Our Staff

Click an option below to view team members.

Company Leadership

Katy Armendariz, LICSW

CEO

An international adoptee and former foster child herself, Katy learned personally what the child welfare system was doing right — and what it was doing wrong. In fact, homelessness and mental illness prevented her own birthmother for being able to parent. Katy knew from experience that disadvantaged and disenfranchised communities are disproportionately represented in the system.

In 2014, Katy started Minnesota CarePartner — a child welfare agency that addresses mental health and chemical health needs of children and families. She saw a need for in-home services for those who cannot make it to a clinic due to physical, mental, social, financial and/or transportation barriers. Due to the racial and attachment trauma of her experience, she is dedicated to helping others who have experienced trauma in their lives, along with a historical and systematic trauma lens. She is in recovery and commits her life to trauma healing and recovery.

Stephanie Calloway

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.”

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.

Paulina Steffer, MA LADC

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.

Justin Scharr, LADC CDCC

Program Director - Roots Recovery

Justin is a Licensed Alcohol & Drug Counselor, a BBHT Approved LADC Supervisor, and a Certified Co-Occurring Disorder Clinician.

Justin has worked in the SUD treatment industry for 10 years as both a clinician and an administrator. He is currently the Program Director for Roots Recovery, which furthers Minnesota CarePartner's mission of reducing disparities for BIPOC individuals in behavioral healthcare. Prior to that, he spent time as a primary counselor, clinical supervisor, and/or treatment director for various adult and adolescent treatment programs across the metro area.

Justin's experience and expertise includes 245G treatment program and business development, all aspects of marketing, including graphic design, public relations and branding, DHS licensing application and compliance consulting, provider enrollment support, and much more.

Program Leadership

Hannah Kidder, MPS LADC

Program Supervisor - 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.

Paulina Steffer, MA LADC

Program Supervisor-ARMHS

Katie Harrold, MA LMFT

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, 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.

Mental Health Professionals

Rachael Cavegn, MA LMFT

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.

Katie Harrold, MA LMFT

Clinical Supervisor - Mental Health

Lydia Majors-Roland, MA LPCC

Clinical Supervisor - Mental Health

Administrative Support Staff

Mental Health Clinical Trainees

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.

Lia Kossett

Clinical Therapist Trainee

Hello! My name is Lia, and I am a Clinical Therapist Trainee at MNCP.

I received my Bachelor of Social Work degree in 2012 from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. I have worked in various positions at group homes for adults with serious and persistent mental illness, in several intensive residential treatment programs, and worked for several years in supportive housing for individuals previously unhoused. I completed my Master of Social Work degree in 2019 from the University of St. Thomas and St. Catherine University program and have most recently worked as an ARMHS worker, CTSS worker, and in-home therapist.

In my current role, I hold a caseload of families and help connect them to mental health resources within Ramsey County. I also complete Diagnostic Assessments to determine eligibility for mental health services. In my role in the supervised visitation program, I work with families to strengthen the relationships and attachments between parents and children. Language or Cultural Specialty: English Therapeutic Specialty: Children and Families

Elizabeth "Libby" Johnson, MSW LGSW

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.

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 .

Carly Rickey, MSW LGSW

Clinical Therapist Trainee

Carly has been providing social services in the Metro area for the past five years with extensive experience working as a sexual and domestic violence victim advocate. Carly graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Master's of Social Work Degree, holds the professional license of LGSW, and speaks four languages, including Spanish, Portuguese, and French, which she uses to support children and families with psychotherapy, parent mentoring, and supervised visitation. In her free time, Carly likes to run, hike, travel, and spend time with her friends and family

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.

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.

Roots Recovery Staff

Hannah Kidder, MPS LADC

Program Supervisor - Roots Recovery

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.

Rachael Cavegn, MA LMFT

Mental Health Professional

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.

Crissy Haider, CPRS

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.

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

Kaonou Vue, LGSW LADC

Co-Occurring Disorder Counselor

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.

Ava Drake

Intake Coordinator - Roots Recovery

Ava is a native of Minneapolis, Minnesota. She has served the twin cities as an alcohol and drug counselor for over 2 years. Ava is in the process of getting licensed, and currently holds the title ADC-T. She is currently in graduate school, pursing a Master’s in social work. Ava is passionate about harm reduction and ending the stigma associated with drug use, social justice and working to bring about positive change. #BlackLivesMatter

Nate Nyquist, RDN LD

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.

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.

Rashad Hameed, MA LADC

Substance Use Disorder Counselor

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.

Children’s Therapeutic Skills Workers

Daniel Johnson

CTSS Skills Worker

Daniel Johnson is a Mental Health Practitioner and Psychotherapy Intern at MNCare Partner. A native to the Twin Cities, he has been serving the community for 5 years providing Adult Rehabilitative Mental Health Services, Children’s Therapeutic Services and Supports, as a Youth and Family Advocate, and Lead Behavioral Specialist serving high school students and their families in school-based settings. He is also a certified Traditional Usui Reiki Practitioner. While serving as behavioral specialist, Daniel designed Social and Emotional Learning curriculum to provide effective interventions for at risk students. He is a passionate healing services professional and graduate student focused on depth psychology, spiritual psychology, values enlightenment, and natural and holistic approaches to health and wellness. He is a devoted father and husband, who believes that the key to building strong families and communities is to first strengthen and empower the individual. In his free time, Daniel loves spending time with his family, and is an avid outdoorsman and musician.

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.

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.

Adult ARMHS Workers

Courtney Pokela

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

Tybetha "Ty" Prosper

ARMHS Worker

I am very happy to work with my community as an ARMHS Practitioner. I’ve been providing services to individuals struggling with mental health and mental wellness for over 10 years. I have both personal and professional experience in the difficulties that mental health disorders can bring. Being that I am a person of color, my focus is primarily for those in my community who are disproportionately affected and underserved. My family has had challenges navigating our own mental wellness, as it is a lifelong commitment to ourselves to know and understand that our mental health is paramount in living a healthier, happier life.

I know my calling is to bring awareness, understanding, and much needed resources to my community. My life experiences coupled with my education (A.A.S. in Human Services) will be invaluable to the work I’m doing with MN CarePartner. I’m very pleased and humbled to be working with MN CarePartner to get my community on the pathway to healing, understanding, and growth.

Brittany Richert, BA

ARMHS & CTSS Practitioner

Abbi Rawls, LSW

ARMHS & CTSS Practitioner

Community Support, Parent Coaching, & Supervised Visitation Staff

Nate Nyquist, RDN LD

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

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!

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.

Martina Rahim-Sepulveda, MS RD LD

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.

Company Leadership

Program Leadership

Mental Health Professionals

Administrative Support Staff

Mental Health Clinical Trainees

Roots Recovery Staff

Children’s Therapeutic Skills Workers

Adult ARMHS Workers

Community Support, Parent Coaching, & Supervised Visitation Staff

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