Our Team
At Foundations Minnesota locations, our teams understand that recovery involves building confidence and connection first. Home to the PRIDE Program, we create an environment where people can engage in treatment as their authentic selves.
Meet the staff at Foundations Minnesota
Foundations Minnesota outpatient locations provide PHP, IOP and virtual outpatient options, which gives patients more flexibility and structured support. Dedicated teams can help you learn recovery skills, continue therapy and gain relapse-prevention awareness.
Debbie Gray
Executive Director
Debbie Gray brings more than 20 years of experience in the helping profession, guided by a deep commitment to serving individuals, families, and communities with compassion and purpose. As a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC), Debbie offers broad clinical and leadership expertise spanning addictions, mental health, child welfare, clinical supervision, program development, and organizational change.
A Minnesota native from Anoka, Debbie earned her bachelor’s degree in social work from Bethel University, her master’s in social work from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and most recently received her MBA in Healthcare Management from Southern Utah University.
Throughout her career, Debbie has been recognized for advancing meaningful outcomes, fostering innovative and responsive programs, and cultivating strong relationships with staff, partners, and the communities she serves. Her leadership reflects a steadfast belief in the dignity, resilience, and potential of every person.
Kirtan Patel
Medical Director
Graham Waitt, LADC-S
PRN Counselor
Graham completed a Bachelor’s in Alcohol and Drug Studies with a double minor in Dance and Sexuality Studies from Minnesota State University, Mankato in 2019. He is a BBHT board-approved supervisor for licensed alcohol and drug counselors. Graham has been with Pride since 2019, when he started as an intern. While at Pride, Graham has held a variety of positions including primary counselor, LADC supervisor, and case manager. He was promoted to Director of Clinical Services in 2025. Graham is currently pursuing a Master’s in Co-Occurring Disorders from Metropolitan State University.
Meghan Bang (she/her)
Director of Risk and Compliance
Meghan Bang has been with Pride since 2016, when she started as an ADC-Intern. She has held several clinical roles over the years.
Bang graduated from St. Cloud State University with a Bachelor of Science in Community Psychology and Chemical Dependency and she is a BBHT board-approved supervisor for licensed alcohol and drug counselors.
John Andreae
Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor
John is a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) and holds a Bachelor of Science in Alcohol and Drug Counseling from Metropolitan State University in Saint Paul. He has worked in the addiction treatment field as a primary counselor since 2020, beginning at The Pride Institute’s inpatient co-occurring treatment program, and has served as a primary counselor at Pride Institute’s Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) since the start of 2024. He supports individuals navigating substance use alongside mental health, sexual health, and relational concerns, and frequently works with clients whose substance use is intertwined with Chemsex, intimacy, identity, and shame.
John’s therapeutic approach is trauma-informed and client-centered, with a foundation in Gestalt therapy and psychoanalytic principles. He focuses on helping clients become aware of unconscious motives and patterns through present-moment engagement and exploration of how past experiences continue to shape current behaviors. John works with clients to reduce internal conflict driven by shame and self-judgment while supporting the development of practical skills that promote stability, autonomy, and long-term recovery. As a gay clinician and member of the LGBTQIA+ community, he is especially passionate about providing affirming, culturally responsive care and creating a therapeutic space where clients feel seen, respected, and empowered.
Jessica Rice (she/her)
Admissions Supervisor
Before joining the Pride team in 2021, Jessica started as a chemical dependency tech in the substance use field. After starting in the admissions department with us, Jessica quickly worked her way into the admissions supervisor position by being attentive to client needs for the duration of the admissions process. She uses her understanding of the addiction treatment field to assist clients with starting or continuing their recovery journey. Jessica is a certified peer recovery specialist, which gives her the ability to support clients with aftercare plans and education on resources specific to the LGBTQ+ community. Jessica’s attention to detail and love for her work shines through, giving each client an individualized intake process.
Kevin Mee
Alumni Coordinator
Kevin Mee serves as the Alumni Coordinator for the PRIDE Program in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and also supports the organization part-time as a member of the Business Development team. In his role, Kevin focuses on building strong, lasting connections with alumni while helping expand awareness, partnerships, and access to affirming, high-quality care for LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Kevin brings a strong professional background in the nonprofit sector, with experience spanning youth development, education, and healthcare. Throughout his career, his work has centered on community-building, advocacy, and creating inclusive environments where individuals feel supported, empowered, and able to thrive.
