Christina is a therapist who is passionate in meeting clients where they are in their recovery while emphasizing on being a guest in the client’s journey. Christina gravitates to a strengths based approach while focusing on the present and what the possibilities are for the future. Christina takes on the coaching role while working with client’s finding their best way to cope with what life throws at us and decreasing emotional reactivity.

Christina offers client-centered therapy for adults, couples, and families. Christina has a history of providing in-home services with adolescents and their families and adults in ARMHS and in-home therapy. Christina also has a history of working with victims and survivors of sexual violence, homeless families and adults with SMPI. Christina has her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota and is in the process of seeking licensure.

Education Background:

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, Master of Arts, Marriage and Family Therapy

St. Cloud State University, Bachelor of Arts, Major in Community Psychology, Minor Psychology

My name is Carl L. Young, MS and I am passionate about increasing the life chances of those in the communities I serve. I received B.S. and M.S. degrees in Political Science and Sociology: Corrections from Minnesota State University – Mankato, and I am currently in the dissertation phase for my Doctor of Education in Organization Leadership with an emphasis in Behavioral Health. I am strong advocate of mental health services and for partnering with my clients to help them achieve their life’s goals. I am also very involved in the community working in collaboration with schools and community groups, I provide a lot of volunteer work in my spare time offering support, education in mental health and referrals to various community-based resources.

My professional interests focus on advocating for positive change regarding inequities and disparities in the mental health and juvenile corrections systems, using proactive communicative approaches to working with trauma, PSTD, abuse, sexual safety, depression, anxiety, individual coping, self-esteem, individuality, healthy relationships, life transitions, anger, body image, social media, dating violence, self-care, peer relationships and domestic violence. I am a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Richfield/Bloomington Alumni Chapter, the Golden Key International Honor Society and I continue to mentor and tutor youth in the metropolitan community.

My name is Anna, I am a recent graduate from the University of Minnesota’s Masters of Social Work Program, and I received my Bachelors of social work from the Winona State University. As a clinical social worker, I enjoy meeting the individual where they are at and utilizing a strengths-based approach. I have diverse experience working across the lifespan in a social work role; I have provided support to adults attending a day center, I have advocated for survivors and victims of domestic violence, I have participated in macro-level advocacy for the LGBTQ communities in Minnesota, and I have worked collaboratively with a school district through family engagement. As a clinician, I utilize a client-centered approach and provide a welcoming space for clients to express their needs openly. I love learning from my clients and collaborating with them to develop their personal goals and work fiercely with clients to address barriers they may be facing.

In my free time, I love snuggling with my dog Wally, baking/cooking new foods, playing tourist throughout the Twin Cities, and spending time with family and friends.

Education:

Graduate Masters of Social Work- University of Minnesota

Undergraduate Bachelors of Social Work- Winona State University

Minor in Child Advocacy Studies

Minor in Gerontology

Person-Centered I have a strong belief that we must always meet the client where they are at. Being able to put their thoughts and problems into a safe space with someone who is willing to listen allows the client to find their own understanding and solutions.

Solution-Focused Primarily I love to find creative ways to help clients find ways to manage their daily stressors and situations. If it comes to art making, to integrating mindfulness techniques, or figuring out ways to manage, it is one of my specialties that I enjoy doing.

Education:

Finishing my MA in Counseling and Psychological Services at Saint Mary’s University to ultimately pursue my LPCC licensure.

BA in Psychology and Minor with Sociology and Anthropology at Hamline University.

Experience:

Prairie Care I have experience working in working at a psychiatric hospital with adolescents and children. I have been fortune to see many young individuals find recovery in their journey.

MTHC (Minnesota Trans Health Coalition) I was a volunteer at at MTHC for a year.

Things About Me:

Bright, Humorous, Passionate

I am not only passionate, but often excited to work with individuals in every session that I walk into. I love to be creative and integrative with many different interventions with clients, often letting them take control of their recovery in fun ways. If that includes exploring your strengths, managing barriers, or developing coping skills.

Angie truly believes that everyone is doing the absolute best that they can. Each person holds within themselves the wisdom and strength that they need; sometimes we just need the guidance and support of another human being to access this.

