Child/Adolescent

Traci Hackmann, MA, LP

I believe people do the best they can with what they know at the time. Given the opportunity to do better, they will. The therapeutic relationship can provide that sense of safety and trust for growth and healing.

My therapeutic approach blends my background and interest in developmental psychology and social psychology. I incorporate evidence based techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy and Client or Person Centered Therapy. My extensive work with young clients has allowed me to do attachment work, trauma-informed treatment and aspects of play therapy. The specific therapeutic process is determined by the unique, individual needs of each client.

Education:

Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from St Mary’s University

Experience:

25+ years of experience in community mental health settings including residential, children’s intensive mental health day treatment, juvenile corrections, in-home and outpatient clinics. I have provided diagnostic assessments, individual therapy, family therapy, skills training and group psychotherapy for children, adolescents, and their families.

Specialties:

• Behavior problems
• Anger management
• Emotional regulation
• Attachment work
• Cognitive Behavioral
• Systems perspective
• Trauma-informed
• Holistic
• Anxiety issues
• Life transitions

Alejandra Aschittino-Rodriguez, MPS, LPCC, LADC

Even in the most painful or confusing moments, I believe people have an innate capacity to find meaning, regain a sense of choice, and grow. Therapy with me is collaborative, supportive, and rooted in the belief that you are not broken—your mind and emotions have been trying to protect you, even if some patterns no longer serve you.

In our work together, we will deepen your self-awareness, explore unhelpful patterns, and reconnect with parts of yourselves that seek understanding and healing. We’ll explore how past experiences and present reactions interact, gently examining the emotions, beliefs, and inner conflicts that shape your life today. We will approach challenges with curiosity—asking questions like, What is this part of you trying to do for you?—so we can honor its intention while finding new, more supportive ways forward. With empathy, warmth, and humor, we’ll work together to cultivate patterns that foster greater calm, confidence, and authenticity.

Drawing from my clinical training, education, and real-world experience, I support you in making sense of your story and moving toward meaningful, lasting change. My approach integrates psychodynamic therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), existential counseling, and somatic interventions to address both emotional insight and lived, embodied experience.

I currently provide individual therapy for adults and older adolescents in a space that is respectful, thoughtful, and deeply human. I can help you navigate life transitions, grief and loss, substance and alcohol use, and the effects of chronic stress. I have experience supporting individuals with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and related concerns.

Education:

MA in Addiction and Mental Health Counseling – University of Minnesota, Twin Cities

BA is Psychology and Philosophy – Grinnell College, Iowa

Experience:

My work is grounded in cultural awareness, inclusivity, and depth-oriented care. As a Watson Fellow, I worked in Ecuador, South Africa, India, and Slovenia, exploring how culture shapes grief and healing—an experience that continues to inform my work with clients from diverse backgrounds.

In Minnesota, I have partnered with organizations such as Family Means and The Hubs Center for Lifelong Learning to develop trainings on culturally responsive care and the emotional impact of job loss during the COVID-19 pandemic. I am a former college professor, President of the Minnesota Jungian Society, and a BBHT-approved supervisor, supporting the development of thoughtful, holistic, and culturally competent therapists.

Specialties:

• Loss of meaning / “Existential anxiety”
• Spiritual and Life Issues
• Culturally Sensitive Therapy/Culturally Specific Issues
• Life’s transitions
• Grief
• Addiction
• Dual Diagnosis
• Depression
• Anxiety

Kelly Gadola, MSW, LICSW

Therapy can be intimidating for many individuals, and I strive to create a warm and safe therapeutic space through building a strong rapport with each of my clients. My main goal is for my clients to feel respected and understood, as well as to develop a positive therapeutic relationship that will facilitate exploration, growth, and healing. I believe that individuals are always doing their best in any given situation and that what our best looks like can fluctuate depending on outside factors and life circumstances. I want to provide a stable, empathetic, and caring relationship where clients feel empowered to create positive change in their lives and that they can feel confident in themselves to continue doing their best.

