Minnesota CarePartner

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Our Staff

Click an option below to view team members.

Administrative Staff

Katy Armendariz, LICSW (She/Her/Hers)
CEO
Katy began her social work career by working in post adoption services, reuniting birth parents and their adopted children. This work was personal and incredibly rewarding due to her own separation from her birth mother and trans-racial adoption. Katy obtained her B.A. in Sociology at Northern Illinois University in 2006 and completed her MSW as a Title IV-E Child Welfare Scholar from the University of Minnesota in 2009. Her professional experience has been in ARMHS services, Case Management, therapist in private practice, Program Director of CTSS and ARMHS, and later as founder and CEO of Minnesota CarePartner in 2013. Her life commitment is centered around advocacy for racial justice and the liberation of Black and Brown folx, and ensuring that the mission of MNCP centers Black and Brown communities.
Stephanie Calloway (She/Her/Hers)
Billing Manager

Stephanie Calloway is a Minnesota transplant originally from the Magnolia state of Mississippi. She has worked in Revenue Cycle Management for over 15 years with the last 6 years primarily focusing on Mental Health and Substance Abuse here in the Twin Cities. Her experience spans far beyond the billing office as she is a member of various focus groups specifically centered around the impact of MH and Addiction in communities of color. Stephanie is passionate about ensuring that individuals needing services have access without the common barriers of insurance and funding.  When not working, Stephanie enjoys hanging out with family, attending live MN Lynx games, traveling, shopping or just spending time reading a good book.

“I am so grateful to be apart of the Leadership team here at MN CarePartner. We are an organization striving daily to walk the walk in regard to our mission. Our staff care deeply about the BIPOC community and make it our business to create change and provide the needed services to help individuals and families live holistic lives by identifying and building upon inherent cultural strengths and addressing social barriers.”
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Tywaun Taylor-Clark
Billing Assistant

My name is Tywaun Clark, I am a native of Minneapolis, MN and currently reside in Atlanta, GA. I have an educational background in business management, while I have work in Revenue Cycle for the last ten years. It brings me great pleasure to be able to help others, my focus of help is domestic violence. When I am not working I enjoy being a mother and spending quality time with my four children.

Community Support Program

Kania Johnson
Birth Doula - CSP

Hi! My name is Kania (Ka-soul or vital essence as defined in Ancient Egypt Kemet + Nia/Nyah-purpose as defined in Swahili). I am a birth doula serving the Twin Cities and surrounding suburbs. When I'm not attending births or reading up on everything I can related to reproductive justice. You can find me with my dad and siblings (I am the oldest of 7-4 brothers and 2 sisters) or studying to finish my Master's degree in Public Policy. I am passionate about black maternal health and early childhood development. I believe it is my duty to do everything I can to help my community thrive. It is not enough that birthing people are surviving birth especially our black birthing people, we need our birthing people to thrive before, during, and after birth. So as your Doula, you can count on me to make sure you feel supported throughout your entire birthing experience. In the great words of our Fundi, Ella Baker, "this may only be a dream of mine, but I think it can be made real." So let us THRIVE!

Koya Siebie
Doula

Koya Siebie is a biologist from Atlanta, Georgia. She earned her degree from Georgia State University and relocated to Minnesota in 2019 to further her healthcare career. Her transition into birth work began in 2019 with the birth of her god daughter and she has since completed training with Enlightened Mama. She is currently pursuing her Master of Public Health at Saint Mary’s University, and Evidence Based Childbirth education certification with Holistic Continuum. Koya’s passion for birth work and accessibility for all led to the creation of Birthin’ Black LLC; a collective of birth workers who emphasize fighting disparities in minority groups. Birthin’ Black services persons of all races, abilities, sexual orientations and socioeconomic backgrounds. I aim to provide my clients with adequate education, advocacy and preparation for their birthing experience.

Linda Towle (She/Her/Hers)
Parenting Coach/Advocate

Linda Towle has worked as a Parent Coach/Advocate for the Community Support Program at MNCP practically since its inception. She attended the University of St. Thomas and UW Eau Claire, then earned a Paralegal degree from IHCC. Her past work experience includes working as a legal assistant, parish life coordinator and youth religious education coordinator. Fitness and holistic wellness are also her passion. She’s a Group Fitness instructor, Personal Trainer and Trauma Informed Yoga Instructor. Working at MNCP, Linda is deeply committed to strengthening and supporting families. In her off-time Linda loves spending time with her husband, five children, 2 grandchildren and one dog.

