Dr. Carlson earned her doctoral degree in counseling psychology in 2007 from University of St. Thomas. She earned her master's degree in community counseling with an emphasis in marriage and family therapy in 1999. She completed her pre-doctoral internship at the Child & Adolescent Behavioral Health System in Brainerd, Minnesota in consortium with the APA- accredited internship at University of Minnesota- Pediatrics Psychology Internship where she completed psychological, cognitive, neuropsychological, assessments for children and adolescents.

She has also been intensively trained in individual, marital/couples, family and group psychotherapy for adults, adolescents, and children. She has worked in multiple settings, including residential, day-treatment, in-home, outpatient clinics, hospitals, and schools where she has provided a number of assessment and treatment services, including developing and implementing programming for adolescents and young adults. Areas of expertise include trauma, brain development, attachment, adoption, developmental issues, treatment program development, mood disorders, and relationship issues. She provides consultation and training to schools, hospital and organizations on multiple topics.

Heather earned her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2012 from Argosy University. She has been a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor since 2005. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Family Social Science in 2002 from the University of Minnesota. She has worked as a counselor in the school systems for over 7 years where she provides adolescents and their families support around mental and chemical health concerns.

She has been trained in individual, marital/couples, family and group psychotherapy for adults, adolescents and children. She has worked in multiple settings including residential, in-home, outpatient clinics, and schools where she has provided a wide array of assessment and treatment services. Her areas of interest continue to be working with families, couples, adolescents and children.

Mindy is a mental health therapist at River Valley, working with children, teens, and young adults. Mindy obtained her Masters at Argosy University in Clinical Psychology with a focus in children's mental health therapy. Her experience includes, day treatment, in-home services, individual, and parent-involved strategies. Mindy's focus includes working with individuals struggling with anxiety, OCD, depression, and ASD. In her free time, Mindy enjoys spending time with family, trying new coffee shops and restaurants, and staying active!

Jeff Pounds has worked in a variety of settings in mental health including intensive outpatient programs, inpatient programs, crisis counseling and assessment, and as a private practice clinician. Jeff has worked at the University of Minnesota hospital for 20 years in the adult MICD program. He has worked in Emergency Departments and as a crisis assessor in schools.

Jeff specializes in dual diagnosis, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and thought disorders. His approach to therapy utilizes cognitive behavioral techniques, systems theory, existential theory, and humanistic therapy. He has experience working with adults and couples. Jeff is also trained in ART (Accelerated Resolution Therapy) for the treatment of trauma.

In 2003, Ann earned her Master’s Degree in Community Counseling from Minnesota State University, Mankato.  Her focus of her training was in adolescent counseling.   She has worked in a hospital setting with the adolescent population.  Her practice includes Adults and Adolescents with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, stress management, ADHD and self-injury. Her therapy modalities include strength based and solution focused therapy, mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy and relaxation skills.

Robyn Alliah (ATR-BC, LPCC, CCTP), graduated from Florida State University with a master’s degree in Art Therapy in 2006. She is a Board-Certified Art Therapist and a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. Robyn also has been trained extensively in the Adaptive Internal Relations (AIR) Network model and is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP). In 2015, she helped develop a program and facilitated groups for military veterans with trauma.

Robyn specializes in art therapy and focuses her sessions on various theories which adapts for each client. She provides art therapy directives and non-directives for adolescent and adult clients who have issues such as trauma, anxiety, depression, bipolar, and ADHD. Robyn has worked with eating disorders, attachment styles, and personality disorders. She also works with the LGBTQ+ community.

Art therapy can be a guide towards self-awareness, processing of events and feelings, the reduction of symptoms, and to process trauma in safe way. Art therapy paired with AIR Network integrates the parts of self to encourage development of the whole self. Art therapy is beneficial to increase problem solving, view the internal/external self, and to foster a healthy self-esteem. It can also be a tool to help understand events from different perspectives.

Linda is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and has spent her career working with adolescents, young adults, couples, and families. She attended California Lutheran University where she obtained her Master of Science in Counseling Psychology. Linda has spent much of her career working in community mental health clinics, working with clients who struggle with trauma (PTSD), anxiety, depression, ADHD, family violence, and family systems. She also has experience working with gender identity issues, incarceration, intimacy issues, chemical addiction, custody/co-parenting, supervised visitation, and foster families/adoption.

Linda is certified in Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and has a passion for working with teens who have experienced trauma. She has experience working in collaboration with social services, probation, school systems, correctional facilities, hospitalization programs, residential programs, community programs, and MI/CD programs.