As a therapist, I provide individual psychotherapy for adolescents, teens, and adults who are experiencing mental health concerns such as: anxiety, depression, identity/gender/sexuality exploration, trauma, school stress, and peer/relationship stress. I use a blend of therapeutic approaches including relational, strengths-based, cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, narrative and EMDR (eye movement desensitization reprocessing). I feel very fortunate to get to learn about my clients' lives and I delight in the connections that I get to make each day.

Education:

Master of Social Work- University of Minnesota

Experience:

I have experience in working with clients across the lifespan through working in schools, client homes, medical health care units and outpatient therapy settings. While a majority of my experience has been with adolescents and teens, I also greatly enjoy working with adults and children.

Specialties:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Adolescents and Young Adults
• Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing
• Stress Reduction/Mindfulness Skills
• Trauma

Kelly Gerzsenyi, MA, Post-Master's Fellow

“Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen.” - Brene Brown

I’m so glad you are here, and I’d be honored to be part of your journey. Life has a lot of challenges, and you don’t have to conquer them alone. You can create and live the life you want, and I will work with you to build the steppingstones to make it happen.

As a therapist, I work to create a supportive, non-judgmental, safe space where my clients can achieve the growth and healing, they are longing for. I help my clients not only talk about and gain insight into various issues but do things differently to create the change they want to see.

As a therapist, I incorporate evidence-based techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy and Person-Centered Therapy. I emphasize improving overall wellness and health as I believe the different aspects of health (i.e., physical, mental health) are all connected. I also focus on mindfulness, as I believe awareness and presence are the foundation for change.

Education:

Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Argosy University

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology from University of Minnesota

Experience:

5+ years of experience in community mental health settings including in-home and outpatient clinics.

Specialties:

• Behavior Problems
• Emotional Regulation
• Attachment Work
• Anger Management
• Cognitive Behavioral
• Systems Perspective
• Trauma-Informed
• Holistic
• Anxiety Issues
• Depression
• Codependency
• Life Transitions
• Mindfulness

Kaylie Ruble, MA, LPCC

Hi, I’m Kaylie. I know choosing the right therapist can feel daunting, and finding the best fit is imperative. That’s why we will spend our first few sessions ensuring our fit as we develop a treatment plan that works for you and meets you wherever you are at.

I deeply believe that every person can live a joyful and meaningful life. If you are struggling with shame, fear, grief, or other difficulties, I want you to know that there is a life beyond the abyss of those feelings. I encourage my clients to ask questions about the therapeutic process whenever they arise, and I strive to create an environment of openness and understanding. My hope is that you feel supported to bring any and all questions or concerns to therapy. This is your hour, your therapy, your goals. I consider it a huge honor to be a part of that.

As a therapist, I utilize approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused therapy, and psychodynamic therapy. I have worked with individuals experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), complex trauma, anxiety, depression, sexual concerns, addiction, and personality disorders, among others.

Education:

MA in Counseling Psychology from the University of St. Thomas

Experience:

Several years working in a community mental health setting, as well as outpatient clinical and forensic psychology using individual and group modalities.

Specialties:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Addiction
• Forensic Issues
• Sexual Issues
• Women's Issues

William Baillargeon, MA, Post-Master's Fellow

Hi, My name is Will and I am a pre-licensed, Master's level clinician. My approach to therapy is offering my clients a safe and inclusive space where they can be their true, authentic self in a fun and judgement-free environment. I deeply care about my clients, and I do everything in my power to ensure they are supported and given the most effective and personalized approach to therapy possible. I utilize an integrative approach to therapy, mixing both evidenced-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Executive Functioning skill work, and Mindfulness techniques with more fluid and experiential approaches such as using an existential and philosophical approach, art, music, and play.

Education:

MA in Counseling Psychology from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota.

Experience:

I have 4 years of experi​ence working in the mental health field where I have led groups in day treatment programs and conducted individual and group therapy, treating​ a vari​ety of different client needs.

