Local Office Info
1970 Oakcrest Avenue, Suite 208
St. Paul, Minnesota 55113
nkfmn@kidney.org
https://www.facebook.com/NKFMinnesota/
Fax: 651.636.9700
Phone: 651.636.7300
Toll Free: 800.596.7943
Local Staff
Mallory OlsonAs Executive Director, Mallory is responsible for the strategic operations of the NKF Serving Minnesota office and feels privileged to work with so many amazing kidney patients, advocates, health care professionals and kidney donors to advance the mission of the NKF. Mallory strives to raise awareness of kidney disease and the need for more organ donors in her everyday work. She will tell you the best part of her job is hearing from kidney patients who have found a living donor using strategies they learned through the NKF’s Big Ask, Big Give program. Mallory lives in South Minneapolis with her husband and two kids and enjoys exploring all corners of the great state of Minnesota.
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Julie ZamoraAs community outreach manager, Julie is responsible for coordinating NKF’s involvement in the community to raise awareness about kidney disease and NKF resources. Julie also oversees community-based programs like Kidney Kids Day, Drive for Dialysis, Donate Life Day with the Minnesota Twins, and other exciting events. As a kidney donor herself, Julie is excited to share NKF’s mission in Minnesota. Julie lives in south Minneapolis with her three kids, dog, and two cats. In her free time she enjoys baking, walking around the lakes, and travels to the north shore.
Roberta Casado
Programs Manager
Roberta Casado is the Program Manager at NKF and serves as a liaison to the Medical Advisory Board. She oversees impactful Patient and Public Education Programs, including the Kidney Patient Social Summit, BABG, KEEP Healthy screenings, and Professional Educational Programs like Nephrology Night. Outside work, Roberta loves to travel, attend music concerts, and spend quality time with her family, whether cheering for her daughter at volleyball games or supporting her son at tennis matches
Jean Zidon
Development Manager
Local Board
Emily Beck, PhDSr. Manager-Kidney R&D at Miromatrix Medical
Emily leads a team at a local biotech company to bioengineer fully transplantable human kidneys to help patients suffering with end stage kidney disease. Building organs and creating technologies that can help the community has been a personal passion and mission for Emily for the last several decades. She became involved with the National Kidney Foundation through the Twin Cities Kidney Walk in 2022 and joined the board in 2023.
Jennifer Cramer-MillerClient/Marketing Consultant, L. Cramer Builders & Remodelers
Jennifer is a long-time kidney patient and a strong, motivated advocate for kidney health. She serves as an NKF PEER Mentor to help other patients navigate their journey with kidney disease, and as a Donate Life Ambassador to educate the public about organ donation. As a writer, speaker, (and happiness seeker), she addresses topics of living well with uncertainty. Jennifer joined the Board in 2019 and contributes passionate leadership to advance awareness and raise funds to support the life-saving mission of the NKF. Jennifer currently serves as the chair of the Minnesota Board of Advisors.
Bernadeia Johnson, PhDAssistant Professor, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Bernadeia has over 40 years of experience in education ranging from teaching fifth grade to Deputy Superintendent of the Memphis City Schools, Deputy Superintendent, and later Superintendent of the Minneapolis Public Schools. Bernadeia earned her B.S. From Alabama A & M University, her Masters’s from St. Thomas University, and her principal license and doctorate from the University of Minnesota. Johnson currently teaches and conducts research dedicated to understanding the lived experiences of African American school and district leaders. Bernadeia is a frequent testifier at the Minnesota Legislature on Solutions not Suspensions. She has presented locally and nationally on her work to introduce School-based Mental health into the Minneapolis Public Schools. Dr. Johnson is a National Board Certified teacher and she serves on local and national boards, including as the board chair of the Minnesota Education Equity Partnership, to promote education as a public good.
Jason KoenigOwner/CFO/Realtor, The Odd Couple Team with Keller Williams Integrity Realty
As a business leader in St. Paul, Jason aims to help spread awareness and advance the NKF mission through his work on the Board. Driven to give back after his own mother was on dialysis for 19 years and ultimately passing away from kidney issues, Jason hopes to help other families like his who are affected by kidney disease.
