Meet Our Staff - The Open Door Pantry

Meet the staff of The Open Door, find their contact information and learn a little about each of them.

Jason Viana

Executive Director

Phone: 612-390-5613

A Bit about Jason

I am a transplant from Alabama who now lives in Burnsville with my wife Nicola and our two awesome little boys. When I am not working with our Open Door team, I spend most of my time with my family. I love mountain biking, downhill skiing, hiking, and annually rediscovering my humility by running obstacle races.

I have a complete mancrush on Malcolm Gladwell and am a devoted reader and listener of his work. I am also a huge fan of Freakonomics, The Uncertain Hour, and more podcasts than I should mention.

Adam Hoffman

Logistics and Inventory Manager

Phone: 651-368-0361

Email: adamh@theopendoorpantry.org

A Bit about Adam

I live in Apple Valley with my wife Elischéba (pronounced, Alicia-ba). We love to travel and meet people from all over the world and learn about how they live life and try their food. I come from an outdoor guide/outdoor educator background where I guided trips on Lake Superior and the Mississippi River for about 8 years after college.

Angela Steenberg

Development Associate

Phone: 612-449-4037

Email: angela@theopendoorpantry.org

A Bit about Angela

As a 30+ year resident of Eagan, I am thrilled to have found a career where I can give back to my community. Besides being a wife and mom, I am a self-described tree hugger, animal lover, theatre buff, foodie, and social justice advocate. I love to travel, read, hang out with friends and family, play with my dog Gladys, and spend time on the North Shore.

Barbara Moon

Senior Bookkeeper

Phone:

Email: barbara@theopendoorpantry.org

A Bit about Barbara

I am excited to use my degree in accounting and MBA in marketing/management to work for an organization striving to end local hunger. As a long-time Dakota County resident, my family and I have enjoyed years of great community resources like libraries, schools, parks, and more. I want to continue to support this community and my neighbors in ways that meet their needs.

I am an avid knitter and reader, which I do at home or on the North Shore. I love the MN Twins, nature walks, kayaking, musicals/concerts, and lattes.

Deanna Baisch

Director of Client Services & Reporting

Phone: 651-368-1315

Email: deannab@theopendoorpantry.org

A Bit about Deanna

As a wife and mother of two kids, I spend most of my free time with family. Other interests include playing volleyball with a team of close friends, ice skating, reading, and volunteering at church. I consider myself very blessed to play a small part in feeding hungry people every day!

Heather Tidd

Garden to Table Manager

Phone: 651-600-9244

Email: heather.tidd@theopendoorpantry.org

A Bit about Heather

I live in Lakeville with my husband, two dogs, a cat, four rabbits, and an iguana (it’s basically a zoo). I joined The Open Door with a background in community support and engagement. I’m looking forward to utilizing those skills within our Garden to Table program. When I’m not working, I’m usually on the lakes, reading, or spending time with my husband, four adult children, and their partners.

Laura Grevas

Communications Associate

Phone: 651-368-5756

Email: laura.grevas@theopendoorpantry.org

A Bit about Laura

I am an (almost) lifelong resident of Dakota County and South St. Paul native, and I’m thrilled to be working in my community again!

After finishing school, I worked as a newspaper reporter in Iowa and rural Minnesota before moving home, where I was an AmeriCorps member at Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity. I spent the last decade working at the Minnesota Homeownership Center, but now I am excited to return to my passion for writing and direct service by joining The Open Door team.

In my free time, I enjoy reading, listening to podcasts, trivia and baking. I live in Inver Grove with my husband, son, and our pet rabbit.

Lisa Wendt

Events and Community Engagement Lead

Phone: 651-302-9528

Email: lisa.wendt@theopendoorpantry.org

A Bit about Lisa

I joined the team after volunteering for many years and helping implement the composting and recycling program at the Eagan Pantry in 2016. The Open Door’s mission to provide fresh, healthy food has always resonated with my belief that a healthy mind and body benefits everyone in a community, a value that started with my bachelors degree in Nutrition.

Prior to joining The Open Door, I ran my own Professional Organizing business for 22 years and no, my spices are not alphabetized. My free time includes hiking, snowshoeing, cooking, supporting local restaurants, traveling, and savoring lots of dark chocolate.

Matt Wendt

Food Rescue Coordinator

Phone: 612-381-4400

Email: matt.wendt@theopendoorpantry.org

A Bit about Matt

My path to The Open Door began as a food rescue volunteer shortly after taking early retirement from a nearby legal technology company. I quickly discovered a passion for the organization’s mission and was invigorated working alongside such an incredibly dedicated team of volunteers and staff. I’m thrilled to now be a member of the staff, where I have served in a variety of roles.

I grew up in central MN, graduated from Mankato State University (BS in Computer Science), and have lived and worked in Eagan since the early nineteen nineties. In my free time, I enjoy supporting local restaurants, attending art events & live concerts, and creating things with my hands. I thrive on new challenges, working hard, and solving difficult problems! Oh, and I am married to Lisa (see above). 😊

Miriam Duque

Bilingual Neighborhood Food Support Coordinator

Phone: 651-368-4785

Email: miriam@theopendoorpantry.org

A Bit about Miriam

I grew up in Phoenix, AZ and I now reside in Lakeville, MN with my beautiful family; my husband, our 4 kids, our dog, and our 8 chickens. I live a very chaotic and busy life, but I wouldn’t change a thing!

Outside of work, I enjoy quality time with my family in any way possible. My favorite thing has become exploring new parks and trails during the summertime. I also love to sing worship songs and serve in our church. Working at the Open Door is a game changer. I get to serve my community and I also get to be an asset to my Spanish-speaking community as well, so to me, that’s a win-win 😊

Nicole Tyrrell

Neighborhood Programs Manager

Phone: 612-505-4342

Email: nicole@theopendoorpantry.org

A Bit about Nicole

I have spent most of my life living in the Burnsville & Eagan area, and love being able to work in this community. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree from Winona State and spent nearly 15 years in the advertising field before coming to The Open Door. I started as a volunteer and truly loved the compassion I saw within the organization. When I saw an opportunity to join the team I jumped at the chance!

In my free time I like to hang out with family & friends, go kayaking, cook, try new restaurants, or my newfound hobby of coloring.

Owen Donohue

Neighborhood Programs Coordinator

Phone: 651-247-7643

Email: owen@theopendoorpantry.org

A Bit about Owen

I am a D.C. native thrilled to be giving back to my new community in the Twin Cities. I graduated from the University of Maryland and worked in sales before finding the Open Door. When I’m not working, I am either making music, playing tennis, biking, or spending time with my partner and our cat.

Sara Garcia

Logistics and Inventory Specialist

Phone: O: 651-605-2891 | C: 612-398-3406

Email: sara.garcia@theopendoorpantry.org

A Bit about Sara

I’m originally from Eagan, and a 2019 Mankato State graduate. In my free time I love going to concerts of any genre, hiking around Lebanon Hills, going to the gym, and hanging with my 2 cats Cheeto and Frida! I am so happy to be a part of an amazing organization, working to end hunger within the community I grew up in!

Sean Danaher

Pantry Operations Manager

Phone: 651-358-1217

Email: sean@theopendoorpantry.org

A Bit about Sean

I am a Stillwater native, a lawyer by training and a football (aka soccer) fanatic. My career has provided me with broad experience in business and legal technology, but my true passion is serving others. What do I like most about working at The Open Door? Easy, my passion and my job are now one and the same.

When I am not working, I spend my time camping, cooking, traveling, birding, gardening and chasing my daughters around. I live in Eagan with my wonderful wife Becky and our two lovely daughters.

Tara Lashley

Director of Development and Communications

Phone: 651-888-0630

Email: tara.lashley@theopendoorpantry.org

A Bit about Tara

I am a river-hopper (crossed the mighty Miss) from Wisconsin who has called Minnesota my home for nearly 20 years. My husband and I have lived in this community for 15 years. We have two young children and have immersed ourselves in all things kiddos in the community – sports, scouting, and school activities.

When I am not working, I am spending time with family and friends making memories that will last a lifetime. Everything from exploring the great parks and trails in Dakota County to game nights with the neighbors, cheering my kids on at soccer and gymnastics to mastering my cribbage skills with my husband.

My passion is to make a positive impact on individuals’ lives. I am beyond excited and honored to be part of The Open Door to ensure that everyone in our community has access to fresh and healthy food.

Wendy O’Brien

Volunteer Program Manager

Phone: 612-505-4338

Email: wendy@theopendoorpantry.org

A Bit about Wendy

I recently moved back to the Twin Cities and returned to The Open Door, after having lived out West for the last couple of years. It is so good to be home and part of a team dedicated to supporting our neighbors. With a background in nutrition, it is important to me to remain committed to providing healthy food options. In my spare time I enjoy cooking, reading, walking my dog, practicing yoga and any opportunity to travel. I am a very proud mom, willing to drop anything to spend time with my son and two daughters!