Angie views every person within the context of their family/community and therefore believes mapping out and exploring family dynamics is of great importance. But, by far the most important aspect is the relationship between the therapist and the client. She values creating a safe and supportive atmosphere for the client on this journey.

Angie recently graduated from Saint Mary’s University with a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. She has experience in residential, inpatient, and wilderness therapy settings. She also has experience with individuals and family members who are impacted by addiction. With her diverse background and as a 200-hour certified yoga instructor, Angie values elements of movement, nature, art, laughter, mindfulness, and play in her sessions.

I use a combination of Cognitive Behavioral and Rational Emotional modalities when working with clients, which I wrap in motivational interviewing strategies. In my mind, I work with clients to help them be their best self, whatever that may be. The client is the expert of their own life and I am there to help them identify thinking and behavior patterns that once served them, but have since lost their usefulness.

I also work with them to explore new behaviors that will help them meet their self-identified needs in a more beneficial way. I understand the importance of encouragement and support while meeting the client at their level of motivation and desire for change. The client sets a course for the goals they would like to complete while I help them navigate the challenges and obstacles that may impede their progress.

Education:

Argosy University
Master’s in Clinical Psychology

North Dakota State University
B.S. in Psychology

National Anger Management Association
Certified Anger Management Specialist-II

Katie is an accepting and compassionate therapist that believes anyone is capable of change and growth. Her goal as a therapist is to walk with her clients on their personal journey of change, gently guiding them in the direction that leads to a place of peace, self-acceptance, with healthier relationships, and an overall higher quality of life. Katie is passionate about creating a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship with her clients and supports this through open communication, mutual respect, and by creating a plan for treatment that is focused on the clients personal goals and the changes they want to see.

Katie is trained in both psychotherapy and family systems, which allows her to focus on understanding client symptoms in the context of the relational interactions that influence behavior. Her therapeutic approach can vary depending on specific client needs, but often includes; solution focused, person-centered, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Katie holds a B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies from UW-Stout, and an M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. She has experience working with individuals, couples, families, and groups in both in-home and in-clinic settings.

Amanda believes no two people are identical and the same goes for their therapy. She meets every client where they are at, and genuinely wants to understand how her clients see life and to help empower them to find healing. She believes in utilizing each individuals own strengths and aptitudes to guide them through their daily lives. Amanda identifies as an Adlerian therapist, looking through a biopsychosocial lens to help her clients find belonging. Secondly, she has a strong belief in a person-centered approach, allowing her clients to feel understood and safe while guiding self-directed change in her clients.

Amanda has experience working alongside adults with chemical dependency and serious and persistent mental illness. She has worked in intensive in-patient hospital settings, outpatient programs, in clients home and communities, and in group therapy setting. She has experience working with adolescents in play therapy and believes children best express their feelings and experience through play.

Amanda loves to spend time outdoors and is a member of the Minnesota Hiking Club! She loves to bake, and well known by her family and friends for her cake pops. Reading a good book with a cup of coffee is her happy place.

Education:

Adler Graduate School, Master of Arts, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Anticipated graduation winter 2019

Metropolitan State University, Bachelor of Science, Alcohol & Drug Counseling

I come to Ellie Family Services with a background in childbirth education and hypnosis. As a former childbirth doula and birth instructor, I discovered the power of hypnosis to assist birthing individuals and their partners to enjoy comfortable, empowering birth experiences. In 2014, I became a certified hypnotherapist and currently use hypnosis to help people heal from trauma, cope with chronic pain, improve their relationships, eliminate unwanted habits and encourage positive behaviors. Hypnosis is an incredible tool for change!

Most recently, I’m pursuing my graduate degree in Counseling and Psychological Services at St. Mary’s University of Minnesota. With a master’s degree by April 2019 and eventual licensure in Professional Clinical Counseling (LPCC), I am dedicated to expanding awareness around the holistic, interconnected nature of the mind, body and spirit. It is so satisfying for me to work with a diverse clientele. It is also a privilege to collaborate with my clients and help them meet their goals; the answers are withinus, and I use a solution-focused, client-centered approach to therapy.