Max LarsonDivision Vice President, DaVita
Bio coming soon!
Song Min LeeRegional Research Manager, DaVita Clinical Research
Song Min joined the board in 2024, bringing with him a strong background in research and a personal dedication to kidney health. He leads a team at a local research company that works with multiple pharmaceutical sponsors on studies involving Investigational Products designed to benefit patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and those undergoing dialysis. Song Min's involvement with the National Kidney Foundation started with the Twin Cities Kidney Walk in 2023. His motivation to contribute to the field grew from his personal experience of donating a kidney to his wife through Mayo Clinic’s Kidney Paired Donation program. Driven by his own journey, Song Min is committed to leveraging his experience to improve the complex healthcare system for other donors and recipients, helping to navigate and enhance their experiences.
Kevin Plosser Regional CFO, Monogram Health
Kevin has worked in the kidney industry since 2013, helping patients with kidney disease find and receive the best care, while improving clinical outcomes. Most recently, he has performed this work with Monogram Health, which is a leading value-based provider of in-home care management services for patients living with late-stage kidney disease. Kevin seeks to share his passion for improving patient experience and quality of life to help further the mission of the NKF.
Stacy ThompsonVP, Client Operations, Somatus
Stacy has been a part of the healthcare space since 2009 and currently has the responsibility for the kidney care management program at Somatus. Somatus is an industry leader in ensuring patients receive the care they need via renal care management to slow the progression of the disease. Stacy is native of Detroit, MI and has resided in MN for 20 years. She currently lives in Andover, MN with her husband Jason and son Nate.
Jean YsbrandChief Human Resources Officer, Nystrom & Associate
Jean is an HR Executive in the Twin Cities with 17 years’ experience in healthcare, 15 of those years with DaVita Kidney Care, where she had the privilege of supporting the Upper Midwest clinics and the caregivers who are critical to giving life to kidney patients. Jean is committed to helping raise awareness for kidney disease having a personal connection to it through a lifelong childhood friend whose entire family has been impacted by it both through dialysis and kidney donations. Jean became a member of the Board to help others have the opportunity to access to care and resources as those close to her have received. Jean and her husband Mike live in Maple Grove.
Shirly YangFinance Manager, Health Partners
Shirly joined the Minnesota Board of Advisors in 2023. Her passion for serving the NKF stems from her father and sister’s passing due to kidney related issues. She cares about empowering kidney disease education and awareness in the Hmong community. Shirly received her degree from the University of Minnesota in accounting and finance. She is also a mom of four and currently resides in Elk River.
Salwa BullardProgram Manager, Mozarc Medical
Salwa has almost 20 years of experience in pharmaceutical and medical device industries, primarily as an analytical chemist, and more recently transitioning to program management. Salwa first became involved with the NKF in her capacity as leader of WISE (Women in Science and Engineering) at Mozarc, when she organized a Drive for Dialysis volunteer event for her colleagues in 2018. This engagement not only lead to many others, but sparked Salwa’s passion for NKF’s work, and she is thrilled to continue her support through her advisory board membership. Salwa lives in Plymouth, MN with her husband Jake and their two children.
Joy Todd
Joy is a dedicated HR professional with over 20 years of experience, passionate about helping others and advocating for the live kidney donor program. In 2015, Joy made the life-changing decision to become a live kidney donor, a journey that deepened her commitment to raising awareness for kidney donation. Joy lives in Maple Grove with her husband, where they enjoy traveling, glamping, spending time with friends and family, and cherishing moments with their four adult children and their beloved Wheaten Terrier, Maggie. As a lifelong learner and enthusiast, Joy embraces life with enthusiasm and a positive outlook, always striving to make a difference in the lives of other
Local Medical Advisory Board
Dr. Karthik RamanathanTransplant Surgeon, University of Minnesota
Dr. Ramanathan obtained his medical degree at the University of Texas, Southwestern. He then completed surgical residency at Indiana University in Indianapolis, followed by training in liver, kidney, and pancreas transplantation at the University of Minnesota. He is very excited to have joined the transplant surgery faculty at the University of Minnesota, and to have this opportunity to serve on the medical advisory board of the National Kidney Foundation. He first gained an understanding of the problem of renal failure from his mother, who worked as a dietitian in a dialysis unit in his hometown for many years. He saw the incredible alteration renal failure requires fundamental aspects of living, as well as the significant emotional, physical, and financial burdens it exacts on patients and families. His mother told him stories of the people she cared for, of those who struggled with this disease for years and of those who received life saving transplantation. Dr. Ramanathan is interested in working on all aspects of this disease process and in helping to develop programs and legislation to support patients with renal failure as well as those able to give the gift of life, and is eager to engage in this opportunity going forward.
