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

Kania Johnson

Birth Doula - CSP

Kania is a native Minnesotan and has been serving children and families in the surrounding Twin Cities area in a variety of ways. She received her undergraduate degree in Family Social Science from the University of Minnesota and will soon receive her Master's in Public Policy from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs. Her past work experience includes supporting children impacted by incarceration, coaching track at the YMCA, and doing work in auditing and program evaluation. Kania is also a professional doula supporting birthing people and caregivers of color. She believes in seeing BIPOC communities THRIVE and aims to provide support that is validating and rooted in rest and vitality. In her time off, she enjoys cooking, working out, reading, and experiencing new things and cultures.

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.

Martina Rahim-Sepulveda

Registered Dietitian

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.

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.

Camilele Nunn

Mental Health Coordinator

Camilele comes with over 10 ten years in the Medical and billing industry. She is specialized in collections and mental health collections. She also has mastered scheduling patients. She can take the clinic to the next level with her knowledge, experiences, and leadership. She has over a decade of experience working with individuals with various diagnoses and health and human services fields. She believes that narratives in individuals' lives uphold the competence to describe, change, and reestablish. Camilele has a Bachelor in Criminal Justice with a concertation in Human Services from the University of Phoenix. She is currently studying for a Master's Degree in Healthcare Administration and a Master's Degree in Business Administration at Phoenix's Unversity. During her free time, Camilele loves to walk around one of 10,000 lakes that the state of Minnesota has to offer, spending as much time as she can with family and friends, and enjoy cooking. She enjoys going shopping and concerts, such as live theater, gospel, plays, and reading. She also likes to try new adventures and travel to places she has never been before. Words that describe my work: Leader, Compassionate, Friendly, Teamwork, Motivating, Positive, and Integrity

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.

Raha Mohamoud

Mental Health Practitioner / Armhs Worker

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.

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.

Rufus Brown

Substance Use Disorder Counselor

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

Rachael Cavegn, MA

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

Beverly Hart

Counseling Pshychologist

Beverly Hart attended Saint Mary's University of Minnesota where she completed her master's in Counseling Phycology and Addictions Studies. Beverly is currently doing an internship with Roots Recovery for her LADC. Beverly previously worked at MN CarePartner as a Clinical therapist trainee toward her LPCC doing in home individual therapy with adults and children and some family therapy. She also worked in the public schools doing therapy with students. Beverly uses a psychodynamic approach with clients, including trauma focused cognitive behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, psychoeducation, family systems theory, and culturally centered interventions. Beverly enjoys traveling overseas, listening to audio books, and taking long walks.

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.

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.

Alex Wieber

CTSS Practitioner

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

Autumn Wilson, B.A.

Mental Health Practitioner

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

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.

Chor Thao

CTSS Intern

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

Courtney Pokela (She/Her/Hers)

Mental Health Practitioner

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

Dolly Kessel (She/Her/Hers)

Mental Health Practitioner - ARMHS

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

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

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

Nicole Kjoberg

ARMHS Worker

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

Pakou Yang

CTSS Intern

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

Kitone Johnson

Mental Health Practitioner

Julia Rodriguez

Mental Health Practitioner

Raha Mohamoud

ARMHS Practitioner

Therapist Staff

Katie Harrold, MA LMFT

Clinical Supervisor - Mental Health

Lydia Majors-Roland, MA

Clinical Supervisor - Mental Health

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.

Barite Gemada, LGSW

Clinical Therapist Trainee

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.

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

Jimmy Quach, MPS LADC

LADC / Clinical Trainee

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.

Alejandra Ayala, LADC

Clinical Therapist Trainee

Alejandra is from México City. She has served the twin cities for more than 10 years through her work in mental health and health education. She is accomplished in advocacy, workshop/group facilitation and providing psychotherapy services. Alejandra holds the professional license of LADC, which she uses to support individuals and their families struggling with addictions. In all capacities of her work Ale uses a multicultural and social justice frameworks to empower clients in their healing process. Ale is committed to work with minority clients such as the Latino community.

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.