close

Help us recognize the impact of SNAP Education. Share how SNAP Ed has built a healthier Minnesota.

Title

Program and Operations Directors

Sections
A group of students doing an activity with their teacher at the table.

Early Childhood 

The Early Childhood Administration directs policies and programs that streamline and coordinate child care and early learning services to improve outcomes for children, families, and the early childhood workforce.

Cindy Yang, Child Care Services Director
early.childhood.engagement.dcyf@state.mn.us
651-539-7700

Nikki Kovan, Early Learning Services Director
early.childhood.engagement.dcyf@state.mn.us
651-539-7700

Happy family of three sitting together on couch with laptop.

Family Well-Being 

The Family Well-Being Administration directs policies and programs that elevate a safety net of resources available to families in Minnesota, including the Minnesota Family Investment Program, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, emergency assistance, and child support programs.

Jovon Perry, Economic Assistance and Supports Director
economicassistance.dcyf@state.mn.us 
651-539-7700

Michele Schreifels, Child Support Director
DCYF.child.support@state.mn.us
651-539-7700

Social worker interviewing child

Child Safety and Permanency

The Child Safety and Permanency Administration directs policies and programs that offer vital support for families who provide permanent homes for children through adoption, foster and kinship care arrangements. She also guides the work of the American Indian Wellbeing, African American Child Wellbeing, and Families First initiatives.

Windy Ross, Training and Prevention Director
dcyf.child.safety-permanency@state.mn.us
651-539-7700

Michelle Seymore, Foster Care and Permanency Director
dcyf.CSP.FOSTERCARE@state.mn.us
651-539-7700

cut-out of family

Economic Opportunity and Youth Services 

The Economic Opportunity and Youth Services Administration directs support and resources for children and families participating in anti-poverty, food and nutrition, and youth justice programs.

Sarah Kniskern Augenbaugh, Office of Economic Opportunity Director
dcyf.oeo@state.mn.us
651-539-7700

Callie Hargett, Youth Services Director
youthservicesoffices.dcyf@state.mn.us
651-539-7700

Alicia Nichols, Office of Restorative Practices Director
Restorativepractices.dcyf@state.mn.us
651-539-7700

A man giving a speech in front of a crowd in a room.

Government Relations

Government Relations directs DCYF’s legislative program, and ensures that agency-initiated proposals to the Minnesota Legislature are consistent with the agency’s mission. The team also coordinates legislative-related communications between the agency and state legislators, the Governor’s Office, and external partners. 

Jennifer Sommerfeld, Government Relations Director
government.relations.dcyf@state.mn.us
651-539-7700

Screen shot of meeting participants

County Relations 

The County Relations team serves as a bridge between DCYF and Minnesota’s county governments. Their work strengthens collaboration, helping both DCYF and county governments serve Minnesotans more effectively.

Kari Ouimette, County Relations Director
County.relations.dcyf@state.mn.us
651-539-7700

Native American children with adult relative or child care provider

Tribal Relations

The Office of Tribal Relations works to build and maintain government-to-government relationships with Minnesota’s Tribal Nations. They serve as liaisons between DCYF and tribal governments, ensuring that tribal sovereignty is honored and that policies reflect unique needs of tribes.

Angie Fairbanks, Tribal Liaison
tribal.relations.dcyf@state.mn.us
651-539-7700

Toddlers playing blocks with a child care provider.

Office of Inspector General

The DCYF Office of Inspector General manages child care financial fraud and abuse investigations, licenses family child care and child foster care programs, licenses and certifies child care centers, and conducts maltreatment investigations in child care centers. 

Randy Keys, Inspector General
inspector.general.dcyf@state.mn.us
651-539-7700

Pen marking up bar graph

Transformation Office

The Transformation Office helps bring DCYF’s values to life across the agency. The team supports internal collaboration, cross-agency planning, and strategic projects that improve agency process and structures to make systems more responsive to children, youth, and families.

Bharti Wahi, Chief Transformation Officer
transformationoffice.DCYF@state.mn.us
651-539-7700