Pathways, a nonprofit that offers complementary healing services to people with life-threatening and chronic physical illnesses, has named Erika Backberg as its new executive director. Her appointment was effective October 10. Backberg fills the role that Tim Thorpe held for the past 14 years.

Based in Minneapolis and founded in 1988, Pathways serves individuals who seek healing for body, mind, heart and spirit. The organization offers free holistic services for people with critical and life-changing health situations who may or may not be using conventional medical treatment. Pathways encourages the understanding that healing and curing are two different things, and that healing is always available even when a cure is not.

Backberg brings two decades of experience building holistic systems and social impact solutions to her new role. Before joining Pathways, she was the chief impact officer at the Kresser Institute for Functional Medicine where she oversaw all aspects of the company’s internal and external social impact operations, including health equity-focused partnerships and sustainable business practices.

“Erika has a passion for health equity and for building culture through intentional listening and systems design thinking,” states Pamela Lampert, Pathways board chair. “We are excited for her to bring her holistic lens, passion and community-building capacity to benefit the Pathways community, including the participants we serve, providers who offer their services, partners aligned with us, staff and the board.”

Prior to her position at the Kresser Institute, Backberg founded and ran a creative solutions consultancy. She has worked as a researcher and consultant for state and federal legal defense teams; held the role of director of donations and sustainable business manager for Los Angeles-based EcoSet, a company that implements zero-waste practices for productions and events; and served as a media literacy educator and outreach coordinator for the Saint Paul Neighborhood Network, a community media and technology resource center for youth, adults and nonprofits.