Our Staff :

OUR TEAm

Come Join a Team Driven by Social Justice!

Administrative Staff

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.

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.”

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.

Camea Burchett Graham

Billing Specialist

Hi! My name is Camea Burchett Graham. A Mn transplant originally from Kentucky. I have been doing medical billing for 20+ years. I also, have experience in HR and Accounting. I am excited to start my new journey here at MNCP. I love what this company stands for and the work that has been done and will continue to be done to help people. When not working, I enjoy traveling and spending time with the family.

SaraJo Stewart

Front desk

SaraJo is a native of Minnesota. She completed her associates at Century College and plans on continuing her education in the healthcare field. She came to us as a previous psychiatry assistant. She works hard to extend a helping hand to people that fall into the minority population and believes everyone deserves a chance. While she isn't at the office sitting at the front desk, she enjoys baking and teaching her kitten tricks.

Community Support Program Staff

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

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.

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.

Kitone Johnson

CTSS practitioner / Parent mentor

Kitone was born and raised in the Twin Cities. She currently has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Minnesota, and will pursue a masters in Marriage & Family Therapy in the near future. She is passionate about empowering caregivers/parents to recognize and build upon their own strengths and resilience; supporting them as they navigate a world of systemic barriers. She also enjoys supporting and playing with kids, and seeing them grow into their authentic selves. In her free time, Kitone enjoys laying in nature, supporting and connecting with her community, and learning about and advocating for others/social justice. Kitone finds freedom and beauty in vulnerability and authenticity, and brings that to her work.

Julia Rodriguez

Mental Health Practitioner

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.

Ikal Avila

Mental Health Coordinator

Ikal Avila (pronounced E-Call; She/Her/Hers) is from Guatemala and was raised in Los Angeles, CA. She moved to Minnesota in 1999. In 2017, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in both psychology and Chicanx-Latinx Studies. She also did her Pre-Law Scholars Program at the UMN in 2017. Ms. Avila is featured in a documentary called Patient No More (2020) and she was awarded the Community Excellence Award in 2018 for her participation in the planning team for the Queer and Trans Indigenous People and People of Color Conference. She is, currently, working towards her Community Equity Program (CEP) housed out of the Wilder Foundation. Her hopes is that there could be a legislation that could end the trans panic legal defense in Minnesota; and, that Medical Assistance could offer other transgender affirmation/confirmation surgeries; for example, Voice Feminization Surgery to be covered in Minnesota. She is super thrilled to be part of the Minnesota Care Partner. and she will be working as a Mental Health Coordinator. In the long run, she wants to be a either a Counselor or a Therapist in the near future. Ikal is dedicated, innovated, and motivated to raise transgender awareness, and policies that are affecting people of color in their daily lives.

Roots Recovery Staff

Hannah Kidder, MPS

Treatment Director Roots

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

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.

Natasha Mitchell, MA

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

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.

Rachael Cavegn, MA

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.

Jimmy Quach,

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

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

Kate Dorwart BA

Treatment Coordinator

Kate comes to Roots Recovery after seven years in the community mental health field working with folks experiencing Severe and Persistent Mental Illness. Kate holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Carleton College in Northfield, MN. Kate is passionate about eliminating stigma, transformative justice, harm reduction, and supporting people as they reclaim their agency in a world that often works to strip it away from them. She lives in a co-op/intentional community in South Minneapolis, and enjoys spending time with her cat Fiona, playing Dungeons & Dragons, watercoloring, kayaking, and gardening-- both indoors, with her expansive houseplant collection, and outdoors in the community garden run by the co-op.

Martina Rahim-Sepulveda, MS, RD, LD

Registered Dietitian

Martina is a first-generation college graduate from Sonora, Mexico. She immigrated to the U.S. when she was 12 years old. After observing the high prevalence of obesity and diabetes in the Hispanic population, she nurtured a passion for preventative health and nutrition in marginalized communities. Through her work as an RDN, her goal is to increase health literacy and evidence-based care among underserved communities. Martina obtained her B.S. and M.S. degrees in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Arizona and she completed her clinical dietetic internship at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. Martina’s strengths include a strong research background, cultural competence, motivational interviewing skills, and the ability to communicate fluently in Spanish, among others

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".

Mental Health Practitioners Staff

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.

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.

Brittany Richert, BA

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.

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.

Hannah Turpin

CTSS Practitioner

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.

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

Mental Health Practitioner

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.

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.

Jonah Busch

Mental Health Practitioner

Jonah is a native of St. Paul, Minnesota and alumni of Central High School. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Jonah is coming directly from a crisis residential setting where he supported many at a time in need. Jonah is grateful for the experience and excited to extend his influence to the youth. Jonah has a strong sense of community and intends to create positive change in his environment. He is passionate about equity and uplifting marginalized populations. Jonah dreams of a career rooted in social and environmental justice. Jonah loves to be in nature, listen to music, experience different cultures and connect with others. Jonah has a deep-seated love for humanity and his Mother Earth!

