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Our Staff

Administrative

Katy Armendariz, (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 people, and actively working to dismantle systems of oppression through collective protest.
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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 go.od 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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Stephanie Delacruz
Office, Intake & Administrative Manager
Stephanie is originally from Wisconsin and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire. She is passionate about helping others and loves working in an environment that fosters equality and understanding. In her free times, Stephanie enjoys traveling, salsa dancing, and spending summer days on the lake.
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Valentino Delacruz
Billing Specialist
Valentino was born and raised in St Paul, MN. He went to college for medical billing and coding and is excited to put his knowledge to use at MN CarePartner! Valentino has been in the medical field for 15 years, as he continues to also work at another medical facility that he has worked at for 10 years. He is passionate about helping others and being able to learn more as he goes. In his free time, Valentino enjoys Minnesota sports and spending time with his family.
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MaiDee Vang
Human Resources Assistant
MaiDee identifies as a Hmong American woman who was raised in the small town of Tracy, MN. She has a (BS) Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies from Minnesota State University, Mankato. MaiDee is passionate about mental health and substance abuse among marginalized communities. Growing up in a culture where mental health was not held of high importance, MaiDee wants to be someone who can change cultural thoughts on mental health and encourage individuals to take care of themselves. She aspires to help people that don't have or have limited access to resources that could help them improve themselves and their family. Through her role as the Human Resource Assistant, MaiDee strives to serve employee needs in order for employees to better serve their clients. When MaiDee is not working, she likes to spend time with friends and family, take her Siberian husky to the park, and travel the world.
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Jasmine Wachter
Administrative Assistant
Hi, I'm Jasmine and I'm currently working as the Administrative Assistant at MNCP. I grew up mainly in Minnesota. I've volunteered doing Administrative assistant work in schools. I love to dance and laugh. I was a dance coach for 10 years. I love being the first face our clients get to see when entering our safe space. I'm dedicated to being a good teammate and helping clients and staff in the best way possible. I'm passionate about creating a safe and loving environment for all. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, dogs, Dancing, photography, paddle boarding and eating at food trucks.
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Janie Yang
Human Resources Manager
Janie is originally from central Wisconsin. She has a (BBA) Bachelor’s in Business Administration from The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and has been in the human resource field for over a year. Janie is passionate about equity within the workplace and community. She uses her compassion for people to create a positive and inviting HR department to better serve employees. Janie continues to further her knowledge of social justice advocacy and racial disparities in income and other outcomes.
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Yeev Her
Clinical Scheduler
Yeev was born and raised in Central Wisconsin and transplanted to Minnesota in 2006. She has spent the last 17 years working as a pharmacy technician to gain the necessary experience to provide the best care possible for her patients. She is currently in school to continue her dream of becoming a physician. Yeev is passionate about providing compassionate quality care and education about healthcare to any person despite socio-economic status or orientation. 
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Community Support

Carlos Armendariz
Digital Navigator
I was born in Guadalajara Mexico and immigrated to the US in the 90s and have lived in Mpls since 1997. My Profesional background is in technology sales and project management. I really enjoy making new relationships and working towards closing gaps in every day life with the technology we have available.
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Trista Miest
Digital Navigator
My name is Trista Miest and I was born in Mason City, Iowa. I moved quite a bit as a child, but I mostly grew up in Minnesota. I completed college in Mankato, MN where I obtained my Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services.  I am passionate about human services and I have worked in the field for over 10 years. My most recent experience has been in case management in the Twin Cities. In my free time I enjoy spending time with family/friends, hiking, and photography.  
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Julia Rodriguez
Parenting Coach/Advocate
Julia was born in Chihuahua, Mexico and moved to the United States when she was 4 years old. She has completed a B.A in Psychology from Winona State University, and is currently enrolled as an MSW student at Augsburg University. Julia is bilingual in English and Spanish, and has worked with the hispanic and other minority communities across several internship and employment opportunities since 2016. She is motivated and passionate in working with youth and adults, and helping them work through mental health issues through a strengths-based lens. When she is not working, Julia is usually studying for her Masters and enjoying hobbies in photography, playing the guitar, and finding new local shops in her area.
