Staff
George Hendrickson, L.S.W., CEO
George joined PATH in July of 1979. George has a BS from St. Olaf College, LSW from the University of Minnesota, and is near completion of MS degree in Sociology/Criminology. George previously worked as a therapist and unit supervisor in the Sheriff’s Work Program in Isanti, Minnesota. Since joining PATH he has also served as Metro Social Work supervisor. In 2000, George was awarded the Don Crompton Award of Excellence in Social Work for “outstanding commitment to advocacy for children in and outside PATH; and high regard as a role model for others in the social work profession.” George was instrumental in establishing PATH in the St. Cloud area. He and his wife have provided treatment foster care for the past 15 years.
Kenneth L. Hanna, Jr., L.I.C.S.W., Director of Operations
Ken holds a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Minnesota and a Bachelors Degree from St. Cloud State University, also in social work. In addition he holds a two year certificate in chemical dependency counseling from St Cloud State University. He is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. Hanna joined PATH in May of 1998 with previous positions being community services director, and Bridge Builders director for the National Support Center, lead social worker/social work supervisor for Central Minnesota, and social worker in the St Cloud office. Hanna has additional experience with the Sheriff’s Youth Programs in group homes, residential settings and with the St Cloud Hospital’s Recovery Plus chemical dependency program.
Donna Ennis, L.S.W., Northern Regional Director
Donna Ennis is the Regional Director of the Bemidji and Duluth PATH offices. She has been employed with PATH for over 16 years as a social worker, lead social worker, and currently as a regional Director. In addition to her role as regional director is the Native American Resource Coordinator for PATH.
Jay Kimball, L.S.W., Southern Regional Director
Jay completed his Bachelor of Social Work degree in 1984 at Minot State University. He started Williams County Social Services in Williston, North Dakota where he was as a supervisor for elderly and disabled adult services and later supervised the Social Work unit, which included child protection and foster care services. Jay then relocated to Minnesota and worked for a brief time at Steele County Social Services until being hired by PATH in late 1990. He has been working in the treatment foster care field for the past 19 years. Jay is licensed in both North Dakota and Minnesota. Jay is currently the Regional Director for both the Rochester and Metro offices.
Gretchen Welch, L.I.C.S.W., Central Regional Director
Gretchen Welch received her undergraduate Social Work degree at St. Cloud State University in 1992. She graduated from Augsburg College in 2000, with a masters in social work. Gretchen was licensed as a independent clinical social worker in 2004. Gretchen began working at PATH as a case manager out of the St. Cloud office in 1997. After receiving her MSW, she assisted in the development of the Brainerd office, where she provided case management services for 3 years. In 2004, Gretchen took over the role of regional director of the Central MN Region out of the St. Cloud office. Prior to her position at PATH, Gretchen worked with the developmentally delayed population, youth and families at risk, and youth empowerment programs.
Lorie Gratke, Clinical Operations Assistant
Lorie Gratke joined PATH in 1997 first serving as management assistant of Northern and Central MN, based in St. Cloud. Lorie has a B.S. in business administration, a minor in psychology, with specialization in human resources from the University of Minnesota - Moorhead. Prior to joining PATH, Lorie worked for Hubbard Broadcasting, Inc. and Moorhead School District.