Pader Yang

Targeted Children's Mental Health Case Manager

Pader (she/her/hers) is a Hmong-American woman, who was born and raised in Minnesota. She graduated from Metropolitan State University and graduated with her Bachelors of Social Work and minor in Child Psychology. She has experience working with children and families for over 3 years as a teacher assistant and adoption social worker. Pader plans to pursue her MSW in the near future. 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.

Therapist Staff

Katie Harrold, MA LMFT

Clinical Supervisor - Mental Health

Raha Mohamoud is a Somali American woman currently residing in Minneapolis, Minnesota but originally from Columbus, Ohio. GO BUCKS! She is a recent graduate from the University of Minnesota with her bachelor's in psychology. She has been working in the mental health field for over 3 years and in the near future plans on getting her master's in social work. She is very passionate about helping her community strive for greatness. In her free time, she enjoys watching Netflix and listening to music.

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.

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

Patricia Harris

Therapist

My name is Patricia Harris and I have my Master of Arts in Psychological Services and Addictions Studies from the University of Saint Mary’s Minnesota. I am currently a LADC (License Drug and Alcohol Counselor) and finishing my post-graduate requirements to be a LPCC (License Professional Clinical Counselor). I provide mental health and chemical dependency services to individuals and families using a person-centered, strengths-based, systems approach. Collaboration is important in therapy and it is essential that my clients are a part of and have a say in their therapy process. Every client has strengths and the ability to reach their full potential. I hope to guide my clients in a way that they can rely on their strengths to reach their potential. The ultimate goal is guiding clients to gain the skills and recognize their strengths in order to reach their goals and potential, feel confident within themselves, manage and work through presenting concerns, and basically be their own therapist. Additionally, I think it is important to understand and consider multicultural issues and perspectives when engaging in the therapy process, as well as the different systems we are apart of.

Fathi Kofiro, MSW, LGSW

Clinical Therapist Trainee

she/hers | Somali | first generation immigrant My work focuses on helping trauma survivors heal from painful experiences and increase functioning in chosen areas of their life. Most of my clients have experienced a traumatic event and are struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, C-PTSD, racial trauma, grief, or other traumatic stressors. Through an integrative approach, I utilize different modalities and work from a trauma-informed lens to create a person-centered treatment plan. I believe therapy is individualized and believe in creating a safe and trusting space for clients. I provide individual therapy to adolescents and adults struggling with trauma, anxiety, depression, and adjustment to life stressors. I have a Masters's degree in clinical social work from the University of Saint Thomas. I am a certified clinical trauma professional trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing. Fathi is an unlicensed master level clinician pursuing licensure. She is currently receiving 8 hours of supervision monthly from two LICSW professionals.

Emily Lowney MSW,LGSW

Clinical Therapist Trainee, Fast-X

My name is Emily Lowney, I hold a Masters degree in Social Work from the University of Minnesota Duluth and hold a LGSW (Licensed Graduate Social Worker) and I am currently working towards a LICSW (Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker). I began my therapeutic journey working with adolescents within residential/inpatient mental health programs, as well as working for some time as a school-based mental health therapist, providing mental health services onsite in the school. I have a passion for working with adolescents and their families offering support and empowerment not only for an individual, but also for the empowerment of the family unit. As a third generation Mexican woman, I have a strong belief in the power and strength of our own individual culture and traditions, however my experiences have also created continued awareness to how racial and bias systems have contributed, and continue to contribute to generational trauma as well as mental health struggles. I strongly believe in listening to others experiences and helping them find their own empowerment to address the impact of these systems. Areas of experience are Trauma Based, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Anxiety disorders, Depression disorders, family work, working with people of culture, working with people who identify as female.

Christy Rushfeldt, LICSW, LADC

Clinical Supervisor

I am an experienced Clinical Practitioner in the human services field. I have worked in the human service field for the past 15 years in a variety roles. Some of these include residential MICD treatment, housing case management for youth who are unhoused, targeted mental health case management, LGBTQ specific advocacy and mental health services, chemical health assessments, HIV and Hepatitis C prevention services, psychotherapy and supervision. I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor and have significant experience providing individual psychotherapy, relationship therapy and group counseling. Since 2012 I have supervised multiple staff, volunteers and both undergraduate and graduate level interns. I use a variety of approaches in therapy, based on the people in the room as one size does not fit all. Included: Interpersonal Therapy, ACT, AIR Network, AEDP, IFS and EMDR. I am passionate about working from a harm reduction, sex positive approach with BIPOC, LGBTQ + and people who have have experienced complex trauma across the lifespan, and by white supremacist, homophobic, transphobic, ableist and whorephobic systems. I live in Saint Paul and am a parent of 5 human and 3 fur children.