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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.
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Veronica Swen
Parenting Coach/Advocate
Hello! My name is Veronica Swen and I am currently working as a Parenting Coach in Families Forward position with MNCP. I graduated from the University of Minnesota Duluth with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Criminology and a Minor in Women, Gender, Sexuality Studies. I have participated in many groups and community services through which I have come to understand the importance and excitement for helping people. Also, gained other experiences and knowledge from working with people who are mentally impair. Also gained experiences from working with people from different racial groups. I am passionate about helping people and building a meaningful, respectful, and impactful community where people will feel safe and equal without them being judged on the color of their skills, race, sexual orientation, sexual identity, nationality, and so forth. Also passionate about helping people find solutions to their problem. Another fun fact about me is, I am a certified CPR and a Sexual Assault Advocate.
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Pader Yang
Targeted Children's Mental Health Case Manager
Pader (she/her/hers) identifies as a Hmong American female, who was born and raised in Minnesota. Pader is a Child Welfare Scholar and received her Bachelor of Social Work and minor in Child Psychology from Metropolitan State University in December 2020. She is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work at Augsburg University and will anticipate graduating in August 2024. Pader has been working with children and families for over 3 years from a teacher assistant at KinderCare to an adoption social worker at Ramsey County. She is diligent in her career work and passionate about social justice, dismantling systematic oppression, and advocating for marginalize communities. Pader is bilingual in Hmong and English.
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Roots Recovery

Ciana Burrell
MPH
Hi! My name is Ciana Burrell and I am currently working as a Systems Navigator. I graduated from St. Olaf College with a BA in Biology and Race and Ethnic Studies, and from the University of Minnesota with an MPH in Community Health Promotion and a minor in Health Equity. I have held a variety of different positions including as a Coordinator at St. Catherine University's in their Women's Health Integrative Research (WHIR) Center, and as a Planner and Accreditation Coordinator at Chisago County Public Health. I am devoted to serving and advocating for marginalized communities and am excited to work for an organization focused on cultural healing and dismantling oppressive systems. During my free time I love to go to concerts, travel, and read.
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Liz Jacobson, LADC
LADC
Liz identifies as an Indian woman and raised in Minneapolis, MN. She worked in group homes, daycares, and many odd jobs until she got her degree at 30yrs old. She has served the twin cities for 2 years through her work in social services and SUD education. She has a AA degree from Minneapolis Community and Technical College, and (BSW) Bachelors of Social Work from Bemidji State University and wants to purse her Masters degree in social work to become dual licensed with an LGSW or LMSW. . Liz is passionate about substance abuse and mental health stigma among marginalized communities. She enjoys working in challenging jobs where she can learn and grow the most. She began and interned at her first counseling job consisted of inpatient and outpatient clients where had severe mental health, criminal pasts, dually diagnosed and had multiple barriers. She strives to help find healing, and wellness through their recovery journey through human connection with the willingness to evolve. She is a lover of of animals and has volunteered at many animal shelter throughout her life for over 10 years. She has two rescued dogs, loves to explore new places with friends and go to concerts.
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Phalen Meyer, LN/MPH
Dietician/Nutritionist
I am originally from Texas. I received my Bachelor's in Business at Texas A&M University-Central Texas and received my Master's in Public Health from Liberty University. My mission is to see people get off medications due to chronic diseases and thrive in life in a healthy and safe way. The quote I live by in life is, " Never giving up and pushing forward will unlock all the potential we are cable of". My drive and goals are to see people in their journey from start, to transition, to transformation. No one's journey is the same, and it is rewarding to see people achieve their health goals.
