Shelly Graf, MSW, LICSW and founder of Right Response, received their Masters degree in Social Work from the University of Minnesota in 2003. Since then, they have been honored to support healing alongside youth, adults, and families in a variety of therapeutic ways in schools and also as a psychotherapist, community leader in Restorative Justice and Mindfulness teacher. Having experienced first hand, the healing power of these modalities, they are grateful to be able to share their skills and experience as a teacher and trainer both locally and nationally. Shelly uses a trauma informed lens to reclaim and integrate lived experiences in the service of healing. Healing is your birthright. Listening to the needs of the mind and body, we will take it one step at a time, together.

Bryan has been working in social services for a decade, beginning with several years working  in homeless youth shelters in Oregon. He received an undergraduate degree in Community Studies at University of California, Santa Cruz in 2012, and a masters in Social Work from University of Minnesota in 2020. Outside of work, Bryan is involved with food justice and mutual aid projects, makes photography (and other) zines, and occasionally plays in punk bands. Bryan incorporates laughter and joy into his work, while helping students learn coping skills that may benefit them for life. Bryan strives to build genuine connections with young people, meeting them where they are at and building a trusting environment where vulnerability and authenticity are fostered. 

Chloe received her undergraduate degree in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Madison and her Master's in Social Work from the University of Minnesota in 2014.  She has worked with mothers in correctional facilities, but most primarily has supported young children--both in the Day Treatment Program at the Washburn Center for Children, and most recently providing outpatient therapy to children in school.  Chloe believes in and is amazed by the resiliency of young people, and utilizes different therapeutic modalities depending on their needs, some of them being CBT, mindfulness and both directive and non-directive play therapy.

Christina Jobelius holds a Marriage and Family Therapist licence from the state of CA and a pending Minnesota Marriage and Family Therapy licence. Christina received her masters in Counseling Psychology from John F. Kennedy University in California. Christina began her career over a decade ago as a grief counselor at hospice providing group and individual therapy to those who lost loved ones. Prior to joining Right Response, Christina provided a private practice specializing in teens and young adults in Oakland Ca. She also worked for close to a decade in the field of eating disorder treatment with individuals and families. As a therapist, Christina draws from relational and psychodynamic theories with an emphasis on family systems, social justice and trauma informed care. 

Debra has been working in the field of social work, social justice and youth development for 18 years. She received her Bachelor’s in Peace Studies from the College of St. Benedict in 2001 and her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Minnesota in 2011. Her work experience includes directing youth programs in Minneapolis and St. Paul, facilitating democratic learning spaces with immigrant adults, managing mental health programming for people living with HIV, and working in schools to provide therapy and social work services. Debra works with authenticity and curiosity, seeks to create spaces where youth (and everyone) can be their whole selves and speak their truths, and finds deep joy in connecting with young people.

Kestrel grew up in Vermont, where she developed a love of nature, photography and singing. She received her undergraduate degree in Latin American Studies and Political Science from Evergreen State College in Washington state in 2008 and her Master’s in Social Work from the University of St. Catherine/St. Thomas University in 2016. Her work has included teaching English in Oaxaca, Mexico, teaching Spanish and arts, and acting as Program Director for Urban Arts Academy in Minneapolis. Kestrel loves working with kids and families, and moved towards social work to support social and emotional growth of the people she works with. Kestrel values using an antiracist framework, and engages a trauma and historical trauma lens in her kid centered work. 

Nikki has 15 years of experience working with children and families. She received her undergraduate degree in Sociology from the University of Minnesota and her master's in Social Work from the University of St. Catherine/St. Thomas University in 2016.  She incorporates art, games, play and interests of the student to establish a safe space for kids where they can talk about difficult situations, express feelings and learn how to cope with challenges and heal.  Nikki is committed to understanding every aspect of a person's story and the impact their lived experiences have on their emotional well being.  She uses a strengths based, trauma informed approach and strongly believes that each person carries wisdom and insight into their own healing journey.