Martina Rahim-Sepulveda, MS RD LD (She/Her/Hers)
Registered Dietitian

Martina was born in Indio, CA, and raised in Sonora, Mexico. She immigrated to the US when she was 12 years old. After observing the high prevalence of chronic health conditions such as obesity and diabetes in the Hispanic population, she nurtured a passion for preventative health and nutrition in marginalized communities. Martina obtained her BS and MS in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Arizona and has a minor in Spanish and Biochemistry. Following her schooling, she completed her clinical dietetic internship at the Minneapolis Health Care System and became a first-generation Latina Registered Dietitian. Her professional work experience is primarily focused on community nutrition, previously delivering the National Diabetes Prevention Program in rural underserved communities as a CDC certified lifestyle coach. 

Martina has also worked as a nutrition consultant recruiting Spanish-speaking participants into research studies and developing nutrition assessment systems for the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona. Additionally, Martina has taught undergraduate level nutrition coursework and has five years of nutrition research experience, which makes her passionate about providing evidence-based nutrition education that is culturally sensitive to underserved groups to lead an overall healthier lifestyle.
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Nate Nyquist, RDN LD (He/Him/His)
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

Nate is a transplant to Minnesota and he originally hails from Kenosha, WI. He has served the Twin Cities veteran population and communities through his work in medical nutrition therapy over the last two years. He holds a professional certification of RDN and is licensed in the State of Minnesota for dietetics. Nate dedicates his work to breaking down social barriers to for community members to live healthy and quality lives through passionate individual and group nutrition counseling. He focuses on nutrition and mental health, management and prevention of chronic disease, diversified nutrition care, and supporting parents, families and other community members through the community support program. He also serves clients in Roots Recovery, helping support them through nutrition education and therapy. Nate is a United States Army Veteran and enjoys spending time with his family, and both running and hiking the trails of Minnesota.

Roots Recovery Staff

Hannah Kidder, MPS LADC (She/Her/Hers)
Treatment Director - Roots Recovery

Hannah is Minnesota born and bred. She has been in the treatment field and working with clients with mental health and substance use disorders for 13 years. She has been a licensed alcohol and drug counselor since 2013, recently graduated with her master's degree in Integrated Behavioral Health from the University of Minnesota, and is pursuing her LPCC. She has worked in MICD treatment, residential as well as outpatient settings, and extensively with Native American clients in a community clinic setting. Hannah's approach is deeply rooted in the humanistic and existential traditions and she is passionate about Rogerian, person-centered therapies, harm reduction, motivational interviewing, and strengths-based approaches. She currently lives in Golden Valley with her husband and Goldendoodle Henry.

Kaonou Vue, LGSW LADC (She/Her/Hers)
Training & Internship Supervisor

Kaonou is an alumni from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities and graduated with her Master of Social Work and holds the professional license of LGSW and ADC-T.  She has been in the healthcare field for 10 years now starting as a certified nursing assistant, to case management services and has now integrated her professional growth to co-occurring health.  In all capacities of her work, Kaonou brings the strength perspective integrating to wholistic care, interpersonal approach, and advocacy for her clients.  

Kaonou is passionate about social justice, equity in all areas of care, and serving the BIPOC community. She enjoys attending community food events and spending time with her family. Language Specialty: Hmong, English Therapeutic Specialty: Interpersonal Approach, Psychodynamic Approach, Family Systems Theory, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and Culturally Centered Intervention.
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Natasha Mitchell, MA (She/Her/Hers)
Treatment Coordinator

Natasha is a native of Minneapolis, Minnesota. She has served in the Twin Cities for almost 6 years assisting those who struggle with addiction and mental health concerns. Natasha holds a Master’s Degree in Forensic Psychology, graduated in 2016. She has helped individuals secure funding while finding placement in both inpatient / outpatient treatment, MAT services and coordination of care.

Mikare Michira, ADC-T
Alcohol & Drug Counselor

Mikare is an Alcohol and Drug Counselor at Roots Recovery Intensive Outpatient Program. Mikare is a recent graduate from Century College in with her Associates Degree in Addiction Counseling. She is currently pursuing her Bachelors of Social Work at Metropolitan State University. Mikare is dedicated to supporting individuals in recovery in a person-centered approach that is genuine with a safe environment for clients to grow in. Mikare is passionate about social justice and being an advocate for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ individuals.

