At FastTrackerMN, we’re all about helping people find the mental health and substance use disorder resources they need. But behind the work we do, we’re a group of real people with unique stories, passions, and interests. In this blog, we’re giving you a chance to get to know us better! Check out our answers to some fun questions and learn what makes us tick—both at work and outside of it.
Linda: It’s such a great reflection of Minnesotans’ commitment to each other. Together we can always do more! Wellstone was right – “We all do better when we all do better.”
Samantha: I have been with FT for almost 6 years. I am a SUD Provider and know how hard it can be to get someone into a specific level of care quickly. I am passionate about FT because it is easy for people to find the care they need and deserve. I am a LADC because I want everyone to get into the right care!
Jessica: I firmly believe that mental health/SUD care should be easily available to anyone who needs it. The current process of getting care is way too complicated to navigate; working at FastTrackerMN, I know that I’m doing my part to make it easier for everyone.
Marissa: I’ve had a lifelong journey with mental health, so working at FastTrackerMN feels deeply meaningful to me. Knowing that our resources help others, whether in big or small ways, truly fuels my passion. On a personal note, I used FastTrackerMN to find my therapist, and I’m continually grateful for how quickly I was able to get help and for her guidance in my healing journey.
Chandler: Mental health and SUD care should be accessible to everyone. FastTrackerMN is helping Minnesotans find the care they need; fast. As someone with lived experience, this is very important to me. I’m really proud to be a part of this team.
Leah: Having struggled with my own mental health, I’m passionate about advocating for mental health and making sure others have the support they deserve. Through my work at FastTrackerMN, I get to help make mental health resources more accessible so others can find the support they need.
Linda: Coconut milk chai – extra hot, year round
Samantha: Sugar Free Caramel Iced coffee
Jessica: Hot Chocolate
Marissa: Anything with lots of espresso
Chandler: Chamomile tea with lemon
Leah: White Dragon Boba Tea
Linda: Anything outside except in the winter.
Samantha: I am a mom of 2 very active boys, so I love to watch them on the field or ice, go to their scout and school activities, and play with them and our pup at home. When I am not with them, I love my group of gals, going to bingo, lunch/dinner, shopping, or the movies!
Jessica: Camping, gardening, baking, and cooking.
Marissa: I am a youth swim coach! It is super rewarding and keeps me youthful. I also foster dogs through Ruff Start Rescue with my husband. We love pitbulls!
Chandler: I love seeing good live music. I enjoy arts and crafts as well, anything to keep my hands busy.
Leah: I like crafting, baking, playing board games, and going to concerts!
Linda: Fun with Dick and Jane
Samantha: Harry Potter
Jessica: Top Chef
Marissa: I really like all of Emily Henry’s books and religiously follow Great British Bake Off.
Chandler: My favorite movie is The Princess Bride. I have so many favorite tv shows, and there are too many books to name!
Leah: My favorite show is Broad City and I love the movie WALL-E!
Linda:👍
Samantha: 😂 or❤️
Jessica: ❤️
Marissa: 💖 or 🫡
Chandler:💖
Leah: 💖or 🥰
Linda: Mexico is my current favorite, and I want to go to Croatia ASAP.
Samantha: I loved Cayman Island; I am taking my kids on a Disney cruise in the Bahamas this spring and I am sure we will loooove those islands. We are visiting 5!
Jessica: Dream trip would be to Banff National Park!
Marissa: Anywhere Taylor Swift is.
Chandler: I love visiting my family in San Francisco, and my dream destinations are Liverpool and Belfast.
Leah: My favorite vacation was to Puerto Rico because of all the beautiful colors and sights. I would love to travel to Peru or Albania!
Linda: Workout or Hangout – depends on the day, and the mood.
Samantha: Being With my two boys! They still want to snuggle and hang with me so I am soaking that up as long as I can!
Jessica: A long walk with my dog and music.
Marissa: Spending time with all of my pets and my husband snuggled up to a funny TV show or movie.
Chandler: I love to unwind by ordering takeout and watching a movie at home with my basset hound.
Leah: My favorite way to unwind is snuggling with my cats and listening to my favorite music or watching a comfort show!
Spanish 
English 
Hmong 
Somali