Specialties:

• ADHD/Executive Dysfunction
• ASD
• Anxiety
• Stress Reduction
• Emotional Regulation
• Mindfulness Skills
• Work/Life Balance
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT)
• Radical Acceptance
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Psychodynamic Approach
• Existential and Philosophical Identity Exploration
• Play Therapy

Cassie Billups, MA, Post-Master's Fellow

Hello, I’m Cassie! 

I'm a therapist who loves working with families, couples, and individuals of all ages. My approach blends Adlerian ideas with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. This helps me get a full picture of who you are, often looking at how your past experiences shape you, while also giving you practical tools you can use in the here and now. My main goal as a therapist is to create a space where you feel understood, supported, and empowered to make intentional choices that align with the life you want to live and the person you're becoming.

You can expect me to be authentic, warm, and practical, with a healthy dose of humor thrown in! I often tailor therapy to what each person, couple, or family needs and likes. That can often look like direct conversations and processing, but also include learning tools and psychoeducation, and even getting creative with things like expressive arts and skill-building exercises in our sessions. Whatever the right therapy looks like for you, I am committed to helping you tap into your unique strengths and working alongside you to reach your goals.

Education:

M.A. in Counseling, Marriage, Couples, & Family - Adler Graduate School

B.A. in Child Psychology - University of Minnesota Twin Cities

Experience:

My experience includes working in early childhood development, day treatment, and outpatient therapy settings, where I’ve supported children, teens, adults, and families through a range of emotional, behavioral, and developmental needs. I also have specialized training in premarital counseling (Prepare/Enrich) to help couples strengthen their relationships and navigate upcoming life transitions.

Specialties:

• Self-Care/Acceptance
• Anxiety/Depression
• ADHD
• Emotional Regulation
• Parenting Support/Family Dynamics
• Premarital Counseling
• Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Brianna Ball, MSW, Post-Master's Fellow

Hi! My name is Bri. I’m a pre licensed, Master’s level clinician and I know that sometimes struggling with your mental health is exhausting. I use dialectical behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and a straightforward approach to work with my clients and teach them skills that they can use to relieve some of that exhaustion. I believe that strong rapport is the most beneficial part of a therapeutic relationship, and I strive to achieve that with all of my clients. I would be honored to be a part of your mental health journey; whether it’s your first time in therapy, or your hundredth time in therapy. 

Education:

MSW from St. Cloud State University

BSW from St. Cloud State University

Experience:

I have a variety of experience; from working with adults who have substance use disorders, to working children who have eating disorders. I have worked in outpatient, PHP, residential, and inpatient settings as both an individual therapist and a group therapist.

Specialties:

• Adolescent's ages 12-17
• Eating Disorders
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
• Emotion Regulation
• Anxiety
• Depression

Maya Alvarado, MA, Post-Master's Fellow

Are you someone that struggles with feeling understood and connected to others? Does it feel difficult at times to balance your identity with the social pressures and expectations you see online? 

Therapy can help. My name is Maya, and I am a Master’s level clinician who is pursuing a doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology. I am passionate about helping my clients learn how to establish a sense of self that they can feel confident in. 

Starting therapy can be scary and uncomfortable, I’m here to support you wherever you are in your journey. My approach is collaborative; I will work with you to establish goals that meet your needs. The majority of my practice focuses on increasing self-acceptance, building meaningful and supportive relationships, and developing effective communication skills. From there, we can work together to learn more about your needs, your past, and how they both interact to inspire change.    

Education:

Currently pursuing PsyD in Counseling Psychology from University of St. Thomas 

MA in Counseling Psychology from University of St. Thomas  

BA in Psychology from University of Wisconsin-Madison

Experience:

I have a variety of experience working with children of all ages in both private and community mental health settings.

