All kids deserve kind, safe, welcoming places to grow.

Our Leaders

Meet the humans leading Washburn Center in delivering transformative youth mental health care

Board of Trustees

ANNA YOUNGERMAN
President | She/her/hers

Senior Client Executive
NavVis

KRISTINA MORTON
Vice President | She/her/hers

Chief People Officer
APi Group

KENDRA REICHENAU
Treasurer | She/her/hers

CEO
Heartland America

BRAD BECKMAN
He/him/his

COO/EVP
Smead Manufacturing Inc.

CHERYL BETHUNE
She/her/hers

Vice President, Human Resources – International
General Mills, Inc.

SALLY BLANKS
She/her/hers

Arts Advocate & Volunteer

LORRI BORGELT
She/her/hers

Executive Vice President
Tradition Capital Bank

LAURA COLLINS
She/her/hers

Senior Audit Manager
KPMG

LAUREN GILCHRIST
She/her/hers

Senior Director
Collective for Community Health
Children’s Minnesota

TODD HEDBERG
He/him/his

Director of Digital Strategy
The Lacek Group

JIM HILT
He/him/his

CEO
Asset Marketing Services, LLC

ELISA IHA
She/her/hers

Project Manager
Minneapolis Public Schools

PRINCE JIBUNOR
He/him/his

Senior Director
Cargill Risk Management

NOAH JONES
He/him/his

Commercial Banking CFO
Huntington National Bank

KATHRYN KLIBANOFF
She/her/hers

Principal
2K Consulting

STEVE KOSLOW
He/him/his

Vice President, Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer
Allianz

PK KRIHA
She/her/hers

Senior Vice President, Employee Benefits
Marsh & McLennan Agency

DREW LONG
He/him/his

National Sales Lead
Cargill

BEN MARKS
He/him/his

Managing Director
Northborne Partners

SARA RATNER
She/her/hers

Senior Vice President,
Government Markets & Strategic Initiatives
Icario

S. JILL ROMANS
She/her/hers

Assistant Head of School for Student Development & Community Engagement
St. Paul Academy & Summit School

JESSIE SMITH
She/her/hers

Audit Manager
Deloitte

JAMISON WHITING
He/him/his

Assistant City Attorney – Implementation Team
City of Minneapolis

Leadership Team

CRAIG WARREN, MA
Chief Executive Officer | He/him/his

Craig (he, him, his) is a social impact catalyst with over 25 years of strategic planning, service delivery, EDI, and consulting experience in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. He is motivated by a desire to create more equitable community outcomes around education, income, employment, and health.

Craig was named CEO of Washburn Center for Children in 2022 and joined the organization as Chief Administrative Officer in 2020. Prior to joining Washburn Center, he served as Vice President of Enterprise Solutions at Minnesota Children’s Museum. His professional experience also includes leadership roles at Greater Twin Cities United Way, Best Buy, Rockwell Automation, The Coca-Cola Company, Towers Perrin, and the United States Army.

Craig earned his master’s degree from the Harris School of Public Policy at the University of Chicago and his bachelor’s from the Johns Hopkins University. He is a Qualified Administrator of the Intercultural Development Inventory.

Click here to hear Craig talk about his innovative approach and the future of inclusive leadership on Menttium’s podcast.

JENNY BRITTON, MSW, LICSW
Chief Clinical Officer | She/her/hers

Jenny (she, her, hers)  has worked in a variety of roles since joining Washburn Center in 2003. Jenny’s past experience includes elementary day treatment, in-home individual and family therapy, school-based individual and group therapy, children’s mental health case management, outpatient therapy and providing therapeutic services at a homeless shelter.

She received her Bachelors degree in Social Work and Family Studies from St. Olaf College and her Masters in Social Work from the University of St. Thomas/College of St. Catherine. She began supervising the Case Management team in 2008 and the Intensive In-Home team in 2013.

Her areas of expertise include helping children who are severely emotionally disturbed, providing wrap around services for children and families who have been exposed to trauma and providing in-home family therapy. Jenny’s trained in EMDR (eye movement desensitization reprocessing) and has a passion for treating the family as a whole in order to assist with long term and holistic healing.

MARY BENNETT, MS
Chief Development Officer | She/her/hers

Mary Bennett (she/her/hers) is a proven community-centered leader with extensive philanthropic experience in the health care and higher education arenas.

Before joining Washburn Center in 2023, Mary served as the Chief Development Officer for the McCullough-Hyde Hospital Foundation where she positively impacted patient outcomes with donor growth to enhance programs and services, patient care, and equipment and facilities.