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Susie Pierce, BS, CPRS
Certified Peer Recovery Specialist
Susie is from Superior, Wisconsin, but has now been in the cities for more years than she lived in her hometown. Susie received a BS degree in Business Administration and Psychology, from the University of WI-Superior. She worked for over 25 years in Retirement Services before making a career change in 2016. After attending IOP programming herself, she discovered her true calling was in helping others in recovery. She went through Peer Support Training in 2017 and received her certification. She worked as a Peer Support Specialist, meeting with peers, facilitating peer groups and co-facilitating a family group at her last job. Susie has several years experience working with peers with co-occurring disorders. Susie loves working with Peers and helping them find their own pathway to recovery. She shares her own lived experience, providing emotional support and helping connect peers to recovery resources. She meets with clients and can accompany them to support groups as well as other activities that may arise. In her off time Susie loves reading, movies and swimming. She loves all animals, with a special fondness for cats. While she has three cats of her own she is adamant that this does not mean she is a "crazy cat lady".
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Grace Tippy, LADC
Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor
Grace is a native of Gary, Indiana, home of The Jackson 5 and many other celebrities. She will have served as an LADC 2 years this upcoming February 2023 and has enjoyed working with people from all walks of life, a people person, who will not be satisfied unless she can make a positive difference in your life. Grace can relate to clients who are going through their journey with substance use and co-occurring disorders and is open to share her life story. Grace sings professionally and likes to incorporate music into her group sessions at times. She finds that it can brings smiles to the faces of clients in need. Grace received her Bachelors of Science degree in alcohol & drug counseling, Summa Cum Laude, in 2020 at the ripe young age of 61 years of age.
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Mental Health Practitioners

Ava Gondeck
Mental Health Practitioner
Ava grew up in Minnesota and is eager to support the community. She is pursuing her masters in integrative behavioral health and is working towards LADC and LPCC licensure. Ava is passionate about mental health and the intersection of substance use, and how pre-existing structures perpetuate mental health concerns among marginalized communities. Ava aspires to help people through a strengths-based focus with the overall goal to support people's well-being. Ava loves to spend her free time baking and even made her best friend's wedding cake!
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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.
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Benjamin Knutson
Mental Health Practitioner
Benjamin is a native to Brooklyn Park, MN. He currently resides in rural Pine City where he provides both individual/family CTSS services to surrounding communities within a 50 mile radius for the last 12yrs. During this time he's established himself within the tri County area (Isanti, Chisago, Kanabec ) as the preferred Practitioner. Benjamin also contributes his time, resources, and energy into developing social skills groups within the communities he serves.
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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
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Abbi Rawls, LSW
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.
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Shena Vang
Mental Health Practitioner
Shena was born and raised in Minnesota. She has a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a minor in Human Relations from St. Cloud State University. She has worked with children for over 3 years in education and social services and is joining MNCP as a CTSS Mental Health Practitioner. Shena is a proud Hmong American who is passionate about breaking myths regarding mental health in communities, advocating for social justice, and amplifying unrepresented voices and experiences in anyways she can. She enjoys long walks around lakes, trying new restaurants, and listening to music on her free time.
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Therapists

Katy Armendariz, (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 people, and actively working to dismantle systems of oppression through collective protest.
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Maria Hipkins, MSW, LICSW
Clinical Supervisor
Maria Hipkins, MSW, LICSW I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work at The College of St. Scholastic in 2010. Following my undergraduate degree, I entered the Graduate Social Work program through the University of Minnesota, where I graduated and earned my Master’s Degree in Social Work in 2012. I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and Board Approved Supervisor in the State of Minnesota. I am also approved to provide clinical supervision to those under the Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy. I have been working in the Mental Health field for over 20 years with both adults and youth. I am a 1st generation college graduate and I hold a strong value in inclusive and fairly represented educational opportunities. I am a Child Welfare Scholar and I practice with a trauma informed lens. I believe in the power of connection and providing a safe space to be curious and explore what healing looks like for each client. I strive to work through an anti-racist and social justice model.