Specialties:

• Adolescents ages 12-17 
• Anxiety 
• Depression 
• Self-esteem 
• Body image 
• Emotional Regulation 
• Identity issues 
• Social skills 
• Family dynamics 

Michelle Meadows, MS, MT-BC, RYT, Post-Master's Fellow

My work as a therapist is grounded in the belief that healing happens through compassion, connection, creativity, and coming back home to the body. I primarily use somatic, embodied, and bottom-up approaches to support trauma healing and a wide range of emotional and physical symptom presentations. Rather than viewing distress through a pathologizing lens, I see symptoms as meaningful responses shaped by lived experience—and as doorways toward deeper understanding and healing.

I work largely from an Internal Family Systems (IFS) perspective, with a strong focus on inner child healing, reparenting, and helping clients access their innate capacity for Self-leadership. While I integrate top-down insight when it’s supportive, my approach emphasizes nervous system regulation, embodied awareness, and experiential healing. As a board-certified music therapist, I also deeply value creative expression as an essential part of the human experience and a powerful avenue for emotional processing, integration, and repair.

I am trained in Brainspotting, Foundations of Somatic Experiencing, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), and will begin EMDR training in the spring. I am also a registered yoga teacher and believe that somatic awareness, mindfulness, meditation, and creative practices are crucial components of trauma healing and in discovering the Self as described in IFS.

My intention is to offer a space where you are met as a whole human being—one where healing unfolds at your own pace through self-compassion, curiosity, and respect for the wisdom of your system. 

Education:

Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Grand Canyon University 

Music Therapy Board Certification through the University of Iowa

Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Arts / Performing Arts from the University of Northern Iowa

Experience:

5 years of experience working as a board-certified music therapist in hospice and St. Paul Public Schools, 1 yr internship experience working with kids and adolescents at Relate Counseling Center in Minnetonka.

Board-Certified Music Therapist, Yoga Teacher, MBSR & ART Practitioner

Specialties:

• Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
• Young Adults
• Anxiety Disorders
• Depression

Danielle Tilia, MSW, Post-Master's Fellow

There is no doubt that therapeutic modalities are an integral part of the therapeutic process. However, likely even more important is the role the therapeutic relationship plays in learning how to live out your values and live your best "life worth living." 

Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your journey and being brave enough to share the deepest parts of your heart. I am here to provide a non-judgemental and supportive space where you feel safe to be your authentic self. 

My therapeutic approach is interconnected to include cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy and a holistic approach to best learn how your physical and mental health can impact both your mind and your body. 

Education:

Masters of Social Work, University of St. Thomas

Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education and Psychology, University of St. Thomas 

Experience:

I have worked in a variety of settings including adult and child intensive outpatient programs, child partial hospitalization programs, day treatment as well as outpatient therapy. Through my experience with various age groups and levels of care I have learned how important a warm and nurturing space where an individual can be heard can positively impact one's healing journey. I will be with you on every step of your journey in any capacity you wish. Good times, hard times, and all that is between, take a breath and let's make this leap together! 

Specialties:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Mood Disorders
• Life Transitions
• Friendships and Relationships
• Family Issues
• School Issues
• Self-Esteem and Confidence 

Nicolette Cairns, MA, Post-Master's Fellow

I see the therapeutic process as an opportunity to learn and grow together. Through first recognizing your reasons for seeking therapy and acknowledging your therapeutic goals, we can decide together if the focus needs to be on the past, in the present, or moving forward into the future. Then through finding patterns, using evidence-based approaches, and creative interventions we can get into the flow of things to find yourself and your own version of calm.

In my work with children, teens, and young adults there is a particular focus on autonomy. We work together to recognize strengths, acknowledge behavior patterns emerging, and develop a skillset to handle problems independently going forward.

Education:

MA in Counseling & Psychological Services from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

BA in Psychology from Minnesota State University Moorhead

Experience:

Over the past ten years I have worked in day treatment, school-based mental health services, and outpatient therapy.

Specialties:

 

• Attachment
• ADHD
• Behavioral issues (children and adolescents)
• Emotional regulation
• Mood disorders
• School issues / special education
• Trauma