Jim Koppel, Regional Director, 651-855-1171
Kara Arzamendia, Research Director, 651-855-1184
Sybil Axner, Associate Director, 651-855-1172
Norma Bourland, Regional Organizer, 651-855-1186
Elaine Cunningham, Outreach Director, 651-855-1176
Judy Ham, Development Director, 651-855-1179
Nicole Hernandez, Program Associate, 651-855-1174
Stephanie Hogenson, Outreach Specialist, 651-855-1175
Marcie Jefferys, Policy Development Director, 651-855-1187
Kristen Lynn, Intern, 651-855-1177
Alisha Porter, Office Manager & Executive Assistant, 651-855-1173
Carole Specktor, Advocacy & Legislative Affairs Director, on maternity leave
Miriam West, Technology Director, 651-855-1182


The Children’s Defense Fund Leave No Child Behind® mission is to ensure every child a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities.