Meet the Team

Helping create pathways to close the gap to prosperity.


  • Founder & Executive Director

    David E. Johnson, Founder and Executive Director of Mind the G.A.P.P. (Gaining Assistance to Prosperity Program) with the mission of “creating pathways for individuals to close the gap to prosperity.” With over 15 years of direct service and nonprofit leadership experience in the field of workforce development Mind the G.A.P.P. was founded with a vision to transform lives. Informed by systemic and racial disparities experienced by the African American community Mind the G.A.P.P. is directly advancing racial equity by providing credentialed training to ensure family-sustaining wages.

    David’s passionate about providing a community space for individuals to grow in confidence, gain new skills, overcome barriers, and embrace possibilities. David holds a Bachelor of Arts from Minnesota Graduate School of Theology with extensive experience in organizational and leadership development, fundraising, strategic planning, and public speaking. He holds several board and committee positions and is a servant leader as a member of the City of Minnetonka Racial and Equity Advisory Board, owner of Touch of Grace Barbershop, and Senior Pastor at Grace Apostolic Church in Minnetonka.

  • Director of Programs

    Pierre Rhodes brings nearly 20 years of non-profit leadership experience to his position as the Director of Programs. Pierre develops and champions Mind the G.A.P.P.’s programs which provide comprehensive community-based services and solutions to close racial wealth gaps and catalyze an inclusive and equitable economy. He builds the internal capacity of Mind the G.A.P.P.’s team to influence local, regional, and statewide partnerships to the same end.

    Pierre is responsible for developing and implementing programs in four key areas Career Services, Commercial Driver’s License Training, Financial Education, and Housing. Prior to joining Mind the G.A.P.P., Pierre worked as the Career Pathways Manager at YWCA St. Paul leading credentialed training and access to high wage high demand careers, support services, and data compliance. Pierre also co-owned/co-founded Vintage Place - a group home for young men ages 14-19 located in Ramsey County. He has served on a several non-profit boards and currently serves as the President of the Minneapolis Optimist Club for the past 7 years.

    Pierre attended HBCU Mississippi Valley State University majoring in Commercial Design with a minor in Business. He also received certifications from the Center of Urban Excellence in Teaching (CUET) at Hamline University.

  • Support Specialist and Case Coordinator

    Calvin Smith brings a vast amount of leadership and experience to his position as the Support Specialist and Case Coordinator. In this role, Calvin specializes in Class A and Class B Permit training as well as Pre-Trip Inspections training. He works hands-on with each Driving Beyond Barriers participant and oversees their training at the sites in which Mind the GAPP partners.

    Prior to joining the Mind the GAPP, Calvin developed a passion for people in his role as a behavioral counselor and case manager at Cedar Crest, Central Texas Youth Services, and MRCI (Mankato Rehabilitation Center Inc.), from 2008 to 2019. During his case management career, Calvin engaged and assisted youth and adults of various racial backgrounds with motor skills, support services, explanation of services, family meetings, and travel to appointments as well as a staff-assisted job search. This position allowed Calvin to possess a great amount of patience and endurance to see that all participants are successful.

    Calvin also obtained his CDL Class A license while working at Mind the GAPP in 2021. He attended Interstate Truck Driving School and went on to use his expertise in testing out on the truck and passing his Pre-Trip Inspection with a perfect score to develop and implement strategic methods for others to pattern after. He continues to develop methods of unexpected testing pressures that may arise in order to continue his proven success rating of students passing their pre-trip inspections. Calvin also brings his data collecting expertise in Apricot Solutions, an internal data collecting tool used to capture a student’s demographics, economic background, and training progressions.

    During his free time, Calvin has serves as the Head Deacon at Grace Apostolic Church and the Armor Bearer for its Suffragan Bishop and is also on the Pastor’s Aide Committee. He has been a faithful member since 2012 and works tirelessly serving God’s people as well as his community.

  • Housing Coordinator

    With over 15 years of experience, Jessica has dedicated herself to assisting homeless, high-mobile, at-risk youth, individuals, and families. Her journey began in 2010 at The Bridge for Runaway Youth, where she started as a Receptionist and quickly became a mentor to numerous young individuals, igniting her passion for this field.

    For the past 4 years, Jessica has been a Family Support Specialist with The Stable Homes Stable Schools Program, operated by the YMCA of the North through Intervention Services. Her role involves supporting families holistically, helping them access stable housing, fulfill basic needs, and develop essential life skills. She has achieved various certifications, including HQS inspector, Adult Mental Health First Aid, Housing Mediation, and Rent Wise facilitator. Witnessing individuals and families flourish across all aspects of their lives, attaining self-sufficiency and stability, brings her immense joy.

    In 2003, Jessica earned her Associate’s degree in Administrative Assistant from Minneapolis Business College. Looking ahead, she aspires to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Psychology for Marriage and Family Therapy, further enriching her ability to assist those she serves.

    Jessica has been happily married for 3 years and is a proud parent of six children. During her leisure time, she indulges in activities such as reading, writing, listening to music, and cherishing moments with loved ones. Additionally, she actively contributes her skills and devotion to Grace Apostolic Church, eager to serve in any capacity available. Working with people and connecting them to valuable resources is her true passion.

  • Administrative Assistant

    Kiana Johnson has dedicated her career to working with vulnerable adults and individuals who often find themselves overlooked by society. Her journey began in 2013 when she embarked on a role in a group home, igniting her passion for serving others. Demonstrating exceptional leadership skills, Kiana quickly rose to a management position, which she held for two years. It was during this time that she realized her calling and decided to pursue a career centered around helping others. She pursued further education while continuing her work in the group home setting.

    Currently, Kiana is a licensed alcohol and drug counselor and a mental health practitioner with extensive experience in the human services field. Her clientele spans a wide range of ages, from 16 to 74, and she has compassionately supported individuals from diverse backgrounds facing various mental health challenges. Kiana's expertise lies in empowering individuals by equipping them with the necessary skills to thrive independently in society.

    Throughout her professional journey, Kiana has acquired significant experience working with individuals battling addiction. She has contributed her skills to Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge, aiding in the rehabilitation of the Minneapolis community and surrounding areas. As the CEO of Sufficient Grace Treatment Services, Kiana passionately serves families and individuals struggling with substance abuse, conducting educational lectures, running recovery groups, and providing comprehensive care.

    In 2019, Kiana earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Argosy University Twin Cities. Currently, she is pursuing her Master's in Clinical Counseling at Saint Mary's University, with the ultimate goal of assisting clients with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders. Kiana's holistic approach to her work reflects her deep-rooted passion, allowing her to address each client's specific needs and overall well-being. She takes into account sociological, biological, and psychological stressors, as well as employment barriers that impact an individual's ability to function in the community and maintain stability in areas such as employment, finances, and housing. Kiana firmly believes in the power of positive thinking and takes immense joy in witnessing the growth and resilience of the individuals and families she serves.

    Beyond her professional commitments, Kiana Johnson embraces the blessings of a fulfilling personal life. She is happily married and, together with her husband, is raising four children. During her leisure time, Kiana indulges in reading, singing, and cherishing moments with friends and family. She also finds great joy in serving within Grace Apostolic Church, aligning her personal values with her community engagement.