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Kahmiyah Anderson
CTSS Supervisor
Kahmiyah is currently working towards receiving her MA from Saint Marys University and is expected to graduate in Spring 2021. She utilizes a humanistic approach that includes aspects of CBT, strengths-based, and person-centered approaches. Kahmiyah believes it is important for clients to feel empowered in their therapeutic journey and towards reaching their full potential. Kahmiyah is passionate about working with children and families in underserved communities. As well as actively working towards closing the accessibility gap in mental health services and the disparity gap in education in these communities. Kahmiyah enjoys collecting and growing house plants, as well as learning more about plant/nature-based therapy. She is striving towards being able to merge her passion for children and mental health with plants/nature.
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Ahmisa Baysudee, MSW, LGSW
Mental Health Professional
Ahmisa is a graduate social work student at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. Throughout her academic and professional experiences, she has notably valued working with young folx, diverse and intersectional communities, women's mental health, and grief and loss. She has a profound appreciation for learning about the unique and intersectional events that have shaped each person's life. Although continually building her repertoire, Ahmisa has a multifaceted, client-centered, and strengths-based approach -- pulling from several modalities depending on an individual's needs. Her goal is to collaborate with and empower each individual she works with to make life-long, sustainable, and fulfilling adjustments in their lives. When Ahmisa is not working, she enjoys arts- and culturally-based events, watching teen dramas with her daughter, spinning cotton candy, and being out in nature with her pups and family.
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Kainani Carlson, MSW, LICSW
Mental Health Professional
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Suzana Duarte Santos Mallard
Pre-Licensed Therapist
Hi my name is Suzana I'm originally from Cape Verde. It's an archipelago of 10 island on the west coast of Africa. I grew up in Rome until I was 19, that's when I moved back home for a short period before starting my higher education in Brazil as a Psychologist in 2005. Been exposed to so many different cultures, languages and environment allowed me to develop a sense of community that push me to recreate familiarity around myself and others. I identify myself as a migrant, feminist, psychoanalyst trained, researcher. I earned a Doctoral Degree in Psychosociology of Communities and Social Ecology in 2020. My research involves mobility, mental health and clinical practice with forced migration. As a consultant I was part of institutional projects involving mental health care with vulnerable populations. I speak 6 different languages in order to communicate with my patients. Fun facts: I'm a mom of two exceptional teenagers and when I'm not working, I like to take my dog out for long walks. I love music, plants, dogs and cats.
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Elise 지애 Gooi (she/her)
Clinical Social Work Intern
Elise 지애/Gi-Ae Gooi (she/her) is a Korean-American cis woman and a proud first generation college graduate completing her final year at UMN’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program. With the belief that our personal and collective histories matter and oppression is real, she uses an intersectional and intergenerational lens with a strengths-based and healing-centered stance that honors the depth and breadth of who we are (becoming). Elise/지애/Gi-Ae builds her relationship-based practice upon 15 years of partnering with individuals (children, teens, and adults), families, and communities of a wide range of backgrounds and orientations as an educator, coach, trainer and leader. Among many things, she enjoys connecting with loved ones (over delicious food!), being in nature, and listening to podcasts and audiobooks exploring what it means to be human.
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Ileana Ortiz de Leon, MA
Clinical Trainee
Hablo español, trabajo con niños y adultos. Guatemalan native with 13 years of experience working with all ages. My work is always centered on the person's needs and personal goals, I'm trained in Stand Tray Therapy, my therapeutic orientation is more experiential with existential influences. I have a special interest in working with immigrant communities from around the world, helping them with cultural shock adaptation, and understanding the role their mental health plays in their life.