Prior to McCullough-Hyde, she served as the Director of Major Gifts for the School of Professional Psychology and the College of Education and Human Services at Wright State University. Mary has served on several boards that focus on access to education, the arts, financial empowerment, and the well-being of children and families. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Women’s Studies at the University of Michigan, and a master’s in College Student Personnel from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio.

AMBER BUCK, MBA
Director of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion | She/her/hers

Amber (she, her, hers) began her career as a school counselor at Best Academy in Minneapolis. After a brief stint at the Northside Achievement Zone, she transitioned to higher education where she worked to advance equity, manage conflict, and build strong teams.

Amber has a background in speech and theatre and has used those strengths to present on various topics over the years. Grounded in trickle up social justice, she has spent her professional career continuing to learn and unlearn while encouraging others to do the same.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Management Communication from North Dakota State University, a masters in School Counseling from UNC-Chapel Hill and an MBA from the University of Oregon. She loves reading anything and everything, trying new foods, and spending time with her two children.

JULIE CARVER
Director, Marketing and Communications | She/her/hers

Julie (she, her, hers) joined Washburn Center for Children in 2020 to lead and build marketing and communications capacity for the agency’s mission and brand. She brings experience in corporate, agency and non-profit settings where she has helped re-energize communications strategy, strengthen brands, and execute internal and external communications programs. Her enthusiasm for storytelling and her advocacy for children and mental health are now co-existing to strengthen and build up Washburn’s community presence.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in English/journalism from Miami University.

BETH DAHLINE, LICSW
Chief Operating Officer | She/her/hers

Beth (she, her, hers) joined Washburn Center for Children in 2008 as a school based therapist, became the co-supervisor of Washburn Center’s School-based program in 2013 and moved into the role of Director of Program Administration in 2016. In addition to her school based work at Washburn, Beth previously worked in a school based program in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Beth’s other experiences include day treatment therapist (individual, family, group work), treatment manager at a residential facility, completing court ordered assessments with adolescents involved in the juvenile justice system, and providing individual and family work at part of a voluntary county program.

Beth is trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and PracticeWise. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the College of St. Scholastica. Her Master’s degree was completed at the joint University of St. Thomas/College of St. Catherine’s Social Work program.

KATE HUDAK, MSW
Director, Human Resources | She/her/hers

Before joining Washburn Center’s leadership team in 2009, Kate (she, her, hers) worked in a variety of roles for Hearthstone of Minnesota, including the Quality Assurance Coordinator, Director of Human Resources and Director of Program Operations. Kate graduated from St. Mary’s College of Notre Dame with a B.A.. After several years as a youth counselor in a residential treatment center, she earned a Masters of Social Work from the University of St. Thomas/College of St. Catherine in 2007.

MOHAMED OMAR, MS, MBA
Chief Administrative Officer | He/him/his

Before joining Washburn Center in 2023, Mohamed (he/his/him) served as Chief Financial Officer at the Greater Minnesota Housing Fund (GMHF) where he directed financial operations for GMHF, as well as the Minnesota Equity Fund and NOAH Impact Fund. Prior to GMHF, he was a senior finance executive and controller at the Metropolitan Council and earlier in his career led investment banking, consulting and auditing.

Mohamed earned his MBA in finance and entrepreneurship and MS in Information Systems from The Johns Hopkins University and received his bachelor’s degree in accounting from George Mason University. He completed the Humphrey Policy Fellows leadership program at the University of Minnesota.

Administration

SHUNZYU HAIGLER
Director of Development and Major Gifts | She/her/hers

Shunzyu (she, her, hers) joined Washburn Center for Children in July 2021 to lead and expand the agency’s development and major gift program.  She brings over 25 years of nonprofit development experience in creating membership programs, increasing annual fund revenue, grant-writing, and organizing major special events. Shunzyu brings her NYC style, enthusiasm, and passion for mental health to her work at Washburn.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from Long Island University.

JENNIE ALEXANDER
Associate Director of Compliance & Client Access | She/her/hers

Jennie (she/her/hers) joined Washburn Center for Children in 2023. Her passion for compliance, learning and quality stem from 15 years of experience in administrative leadership, training and patient management.

JENNA EGAN
Associate Director of Individual Giving | She/her/hers

Jenna Egan (she/her/hers) became an integral part of Washburn Center for Children in 2023, driven by a dedicated mission to facilitate donors in achieving their philanthropic aspirations while advancing the agency’s mission. Drawing from her extensive background in community engagement, philanthropy, events, and communications within the nonprofit realm, Jenna enriches the Development Team’s efforts. Her dedication to fostering connections between donors and meaningful causes, coupled with her advocacy for children’s mental health support, serves as a cornerstone in building and strengthening Washburn Center’s philanthropic community. 

KYLE ERDMANN
Associate Director, Information Technology | He/him/his

Kyle (he, him, his) joined Washburn Center for Children in early 2019 as an EHR and IT Coordinator to help facilitate an EHR transition and provide technology support to the organization. Soon after starting he was determined to transform every user’s technology experience into something positive and beneficial because he regularly noticed patterns of technology failing employees and inefficiencies and manual processes that were wasting time, money, and resources. His desire to work for a mission-driven organization and passion for helping, teaching, and learning keep him excited and focused on furthering Washburn’s mission by helping foster an environment where technology is more accessible, useful, and complimentary to the very difficult work of helping kids and families through mental health challenges.

LAURA TOMPKINS, MBA
HR Manager | She/her/hers

Laura (she/her/hers) joined Washburn in January 2023, bringing human resources and nonprofit leadership experience from several Twin Cities agencies. Most recently, she served as Executive Director of Joyce Preschool, a nonprofit specializing in bilingual and multicultural early childhood development. Laura is passionate about work that supports families and children, and relishes implementing strategies to build and retain strong teams. 

Laura has a Bachelor’s degree in French & Francophone Studies from Carleton College and an MBA from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota.

Clinical Leadership

LIBBY HAIGHT, MPP, MSW, LICSW
Director, Community-based services | She/her/hers

Libby Haight (she/her) joined Washburn in 2018 as a Spanish-Speaking Crisis Stabilization Therapist. She worked closely with Latinx families experiencing mental health crises. She moved into the position of Supervisor of the Crisis Stabilization Program a couple of years later. Following her experience working closely with Crisis Stabilization clinicians, Libby moved into the role of Director of Intensive Community-Based Services. Prior to becoming a social worker, Libby lived for 10 years in Mexico City, Mexico collaborating with local organizations in their efforts to promote greater transparency and accountability in government spending on anti-poverty efforts.

Libby has a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations, Spanish and Theater Arts from the University of Minnesota. She has a Master’s in Public Policy from the University of Chicago, and a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Minnesota. She holds licensure as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW).

NATALIE KENDRICK, LMFT
Director, Early Childhood and Therapeutic Group Services | She/her/hers

Natalie (she, her, hers) joined Washburn Center for Children in 2005 as a therapist in Washburn Center’s Day Treatment program before becoming the Family Focused supervisor in 2007. She then transitioned to the Director for Early Childhood Mental Health Services and Therapeutic Groups in 2019.   Natalie’s experience includes providing therapeutic services to children in crisis, preschool day treatment, in-home family therapy, child-parent psychotherapy, school-based therapy with children from grades K-8, outpatient therapy with children and adults and providing reflective and clinical supervision.

Natalie has completed training in CPP (Child-Parent Psychotherapy), Developmental Repair, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and DC: 0-5 (a diagnostic model for identifying mental health challenges and developmental disorders in infants and toddlers), MAP (Managing and Adapting Practice) and has received extensive training in Reflective Supervision/Consultation.  Natalie has been a leader in developing the C.A.M.P. model (CPP Agency Mentorship Program) within the State and has been providing ongoing training, supervision and consultation to clinicians who desire to be rostered within the CPP model. In addition, Natalie has also been selected by the State of Minnesota and Zero to Three to be Washburn Center’s DC 0-5 agency trainer. 

Natalie earned a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from St. Mary’s University and completed her certificate in the University of Minnesota’s Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Certificate Program. Natalie is independently licensed as an LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy).

RACHAEL KRAHN, PSYD, LP
Director, Outpatient Services | She/her/hers

Rachael (Dr. Krahn) has worked at Washburn Center since 2000 and greatly enjoys the training and supervisory components as well as direct client care in her work as the Associate Clinical Director of Outpatient and School Based Mental Health Programming. Rachael earned her BA in Psychology from Hamline University and her PsyD from the Minnesota School of Professional Psychology in 2000. She completed her American Psychological Association (APA)-accredited predoctoral internship at Crestwood Children’s Center in Rochester, New York.