Victoria Lindley, ADC-T (She/Her/Hers)
Substance Use Disorder Counselor

Victoria is a California transplant to rural Minnesota. She came to Minneapolis to pursue education and after 6 years here, she has no plans to leave. She holds a Bachelors degree in Alcohol and Drug Counseling from North Central University. Victoria is passionate about serving people and being an advocate for individuals who need it most. She has previously worked with teens struggling with mental health and has been a part of the SUD field for almost 2 years. As a newer counselor, Victoria brings a fresh and welcoming energy to her work and believes in client centered practices.

Rashad Hameed, MA LADC
Substance Use Disorder Counselor

Rashad is a native of Harlem, New York and a recovering heroin addict with over 30 years of sobriety. He has served the twin cities and surrounding areas for more than 30 years through his work as a Licensed Alcohol & Drug counselor/manager in a community based culturally-specific treatment organization and as a Supervisor in Adult & Juvenile Probation in Dakota and Ramsey Counties respectively. Rashad holds the professional license of LADC, which he uses to support individuals, couples, families and communities with Substance Use Disorder services. In all capacities of his work Rashad brings a culturally specific perspectives and clarity of vision that empower clients to reach new milestones in their growth and development. Rashad is passionate about social justice and repairing the harm that institutional racism has created in the communities he serves and lives in.

Rufus Brown
Substance Use Disorder Counselor

Rufus, a native Minnesotan, grew up in North Minneapolis but makes St. Paul his current home. He has over 25 years experience working with they Correctional/Homeless and Substance Abusing Client, in a variety of settings from Correctional, Residential, Extended Care and Out Patient.
Rufus holds the license through The Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy of LADC, and will be begin pursuing his Bachelors Degree this Summer. He utilizes a wide range of approaches and skills, to support and encourage Clients in the process of change. He thrives in teaching, motivating and Client engagement.
He was awarded physical and legal custody of his 10 year old and has been raising them as a single parent the last 4 years.
An avid Vikings fan and plays Basketball, he has dedicated his life to helping the hurting soul, find their way to and through recovery.

Rachael Cavegn, MA LMFT (She/Her/Hers)
Mental Health Professional

Rachael works with clients from the understanding that both she and the client need to be equal partners in the treatment process in order for therapy to work. Trained in Adlerian Psychotherapy, Rachael follows the theory that all behavior is directed toward one of three goals including finding a sense of belonging, safety and/or significance, and that good mental health can be measured in positive social connections. 

Rachael loves to draw on recent research in neurology to help clients understand how their current functioning makes sense, and how we can rewire our brains in order to be better able to reach our life goals and feel generally more content with who we are.
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Nate Nyquist, RDN LD (He/Him/His)
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

Nate is a transplant to Minnesota and he originally hails from Kenosha, WI. He has served the Twin Cities veteran population and communities through his work in medical nutrition therapy over the last two years. He holds a professional certification of RDN and is licensed in the State of Minnesota for dietetics. Nate dedicates his work to breaking down social barriers to for community members to live healthy and quality lives through passionate individual and group nutrition counseling. He focuses on nutrition and mental health, management and prevention of chronic disease, diversified nutrition care, and supporting parents, families and other community members through the community support program. 

He also serves clients in Roots Recovery, helping support them through nutrition education and therapy. Nate is a United States Army Veteran and enjoys spending time with his family, and both running and hiking the trails of Minnesota.
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Jimmy Quach, MPS LADC
LADC / Clinical Trainee

Jimmy is a Colorado native who has been living in Minnesota for the past 8 years. He attended the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities for both his undergraduate and graduate degrees, recently graduating with his Master's degree in Integrated Behavioral Health. He has been in the mental health and treatment field for the past four years and has been a licensed alcohol and drug counselor since 2018. Jimmy is currently working on his Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor track. He utilizes a person-centered, strengths-based framework to support individuals (adults and children) of all ages, backgrounds, and cultures. Jimmy has areas of interests including healing from trauma, perfectionism, and addressing mental health/substance use through a holistic approach. In his free time, Jimmy enjoys science fiction, video games, and spending time outside hiking, running, and camping.

