Meet our team

Co-founders and co-owners, Staci Gilpin and Charity Anderson, bring 50 years of combined lived experiences in rural communities and expertise in leadership, grant writing, applied research, and program development, evaluation, and delivery.

Complementing their work is a diverse network of affiliates—subject matter experts who live in rural areas or have lived experiences in rural communities—providing Rural Pathways' clients with specialized expertise in fields such as K-12 and higher education, climate change and environmental education, equity and social justice, executive coaching, literacy, nonprofit development, and social work. Our team leverages this extensive background to provide exceptional support and guidance.

Charity Anderson, PhD

CO-FOUNDER & CO-OWNER

  • Charity Anderson (she/her) is a social scientist with extensive experience in applied research, grant writing, program development and evaluation, and secondary and adult education. Prior to co-founding Rural Pathways, Charity was a senior researcher and program director at the Joseph C. Cornwall Center for Metropolitan Studies at Rutgers University-Newark, where her work focused broadly on urban education and education policy, transformative learning, humanities education, and poverty and inequality. At Rutgers, she founded and directed the Clemente Veterans’ Initiative Newark, a humanities course focused on themes of war and reconciliation for veterans and civilians funded through grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities and New Jersey Council for the Humanities. Additionally, Charity has written grants for national funders such as the Andrew Mellon Foundation, Kellogg Foundation, Provident Bank Foundation, Russell Sage, and Spencer Foundation, plus state-level grantors like the New Jersey Department of Education. She has also written and received grants from Rutgers University, University of Chicago, and New York Community Trust, as well as support from Fulbright.

    Charity is a former New York City Teaching Fellow and high school teacher. She taught in Title I high schools in Brooklyn and Queens and at a Medicaid-funded, residential psychiatric treatment facility for youth in Manhattan. She has also worked as an evaluator of first-year teachers in the Chicago Teaching Fellows program. She has published numerous peer-reviewed articles and book chapters and presented at conferences in the U.S. and abroad. Her most recent book, Dignity-Affirming Education: Cultivating the Somebodiness of Students and Educators (2022), is available through Teachers College Press.

    Charity holds a PhD in social work from the University of Chicago; master’s degrees in social work (University of Washington), special education (CUNY-Brooklyn College), and art history (Syracuse University); and a BFA in studio art (University of North Carolina). She is also a certified end-of-life doula through the Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont, as well as a New York State Mediator/Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Neutral. She is a member of the Institute for the Study of Conflict Transformation.

    Charity is from the Appalachian Mountains of western North Carolina and lives in New York. To learn more about Charity, visit her LinkedIn and Google Scholar pages.

CO-FOUNDER & CO-OWNER

Staci Gilpin, PhD

  • Staci Gilpin (she/her) is a social scientist with expertise in applied research, program evaluation, and data visualization, with a robust background in leadership development and strategic planning. She earned her PhD from the University of North Dakota, where she served as a graduate research assistant for a collaborative initiative focused on enhancing capacity in North Dakota's rural areas regarding housing, workforce, and access to basic services. Her graduate research involved extensive work with nonprofits across North Dakota, enhancing their capacity in these critical areas.

    In addition to her PhD, Staci holds a Master's Degree in Special Education from the University of Wisconsin-Superior, Administrator licensure as a principal, curriculum director, and special education director from St. Mary's University, MN, and Elementary Teacher licensure along with a Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion from the University of Iowa.

    Throughout her career, Staci has held various leadership positions in both K-12 and higher education institutions. Whether teaching 3rd graders or middle schoolers with emotional/behavioral disabilities, her work is characterized by a strong emphasis on equity and serving underserved groups. She has actively engaged in numerous grant-funded projects that promote social justice and equity across diverse educational and community settings. Notably, as the Director of Special Education for six rural school districts in Northeastern Minnesota, she led a multi-million dollar initiative that leveraged Medicaid and federal funding to provide necessary services for students with disabilities within their home schools. Additionally, she managed IDEA and low-incidence grants.

    With a proven track record in grant writing and professional development, Staci has significantly contributed to the advancement of educational practices and improved outcomes for learners. She is a Fulbright Scholar and has secured several grants from the nationally recognized William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. In addition, Staci teaches doctoral-level courses in program evaluation and data visualization at her alma mater, preparing future academics and nonprofit leaders. She has published numerous peer-reviewed articles and book chapters and presented at conferences in the U.S. and abroad. Staci also volunteers her time as a board member for You Are HigherED and serves on the University of North Dakota CEHD Alumni Advisory Board.

    Born and raised in rural Northwest Iowa on a small grain and livestock farm, Staci's experiences have deeply informed her commitment to rural communities and equity. With just 29 students in her high school graduating class, she understands the unique challenges and opportunities of rural living. Staci currently resides in Duluth, MN. To learn more about Staci, visit her LinkedIn and Google Scholar pages.