Rachael has committed her career to the assessment and treatment of children, adolescents and families within a community mental health setting. For over a decade, she supervised Washburn Center’s Psychology Training Program and completed the self-study that granted APA accreditation to the Pre-doctoral Internship Program in December 2012. She has been trained in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and PracticeWise, and her areas of interest include supervision, trauma, play therapy, attachment and development, family systems, and program development and training.

JESSICA MATHWIG-OLSON, LICSW
Director, School-based Services | She/her/hers

Jessica joined Washburn Center for Children in 2023 to as the Director of School-Based Services. She brings 20 years of community mental health and leadership experience.  She earned her Bachelors in Psychology from the University of Minnesota and a Master’s in Social Work from the College of St. Catherine/University of St. Thomas. In her clinical work she has worked with a broad range of life problems. She incorporates a strengths-based approach along with mindfulness techniques, solution focused and cognitive behavioral therapies to help clients with working through their issues. Her specialties include anxiety, depression, self-esteem, relationship issues, and substance abuse. For clients who request it, she explores with them how issues of spirituality can support their journey of healing. As a leader, Jessica is committed to remaining curious and agile well supporting her team in creating impact that aligns with the mission of our work at Washburn Center.  

LAUREN NIETZ, LICSW
Director, Training Institute and Clinical Development | She/her/hers

Lauren joined Washburn Center in 2002 and served as supervisor of the Day Treatment Program from 2006 – 2013 before focusing on her new role as Clinical Trainer and Outpatient Therapist. Lauren has more than a decade of experience providing therapy to adults, children, groups and families who are struggling with the effects of trauma as an in-home family therapist and day treatment therapist. She utilizes Developmental Repair, a treatment model that was developed at Washburn Center for Children, and trains other clinicians in the model. Lauren is also trained in Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and DC: 0-3 (a diagnostic model for identifying mental health challenges and developmental disorders in infants and toddlers). She obtained her Masters of Social Work and earned her Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Certificate from the University of Minnesota.

DAVID TIERSCHEL, LICSW
Director, Case Management and Assessment Team | He/him/his

Dave (he, him, his) accepted the permanent Director of Case Management and The Assessment Team in June 2023 after serving as the Interim Director of Case Management in beginning in November 2022.  Dave began his career at Washburn in 2011 as a clinical intern in the School Based Program.  He has worked as a Case Manager, as a Day Treatment Child and Family Therapist, and as a clinical supervisor within the Case Management Program in previous roles.  Dave also supports clinicians and supervisors as Credible Trainer.  He brings a passion for improving access to transformative mental health care for children and families seeking help from Washburn.  Dave is continually curious to find ways to support Washburn’s clinicians to find a sustaining balance in the work to meet the long-term mental health needs of the Twin Cities community.

Program Supervisors

BONNIE BRUNETTE, MSW, LICSW
School-based | She/her/hers

Bonnie Brunette (she/her/hers) joined Washburn Center for Children in 2023. With over 25 years in the field of childhood trauma and mental health, Bonnie has worked as a forensic interviewer, clinical supervisor, internship coordinator, individual and group therapist, and advocate. She is trained in various treatment modalities including EMDR, TF-CBT, and play therapy.

Bonnie received her Bachelor of Social Work degree in 1998 from Illinois State University and Master of Social Work degree in 2001 from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Prior to her current position, Bonnie worked in the Victim Services Division of the FBI for 7 years. Bonnie has taught national and international trainings on various topics related to abuse, neglect, exploitation, human trafficking, and sextortion and has testified as an expert witness for entities including the United States Attorney’s Office and the United States Army.

Bonnie is a huge Jeopardy! fan, and was even selected to try out for College Jeopardy! in 1998, but sadly was not selected because she couldn’t get the timing of the buzzer thinger right.

LAURA BULTHUIS, LICSW
Day Treatment | She/her/hers

Laura joined Washburn Center for Children in 2008 as a Day Treatment therapist. Laura utilizes Developmental Repair, a treatment model that was developed at Washburn Center for Children, for working with children and their families struggling with the effects of trauma. In 2013, Laura transitioned to Washburn Center’s School-based program where she provided mental health services in two north Minneapolis public schools. Laura returned to the Day Treatment program as an Assistant Supervisor in 2015. Laura received her Masters of Social Work at the University of Minnesota. Her professional interests include early childhood trauma and the impact of trauma on family systems.