Linda believes in helping individuals achieve their happiest, healthiest self and utilizes a strength-based approach to therapy services. She enjoys identifying the unique strengths in each client, building on them to challenge the negative patterns that contribute to how we see ourselves, the world, and how we believe others see us. She was inspired to work in the field because, “It just makes sense. I belong in a healing profession and I carry the hope that things can always get better.”

Asking for help is a brave and vulnerable step. Michelle strives to come along side people as they work to understand themselves and others. Her therapeutic process is based on her developmentally informed, trauma-aware perspective. She has a strong understanding of attachment theory and an understanding of trauma’s impact on functioning. She has a passion around supporting parents, she is a member of Pregnancy and Postpartum Support Minnesota, and a registered facilitator for Circle of Security Parenting. She also has interest in Poly Vagal Theory and the tools of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. 

Michelle started her career as a home visitor. Working with new parents as they figured out their parenting journey. She has continued been working in the infant mental health field for over 15 years. This experience has giving her a foundation in understanding early experiences and their influence on who we are and how we interact with people.

Michelle is a licensed clinical social worker. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Notre Dame and her master’s degree in social work from the University of Minnesota. She also received a certificate from the University of Minnesota in infant and early childhood mental health. She is endorsed as an Infant Mental Health Specialist be the Minnesota Association of Children’s Mental Health-Infant and Early Childhood Division. 

Kelly Vourlos earned her Master's degree in Social Work from Minnesota State University, Mankato in 2014 and her undergraduate in social work from St. Cloud State in 2000.  Kelly has worked in a variety of settings including outpatient mental health, school social work, and child welfare.  Kelly has spent her career working with children of all ages and their families to provide support and improve their well-being.

Kelly has been extensively trained in Play Therapy and specializes in working with children, adolescents and young adults.  She has also been trained in EMDR, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, for people who have experienced trauma.  Kelly has extensive experience working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, stress management issues and working with family systems.  Kelly believes in an empowerment and strength-based model, cognitive behavioral, and solution focused therapies.  She also uses mindfulness to work on coping and relaxation skills.

Leah Wellstone is a Marriage and Family Therapist, a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist, a Minnesota Board LMFT and LPCC Supervisor. She provides individual, family, couple and group therapy, as well as consultations and supervision.

My work is grounded in family systems and attachment theories. I believe that people change in the context of a relationship. I’m drawn to creative modalities and use music, humor, drumming, poetry/writing, art, movement and experientials to access healing.

I have over 20 years of experience in a variety of settings and across the lifespan. They include: community mental health, working as a therapist in elementary, middle, high school, alternative high schools, pregnant and parenting youth programs and college counseling.

Two areas of passion and expertise are eating disorders and grief/loss. Early in my career I worked as a grief therapist and also volunteered in hospice care. My own experiences with death have shaped the way I see the world - I am a fellow traveler with clients as they navigate the sacred space of grieving.

Most of my career has been spent working with the eating disorder population in residential, inpatient and outpatient settings. Although I have sought specialized training in the treatment of eating disorders, my clients have been my greatest teachers.

Other Areas of Clinical Experience: Life transitions, Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Body Image, Parenting/Blended Families, Parenting Young Adults, Couples/Uncoupling/Engaged or pre marital, Women/Empowerment, Preparing families for the transition to college/adulthood, Pre and post divorce, Ambiguous loss.

Lauren received her Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of St. Thomas and is working towards licensure as a professional clinical counselor. Lauren previously worked in a partial hospitalization setting treating adults with OCD and anxiety. She received extensive training in Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP). In addition, she also worked in a university counseling setting providing individual therapy to students ranging in concerns from mood and anxiety disorders, life adjustments, relationships, attachment, grief and loss, identity exploration, perfectionism, stress management, low self-esteem and family dynamics. Lauren predominantly works with teens and adults ages 14 and above. She does, however, also work with children ages 10-14 with primary concerns of OCD and anxiety.

Lauren’s theoretical orientation is a collective approach utilizing predominantly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). She also incorporates techniques from Solution-Focused Therapy and Positive Psychology.

Lauren elaborates on her therapeutic style: “Life, along with all of its uncertainty and trials, isn’t something I believe we are meant to navigate alone. Taking the first step to reach out for support and entrust someone with your personal story can feel incredibly vulnerable. My aspiration is to create an open environment where you feel seen, empowered, and safe to show up authentically. I believe that you are the true expert on your life. My objective is to create space for self-exploration and to help you build a foundation of skills to provide an anchor through difficult times. My approach also includes plenty of analogies and humor (when appropriate) along the way.”

