Karina Forrest-Perkins

Karina Forrest-Perkins

President & CEO


With more than fifteen years of executive leadership and consultant experience in the fields of behavioral health and social services, Karina Forrest-Perkins, Heartspring's first female CEO brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in leading and creating strategic direction for effective long-term outcomes. She most recently led both People’s Center Clinics and Services in Minneapolis, MN and Wayside Recovery Center in St. Louis Park, MN as chief executive officer. An international consultant in trauma-informed care, Forrest-Perkins has also served as the governor’s appointee for the Health and Human Services advisory council in Oklahoma.

Having been a key influential leader in the development and advocacy for several organizational programs and statewide systems, Forrest-Perkins’ mission-focused, culturally responsive, and employee/client-centered approach to leadership not only aligns with Heartspring’s vision to help children and families affected by disabilities find hope, purpose, and fulfillment, but also with its trauma-informed care approach to support employees, children, and families in their journey toward strong and healthy foundations for their everyday life.