Finally, I take the opportunity to experience “nature therapy,” spending lots of time outside! I love to hike state parks and tend my garden. I also adore cooking healthy food, baking and cookie decorating (not so healthy – but delicious!). Reading, yoga and jogging are also activities I enjoy – a balanced life is a healthy life!

Education:

Currently attending St. Mary’s University, graduation expected 2019

Beth believes we are all just trying to find our way through — through whatever circumstances, relationships, pain, conflict, confusion, or growing we may find ourselves in — and she is confident we can all benefit from a little help as we figure it out. It’s important to Beth to empower persons, help them find peace and security, and discover ways to make sense of their worlds.

Described as having a very easy-going and calm temperament, she uses her energy to help support clients. Her approach emphasizes affirming partnerships with clients built on trust, a sense of optimistic and playful curiosity, and a focus on expression and experiences. Through creative exercises, body-based strategies, experiential and play activities, and facilitation of new skills, Beth hopes to present clients with new experiences or perspectives that inspire change.

She has experience providing therapy for persons age 6-60, in individual, couple, family, and group units, around issues of depression, anxiety, trauma, emotional development, relational conflict, parenting, identity. She especially enjoys working with kids, adolescents and their families, and has done so in office, school, and now with Ellie, in in-home settings.

She brings both her background in community and youth development, as well as her especially foundational education in grief, loss, and family through work in end-of-life care and hospice, to every interaction.

Beth received her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota and is pursuing licensure. Her additional training includes special focuses on grief and loss, trauma-informed care, and mindfulness, and is also pursuing training in movement therapy, somatic experiencing, and family-focused strategies.

Beth loves to play — at home, with her family and her friends, you’ll find her doing puzzles, playing cribbage with oversized cards, maybe even competing with her husband to see who has to do the dishes.

Patti is particularly interested in the impact of victimization and trauma on individuals and their relationships, and she collaborates with her clients in healing and recovery from such experiences. She believes in the inner strength, resilience, and agency of each client. Patti engages clients in cognitive and solution-focused approaches to help them first identify and then take pragmatic steps to reaching their goals.

Patti joined Ellie Family Services after a career in law enforcement. Patti earned a Master of Arts Degree in Counseling and Psychological Services, from St. Mary’s University. She is excited to join Ellie Family Services while embarking on this career transition.

In her spare time, Patti enjoys playing and watching a variety of sports, gardening, cooking, and travel.

Naajee Dennis is passionate about breaking down barriers for people of color and destigmatize counseling in communities of color. Her strong desire to be in the healing process of her community has thrusted her into the front lines believing strongly in the idea “that the child shall lead them”. Which is why she has found herself in many different arenas working with children and families, in advocacy roles in systems that are not always open to the input of people of color.

Naajee is invigorated around the idea of doing therapy in not the most conventional ways but using the practice to meet the clients individual cultural and spiritual needs. Naajee believes that no one knows your story or your life better then you which is why you should be the one to tell it on your terms. In the words and beautiful spirit of Maya Angelou, Naajee moves through life with love at the forefront of everything she does “Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope” Maya Angelou.

Naajee finds interest in working with children and adolescent. As well as the whole family system using collaborative, narrative and CBT therapeutic models. Finding new and creative ways to energize clients and help them to see the beauty inside of them even when it seems as if the lights are off. Naajee feels very passionate about working with clients who are working through Trauma/PTSD, historical trauma, reactive attachment disorder and separation anxiety. Naajee believes it take the whole family to move the mountain and we can only move one rock at a time.

EDUCATION
Concordia University, Saint Paul
B.A Psychology Spring 2016
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
M.A Clinical Counseling , Anticipated graduation Fall 2019

Lynsey believes in utilizing each individual’s passions, abilities, and strengths to build intrinsic motivation and guide clients into thriving in their daily life. Lynsey values the power of the therapeutic experience (and what it can create) for an individual and is enthusiastic to be a part of the journey with her clients. Due to this approach, Lynsey is able to meet each client where they are currently at and focus within a person-centered approach.