Ashley earned her PhD in General Psychology from Northcentral University in 2020, her MA in Clinical Psychology from Argosy University in 2013, and her MS in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Sport Psychology from the University of North Dakota in 2009. Ashley has been working as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in IA for the past 7 years. She has worked in multiple settings, including day-treatment, outpatient clinics, hospitals, and schools where she has provided a wide array of assessment and treatment services. Ashley has been trained in individual, marital/couples, family, and group psychotherapy for adults, adolescents, and children. She has also been trained in EMDR, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, for those who have experienced trauma. Ashley’s practice includes adults, adolescents, and children with depression, anxiety, ADHD, mood disorders, trauma history, substance abuse disorders, and other mental health concerns. Her therapy modalities include solution focused therapy, mindfulness, dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and strength-based therapy.

Angela Eischens is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Reiki Master healer. Angela has been a therapist for over 15 years. She focuses on creating and holding a warm, nurturing, affirming, collaborative, and sacred space for healing. Utilizing a person-centered, trauma forward approach to help her clients process and integrate stressful experiences, develop healthier routines,
becoming honest yet reverent of oneself, making sense of one’s past, helping to feel more grounded in the present, and enhancing the quality of one’s relationships with others and themselves.

She utilizes her extensive training and experience in the treatment of traumatic stress, developmental and attachment trauma, intuitive and energy healing abilities, and personal lived experiences to support those who are highly sensitive, experiencing anxiety, stress, depression, and those trying to work through traumatic and stressful lived experiences. She strives to help her clients find a deeper connection, alignment, and trust with their selves; as well as supporting her clients in creating more effective boundaries and a deeper
and more sacred connection with their life and within their relationships.

Angela is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), an evidence-based practice to treat PTSD, anxiety, stress, depression, and other mental health challenges. She is also a nationally rostered clinician in Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), an evidence-based practice to treat very young
children (0-6) along with their parents who have experienced trauma and/or highly stressful circumstances together. She is a Board Approved Clinical
Supervisor under the MN Board of Marriage and Family Therapy for those seeking licensure as a LMFT. Angela’s therapy practice experience has occurred in community mental health, infant and early childhood parent-child therapy programs providing services and consultation in school, daycare,
office, and in families’ homes, private practice treating all ages, and group environments.

In addition to her work as a therapist, she is an intuitive empath who has been attuned and trained in Usui Reiki, a Japanese form of energy healing and providing energy healing since 2018. Angela is also working toward certification as a Mental Health Integrative Medicine Provider, incorporating
conversations around nutritional and alternative healing into her work with her clients when this is desired.

Angela is also a South Carolina Telehealth Registered Marriage and Family Therapist Provider, #1457, August 2024. South Carolina Telehealth Registration List

Suzanne graduated from University of Kansas with a Master’s Degree in Social Work in 2003 and obtained her independent clinical licensure in the state of MN in 2011. She has worked in school settings, child welfare, children’s mental health, and health care.

Suzanne’s passion is working with older adolescents and young adults who are struggling with eating disorders. She has spent the last 7 years focused on supporting loved ones and clients in various stages of eating disorder treatment and recovery. Her treatment focus is eclectic pulling from techniques using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Solutions Focused Therapy, and Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO-DBT). Suzanne specializes in working with eating disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and relationship concerns. She is very relational in her practice and likes to operate out of a strengths approach to empowering others.

Skye’s background includes doctoral work in life-span developmental psychology with a neuroscience emphasis as well as school psychology at George Mason University. She went on and received a masters in gerontology from Bethel University in 2012, became an ICF accredited advanced Narrative coach in 2014 and most recently completed a master’s degree in couple and family therapy at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Her experience includes working with men on men’s issues as well as adults, middle schoolers, young adults, and older adults. While she has worked with elementary age children, she is currently seeing clients 14 and older. She has experience supporting people experiencing anxiety, panic attacks, mood disorders, life transitions, stress, and high sensitivity.

If you or your teenager identify as a highly sensitive or intuitive person, Skye can support you to find balance and feel grounded. If you prefer data and neuroscience about how our busy brains work, Skye can work to explore how to slow your brain and expand areas you would like to develop.  Frameworks she uses pull from Polyvagal Theory, Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Interpersonal Neurobiology, mindfulness skills as well as nondual awareness meditations all of which can support you on creating your personal healing path. Additionally, Skye is also trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy for trauma, anxiety, and depression. Skye’s approach is holistic in nature and includes an awareness of the overlap of the mind, the body, the emotions, and your inner spirit as connected systems for development and healing.