Our affiliates

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Amy Murzyn, EdD

EVALUATION & APPLIED RESEARCH AFFILIATE

  • With extensive experience in project and program management, Amy Murzyn (she/her) possesses a diverse skill set that enables her to lead and coordinate complex initiatives across various domains. Her expertise encompasses program evaluation, grant writing, and the design and implementation of comprehensive programs tailored to diverse populations. Amy excels at facilitating focus groups, implementing program improvement strategies, and championing equitable practices to ensure inclusive and accessible offerings.

    Adept at both online and in-person environments, Amy leverages her skills in curriculum design, instructional delivery, and remote collaboration to drive successful outcomes. Her ability to navigate virtual workspaces and coordinate remote teams seamlessly underscores her adaptability in an increasingly digital landscape. With a discerning eye for detail and a commitment to continuous improvement, Amy consistently delivers high-quality, impactful results that meet the unique needs of key constituents and end-users. 

    Amy holds a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Teaching and Learning from the University of Minnesota-Duluth and a Master of Science in Special Education: Learning Disabilities from Minnesota State University, Mankato. She is licensed by the Minnesota Department of Education in both Elementary Education (K-6) and Special Education: Learning Disabilities (K-21). To learn more about Amy, visit her LinkedIn page.

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Ashley Gwathney, DSW

EVALUATION & APPLIED RESEARCH AFFILIATE

  • Ashley N. Gwathney (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified School Social Worker. She holds a doctorate, master’s, and bachelor’s degree in social work from Rutgers University. During her scholarly pursuits, she has collaborated with the Joseph C. Cornwall Center for Metropolitan Studies at Rutgers University-Newark, New Jersey State Policy Lab, and New Jersey Scholarship Transformative Education Program (NJ-STEP). Before her academic career, she worked within an urban, K-12 school district, serving as a school social worker, high school guidance counselor, and McKinney-Vento building liaison. As an equity-based scholar, Ashley focuses on historically underserved youth, zero-tolerance school discipline, and restorative justice. Her qualitative research explores exclusionary school discipline for marginalized youth, using counter-storytelling to develop trauma-informed interventions that amplify student voices, reduce educational barriers, and enhance community partnerships. Her interests also include addressing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), academic displacement, and advancing high-quality urban education.

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Courtney Plotts, PhD

INCLUSIVE CULTURE AFFILIATE

  • Courtney Plotts (she/her) is a licensed school psychologist and renowned consultant specializing in culturally responsive interventions for K-12, higher education, and corporate settings. With over a decade of experience working with the Council for At-Risk Student Education and Professional Standards, she advocates for inclusive practices and supports educators in bridging theory with practice. Known for her approachable demeanor, Courtney fosters positive relationships and promotes evidence-based practices, making her a pivotal asset in advancing cultural responsiveness in educational and professional communities. She is also the founder of Culture Think.

    Courtney holds a PhD in Psychology and an MA in Psychology from Northcentral University. She also earned an MA in Education with a focus on Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Phoenix, and a BA in Psychology from Stockton University. To learn more about Courtney, visit her LinkedIn page.

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Ginny Ward, MSW

STUDENT ACCESS, SUCCESS, & CAREER PATHWAYS AFFILIATE

  • Ginny Ward (she/her) is the Director of the TRIO Upward Bound program at Bowdoin College (Maine), where she has dedicated nearly 25 years to supporting first-generation students from rural Maine. With a bachelor's degree from Colby College (Maine) and a Master of Social Work from Smith College (Massachusetts), Ginny’s personal experience as a first-generation college graduate fuels her passion for guiding first-generation, limited-income students through the challenges of achieving a college degree.

    Throughout her tenure with the Upward Bound Program, Ginny has held various roles, culminating in her current position as director. She oversees two five-year TRIO grants from the US Department of Education, providing programming and services aimed at equipping students with the agency and skills needed for college admission, persistence and completion. Ginny is recognized for her expertise in program management and oversight, budget management, grant writing, event planning, supervision, restorative practices, team building, and mentoring. 

    Raised in small-town Mid-coast Maine, Ginny understands the unique challenges her students face in navigating a path to higher education and the compounding impacts of poverty and rurality in their conception of what is possible. Ginny deeply values the long-term relationships she builds with students, offering comprehensive support in all aspects of their lives. Her past career in various social work settings further informs her holistic approach to youth development.

    In addition to her work at Bowdoin, Ginny dedicates her time advocating for TRIO programs nationally and holds roles on both state and regional educational opportunity association boards, where she has contributed her knowledge and leadership to broader initiatives aimed at improving educational access for low-income students across the region. Her background in restorative practices and leadership development enriches her approach to fostering a collaborative and supportive environment in which all people are included and feel a sense of belonging.