Mirna Boumitri, MDNephrologist, University of Minnesota
Dr. Boumitri is a nephrologist and assistant professor of medicine at the University of Minnesota. She joined the faculty in 2010 after completing residency and fellowship training at the Cleveland Clinic. She is the clinical director of nephrology at the University of Minnesota and the medical director of the University Davita dialysis unit. She takes care of chronic kidney disease, hypertension and dialysis patients and organizes patient education. She strongly believes in patient education to empower patients to take control of their kidney health. She enjoys spending time with her husband and four children, traveling and reading.
Sabine Karam, MD, FISNMember of Cohort 1, ISN Emerging Leaders Program, Assistant Professor of Medicine Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Minnesota
Dr. Karam is an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Minnesota with a special interest in onco-nephrology, hypertension, and home dialysis. She is also passionate about the global advancement and equity in kidney health and is a member of several committees and working groups within the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) and most notably Dr. Karam is currently the chair of the Young Nephrologists Committee (YNC) of the ISN. She is a firm believer in the importance of empowering the patient through dedicated and culturally-sensitive education and speaks, in addition to English, Arabic, French and Spanish. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family outdoors and discovering culturally diverse Minnesota.
Sarah Kaspari - DNP, RN, NE-BCSarah Kaspari (DNP, RN, NE-BC) is the Administrative Director of the Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Programs, Ambulatory Cardiology Clinic Operations and ANGMA Clinics at Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute (AHMHI). She began her nursing career at AHMHI in 2008 as a cardiac nurse and in 2015 joined the advanced heart failure, VAD and transplant team. She earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, Master of Science in Nursing from Benedictine University and her Doctorate of Nursing Practice from the University of Minnesota. Additionally, she is a Board Certified Nurse Executive.
Dr. MadhusoodananNephrologist
Dr. Madhusoodanan earned her medical degree at the University of Minnesota Medical School. and went on to complete Internal Medicine residency and Nephrology Fellowship at Hennepin County Medical Center. Since finishing training, she has joined InterMed Consultants where she sees kidney patients in the hospital, dialysis units, and clinic. She enjoys educating patients and relating with them as she was a caretaker for a family member with kidney disease. She has a passion for helping those struggling with the disease find a way to thrive and live their best lives. Dr. Madhusoodanan has seen people's lives transform with transplantation but finds it equally important to find ways for people to live their best if transplant isn't an option for them. Outside of patient care she enjoys spending time with her pup and husband, hiking, and baking.
Dr. RiadTransplant Nephrologist, Mayo Clinic
Dr. Riad is a nephrologist with expertise in kidney and pancreas transplantation. Dr. Riad specializes in immunosuppression management for kidney and pancreas transplantation and related complications. Dr. Riad is an advocate for individuals with kidney disorders and is passionate about empowering individuals with kidney disorders through outreach and education.
Dr. Saugar Maripuri, MD, MPHNephrologist, Hennepin Healthcare
Dr. Maripuri is a Nephrologist from Hennepin Healthcare has expertise in all facets of kidney disease. He has a specific interest in chronic kidney disease, including patients on dialysis. He is a strong advocate for home dialysis modalities, including home hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. “I always strive to deliver the highest quality care while emphasizing the individual needs of my patients. I am passionate about empowering patients with kidney disease to take control of their lives, including picking treatments that work for them; not the other way around.