Britin is a mental health therapist under supervision, working with adolescents, young adults, and adults. She received her master’s in Sport and Exercise Psychology and her master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Minnesota State University, Mankato in 2021 and 2022. Her experience includes providing individual therapy, group therapy, and psychological testing for ages 6-70+ years old in rural mental health, treating anxiety disorders, depression, chronic pain, ADHD, mood disorders, family relationships, life adjustments and major transitions.

Britin strives to create a warm space where clients can express themselves authentically and
nonjudgmentally. Her theoretical orientation is eclectic, predominately using a person-centered approach, a strength-based model, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).

Britin is passionate about athlete mental health and helping athletes improve their emotional well-being, sport enjoyment and performance. She has extensive training in working with youth to college athletes on the mental demands of sport, individually and in team settings at the high school and collegiate level.

She is currently accepting clients aged 13+ and specializes in athlete mental health, injury, anxiety disorders, depression, body image, eating disorders, life adjustments, mood disorders, stress management, and transitioning out of sport.

Vulnerability is hard. To reach out for help takes a great deal of courage. It also is an important
act of resiliency. At the heart of my work as a therapist is the belief that every individual
possesses a unique and important story. It is through the storytelling experience where we
begin to explore, question, examine, and re-shape pieces of our narrative that are no longer serving us, while also building on strengths we often overlook. As a therapist, I believe being invited along in such a journey to be an incredibly special privilege.

I find that the most important part of our work together is building a trusting and honest working alliance together. Utilizing a trauma-informed approach, my therapeutic style is
grounded in person-centered therapy and incorporates aspects of cognitive-behavioral
theory (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and mindfulness practice. I specialize in providing therapeutic services to adults and adolescents.

I specialize in working with individuals who are experiencing symptoms of anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), depression and other related mood disorders, substance abuse concerns, trauma, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). I have clinical experience and am trained in Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP), an evidence-based practice designed to address OCD. I have clinical experience
implementing Prolonged Exposure therapy, an evidence-based treatment aimed to address PTSD. Utilizing a strength-based approach, guided by the encouragement of self-compassion practices, I am passionate about working with individuals to rediscover their resiliency.

I have experience working in various levels of care, from Inpatient Services, Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP), Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), and Outpatient Therapy. This clinical experience can help to conceptualize the spectrum of mental health services, offering direction and understanding navigating care options. Through our work
together, you will observe my commitment to providing quality, client-focused care. As finding the therapist who is the right fit for you is very important, I invite you to please reach out with any questions.

Christine earned a degree in Psychology from Hamline University and a Master's degree from Adler Graduate School. She began working in the health and wellness field in 2009 and has worked in the mental health field since 2012. Christine sees clients of all ages (5+) and uses play therapy with her younger clients. Christine takes a non-judgemental approach in her work with clients and practices Person-Centered therapy which acknowledges that each person has the capacity and desire for personal growth and change. She utilizes various other therapeutic techniques depending on the needs of her client including Strengths-based, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused, and Mindfulness.

Christine has experience working in student mental health and enjoys helping both students and their families with school behavior and family relational concerns. Other areas of concern that she sees in therapy include parenting struggles, student life balance, work life balance, anxiety, depression, grief, loss, and trauma. In addition, Christine works with clients who are seeking to decrease destructive habits and/or build more positive health supporting habits into their lives.

Christine has a special interest in supporting the many people who seek therapy during times of life-transitions including new school, move to a new city, young adult transitions, newly married, new parents/new baby, prenatal/post partum, in addition to supporting clients living with long-term or chronic illnesses. For clients that have interest in integrating holistic health and wellness into their healing journey, Christine has experience in using dietary changes and lifestyle modification to support positive mental health. Christine believes it takes courage and strength to reach out and ask for support and is honored to be a part of each client's journey toward healing and growth. Christine is currently accepting new clients.

Kate earned her doctorate degree in counseling psychology from the University of St. Thomas. She completed her pre-doctoral internship at North Memorial Mental Health Clinic in conjunction with the Interprofessional Center for Counseling and Legal Services. She has experience working with adults with a wide variety of presenting concerns, including depression, anxiety, mood disorders, adjustment disorder, interpersonal difficulties, trauma, survivors of sexual abuse and domestic violence, and substance use. Additionally, she has completed psychological, cognitive, and personality assessments for adults. She incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness skills, and psychodynamic approaches into her practice to help clients develop greater self-awareness and improve their overall wellbeing.

Shawn earned his Master’s Degree in Counseling from North Dakota State University in 2004. He has worked in a variety of settings including community mental health, Juvenile corrections and private practice. He has experience working with adults, children and adolescents who have concerns regarding their moods anxiety/stress related symptoms. He uses a person-centered approach with getting to know and understand a client's needs and applies Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/Solution Focused techniques to help educate and support therapy direction and goals.