ALLIE BUTTS, MSW, LICSW
Case Management | She/her/hers

Allie first joined Washburn Center for Children in 2014 as a Children’s Mental Health Case Manager. She has taken on roles in outpatient therapy with children and adults and provided support in therapeutic preschool programs. She transitioned into a supervisor role within the Case Management team at Washburn in 2022. Allie has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Drake University and a Masters of Social Work from St. Catherine University and the University of St. Thomas. Allie believes in Washburn Center for Children’s mission and supports both clients and their staff by meeting them where they are, exploring strengths and resilience, holding compassion and helping reduce barriers to treatment to improve functioning. 

NATALIE CARUSO, MSW, LICSW
School-based | She/her/hers

JESSICA COHEN, PHD, LP
Outpatient Therapy | She/her/hers

Dr. Cohen joined Washburn Center in 2000 and has worked as an Outpatient Therapist, Day Treatment Supervisor and currently as the Outpatient Supervisor. Dr. Cohen obtained her PhD from Adelphi University and completed her predoctoral internship and fellowship at Hennepin County Medical Center. She then worked for over three years at the Eisemenger Learning Center/Wilder Foundation, where she provided therapy, case management and school consultation services for children identified as severely emotionally disturbed. Her areas of clinical interest include: DC: 0-3 (a diagnostic model for identifying mental health challenges and developmental disorders in infants and toddlers), therapy with young children, EMDR (eye movement desensitization reprocessing), adult psychotherapy, trauma and attachment dynamics.

CLAUDIA DAML, PSYD, LP
Outpatient Therapy | She/her/hers

Dr. Claudia Daml is a licensed clinical psychologist who has been working in the mental health field for over two decades. She earned her doctoral degree from the Minnesota School of Professional Psychology in 2007 and has been with Washburn Center for Children since that time.

In her current role as Asst. Supervisor of the Outpatient program she provides supervision and consultation to staff and trainees on an individual and group basis; provides individual and family therapy; psychological testing; and supports the operational and administrative needs related to the successful functioning of the outpatient department. She believes in a holistic and collaborative approach of care that honors where her clients have been along with their current family system in their journey of growth and healing. Dr. Claudia is a strong supporter of the community mental health model. Providing services that support children and families from diverse backgrounds using a multicultural and trauma-informed lens match well with her commitment to inclusivity and social change.

Dr. Claudia is passionate about living life as a change-maker and is active in her community. She holds leadership roles on the board of the Golden Valley Community Foundation, Women’s March Minnesota, her local Senate District, and the State Advisory Council for Mental Health. In her spare time she can most likely be found spending time with her children, plotting her next travel adventure, or rowing on the beautiful Mississippi river.

NATALIE DUNPHY, MPH, LICSW
Family Focused | She/her/hers

Natalie (she/her) is a clinical supervisor, trainer, and child/family therapist who joined Washburn Center for Children in 2009. She spent 9 years in day treatment therapist roles before transitioning to supervising the early childhood group and internship programming in the Family Focused Program, where she has worked since. Natalie has a bachelor’s degree in psychobiology and educational studies from Swarthmore College, and her Master’s in Public Health and Master’s in Social Work from the University of Minnesota. Clinically, she is trained in Developmental Repair, trauma-informed care, early childhood mental health, EMDR, TF-CBT, and CPP. She works at Washburn, because she believes deeply in the work – and in the mission of supporting children’s mental health and well-being.  Kids and their families are important. Their experiences matter. And they deserve to know and feel that every day.

SARAH GLOCKNER, MSW, LICSW
Case Management | She/her/hers

Sarah (she, her, hers) joined Washburn Center for Children in 2010. She started as a Children’s Mental Health Case Manager, then moved to In-Home Family work with the Family Focused program, and transitioned to a supervisor role on the Case Management team in 2020.  In both supervisory and client work, Sarah has a strong passion for supporting the whole person and encouraging overall wellness and balance. Her goal is always to support clinicians in building on their strengths, developing their own clinical style and skills, and feeling supported in navigating client work that can be challenging at times. Sarah believes strongly in the mission of Washburn Center, and feels a deep gratitude for the clients and families that trust Washburn Center in supporting them on their journey.  

She earned a bachelor’s degree in Child Psychology from the University of Minnesota and a Masters of Social Work from St. Catherine/St. Thomas Universities. She is a Social Work Board approved supervisor, and is trained in Developmental Repair, DC:0-5, ECSII, Child-Parent Psychotherapy, and Managing Adapting Practice (MAP). 