Elliott Claytor, LADC (They/Them/Theirs)
Treatment Coordinator

Elliott (they/them) is a transplant to the Twin Cities, originally from South Carolina. They began their career in the recovery field in 2018 after working various positions in customer service and community organizing. Prior to their clinical training, Elliott learned group facilitation skills through their personal involvement in peer support and social justice organizations. Before studying Addiction Counselling at Minneapolis College, Elliott completed their undergraduate studies in Women’s Studies and Philosophy, concentrated on Race, Class, and Gender, in Atlanta, GA.

In their work as an LADC, Elliott is particularly invested in supporting the resiliency of communities impacted by the effects of historical trauma and intersecting systems of oppression. As Treatment Coordinator, Elliott helps Roots Recovery clients connect with resources and navigate barriers to meeting their needs in support of their recovery. When they're not at work, Elliott spends lots of time painting and playing with their cats Baldwin and Capote. Therapeutic orientation: Trauma-informed and person-centered approaches to risk-reduction
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Crissy Haider, CPRS (She/Her/Hers)
Peer Recovery Specialist

Crissy is a native of St Paul, MN. She has worked in the addiction and mental health field for 5 years in the surrounding Twin Cities area. Crissy has her BA in Psychology and is currently working on her Masters in Co-Occurring Disorders at Metropolitan State University. She is the Certified Peer Recovery Specialist and a person in long-term recovery. Crissy specializes in helping clients on their recovery journey through therapeutic disclosure of her own recovery journey.

Mental Health Practitioners

Abbi Rawls, LSW (She/Her/Hers)
ARMHS & CTSS Practitioner

Abbi was born and raised in Minneapolis, MN. From a very young age, she had the desire to be a Social Worker. She has held her LSW for two years now, and has been working as a Mental Health Practitioner and ARMHS Worker at MN CarePartner for the last 7 months. Prior to that, she was an ILS worker and ARMHS worker at a different company. Abbi is passionate about social justice and police reform, and volunteers her extra time helping those who are unsheltered in our community.

Alex Wieber (She/Her/Hers)
CTSS Practitioner

Alex is was born and raised in the Twin Cities. She is a proud resident of North Minneapolis and has worked in human services for 6 years. Alex holds a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from Metropolitan State University and is working towards her Master's of Social Work Degree for clinical licensure. Alex started at Minnesota CarePartner as an intern and is currently working within the CTSS skills program. She enjoys helping others build skills, confidence, power, and support in their lives. Alex is passionate about mental health awareness, social justice, and body positivity. In her free time, she enjoys music, hiking, and creating art.

Autumn Wilson, B.A.
Mental Health Practitioner

Autumn was born and raised in the small town of Dalbo, Minnesota with a large family of six brothers and two sisters. She still resides in the area with her four horses and three cats. After graduating from Concordia University in 2018 Autumn began working with Minnesota CarePartner as a mental health practitioner. She travels the north metro area providing children's therapeutic services and supports. Autumn is continuing her education through Saint Mary's University with the goal of becoming a licensed professional clinical counselor. Once she is licensed Autumn hopes to begin practicing Equine Assisted Psychotherapy.

Benjamin Knutson
Skills Practitioner

Benjamin Knutson was a native of Brooklyn Park that moved North to Pine City, MN. He's a husband, and father of three. Accomplished woodworker, smoker, artist who enjoys his time with his family. Benjamin has been a Mental Health Practitioner for over a decade specializing in CTSS. He's established several social skills groups throughout the tri county area bringing growth, and stability to many families.

Brittany Richert, BA (She/Her/Hers or They/Them/Theirs)
ARMHS & CTSS Practitioner

Brittany Richert holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Metropolitan State University and is in her final year of getting her Master’s in Social Work from St. Catherine University. She plans to pursue her LICSW and would like to work in mental health policy development as well as continue to directly serve clients in the community. At MNCP she is an ARMHS and CTSS skills practitioner, helping children and adults build their repertoire of coping skills and skills for daily living. Brittany has worked with teenagers in a variety of settings including residential treatment, public and charter schools, in the home, and at summer camp. 

She enjoys being a “Jack of all trades” with the ability to work with many different people of all ages and backgrounds, but she has specific experience with people on the Autism spectrum and people who struggle with suicidal thoughts. Brittany brings Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) practices and skills coaching into her work. Outside of work, Brittany enjoys spending time with friends, family, and every dog she gets the pleasure of meeting. She also likes to play video games, spend time in nature, and she recently joined a kickball league. Brittany values social justice and equity, believing that every individual’s story is important and that everyone deserves to live their life according to their terms.
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Chor Thao
CTSS Intern

My name is Chor Thao I am currently a student at Metropolitan State and majoring in Social Work. I had previous experience working with non-profit organizations. I worked as a SNAP Outreach at Second Harvest Heartland helping families and individuals who need help applying for SNAP or who need food shelf information. I made phone calls to referral clients from many different partners of the Second Harvest Heartland organization. I also have experience working with youth and adults at the Division of Indian Work, an organization that focuses on helping the Native American community. I have worked with the YLDP ( Youth Leadership Development Program), Womens Anger Management group, and Womens Domestic Violence group.

Courtney Pokela (She/Her/Hers)
Mental Health Practitioner

Courtney has been working with Minnesota CarePartner for three years as a Mental Health Practitioner providing home- and community-based services to clients with mental illness. Along with this experience, she has an extensive background in delivering quality care to clients in the home health/group home setting as a Direct Support Professional. The types of clientele that would receive her care had a wide variety of health issues which include both mental and physical needs. Courtney continues to find reward in assisting her clients at Minnesota CarePartner. She will continue to gain knowledge in the field of mental health and offer her professional services throughout the north metro/metro areas.

Language or Cultural Specialty: English

Dolly Kessel (She/Her/Hers)
Mental Health Practitioner - ARMHS

Dolly is a native of the Twin Cities and has always had a deep appreciation for the diversity of cultures within. Dolly holds a BA in psychology from Metropolitan State University having graduated in 2013 she has over four years of experience working within the community as an ARMHS worker. She has worked both in the field as a Mental Health Practitioner and adult day center settings as both ARMHS and a Program Coordinator. She is experienced working with adolescents, adults and seniors in ARMHS as well as memory care. Dolly is very passionate about Mental Health Awareness in the community and feels strongly that reform is needed in police responses to mental health crisis situations.

Gloria Arpellet
ARMHS, CTSS, and Parent Mentor

Gloria is originally from Cote d’Ivoire in West Africa but has grown up in the twin Cities. She is a recent graduate from Metropolitan State University where she studied pre-Med as well as family studies. Gloria recently joined the team as a parent mentor and a mental health practitioner for both kids and adults. With over 2 years of progressive experience as a mental health professional, Gloria has cared for a wide range of people from infants to elders through various outlets. Given her exposure to European, African, and American influences, she has a personable approach that is adaptive to each person’s character. She is dedicated to provide a space for others in which they feel welcomed, embraced, and uplifted. Gloria will pursue a Masters in Marriage and Family therapy, and eventually obtain a doctorate in psychology. Outside of work, Gloria practices her passion for baking and hopes to integrate it in the process of providing comfort to others one day.

Language specialty: French, English

Therapeutic Specialty: Culturally centered intervention

Hannah Turpin (She/Her/Hers)
CTSS Practitioner

My name is Hannah Turpin and I am a Twin Cities transplant. I traded the hot deserts of the New Mexico, for the frozen tundra of Minnesota. Growing up in a city as unique as Albuquerque gave me many appreciations for things such as multi-cultural communities, speaking Spanish, time in the wilderness and Hatch Green Chile. During High School I spent every summer working at a sleep away camp for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, which launched my passion of working with youth in therapeutic settings.

In Undergrad I studied at the University of New Mexico where I received my Bachelor’s of Science in Family and Child Studies, with a concentration of Human Development and Family Relations. My professional experience has included a variety of settings, including public schools, Behavior Respite and Applied Behavior Analysis therapy, all with a emphasis in ASD. As a member of the National Council for Family Relations and a Certified Life Family Educator Provisional, I am passionate about empowering families to develop skills and foster positive development. A unique fact about myself is that I grew up crewing for and flying in hot air balloons. Albuquerque is the host city to the world’s largest hot air balloon festival (Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta), which resulted in a large culture of hot air balloonists throughout the city, including many of my family and friends.
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Janice Carlson
CTSS and CSP Program Supervisor

Janice brings her unique perspective of leadership to MNCP, with her decades of experience. She supervises and supports 2 groups of mental health practitioners: The Children’s Therapeutic Services and Support (CTSS) staff and the Community Support Program (CSP) staff. Janice loves working with other employees to help everyone bring their best selves to our clients. This commitment continues throughout the series of services provided, as our clients grow and get more out of their lives. Janice loves to read and travel with Australia being her greatest adventure to date.

Kahmiyah Anderson

Kahmiyah was born and raised in the Twin Cities. She currently holds a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Minnesota State University, Mankato, and is working towards her MA in Counseling and Psychological services which will allow her to pursue her LPCC. At MNCP she is a CTSS skills practitioner. Kahmiyah utilizes a strengths-based, person-centered approach. She enjoys working with children of all ages, especially with younger children. She has experience working with older children/teenagers in a day treatment program and school-based programs. Kahmiyah is passionate about being an active community advocate and worker towards closing the disparity gap on mental health services and the disparities in education. In her free time, she enjoys collecting and growing house plants, as well as learning more about plant-based therapy. One day she hopes to be able to merge her passion of plants and mental health.

Nicole Kjoberg
ARMHS Worker

Nicole is a native of Minnesota. Nicole has been working on the mental health field for over15 years. Nicole works with adults and provides supportive services focused on increasing independence and self confidence for all.

Pakou Yang
CTSS Intern

Pakou is a Hmong American woman living in the Saint Paul. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor's in Social Work at Metropolitan State University. Pakou is also looking forward to pursue her Master's in Social Work. She believes she can make a difference by focusing on the little things that matter in life. Pakou enjoys being outside with nature. She enjoys fishing, playing volleyball, and traveling.

Therapists

Katie Harrold, MA LMFT (She/Her/Hers)
Clinical Supervisor - Mental Health

Katie is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Board Approved Clinical Supervisor.  She has collaborated with individuals, couples, youth, and families of all definitions in the metro area for over 15 years to support growth, change and healing.  Some areas of special interest and experience include: approaching interactions with a trauma informed and culturally responsive lens, use of creativity and art in therapy, family systems, and LGBTQ+ identifying youth. Katie strives to support clients and their families in recognizing their resiliency by validating and honoring lived experiences to increase access to inner resources for healing.

Lydia Majors-Roland, MA LPCC
Clinical Supervisor - Mental Health

My name is Lydia Majors-Roland and I have resided in the twin cities for the last 25 years.  I am originally from southeast Wisconsin.  I have worked in the social services and behavioral health field for more than 15 years.  I have also served families in both crisis and non-crisis situations.  I currently hold a professional license of LPCC, which I use to support individuals (both adult and children), families, and couples in psychotherapy, assessments, and psychoeducation from a Cognitive Behavioral perspective.  I am also a MN Board approved Clinical Supervisor for both LPC/LPCC.  I am passionate about assisting others in living a healthier lifestyle that can help them accomplish their daily goals.

I continue to further my education by participating in continuing education classes/credits to stay abreast in the behavioral health field. I am also currently attending school for my Doctorate in Educational Leadership, which I plan to use from a culturally sensitive perspective, by assisting underserved and BIPOC families whose children are receiving (EBD) IEP's at a disproportionate rate compared to their peers.
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Barite Gemada,LGSW
Clinical Therapist Trainee

Barite attended the University of Minnesota twin cities for both her undergraduate and graduate studies. She currently holds a professional license of Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW), which she utilizes to support children, adolescents, adults and families by providing psychotherapy services. In her everyday work with clients, Barite utilizes a non-judgmental, person-centered approach, meeting people where they are at in order to provide the treatment that people truly need. Barite is passionate about generational trauma and its impact on overall well-being. In her spare time, Barite enjoys hanging out with her family and friends, gardening and cooking .

Cierra Schmidt
Clinical Therapist Intern

Cierra grew up in the Twin Cities area. She lived in Chicago for five years while attending Loyola University in Chicago, where she earned her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW). Cierra moved back to the Twin Cities in 2018. She is now continuing her education through University of Kentucky's online Master of Social Work (MSW) program. She is expected to graduate in December 2021. With our organization, Cierra hopes to increase her knowledge of therapeutic services for children and youth, and educate herself further on social justice issues that affect our communities.