Taylor Jacobson (he/they)
Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor
Taylor Jacobson (he/they) is an LADC and primary counselor at the Pride IOP. A graduate of Minneapolis College, they are currently enrolled at St. Mary’s University to obtain a Master’s degree in marriage and family therapy. Taylor values that he can offer a space of belonging and support for the LGBTQ+ recovery community in Minneapolis. A skilled clinician and champion for their client’s goals, Taylor draws from a range of interventions such as motivational interviewing, CBT, and person-centered approaches to offer trauma informed and culturally responsive care. With creativity and curiosity, they encourage clients to see challenges from alternative perspectives and overcome barriers with innate strengths.
Samantha Alter (she/her)
Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor
Samantha is a recent a graduate of Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School, where she earned a master’s degree in Counseling with a specialization in Addiction Studies. Sam also holds a Bachelor of Science in History Education, which she earned at Kennesaw State University. With more than ten years of experience in education and social work, Sam brings a broad and compassionate perspective to her work supporting individuals navigating mental health and substance use challenges. As a proud member of the queer community, Sam is deeply committed to providing affirming, inclusive care for all LGBTQ+ individuals. She approaches counseling through a holistic lens, believing in treating the whole person and honoring each client as the expert in their own life. Sam strives to be a supportive guide, meeting clients where they are and walking alongside them in their recovery journeys. Outside of her professional work, Sam enjoys board games, animation, audiobooks, and dancing. A Minnesota resident since 2013, Sam shares her home with two partners, four cats, and a recently adopted rescue dog. Known for her colorful, charismatic, and approachable nature, Sam hopes to bring warmth, authenticity, and a little sparkle into the lives of those she works with.
Ashley Collignon
Counselor
Ashley Collignon is a dedicated and culturally responsive addiction counseling professional with a strong foundation in behavioral health and holistic care. She studied Business at Ashford University and will complete her Bachelor’s degree in Addiction Counseling from Ottawa University in June 2026. Ashley currently holds her ADC-T (Alcohol and Drug Counselor–Trainee) credential and plans to pursue her Master’s degree in the fall to become a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC).
Ashley began her work in the behavioral health field as a Behavioral Health Technician with the St. Croix Chippewa Tribe of Wisconsin, where she also completed a 16-week internship. During her time with the Tribe, she immersed herself in cultural trainings and hands-on learning to better serve her clients and community. Her experiences included becoming a certified butcher, learning traditional methods of collecting birch and maple sap and making syrup, ricing, and participating in sacred cultural outings. These experiences strengthened her understanding of culturally grounded healing practices and deepened her respect for community-centered wellness.
Ashley later completed an additional internship at Sage Prairie in Eagan, where she further developed her clinical skills in both individual and group therapy settings.
Open-minded and compassionate, Ashley integrates a holistic approach into her work, drawing from her academic training, cultural experiences, and personal travels. She believes in treating the whole person mind, body, and spirit and is committed to creating a safe, inclusive environment where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered in their recovery journey.
Kristine Loehrer
Counselor
Kristine is a counselor at Foundations Eden Prairie. She is an ally to the LGBTQ+ community and aligns with the client-centered approach to care, values and authenticity that Foundations provides. She is passionate about helping others on their recovery journeys and providing a safe space to promote healing where clients feel seen and understood. She uses a compassionate, person-centered approach to create a supportive environment that helps clients build coping skills, strength motivation for change, and develop confidence and routines that help support long term sobriety. She is starting her master’s degree program in Clinical Counseling to become a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in 2027. In her free time, she enjoys fitness, indoor cycling, going for walks, cooking and spending times with friends and family.
Alicia Wendt (she/her)
Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor
Alicia graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor’s degree in History. After working as a chemical dependency technician, and mental health case manager, Alicia gained knowledge about underserved communities, persistent mental illness, and chemical dependency. This inspired her to return to school and receive her LADC licensure at Bethel University.
In her new role as evening IOP counselor at Foundations Minnesota Eden Prairie, Alicia is excited to help client maintain long term sobriety by having a person-centered approach, navigating clients through case management goals, and honoring every individual lived experiences. Giving clients a safe space to heal while collaborating with their counselor, peers, and community is one of her favorite parts of the job.
When not at work Alicia enjoys going to the lake with her long haired chihuahua, attending music festivals, trying new restaurants, and traveling the world.