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Pa Xiong, BSW
Clinical Social Work Intern
Pa was born and raised in Saint Paul, Minnesota. She enjoys working with people of all ages and backgrounds. Pa has spent the last six years working in early childhood education. In the last year, she transitioned to a case management position where she helps people access services, resources, and the community. Pa enjoys creating, collaborating and celebrating with all the people that she works with. When Pa is not working, she enjoys going on hikes, spending time with family and taking naps.
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Katherine Wald, LSW (she/her)
Clinical Social Work Intern
Katherine (she/her) is in her final year of her Masters of Social Work program at Augsburg University. She grew up in St. Paul Minnesota and moved back after earning a Bachelors degree in social work from St. Olaf College. Her experiences include children’s mental health services and time with the Minnesota House of Representatives. Most notably, she has spent the last several years working in the child welfare sphere with teens who have experienced a termination of parental rights by the courts to find permanency, and with relative/kin and other families who would like to be a permanency resource for youth in foster care. As a transracial, transnational adoptee herself, Katherine values belonging, connection, & community. She brings these values into session in addition to a trauma informed lens that is intersectional and client centered. She believes in partnering with clients to create both brave and safe spaces where people can feel comfortable bringing all aspects of their multifaceted identities and explore what healing looks like for them. She is committed to practicing through racial and social justice frameworks. When not working or in school, you can catch Katherine cooking or baking and grabbing Boba tea from her favorite local spots. She also loves to hang her hammock in various MN parks and catch up on a good book or with friends.
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Muna Omar
Pre-Licensed Therapist
I was born in Mogadishu, Somalia in 1992 in the midst of the civil war. I moved a lot across Africa and came to Minnesota as a fifth grader with no knowledge of English in the fall of 2002. I have always being part of helping my family and neighbors with paper work and connecting them with resources from a young age. I have graduated with my Bachelors in Social Work from St. Catherine University and then received my Masters of Social Work in Clinical Social Work from the University of St. Thomas in 2021. I hold my LGSW currently. I have provided therapy to children, adolescence, and adults from various backgrounds. I enjoy supporting my clients who have many intersectionality and how much strength they already hold. I have used strength perspective, culturally sensitive, naming intergenerational trauma and systemic oppression in my work. I enjoy watching reality TV shows on my free time.
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Family Based Recovery

Maria Hipkins, MSW, LICSW
Clinical Supervisor
Maria Hipkins, MSW, LICSW I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work at The College of St. Scholastic in 2010. Following my undergraduate degree, I entered the Graduate Social Work program through the University of Minnesota, where I graduated and earned my Master’s Degree in Social Work in 2012. I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and Board Approved Supervisor in the State of Minnesota. I am also approved to provide clinical supervision to those under the Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy. I have been working in the Mental Health field for over 20 years with both adults and youth. I am a 1st generation college graduate and I hold a strong value in inclusive and fairly represented educational opportunities. I am a Child Welfare Scholar and I practice with a trauma informed lens. I believe in the power of connection and providing a safe space to be curious and explore what healing looks like for each client. I strive to work through an anti-racist and social justice model.
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Vickie Crisler
IHRP Therapist
Vickie is a native of Minneapolis, MN. She has a master’s degree in Adlerian Counseling and Psychotherapy with emphasis in marriage and family therapy and clinical counseling in addition to being a licensed substance use disorder counselor. Since 2009 she has held positions in the fields of substance use disorder counseling and mental health therapy. Previous positions include mental health practitioner, family intervention specialist, substance use counselor (co-occurring), ARMHS mental health practitioner, functional family therapist, and independent contract therapist. Vickie sees herself as a relational therapist whose therapeutic style is practical, compassionate, and insight oriented. Utilizing solution-focused, narrative, cognitive, Adlerian, and choice theory concepts she works collaboratively with clients to assist them with realizing their resilience and innate strengths. Vickie is passionate about positively affirming others so that they come to understand their life experiences. Vickie’s hobbies include reading, writing, researching, making beaded jewelry, knitting, sewing, and music (playing, creating, and performing).