Lynsey identifies as an Adlerian therapist and utilizes concepts such as holism, lifestyle, and social interest/embeddedness. She also approaches therapy by understanding the unique beliefs and strategies that each individual creates throughout their childhood and how these beliefs serve as the individual’s schema for attitudes, behavior, and one’s evaluation of self, others, and the external world. Lynsey believes that looking through such a biopsychosocial lens, individuals can thrive and begin to develop an established sense of belonging.

Lynsey has experience working with adults and adolescents living with severe persistent mental illness diagnoses and chemical dependency, in group and individual sessions. Lynsey has worked with individuals experiencing trauma, addiction, depression, anxiety, personality disorders, and mood disorders. She specializes working in this population as she has completed her graduate school internship and has experience working for Guild Incorporated within their IRTS and crisis residential programs. Lynsey also has extensive experience working with clients and families with medical and developmental complexities.

EDUCATION:

Adler Graduate School, Master of Arts, Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Minnesota State University, Mankato, Bachelor of Science, Psychology

Kile believes that through compassionate honesty and the healing power of relationships, we all have the potential to be the best that we can be. Kile believes that a contextual understanding of the powers that shape our narratives are vital to understanding an individual’s journey from suffering to joy. Through the therapeutic relationship Kile strives to create a context that adds a new experience for the client to view the world from.

Kile comes from an MFT Background who is interested in working families, couples and individuals in their strive towards joy. Kile has had experience working with young children doing play therapy and working with families in their attempts to overcome life’s struggles.

EDUCATION
Currently in Masters Degree of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy From SCSU
Bachelors Degree in Psychology and Sociology from SCSU

Emily uses a laid back and narrative focused style when working with clients. She believes that we can all use someone in our lives that can help us get unstuck or will sit in the mud with us. Emily utilizes humor and an optimistic outlook to relieve stress and uncover possible outcomes.

Emily has experience working with youth who are at-risk and experiencing homelessness. Emily also enjoys working with kiddos of all ages and believes everyone can learn a little something from them. She has a passion for working with those in the LGBTQ+ community and is excited to continue to expand her knowledge by working with them.

In her free time, Emily enjoys exploring everything the Twin Cities has to offer and travels north to spend time with her family. She loves getting lost at a state park, hiking up waterfalls and sitting in front of a campfire with her loved ones.

Emily is currently enrolled in the Marriage and Family Therapy masters program at St. Mary’s University and is expected to graduate in fall 2020.

Jordyn received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2018 and will be graduating with her Masters of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy in the spring of 2020. She enjoys working with individuals, couples, families and takes special interest in children and adolescents.
Utilizing a solution focused therapy/strength-based approach she assists clients in reaching their goals for recovery; believing it is essential to provide a safe and non-judgmental environment for all of her clients to explore their thoughts and feelings, while meeting the client where they are at.

Her experience includes facilitating group therapy, healthy relationships/sexuality education, and treatment of sexual abuse victims and offenders.
Jordyn is systemic minded and takes clinical interest in trauma and attachment. She is energetic, person centered, and loves to use creative interventions with her clients. In her free time you can find her singing, dancing, eating or spending time with her fiancé and their fur babies.

Colleen’s career in psychiatry started by working as a registered nurse in a community mental health center. She supported individuals with a wide range of mental health needs. That experience provided the foundation for advancing her career and she obtained her advanced practice license. Due to the significant shortage of mental health providers with prescribing privileges, Colleen knew this was a vital piece needed to assist individuals towards mental wellness.

In a variety of settings throughout her career, Colleen has worked with populations who experience a range of mental health issues, people with chemical dependency issues and those with diverse backgrounds. She believes everyone has the right to access appropriate resources as they work towards mental wellness.

Colleen has an open, friendly approach to mental wellness. She understands each person has a life story to tell and actively listens, working together with the individual on their journey to wellness. Colleen takes a holistic approach taking into account psychological, physical and social aspects of each individual’s life. She believes every person is unique and therefore, deserves a unique treatment plan that works for their life.

Education:

University of Minnesota, Master of Science, Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist

The College of St. Scholastica, Bachelor of Science in Nursing

American Nurses Credentialing Center – Board Certified Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist