The Open Door Pantry

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  • About Us
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Meet Our Staff

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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

Email: jasonv@theopendoorpantry.org

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.

Kris Albright

Finance Manager

Phone: 651-368-4785

Email: krisa@theopendoorpantry.org

A Bit about Kris

I’m a daughter, a wife, and a mother. I am very active in my church and lead everything from bible study to soccer camps. My husband and I love beagles. I have been walking beagles through my neighborhood for 27 years and I am known as the ‘Beagle Lady” to my neighbors.

Deanna Baisch

Client Services Manager

Phone: o: 651-605-2887 | c: 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!

Adam Hoffman

Mobile Food Program Manager

Phone: o: 651-605-2891 | c: 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.

Sarah O’Brien

Development & Communications Manager

Phone: 651-888-0630

Email: sarah@theopendoorpantry.org

A Bit about Sarah

I live in Saint Paul with my husband Jeff and our two sweet girls. My favorite way to spend time is hanging out with my family. I also enjoy skating roller derby, running around Como Lake in the wee hours of the morning, or reading a good book late into the evening. 

Alpa Goswami

Garden To Table Manager

Phone: 651-600-9244

Email: alpag@theopendoorpantry.org

A Bit about Alpa

I have a biology degree with the chemistry minor. I have worked as a botanist as well as in marketing and nonprofit management and am a yoga/Barre instructor. In my free time I like to garden, do yoga, and dance. I am a mother of 2 and I am owned by 2 cats.

Veronica Lind

Volunteer & Client Services Coordinator

Phone: 651-368-5756

Email: veronica@theopendoorpantry.org

A Bit about Veronica

Having a background in public health and volunteer management, The Open Door allows me to combine two of my passions. I love supporting volunteers who are providing fresh, healthy food to those in need every day. In my free time, I enjoy running and hiking in Lebanon Hills with my husband and dog.​

Cathy Clauson

Development Associate

Phone: 612-449-4037

Email: cathy@theopendoorpantry.org

A Bit about Cathy

I’m a former newspaper copy editor, native Wisconsinite, and longtime interpretive volunteer at the Minnesota Zoo. In my free time, I enjoy reading, gardening, and hiking Lake Superior’s North Shore with my husband and dog.

Annie Gentilini

Communications & Events Coordinator

Phone: 952-207-3280

Email: annie@theopendoorpantry.org

A Bit about Annie

I’m a Dakota County native and an Iowa State Cyclone! My favorite things in life are Disney, coffee and my two yorkie-poos. I enjoy spending my free time binging Food Network, finding new places to adventure to and being with my friends and family.

Tony Vannicola

Business Development Coordinator

Phone: 651-529-0198

Email: tony@theopendoorpantry.org

A Bit about Tony

I am a semi-retired, former investment management executive. I live in Eagan with my wife Colleen, a St. Paul native. My free time includes visiting our two grown kids, traveling the globe, rooting for MNUFC, and testing out local Italian eateries. PS Got business partnership ideas? Let’s connect.

Sara Garcia

Mobile Food Program Coordinator

Phone: o: 651-605-2891 | c: 651-247-7643

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!

Audrey Lomax

Mobile Food Program Assistant

Phone: 651-358-4003

Email: Audrey@theopendoorpantry.org

A Bit about Audrey

I have worked in the food system for over ten years and have a masters degree in sustainable food systems with a focus on race, education, and agriculture.  My love for people and food is reflected in almost everything I do and I’m always happy to chat about it!

Gabby Steinhoff

Operations Assistant

Phone: 651-358-1217

Email: gabby@theopendoorpantry.org

A Bit about Gabby

I am a Minnesota native, but a Metro Area transplant after moving to the area to study psychology at the University of Minnesota. I am currently a Master of Social Work student at the University of St. Thomas focusing on clinical mental health, environmental justice, and social policy. In my free time, I love to write, play tennis, drink coffee, travel, cook elaborate meals for my friends and family, and play with my pet tortoise Tortellini. I am honored to be able to help people feed their families with healthy food! ​

Ellie Reed

Food Pantry AmeriCorps

Phone:

Email:

A Bit about Ellie

I was born and raised in California and just graduated from Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington where I studied Sociology and Environmental Studies. I will be serving with the Open Door as an AmeriCorps member until May 2021 and am excited to be a part of the team. I just moved to Minneapolis and am enjoying getting to know the area. Yes, this winter will be my first Minnesota winter. No, I don’t think I am completely prepared! Other than preparing for winter, I spend my time cooking and baking, going on bike rides to visit Minnesota’s amazing lakes, and playing with my hamster Alfie. I am also working on setting up an aquaponics system that involves 8 fish, an aquarium, and lots of little plants. Feel free to ask me about it if you bump into me!​

Kierstin Johnson

Mobile Pantry AmeriCorps

Phone:

Email:

A Bit about Kierstin

I grew up in Rosemount, MN and I graduated from St. Catherine University in 2017. In my free time I enjoy traveling, cooking and hanging out with friends and family. I am very excited to be serving at The Open Door as an AmeriCorps member!​

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Latest News

Feature: The Open Door’s Finance Manager Kris

Feature: The Open Door’s Garden to Table Program Manger Alpa

AmeriCorps Opportunities with The Open Door’s Garden to Table Program Spring 2021

Feature: Garden to Table Gardener Vicki

Click to view Event Calendar
Food Appointments, Support & Resources 651-686-0787

3910 Rahn Road Eagan, MN 55122 | Administrative Office Phone 651-605-2881

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The Open Door's 2020 Impact Report