Meet SSP4ALL’s Volunteer Staff

A small group of volunteers in a row standing on grass with lgbtq+ flags behind them.

Our dedicated team of volunteer staff help keep SSP4ALL moving!

Meet Our Director and Co-Founder

Gusta Carr (Gus)

“The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity. ”
— Amelia Earhart

Gusta is the Executive Director of SSP4ALL and a rising leader in advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, women's rights, and disability rights. As a genderqueer activist, they champion equity and inclusion, working to amplify marginalized voices. Through SSP4ALL, Gusta fosters a culture of accessibility, empowerment, and social justice, ensuring that all individuals have the resources and support they need to thrive.

Meet Our Founders

Bethany Lippolt

“Love is love”

Bethany Lippolt is a woman on a mission. As a lesbian trans woman, Bethany has dedicated her time to building and organizing for progressive causes. SSP4ALL all started with a social media post. Bethany asked if anyone wanted to throw a community party, and after meeting Cindy and Gus, the trio decided to fully commit to creating a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community in South St Paul. She spends her time studying electronics and fine-tuning the technical side of the organization as well as doing graphic work, social media, and intercommunication.

Cindy Schmidt

“There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.”
— Nelson Mandela

Cindy Schmidt is proud to be one of the founding members and directors of SSP4ALL, supporting LGBTQ+ people and all other marginalized groups in the community. Her role as an ally is to listen and learn, and to share these lessons - especially to those of her generation. Always ready with a hug.


Meet The Staff

Morgan Phillips

(She/her) is new to Minnesota and South Saint Paul, and believes in being an active member of the community. She aspires to create spaces that celebrate love and acceptance, allowing everyone to confidently express their true selves without fear of judgment or exclusion.

Amanda Tigerlily

(She/they) is a South Saint Paul transplant and is a proud board member of SSP4ALL. Amanda’s vision is to cultivate a community where everyone feels affirmed, respected, and celebrated for who they are. Through advocacy, outreach and collaboration, Amanda is committed to building bridges, breaking barriers, and creating a more inclusive society for all members of the LGBTQ+ community is South Saint Paul. 

Mo Pratt

(She/they) is a thrifty queer with a passion for books and a love for the unique finds. Championing gender inclusivity and visibility, they are an advocate for equality and acceptance. They believe a more loving and expansive world can be shaped together and we all can have a role in making love more tangible. 

Elysia Wells

(Ee-lee-see-ah)(She/her) is a queer advocate who has lived in SSP since 2020 with her spouse and child. She has art, design, and anthropology degrees that enrich her creative pursuits. Elysia enjoys hiking and crafting and loves cats, embodying empathy and community spirit. She is an avid board gamer and Girl Scout Gold Award recipient. 

Jennifer Pletcher

(she/her) is new to Minnesota and SSP. She believes in equality for all and is active at conveying herself as a safe space for everyone. She strives for positive community interaction and political inclusion and believes diversity is necessary to progress.

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Rayn Christensen

(She/They) is a resident of South St. Paul, born and raised. She's a local forager and baker who wants to help individuals find their place in both online and physical spaces. They believe it's integral to cultivate the sense of a village in the SSP community through compassion, understanding, and education.

A man with a hat, a beard and sunglass. He is wearing a light color t-shirt and has a pale complexion.

Pete Ghizoni

(He/Him) A printmaker by trade, I moonlight as a graphic designer and illustrator. Through solidarity, I would like to do my part to uplift marginalized people in our community into a postion of acceptance and personal liberation. I aim to highlight the vibrant, positive and inclusive enviroment SSP4ALL has forged, with creativity and art. 

The fake and neck of a blonde woman with cat eye glasses, dark eye color

Sylvia Holsen

(she/her) I am a software developer, South St. Paul graduate, LARPer and dog mom dedicated to using my skills to support this amazing community. I believe that in these difficult times, it's vital that our community have each other's backs and I am proud to be a part of the change that's happening in South St. Paul.

A woman with glasses. She has a brown hat and a brown sweater.She has a pale complexion, and dark color hair.

Andrea Ghizoni

(She/her) Is a SSP Transplant who is dedicated to making it a safe and inclusive place for everyone that lives here. She is passionate about equality for the LGBTQ+ community, immigrant and women's rights. She loves art, reading, and gardening. She also loves to cook and bake, and to share her table with friends and family. Andrea is a strong believer in the power of community and organizing, and will always be ready with an open door and an open ear for anyone that needs it.