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
Rachel, she/her
Lead Navigator
Rachel joined the Navigation team in 2024 after joining the Ambassador team at her church. She’s thrilled to take on the role of lead navigator and excited to work with the team planning the Stories of Hope Breakfast, again bringing light into the darkness. 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.
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.
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.
Tanya
Navigator
Tanya is married with a blended family of 6 adult children and 2 grandsons so far. She has a bulldog named Tex. She loves spending time with family and friends, reading, and enjoying a good sunset while listening to good music. Her goal is to glorify Jesus in all she does and grow in a deeper relationship with him. She has a heart to serve and looks forward to contributing and being part of this great organization.