Staff
George Hendrickson, LSW, 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.
Gretchen Welch, LICSW, 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.
Karol Jensen-Schneider, LICSW, Eastern Regional Director
Karol Jensen-Schneider joined the Kindred Family Services team in 2011 as the Eastern Regional Director and is excited to bring her passion of working with foster parents and youth to Kindred. She received her Master of Social Work degree from Augsburg College in 1998 and her Bachelor of Social Work degree from St. Cloud State University in 1992. Karol has worked in public social work for the past 17 years as a child protection investigator/case manager, children’s mental health case manager, crisis intervention worker, grant manager, therapeutic foster care support worker, intake worker, child day care and foster care licensor, outreach worker, school counselor, and group facilitator. She also has experience working at a children’s shelter, mental health agency, and a community center in which she served primarily clients of Latino/a heritage.
Lorie Gratke, BS, Quality Assurance Manager
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.