STACIA JACOBSON GRAY, MS, LPCC
Outreach | She/her/hers

Stacia (she, her, hers) joined Washburn Center for Children in 2019 as an in-home clinician providing Intensive In-Home therapy to children and families experiencing significant environmental stressors and traumatic events. Stacia has been involved with children’s mental health since 2009, initially working with children and families impacted by autism and continuing on with a direct focus on early childhood mental health and nurturing parent-child relationships. In 2023, Stacia also started providing program leadership within the Outreach Program, partnering with parents and childcare providers to support the needs of children, families, and providers within their communities.

Stacia brings a wealth of experience providing early intervention in various non-profits settings and a depth of learning from being in relationship with numerous families and communities. She also brings experience and interest in holistic health care and the integration of nature into therapy, including mindfulness-based practices and horticultural therapy. Stacia is energized and passionate about children and families, relationships and connections, healthy living and environmental issues.

Stacia earned bachelor’s degrees in Psychology, Therapeutic Recreation, and Environmental Studies from the University of North Dakota. She earned a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Capella University.

Stacia is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), National Certified Counselor (NCC), and Registered Horticultural Therapist (HTR). Stacia has been trained and rostered in Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), she is certified as an infant Attachment & Biobehavioral Catch-Up parent coach (ABC-infant), and she is registered as a Circle of Security Parenting facilitator (COSP).

EMILY JOHNSON, LICSW
Intensive In-Home | She/her/hers
MAGGIE KLEFSAAS, LMFT
Day Treatment | She/her/hers

Maggie (she/her/hers) joined Washburn Center for Children as an intern in 2010 and has been one of the supervisors of the Day Treatment program since 2016.  She has over 12 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in individual and family therapy.  Maggie has specialty training in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and TF-CBT (Trauma Informed – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy).  Maggie’s approach to therapy is building relationships using authenticity, humor, and collaboration to create a space where people can feel seen and understood.  

She strives to uphold an anti-racist, LGBTQ+ affirming, and culturally responsive space in which to honor and respect each individual child and family.

BARB KUKUROBOMAN, LMFT
Crisis Stabilization | She/her/hers

Barb Kukuroboman (she/her/hers) has spent over 20 years providing expert mental health support in the community, working directly with kids and their families to help them build skills and regain stability. As a Board-Approved Supervisor for LMFT and LPCC, she builds deep trust with her families through a collaborative approach with foundations of strengths-based, multicultural and interpersonal approaches.

Barb provides for a wide variety of needs, bringing into her work specialized training in trauma-informed therapy frameworks, EMDR, TF-CBT, DBT, MAP, Developmental Repair and Motivational Interviewing. She earned her Bachelor’s in Psychology from Concordia University in St. Paul, and her Master’s in Psychology from Chaminade University in Honolulu.

As a supervisor, Barb loves to grow alongside her colleagues, leading and training a compassionate and strong team of therapists who better the communities they serve. She believes all people deserve equitable and easy access to mental health care, welcoming and affirming the backgrounds of all youth and adults alike.

KASHMIR KUSTANOWITZ, LICSW
Family Focused | She/her/hers

Kashmir (she/her) joined Washburn Center for Children as a clinical supervisor and clinician in the Family Focused program in 2021. Prior to coming to Washburn, Kashmir worked as an in-home clinical therapist in the SEED Program through Children’s Hospital of Oakland, supporting children in foster care along with their parents and caregivers throughout the reunification and/or adoption process. She has also worked in a variety of other mental health settings across the country, including a homeless drop-in center, alternatives to incarceration program for youth, and an outpatient trauma clinic.

Kashmir believes that mental health work is social justice work and that individual healing and systems change must go hand-in-hand. She has specialized training in trauma and early childhood, including a certificate in post-traumatic stress studies from the Trauma Center at JRI, and she completed the Napa Infant-Parent Mental Health Fellowship through the University of California, Davis. Clinically, Kashmir is trained in Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) and is currently apprenticing to become a CPP trainer.

Kashmir is honored to help young children and their important grown-ups communicate about big things, and to participate in impromptu child-led dance parties. Kashmir is awe inspired by the work of her colleagues and sees being able to reflect that work back during supervision as a profound privilege.

BECCA LAIS, MSW, LICSW
Crisis Stabilization | She/her/hers

Becca (she/her) moved from Tulsa, OK to the Twin Cities in May of 2022 and began working as a Crisis Stabilization Therapist with Washburn Center for Children shortly after her move. For the past 9 years, Becca has worked as a Special Education Teacher, youth mentor, and school-based therapist, and each of these experiences has uniquely shaped the perspective she holds today. Recently, Becca transitioned to the role of Crisis Stabilization Supervisor and is grateful for the opportunity to support the amazing individuals who make up the crisis team. Her belief that mental health should be a right and not a privilege continues to guide her dedication to this work.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in Peace Studies from College of St. Benedict and her Masters in Social Work at University of Oklahoma-Tulsa.

