Misty Coonce (she/her) is humbled and honored to serve as Minnesota’s first Ombudsperson for Foster Youth. She is grounded in her personal experience in foster care and subsequent adoption into a non-relative family along with her older sisters. Prior to her appointment by Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan in September 2023, she worked in child welfare for 15 years, in a variety of roles within private non-profit organizations including Ampersand Families and EVOLVE Family Services. Misty earned her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2010, and is a Licensed Independent Social Worker in the state of Minnesota. She stays busy as a parent of two children, volunteering with their school’s Parent Teacher Association, and getting out to hike and camp whenever she can.
Misty appreciates the opportunity to seek and hear feedback, including complaints and ideas for solutions, regarding the experiences of Fosters within our state system. She looks forward to being a resource for, and a partner with, youth and the many other stakeholders who care deeply about the safety and well-being of Fosters, in defining solutions for improvement in foster care.
Hannah Planalp (she/her) is a transracial adoptee from Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Hannah lived in a group foster home before becoming homeless during high school, which is the source of her passion for amplifying Fosters’ voices and creating true systems change.
Hannah came to the Office of the Foster Youth Ombudsperson from Foster Advocates, where she served on the Board of Directors before joining staff. As Director of Support Programs at Foster Advocates, Hannah oversaw the programs that supported Fosters in their education and housing goals. Prior to that, Hannah has experience in program development, grant-writing, community advocacy, and evidence-based guidelines. She is a graduate of UC Berkeley. Outside of work, Hannah houses animals for the pet rescue, and can be found backpacking, quilting, playing games, or watching the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Tonia Lofton (she/her) comes to the Office of Foster Youth Ombudsperson with 20 years of experience in Child Welfare. Tonia has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice/human services, with minors in Psychology and Community Violence Prevention. Tonia has worked as a Ramsey County Senior Child Protection Social Worker for 16 years and as a Hennepin County Child Protection Child Services Worker for 2 years prior to becoming an Investigator for OOFY. Tonia has a passion for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, in order to achieve equality. Tonia has devoted much of her extra time to communities of color workgroups, councils, and projects for many years. Tonia has a passion for true justice. Tonia believes that this office will give Foster Youth the voice they need and have needed for years. Tonia is from St. Paul, Minnesota.
Tonia is a proud single mom of two wonderful adult sons. Tonia loves watching basketball and loves the ocean.
Robin Purman (she/her) is excited to be part of the founding staff of Office of Foster Youth Ombudsperson. Robin earned her Master’s in Education from DePaul University in 2016 and worked as a social studies teacher in Chicago, IL and across the Twin Cities. She then served as Academic and Operations Director at Beyond Walls: Urban Squash Twin Cities, a small nonprofit afterschool program, before transitioning to the Intake and Administrative Specialist role at the Office. Robin enjoys reading, trying new recipes and gardening.
Robin is glad to answer most of the initial calls and inquiries for the office, helping to direct people to available resources and supporting the important work of the Office.
Alexis Borgesen (she/her) is excited to join the Office of Foster Youth Ombudsperson as a Foster Youth Outreach and Engagement Specialist. Born and raised in Minnesota, Alexis experienced the foster care system in the state's southeast region. Alexis holds a B.A. in Social Justice from Hamline University and is currently a Master of Public Policy student at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, anticipating graduation in May of 2025. Alexis is deeply passionate about ensuring that Fosters receive the care, opportunities, and outcomes that they deserve. In her free time, you'll find Alexis connecting with her siblings, hanging out with her community, baking, and swimming.
