Meet the Team

Kelly Waller
Director of Human Resources and Operations

My experience has been a combination of Human Resource leadership and program management. In my past positions, I worked in partnership with the president and senior leaders to build workforce plans, identify and train critical skills, and develop talent capabilities that enable the organization to achieve growth objectives. My Human Resource capabilities include Employee Relations, Performance Management, Change Management, Training and Development, Regulatory Compliance, Talent Management, Culture Development, and Strategic Planning. I am a strong advocate and have been successful in helping the organization create a culture that values inclusion. I thrive on collaborative relationships that create a positive culture and a workplace experience that engages employees, reduces turnover, and promotes the values of the organization.  I worked for 25+ years in the disability/mental health field where I managed programs, managers and coordinators in the delivery of service to others with the goal of helping them live their best life. I am excited to bring this energy to the newfound passion of Begin Anew.

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Rhonda Schaffer-Smith
Certified Peer Recovery Specialist Supervisor

 My education as a social worker led me to a career in a very hands-on supportive advocacy role. I began my career at the Women’s Minnesota Correctional Facility in Shakopee. I provided 1:1 mental health and substance use disorder support. As I learned about substance use, I also turned my attention to our youth as well as people with intellectual/mental health disabilities. I joined the Minneapolis Park Board as an At-Risk Youth Specialist and partnered with MAD DADS mentoring and supporting our young people as they moved forward in their own recovery. The last 10 years,  I dedicated my time and talents as a program manager supporting both staff and people living with intellectual and mental health disabilities in a day program setting. It was here that I helped build strong organizational growth objectives, train critical skills while developing happy talented employees; thus, reducing the percentage of turnover.  I enjoy working in a collaborative manner and look forward to creating a strong, supportive culture for both our peers and people in recovery.