The people who make this possible
Bea Murray
DirectorAs a parent in recovery, Bea founded Growing Together to create the kind of space she felt was missing in the recovery community, one where parents can connect, feel supported, and grow alongside their children. She believes kids don't need perfect parents; they need present ones, and parents deserve the opportunity to show up, rebuild trust, and feel confident in who they are becoming and the role they play within their family. Bea's background spans recovery support, healthcare, disability advocacy, and community services. Across each role, her passion has remained the same, helping people feel seen, supported, and empowered to build meaningful lives.
Connie Fourre
Program Consultant
Connie is a trauma-informed educator and award-winning author with an MA in Holistic Health Studies. She is passionate about supporting families and young people through her work in spirituality, social justice, trauma recovery, and community engagement. Connie has developed an approach to building spiritual resilience that integrates traditional practices with research in neuroscience and positive psychology which she has presented internationally.
Juan is a partner with Growing Together, a parent in recovery, and the director of the Minneapolis Area Synod’s Family Faith Program. His work focuses on supporting families from ethnic-specific, culturally specific, and multicultural communities as they share their culture and faith with their children. Through this learning community, Juan brings parents and caregivers together to support one another, build skills, and develop culturally relevant resources. He also brings over 15 years of experience teaching martial arts, offering a grounded and relational approach to connection, discipline, and growth.
PartnerJuan Gonzalez
NHLC is a partner in supporting the Growing Together community. They are guided by radical inclusivity and the belief that God’s love includes ALL people without limitations, preconditions, or exceptions. Nokomis Heights is committed to fostering a community where inclusion and diversity are lived out in practice, not just in words. Through collaboration with other organizations and communities, they work to identify and break down barriers so that people of all cultures, backgrounds, and sexual and gender identities can experience genuine welcome, safety, and belonging.
PartnerNokomis Heights Church
Brandon Reader
Founding Board memberBrandon is a local business owner and full time single parent in recovery whose lived experience helps shape the heart of Growing Together. He previously served as a program facilitator for Courage Centers and Project Footsteps (formerly Project Legos), leading inclusive recreation and outdoor programs for children and adolescents with disabilities, and empowering youth to be change leaders, social agents, and volunteers in the Minneapolis area. With a background in boxing, recreation, and community leadership, Brandon is passionate about helping families build confidence and resilience. He also does a pretty solid Sean Connery impression for a Midwesterner.
Katelyn Vater
Supervised Visitation Monitor
Kate has spent years supporting children and families as a nanny, caregiver, and trusted mentor. Throughout her life, she's often become a dependable "bonus adult" for children and families who needed extra support, opening her home, offering guidance, and building lasting relationships rooted in trust and compassion. As a trained supervised visitation monitor, Kate can provide supervision when required, and help families connect during group. Her role helps ensure Growing Together is a place where every family has the opportunity to participate, regardless of where they are in their journey