Dr. Orvin VisayaNephrologist, Kidney Specialists
Dr. Visaya completed his Internal Medicine Residency at the University of Minnesota and his Nephrology Fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco. He has been in practice with Kidney Specialists of Minnesota since 1999. In addition to his ongoing clinical duties with Kidney Specialists of Minnesota, he is also presently the Co-Chair of the Medical Advisory Board for Fresenius Medical Care and the President of the Evergreen Nephrology Physician Leadership Council.
Dr. Praveen ErrabelliNephrologist, Allina Health
Hello, I am Dr. Praveen Errabelli. I am currently working as a Nephrologist with Allina health in Twin cities. I finished my Nephrology fellowship at university of Arkansas for medical sciences, Little Rock. I am a clinical nephrologist with interest in clinical research. I have published few papers and continuing the work. I am a member of American society of Nephrology, National kidney foundation and Fellow of American society of Nephrology (FASN). I like to work with organizations that strive to educate, promote awareness about kidney health in community and provide necessary resources for the population that is struggling with kidney related ailments.
Kayla Engen, RN, BSNNephrology RN Clinic Manager, University of Minnesota
Kayla is the Nephrology RN Clinic Manager at the University of Minnesota with 10 years of experience in Nephrology. Her passion for kidney care began as a hemodialysis nurse at Fresenius Medical Care, and she has since dedicated her career to improving the lives of patients with kidney disease. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Mankato State University. Kayla is committed to empowering patients through education, believing knowledge is key to managing their health. She has a special interest in serving underserved populations and advocating for policies that improve access to care. Outside of work, she enjoys outdoor activities with her husband, two sons, and their German Shepherd.
Diana Niblack, MSN, APRN, CNP, AGNP-BCNephrology CNP, Centra Care
Diana obtained her master of nursing degree from St. Catherine University. She joined the nephrology practice at CentraCare in 2022 where she sees chronic kidney disease and dialysis patients in the St. Cloud Hospital, CentraCare clinics in St. Cloud, Willmar, and Redwood Falls, and dialysis patients in various dialysis centers in mid- and southwest-Minnesota. Diana believes in partnering with, guiding, and empowering patients to execute their own unique care plan that best attains their health care goals.
Susan Kandl, MS, RDN, LDRenal Dietitian, Fresenius Medical Care
Susan is a registered dietitian with 30 years of experience, including 18 years specializing in renal nutrition. She received her Master of Science degree from the University of Illinois and completed her dietetic internship at the VA in San Diego. She currently works for Fresenius Medical Care where she educates dialysis patients throughout Central Minnesota. Susan motivates her patients to use food as therapy to improve their overall health and well-being. She is passionate about teaching her patients to do their best to make sustainable life-style changes. In her free time, Susan enjoys staying active, crocheting, traveling, and spending time with her family.
Chad Haroldson, MD
Dr. Chad Haroldson is a nephrologist in Saint Cloud, Minnesota. He completed his residency at Hennepin Healthcare and a fellowship at the University of Minnesota's Department of Nephrology. He currently practices at CentraCare.
Yekaterina Kuzmenko, MD
loves the challenge of nephrology, particularly the diverse range of patients and the complex nature of kidney diseases. She was inspired as a child by the grit and determination of her mother, a woman who devoted her life to caring for patients while juggling the demands of three children and a marriage.
Her personal and professional values drive her to take the time to truly listen to her patients and understand their needs.
Danielle Lofton, BS, CCHT
With over 15 years of experience in dialysis care, Danielle began her career as a Patient Care Technician and progressed into leadership roles including Facility Administrator and Regional Operations Director. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Healthcare Administration and Human Services from St. Mary’s University and currently serves as a Facility Administrator at DaVita—a role she returned to for the opportunity to engage more directly with patients. Passionate about patient education, particularly around home dialysis therapies, she has dedicated her career to enhancing care for in-center dialysis patients. Outside of work, she enjoys attending concerts, stand-up comedy shows, traveling, and spending time with her husband, six children, and three grandchildren.