ALEX LIU, MA, LPCC
School-based | He/him/his

Alex (He/him/his) is a board-approved supervisor and has been working in the mental health field with children and families for approximately 10 years. Alex has spent a majority of his mental health career providing pre-school/school age mental health daytreatment services and more recently school-based therapy services in Minneapolis Public Schools through Washburn Center for Children. Alex views his supervisor role as a collaborative holding space to be with, learn, grow and support amazing clinicians putting in work to make the heart of Washburn Center for Children keep ticking. In his free time, Alex enjoys working out, listening to music and spending time with his family.

MEGHAN MAHONEY, LPCC, LMFT
Family Focused | She/her/hers

Meghan (she/her) is a clinical supervisor, trainer, and child and family therapist who joined Washburn in 2016. She is dually licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist and Professional Clinical Counselor. Prior to working at Washburn, Meghan started in rural mental health, and was foundationally trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), running a women and men’s group, and providing outpatient therapy across the age span. Meghan realized that all of her adult clients had early trauma, and decided to move her focus to young children in the hopes to mitigate severe and persistent mental illness.

That journey of focusing on children’s mental health continued as she moved to another rural clinic, supervising and managing a CTSS skills program, becoming trained in Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), and providing reflective supervision to Early Intervention Staff at Head Start. Meghan joined Washburn’s Family Focused team as an in home clinician for 2 years prior to moving into a supervisory role. Meghan is currently apprenticing to become a CPP trainer. Meghan holds a bachelor of arts in Communication and Art from the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University, a Master’s of Science in Counseling and Student Personnel from Minnesota State University Mankato, and a certificate of Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health from the University of Minnesota.

Meghan loves working at Washburn Center for Children because she believes in community mental health. She loves supporting children and their caregivers through difficult times, and also loves supporting clinicians in providing thoughtful, intentional, and transformative care in ways that value each family’s culture and values.

MARLENE OVALLE STIEHM, PSYD, MS, LMFT
Outpatient Therapy | Bilingual Outpatient Staff Clinician | She/her/hers

Dr. Marlene Ovalle Stiehm is a Doctor of Psychology and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology with a Minor in Spanish from California State University, Northridge in 2001. She earned a Master of Science Degree in Counseling with a Specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy from California State University, Northridge in 2003. Finally, she earned a Doctorate Degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of St. Thomas in Minneapolis in 2011.  

Dr. Marlene completed a Doctoral Practicum at the Neighborhood Involvement Program in Minneapolis, an advanced Doctoral Practicum at the Inter-Professional Center for Counseling and Legal Services in Minneapolis, and an advanced Doctoral Practicum at Washburn Center for Children in Minneapolis. She completed a Pre-Doctoral Internship and Post-Doctoral Fellowship at Washburn Center for Children. In addition to her extensive training, Dr. Marlene has also provided clinical supervision and cultural consultation services to community mental health agencies in Minnesota and California. She has provided clinical services to children, families, and adults in a variety of settings, including inpatient and community mental health, since 1999.  

Dr. Marlene is a Board-Approved Supervisor for the Minnesota Board of Marriage and Family Therapy and the Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy. Dr. Marlene is certified in PracticeWise Managing and Adapting Practice (MAP) and has extensive training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), DC: 0-5, and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR).  

Currently, Dr. Marlene provides bilingual (Spanish/English) clinical services to underserved Latine families in the Twin Cities and supervision to licensed and pre-licensed staff in the Outpatient Program at Washburn Center for Children. Dr. Marlene’s areas of interest and expertise include the Latine/immigrant population, systemic family therapy, complex trauma, play therapy, attachment and development, clinical supervision and training, and equity, diversity, and inclusion. 

HEATHER RHINES, LMFT
Day Treatment | She/her/hers

Heather (she, her, hers) joined Washburn Center for Children in 2003 as an intern in the Preschool Day Treatment Program.  Following her internship in May 2004, Heather was hired on as a Child and Family Therapist in Washburn Center’s Day Treatment program and spent 11 years in this role before becoming a Day Treatment Supervisor in 2015.

Heather has a passion for training staff in utilizing the Developmental Repair Model in the Day Treatment groups as well as helping kids and their families understand and link feelings to their behaviors through authentic connection and relationships. Heather uses humor, play, art, books, mindfulness, etc. to help explore and meet the emotional, social, and mental health needs of her clients.

