patiently and gracefully helps all of our young people on their journeys.

christina, drop-in/family case manager

Christina provides support to the families in our program and manages the Drop-in Center. Prior to joining Oasis, Christina worked with older youth and families in child welfare and adoption for 14 years. She also served as a volunteer Sexual Violence Crisis Advocate for 12 years.

She feels very fortunate to have learned from youth about the power of resiliency, embracing and honoring who they are, reminding them of their value in this world, and truly listening to them—especially when making decisions that impact their lives.

Christina has a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice from Hamline University. Outside of work, she enjoys writing, photography, spending time with family and friends, cooking without recipes, singing in the car with her kids, life as a soccer mom and soccer coach’s wife, family hikes, and Netflix marathons.