    In her personal life, Ginny enjoys spending time with her husband and family, engaging in crafty projects, and taking on DIY home improvement tasks. She is also a devoted dog-mom to two lively terriers, Milo and Cooper, who are the stars of their very active Instagram account. To learn more about Ginny, visit her LinkedIn page.

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Heather Morillo, PhD

EVALUATION & APPLIED RESEARCH AFFILIATE 

  • Heather Morillo (she/her) is a seasoned researcher with 12 years of experience in the field of education. Her expertise lies in delivering actionable insights to clients, addressing real-world challenges. Currently serving as a Content Analyst at Hanover Research, Heather brings a comprehensive understanding of educational structures and policies to her role. Known for her efficiency and organizational skills, she successfully manages to deliver two qualitative projects per month, alongside other research commitments. Her prior research roles at Rutgers University have honed her secondary research skills, enabling her to work effectively with diverse populations, ranging from school-aged children to adults.

    Heather’s strength lies in her ability to connect with individuals from various backgrounds. She is passionate about capturing people's perspectives through research and amplifying their voices to relevant audiences. Fluent in both English and Spanish, she conducts research in both languages. Her doctoral research was centered on the literacy campaign in Cuba.

    A native of the Boston, Massachusetts, area, Heather holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Education from Rutgers University-Newark. Outside of her professional life, she relishes exploring her new neighborhood with her husband and young children.

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Katie Houlihan Belanger, MS

COMMUNITY RELATIONS AFFILIATE

  • Katie Houlihan Belanger (she/her) joined the WTIP community as Development Director in 2024. Originally from Wisconsin, Katie has spent the bulk of her career in Minnesota as an editor, publicist, and high school English teacher. She lives on the North Shore of Minnesota with her husband, two children, dog, and two cats. When not reading cookbooks, you’ll find her writing poetry, exploring the land, and attempting to crochet.

    Katie is originally from Kenosha, Wisconsin, and holds an undergraduate degree in English literature from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, an initial teaching license and Master of Education degree from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, and a Master of English literature degree from the University of St. Thomas. She is a member of the Minnesota Council for Teachers of English and the Phi Beta Kappa Society. To learn more about Katie, visit her LinkedIn page.

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McKenzie Rabenn, PhD

EVALUATION & APPLIED RESEARCH AFFILIATE

  • McKenzie Rabenn (she/her), a proud native of rural Wisconsin, calls Eagle River home, where she resides with her family. With extensive experience in elementary education across the Midwest, McKenzie holds a PhD in Teaching and Learning from the University of North Dakota, a master’s degree from Carroll University, and a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. 

    Her research interests include children's literature, environmental justice, literacy, online learning, rural education, and teacher professional development. As an adjunct faculty member in teacher education departments across Wisconsin, McKenzie brings her passion for rural education and insightful research to the forefront, aiming to positively influence educators and students alike. 

    In addition to her academic pursuits, McKenzie is a small business owner, and this experience enriches her work with Rural Pathways clients, providing them with practical insights and real-world expertise. To learn more about McKenzie, visit her LinkedIn page.

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Rachel Phelps, BA

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AFFILIATE

  • Rachel Phelps (she/her) is a researcher, educator, and emerging executive coach with a passion for historic preservation and cultural heritage, teaching and learning, and supporting historically underserved communities. Rachel graduated from the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) with a Bachelor of Arts in History, a minor in German, and a certificate in Museum Studies. She has made significant contributions to historic preservation in Duluth, including nominating properties for landmark status and conducting architectural surveys. Her professional experience includes work with the City of Duluth’s Department of Planning and an internship at the Glensheen Mansion Historic Estate. As a volunteer community member, she worked with the Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial Committee as the lead interviewer in a grant-funded oral history project elevating voices in the Black community.

    Rachel’s journey has been shaped by her deep commitment to social justice and education, as reflected in her motivation that a different world cannot be built by indifferent people. Inspired by this belief, she seeks professional development through the Academy for Coaching Excellence, aiming to deepen her understanding of coaching skills and theories.

    Her own story of resilience—navigating higher education as a first-generation, low-income student—led her to a calling in academic support. After taking time to explore her career path, she returned to school as a non-traditional student and single mother, earning her degree and discovering her passion for research and teaching through the TRIO McNair Scholars Program. This experience ignited a deep connection to education and advocacy, ultimately guiding her to leadership roles, including leading the McNair Scholars Program at the College of St. Scholastica.

    Rachel currently serves as a Student Success Coach at UMD where she is dedicated to helping students like herself realize their full potential. She also holds a certification as a CliftonStrengths Coach and is working toward accreditation with the International Coaching Federation. Her vision for coaching is grounded in the belief that we have a unique capacity to create the threads that will lead radical beginnings into existence. This belief fuels her work at Rural Pathways, where she supports nonprofits focused on accessible housing and career pathways for rural students. To learn more about Rachel, visit her LinkedIn page.