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Mureithi Gakuo
Family Based Recovery Therapist
Originally from Nairobi, Kenya, Mureithi has been living in Minnesota since 2002. He has worked for more than 15 years in social services and education. He is accomplished in areas of research. Mureithi takes a person-centered approach- trying to understand clients within their family, community and cultural contexts- with a particular interest on how intersectional identities influence a person's self identity. Mureithi has a BA in Psychology from Metropolitan State University, an MA in Community Psychology from Metropolitan State University and an MA in Counseling Psychology from University of Saint Thomas.
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George Miller, LGSW (MN), LICSW-A (WA)
In Home Recovery Therapist
Throughout their career, George (they/them) has worked and advocated alongside folks from historically oppressed and marginalized communities, including folks navigating the US immigration system, survivors of torture, folks with disabilities, and folks experiencing a wide range of mental health and socio-economic and political barriers. George is particularly passionate about the intersection of immigration law, disability rights, and mental health. George also really likes goats. George earned a BA in Francophone Studies and Global Development from Seattle Pacific University and a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Washington. George is also certified in TESOL and holds a post-graduate certificate in Global Mental Health from Harvard University (HPRT). George tries to speak French, but only sometimes succeeds. When not at work, George can be found at home with their one cat, one husband, two dogs, and MANY plants. Cheese is their favorite food group.
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Mariah Mirbel Nelson
Family Support Specialist
Mariah Mirbel Nelson is a Family Support Specialist in the Family Based Recovery program. Mariah received her Bachelor's of Science in Psychology with a minor in Social Justice from the University of Northwestern St. Paul. During her time at Northwestern, Mariah received the 2020 President's Student Leadership award from Minnesota Campus Compact, led student organizations and advocated for racial justice. Mariah has served on the board for St. Louis Park Family Services Collaborative and was inducted into the Governor and Lt. Governor's Young Women's Initiative in 2022. Mariah has been working with children and families for over 4 years from childcare teacher to family services case management. Due to her personal story, Mariah is passionate about family preservation and pursuing social justice and reform within the child welfare system. Mariah brings her values of dignity, excellence and justice to her culturally responsive work with families. On the weekends, you will find Mariah spending time with her dog, Nala Obama, exploring the cities trying to find something sweet to eat or reading a good book. A fun fact about Mariah is that her and her fraternal twin were born in Haiti.
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Vanessa Shuck, MSW, LGSW
Family Based Recovery Therapist
Vanessa Shuck is originally from Omaha, Nebraska but they have called Minneapolis home for the last 9 years. They enjoy spending time caring for their many plants and their two cats and find joy in coloring, crafting, gardening, and spending time with friends. They graduated in 2022 from St. Catherine University with a dual Masters degree in Social Work and Holistic Health Studies. In their studies, they focused on early childhood development, attachment repair, play therapy, gender studies, domestic violence, and family based therapy models. Some influential voices toward their practice have included adrienne maree brown, bell hooks, Angela Davis, James Baldwin, Robin Wall Kimmerer, Prentiss Hemphill, Christine Caldwell, Richard Schwartz, and Peter Levine. They are passionate about intergenerational wisdom and resilience, and somatic resources for healing from trauma, specifically in the face of systemic barriers that inhibit families from thriving. They hope to continue building advocacy and therapeutic skills alongside families and kiddos to promote social justice, reparative practice, community connectivity, and healing from both individual and collective traumas.
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Betty Yang
Family Support Specialist
Betty is a native of St. Paul, Minnesota, and grew up in Frogtown. She completed her Bachelor's degree at the University of Minnesota, majoring in sociology. She is pursuing her Master's degree in clinical social work at St. Kate's to serve her community more efficiently as a future social worker. She hopes to work with families and children and help them improve their social skills in their community. Betty has had various jobs that helped mold her and her expertise around working with the BIPOC and Asian American community. She hopes to bring her experiences to better use as a family support specialist and Minnesota CarePartner.
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