Elizabeth "Libby" Johnson, MSW LGSW (She/Her/Hers)
Clinical Therapist Trainee

I have a Masters in Social Work degree. I am licensed as a clinical trainee. I working towards an independent clinical license. I believe that healing is possible for anyone with the right support. I use an empathic, flexible and curious approach in my work with clients. 
One unique/fun fact about me is that I am ambidextrous; I write with my left hand but do everything else with my right hand, like using a fork.
Language or Cultural Specialty: Spanish and Latino culture
Therapeutic Specialty: Generalist. Planning to get more training in the treatment of trauma or somatic processing in the future.


Eric Ly (He/Him/His)
Mental Health Clinical Trainee

I am a native from France and I have been living in the twin cities for over 23 years now. I recently graduated with a Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University and have been serving the twin cities community for more than 18 years through my work in education, insurance and mental health services.  I am currently on track for a LPCC licensure. In my work as a therapist, I use an integrated and systemic approach including dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), focusing on building a safe and positive rapport with my clients.  I greatly enjoy working with individuals of a wide variety of backgrounds, ages and cultures, and I have a special interest in trauma work.
I also speak fluently Hmong, French and English

Jimmy Quach, MPS LADC
LADC / Clinical Trainee

Jimmy is a Colorado native who has been living in Minnesota for the past 8 years. He attended the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities for both his undergraduate and graduate degrees, recently graduating with his Master's degree in Integrated Behavioral Health. He has been in the mental health and treatment field for the past four years and has been a licensed alcohol and drug counselor since 2018. Jimmy is currently working on his Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor track. He utilizes a person-centered, strengths-based framework to support individuals (adults and children) of all ages, backgrounds, and cultures. Jimmy has areas of interests including healing from trauma, perfectionism, and addressing mental health/substance use through a holistic approach. In his free time, Jimmy enjoys science fiction, video games, and spending time outside hiking, running, and camping.

Paulina Steffer, MA LADC (She/Her/Hers)
Program Supervisor- ARMHS

Education/Experience – After completing a Master of Arts in addiction counseling at Hazelden graduate school, I worked as CD counselor at Hazelden. I then started a Master of Arts on Marriage and Family Therapy at Adler Graduate school, while providing chemical dependency (CD) services and completing my MH internship and practicum at Pangea Care.

Specialized Training – I have completed Adaptive Internal Relational (AIR) Network training and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) training, which have helped me gain techniques to support people struggling with trauma and dissociation.

 

I decided to learn more about these two modalities in particular, as they are both strengths-based, offer different skills for people to manage triggers and other difficulties on their own, while they complement each other. Areas of Clinical Interest – I enjoy working with individuals, families, and couples 12 years to older.     Practice Areas - I enjoy working with people who struggle with mood disorder, trauma, addiction, grief, Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), situational struggles, relational problems, immigrants, and refugees.     Personal Statement  - I enjoy working with individuals, families, and couples ages 12 and older. I provide services to people struggling with depression, anxiety, chemical use, grief/loss, trauma, relationship concerns, and daily problems like life changes and transitions. I have mainly worked with immigrants trying to adapt into a different country, expectations, and cultural stress. I offer services in English and Spanish.     I am trained in AIR Network Model which emphasizes in the treatment of complex trauma and neuro-dissociative states.     I build my relationship with clients through a genuine manner, where I try to find the best approach to meet their needs. At MNCP we focus on treating individuals and families by a culturally sensitive approach, which correlates well with my values as an immigrant.
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Rylee Sickman
Mental Health Clinical Trainee

Rylee is a mental health counselor based in the Twin Cities whose focus has been on queer and trans mental health across the lifespan. Their interests specifically include learning about and advocating for those with marginalized queer identities and non-traditional relationship dynamics. They practice from a strengths-based, person-centered, solution-focused approach. They like to balance creating individual strength and autonomy with recognizing systemic challenges and their unique impacts on individuals. They also practice from a perspective informed by their understanding of trauma, healing, feminism, and social justice.

Stacey Rhyner, LGSW
Clinical Therapist Trainee

Stacey is native of Minnesota and has worked in social services for more than 5 years. Stacey has significant experience working with children as a skills practitioner in both an individual and group setting. Stacey currently hold the professional license of LGSW which she uses to provide Psychotherapy services to children, adults, and families within the community. Stacey strives to continue to further her knowledge in Psychotherapy to better serve local families in the twin cities area. Stacey is passionate about working with families and children to strengthen family bonds and to empower clients.

Contact

call: 612-289-5656
email: info@mncarepartner.com
fax: 651-925-0278

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