Staff

Executive Director

Crystal Royer

Crystal serves as Executive Director of Twelfth Step House, where she provides leadership focused on program integrity, regulatory compliance, and organizational sustainability. She oversees daily operations, staff supervision, fiscal management, and alignment with Minnesota Housing Support and licensing requirements to ensure a safe, stable, and well-managed residence.

Crystal brings a background in community development and nonprofit leadership, informed by lived experience and a commitment to dignity and accountability. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Hamline University and completed the Leadership in Affordable Housing graduate certificate program. She also participated in the Minnesota Housing Partnership Housing Institute and the Minnesota Young American Leaders Program, where she deepened her focus on cross-sector leadership and collaborative approaches to complex housing and life challenges.

Recognized as a 20 Under 40 Duluth honoree, Crystal emphasizes ethical governance, transparent decision-making, and partnership with residents, staff, board members, and community organizations. Her leadership centers building systems that support stability, wellbeing, and progress toward thriving, sustainability, while ensuring responsible stewardship of public resources.

Program Director

Valerie Lossing, LADC

Valerie serves as Program Director at Twelfth Step House and brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her role. She provides leadership focused on program quality, resident support, and creating a safe, consistent environment where individuals can build stability and continue their recovery journeys. Valerie works closely with residents and staff to help foster a culture rooted in accountability, compassion, and meaningful connection.

As a mother of five, family remains at the center of Valerie’s life. She enjoys fishing, hunting, and spending time outdoors. Her own journey through addiction and recovery inspired her to pursue a career dedicated to helping others find healing, hope, and purpose.

After becoming a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC), Valerie began her career supporting women and children before transitioning into outpatient services serving both men and women. She later spent four years at Lakeplace, an outpatient program with lodging for men, where she gained valuable experience supporting individuals through recovery and life transitions. Prior to joining Twelfth Step House, Valerie operated a private practice providing 245G Comprehensive Assessments.

Valerie believes recovery is built through consistency, continuity, accountability, and connection. She values creating environments where individuals feel respected, supported, and seen for who they are beyond their circumstances. Valerie has been a true blessing to Twelfth Step House, bringing heart, dedication, and authenticity to her work each day. She carries a deep belief that people can heal, grow, and create meaningful lives in recovery when given support, opportunity, and a sense of belonging.

Counselor

Anthony "AJ" Jenkins, LADC

Anthony “AJ” serves as a Human Services Intern at Twelfth Step House, where he supports residents and contributes to the agency’s mission of creating a safe, stable, and recovery-focused environment. AJ brings compassion, curiosity, and a willingness to learn to his role, while continuing to grow personally and professionally through hands-on experience in the human services field.

Throughout his internship, AJ has demonstrated a commitment to learning and a genuine investment in the people and work of the organization. He approaches his role with authenticity and a desire to build meaningful connections with residents and staff. AJ values accountability, personal growth, and continuous improvement, and he has shown a willingness to receive feedback and use it as an opportunity to strengthen both himself and the agency.

AJ’s journey reflects resilience and dedication, and his growth throughout his internship has translated into the care, initiative, and presence he brings to Twelfth Step House. We are grateful for his contributions and look forward to seeing how his passion for helping others continues to shape his future in the field.

MN North LADC Intern

Jacob Thompson 

Jacob serves as a member of the Twelfth Step House team, where he supports the organization’s mission of creating a safe, stable, and recovery-focused environment for residents. He contributes to the day-to-day operations of the house and plays an important role in helping create a respectful and supportive community.

Jacob brings a dependable presence and a commitment to the work being done at Twelfth Step House. He values consistency, accountability, and treating individuals with dignity and respect. He believes meaningful change happens through connection, trust, and creating environments where people feel welcomed and supported.

As Twelfth Step House continues to grow and evolve, Jacob has embraced the opportunity to be part of rebuilding and creating something meaningful for the future. He understands the importance of investing in people and helping shape an organization rooted in recovery, belonging, and hope. His dedication and willingness to contribute to a shared vision continue to positively impact both the agency and the individuals it serves.