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Rebecca Graetz, EdD

SENIOR COMMUNICATIONS AFFILIATE

  • Rebecca Graetz (she/her) manages and creates new ways to use technology to carry out the mission and goals of Rural Pathways. She develops and maintains current and relevant content on the Rural Pathways website, supports relationships with key audiences, determines needs regarding online communications, and addresses those needs via online communications channels.

    Rebecca is an expert in distance education, dedicated to promoting accessibility and inclusion in higher education. Her work centers on supporting learners and fostering understanding around gender identity, neurodivergence, inclusive course design, and allyship, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to advance toward more productive lives and careers. Before transitioning to higher education, Rebecca successfully managed a family child care business.

    ​​Rebecca holds a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Higher and Post Secondary Education with an emphasis on accessibility in online course delivery, and an Education Specialist (EdS) degree in Higher Postsecondary Administration in Teaching and Learning, both from Argosy University Twin Cities. She also earned an MBA and a BSBA in Knowledge Management from Walden University. To learn more about Rebecca, visit her LinkedIn page.

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Tanzeem Ali, PhD

EVALUATION & APPLIED RESEARCH AFFILIATE

  • Tanzeem Ali (she/her) holds a PhD in Science Education with a focus on Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Wyoming. With extensive teaching and research experience across PK-12 and higher education in both the United States and private institutions in South Asia, Tanzeem is a dedicated science education consultant committed to enhancing science learning outcomes. Her expertise spans environmental education, environmental literacy, and sustainability, backed by a Master's degree in Natural Resource Management and a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Management.

    Driven by a passion for fostering curiosity and critical thinking, Tanzeemi tailors strategies and provides targeted support to help schools, educators, and students excel in science. Her work has been recognized by the Wisconsin Society for Science Teachers, where she received the Excellence in Science Teaching Award in the Higher Education category in 2021. Additionally, she served as a board member of the Wisconsin Association for Environmental Education from 2021 to 2023. To learn more about Tanzeem, visit her LinkedIn page.

teresa

  • Teresa Hart (she/her) has devoted her life to serving the rural communities of Northeastern Minnesota. Residing in Floodwood, Minnesota, with her family, she is a key figure in local governance and community projects. Her commitment is evident through her past roles, which include a significant tenure on the local school board. Teresa has also served on the City of Floodwood’s Planning Commission, where she was twice elected as chair, demonstrating her leadership and dedication. Additionally, she has collaborated with various community organizations, further solidifying her role as a community advocate. With over a decade of experience as a business manager in rural school districts, Teresa currently serves as the Business Manager for Esko Public Schools. Her extensive expertise in rural educational management and deep community involvement endow her with a unique perspective that makes her an integral figure in her community. 

    Teresa holds a BS in Accounting from the Minnesota School of Business-Richfield and an Associate of Arts and Sciences in Accounting from Minneapolis Business College. To learn more about Teresa, visit her LinkedIn page.

Teresa Hart, BS

COMMUNITY RELATIONS AFFILIATE

Our interns

Heiter

JOY PAWTNER & SECURITY

  • Heiterkeit (he/him), affectionately known as Heiter (hi-tuh), brings unparalleled cheerfulness to the Rural Pathways team, fittingly named for the German word meaning “cheerful.” Working out of Staci’s office, Heiter adeptly contributes to our security team by shredding confidential documents and assisting with important UPS/FedEx packages. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, playing with all kinds of balls, and competing in agility events. 

    A miniature schnauzer, Heiter might be small in stature, but he makes up for it with his big bark. Dedicated to personal growth and education, Heiter has completed Shaping One, Obedience One and Two, Foundations Agility, and Intermediate Agility at Dog Dynasty in Duluth, MN. Currently, he is a member of the Arrowhead Small Dog Agility Association. To learn more about Heiter, visit him on Instagram.

Jester

FUN POLICE & SECURITY

  • Jester (he/him) is a miniature schnauzer hailing from the foothills of rural North Carolina. Safety is his passion, and he heads security operations at the east coast Rural Pathways office. He is also a selective hearing specialist, nap expert, and renowned activist against baths. He lives with his mom, Charity, and fellow intern, Roscoe.

Roscoe

PAWSITIVITY COORDINATOR

  • Roscoe (he/him) is a terrier-chihuahua mix rescued from the country roads of Georgia in 2021.  Client care is his wheelhouse, and he strives to be present for each and every Zoom. During his off-time, Roscoe enjoys long walks, fine dining, and stealing socks. Schedule a discovery call with Rural Pathways today for a chance to meet Roscoe!

    To learn more about Jester and Roscoe, visit them on Instagram.

Let’s achieve your goals together  

With Rural Pathways’ support, we can save your organization time and valuable resources. Partner with us, and let’s build a brighter future for your community.