Wade took the path less traveled to becoming a therapist. After 30+ years of gaining life experiences (good and bad) ultimately he was called to the helping profession. It is from his life experiences and the perspectives he’s gained from traveling, volunteering and his education that he makes it of primary importance to meet every person he works with ‘where they’re at’. He believes strongly that the level of comfort each person has in working with him will lead to their own breakthroughs and successes.

Wade views each individual as their unique whole self, and through challenging them to ‘see things differently’ he helps individuals, couples and families to achieve the goals and outcomes they seek in therapy. Wade brings a creative and empathetic approach to helping clients with depression, anxiety, bipolar, relationship concerns, trauma/PTSD, ADHD, substance use disorders and grief and loss. He spent 5 years serving individuals and families in their homes prior to working at the Department of Human Services overseeing a statewide mental health program (ARMHS).

Wade is licensed in both Minnesota and Wisconsin.

COMING SOON

Grant Gregory is a board certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and received his Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Minnesota in 2014. He has enjoyed working in the behavioral health field since 2006. He has worked and trained in a variety of settings including chemical dependency facilities, adult/child/adolescent inpatient hospitals, outpatient and forensic settings, and in residential treatment of severe and persistent mental illnesses. .

Grant provides comprehensive mental health treatment including diagnostic assessments and medication management for clients. He uses the mind/body connection to help educate and provide clients with the tools and skills needed to improve their emotional, physical, and mental health. He enjoys working with diverse individuals and helps treat those with various mental illnesses with collaborative and holistic approaches.

Michael Omomo is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner that is passionate about mental health. He is trained and qualified to diagnose and treat various psychiatric disorders across the lifespan. Michael’s focus is on providing quality, empathetic, and comprehensive mental health services to individuals across the lifespan. He believes in an integrated approach to care of individuals with mental health. Michael is empathetic, a good listener, and is willing give an honest diagnosis and treatment plan irrespective of race, gender, or sexual orientation.

Michael’s goal is to help individuals and families live a joyful and productive lifestyle irrespective of their mental illness diagnosis. The types of treatments promoted include holistic healing, psychosocial interventions, psychotherapy, and medication management. Michael looks forward to gaining your trust so you and your family can live a productive lifestyle.

Jessica has spent over 18 years serving both adolescent and adult clients, and is passionate about helping them navigate their mental health challenges. She started her career in mental health with a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Metropolitan State University and has since served as a charge nurse in an inpatient psychiatric hospital and taught mental health to nursing students at the University level.

Olivia Grayson is board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Metropolitan State University and a Post-Master’s Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate from the University of Cincinnati.

With a passion for mental health and a commitment to patient care, Olivia strives to provide personalized and holistic treatment plans that promote well-being and recovery. She is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of her patients and is driven by the belief that every individual deserves access to high-quality mental health care.

Melissa received her Bachelors degree in nursing from the College of St Catherine. She has over 16 years of psychiatric nursing experience working with clients across the lifespan. Melissa enjoys working closely with the psychiatric providers to get a better understanding of each client and their treatment needs.

Sara is responsible for the daily operations at River Valley. She handles human resources, client relations, insurance company relations, community outreach, event planning and office policy development and growth. Sara has over 17 years of management experience.

Our front desk staff provides a warm, welcoming environment to assist clients in scheduling intakes and follow-up appointments, managing record requests and care coordination, ensuring timely email correspondence, confirming insurance eligibility, and collecting payments.

Our front desk staff provides a warm, welcoming environment to assist clients in scheduling intakes and follow-up appointments, managing record requests and care coordination, ensuring timely email correspondence, confirming insurance eligibility, and collecting payments.

Our Billing Specialists work tirelessly to ensure that River Valley's services are processed promptly, accurately, and professionally. They work with insurance companies to process all claim submissions, denials, appeals, and remittances/payments, as well as prior authorizations. They manage client statements, payments/payment arrangements, refunds, and past due notifications. Most importantly, our Billing Specialists are responsible for addressing all client concerns relating to claims processing and current balances.

Our Billing Specialists work tirelessly to ensure that River Valley's services are processed promptly, accurately, and professionally. They work with insurance companies to process all claim submissions, denials, appeals, and remittances/payments, as well as prior authorizations. They manage client statements, payments/payment arrangements, refunds, and past due notifications. Most importantly, our Billing Specialists are responsible for addressing all client concerns relating to claims processing and current balances.