Circle Of Discipline | 801 9th St. SE Minneapolis, MN 55414

James Holmes - Chair

James Holmes, Jr. has over 36 years of finance, organizational and leadership experience in the corporate investments, financial services, credit, and nonprofit industry. He is the founder and owner of Black Lion Holdings Inc, which include Black Lion Publications, National Research and Policy iInstitute, Black Lion Foundation and other organizations. He is the author of over 17 books. Holmes is a proud lifetime learner, and is very enthusiastic about sharing profound knowledge and positive information to all whom seek it.

Dan Carlson - Vice Chair

Daniel Carlson joined the Circle of Discipline board in 2017.

He is currently employed by Metro Transit Police Department, non-sworn civilian, Asset Protection Supervisor August 2013 to present. Previous to July 2013 he was employed as a Security Manager by Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Sensors Eagan Mn.

He was a Volunteer CPR/First Aid Community instructor American Red Cross, and over the past 20 years assisted training Circle of Discipline staff and students to become certified in CPR and Community First Aid.

He volunteered for many years as a Church AWANA Leader, and currently volunteers as a First Aid Merit Badge Counselor Boy Scouts of America Troop 29

Gina Brown - Treasurer

Gina Brown is a passionate and dedicated accountant who brings a wealth of expertise to her work. She has established herself as a trusted professional in the field, known for her meticulous attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.

Beyond her professional life, she finds joy in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, always seeking new ways to challenge herself physically and mentally. When she's not crunching numbers or breaking a sweat, Gina cherishes spending quality time with her family.

She is deeply committed to giving back to her community and actively volunteers her time and skills to various local organizations, aiming to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Believing in the power of community and the importance of lending a helping hand, she offers her accounting expertise to non-profits organizations as well as organizing and participating in fundraising events.

Jeanne Montrese - Secretary

Jeanne spent her career working in Minneapolis and Washington DC for the Department of Justice and the Department of Defense. Throughout the years she has also volunteered for various youth and family organizations (YWCA, St. Joseph's Home for Children, Hennepin County Foster Care, Police Athletic League and the DC Public Schools). She is currently a board member of the HueMan Partnership and former member of the Lake Street Council and Commissioner for the Neighborhood and Community Engagement Commission. As a supporter of the Circle's Mission, Vision and programs since its inception she currently continues to volunteer to seek out compatible organizations to partner with to better serve our youth, their families and the community as a whole.

Nardos Tesfalidet -

Over the past 15 years Nardos has worked in college access, special education, community-based programs, and youth employment. Nardos earned her Bachelor's in Social Work with a concentration in American, Racial & Multicultural Studies from St. Olaf College and her Master’s Degree in Social Work with a focus in Program Development, Policy and Administration from Augsburg University. She currently supervises Right Track, the City of Saint Paul’ s Youth Employment & Training Program. Nardos also currently serves on the Workforce Innovation Board’s (WIB) Youth Committee.

Elba Frazier -

A native of the Bronx, New York, Ms. Frazier has worked in the public school systems for over twelve years. She worked as a special education teacher in the New York Public School system before relocating to Minneapolis and working for the Osseo Area Schools system. Her focus was students with learning disabilities and emotional behavioral disorders. In addition to education Ms. Frazier has worked in the non-profit sector as a program assistant and advocate for agencies like the International Longevity Center in New York City and ARC Greater Twin Cities in St. Paul. In addition, Ms. Frazier was an Assistant Principal with St. Paul Public Schools for 8 years. She not only worked to shape and lead the youth but also worked to provide support and guidance to her staff. She has valuable experience working with youth. Mrs. Frazier is currently a Program Manager for the Circle of Discipline, Inc.