Heather’s clinical experience includes providing therapeutic services to children in Preschool Day Treatment, kids and families in crisis, clinical care consultation with school staff, in-home family therapy, outpatient therapy with children and adolescents and providing clinical and reflective supervision.  Heather has completed training in Developmental Repair, TFCBT, and DC: 0-5.

Heather earned a master’s degree in Counseling and Student Personnel Psychology from University of Minnesota and later a Marriage and Family Therapy Certificate from St. Mary’s University.  Heather is independently licensed as an LMFT.

KARA SANKARAN, LICSW
School-based | She/her/hers

Kara joined Washburn Center in 2007 as a clinician in both the Outpatient program and the Child Development Policing program, a collaborative program with the Minneapolis Police Department, University of Minnesota, DAP and Tubman providing psycho-education and support to families whose children had recently witnessed violence. Kara received her Masters of Social Work from the University of Michigan and worked in treatment foster care, residential treatment for parenting adolescents and the St Paul Public School system prior to joining Washburn Center. Kara is trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and professional interests include anxiety disorders, attachment work, cognitive behavioral therapy, adolescent development and emancipation issues and trauma. Kara is currently a co-supervisor of Washburn’s School-based program.

JESSICA SINKO, PSYD, LP
School-based | She/her/hers

Dr. Sinko started her career at Washburn Center for Children in 2011 as a post-doctoral fellow in the Outpatient program. She briefly left the agency following completion of her fellowship, but returned to the School-Based Mental Health Program in early 2013. Dr. Sinko provided school-based individual and family therapy services, as well as school consultations and training until 2016, at which time she transitioned into the role of Assistant Supervisor for the School-based Mental Health Program and in 2018 became Supervisor for School-based services. She has also collaborated with the Psychology Training Program to facilitate psychoeducation and social skills groups in the school setting and currently participates in psychological testing consultation.

Dr. Sinko received her BA in Child Psychology and Sociology from the University of Minnesota and her MA and PsyD in Clinical Psychology from the Minnesota School of Professional Psychology in 2011. She completed her American Psychological Association accredited internship at The Guidance Center in Long Beach, California. Dr. Sinko has specialized training in DC: 0-3 assessment and therapy and is a certified Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral and PracticeWise therapist. Her professional interests include: psychological testing, play therapy, trauma, anxiety, depression, behavioral struggles, clinical supervision, and program development.

MELISSA SOVAK, PSYD, LP
Psychology Training Program | She/her/hers

Dr. Sovak joined WCC as a Postdoctoral Fellow in 2010, after completing her doctoral Internship at Neighborhood Involvement Program in Minneapolis, MN. Dr. Sovak provides individual and family therapy and psychological testing, as well as supervision to doctoral trainees. Dr. Sovak is certified in TF-CBT, credentialed in Managing and Adapting Practice (MAP), and has received specialized training in EMDR and DC 0-5 Assessment. She is a MAP Training Professional, and provides MAP training and consultation both within WCC and throughout the state of Minnesota. Dr. Sovak is also a consultant with Practicewise, where she provides consultation and completes case reviews for individuals across the U.S. seeking credentialing as a MAP therapist. She previously was an adjunct professor for five years in the Masters in Clinical Psychology Program at Argosy University/Twin Cities.  Dr. Sovak’s areas of clinical interest include: Interpersonal trauma, anxiety, depression, identity development, parenting guidance, grief and loss, neurodevelopmental disorders, supervision and consultation, and MAP.

LINDSAY WILHELMY, MA, LMFT
Washburn Acute Response Model (WARM) | She/her/hers

Lindsay (she, her, hers) began interning at Washburn Center for Children in 2008 in the Outpatient Program, joining the Crisis Stabilization Program as a clinician in 2009. She joined the WARM team as a clinician in 2019 and transitioned to WARM Program Supervisor in 2020. Lindsay earned a master’s degree from St. Mary’s University in Marriage and Family Therapy and is a licensed marriage and family therapist as well as a board approved supervisor. Lindsay is passionate about identifying best practices for supporting families experiencing a mental health crisis and providing flexible and practical clinical approaches to meet the needs of the families we serve.

STAFF SPOTLIGHT:
Jenny Britton, MSW, LICSW
Chief Clinical Officer

Jenny’s career has revolved and evolved around children’s mental health. Her passion for kids is a hallmark since her early career in early childhood day treatment through leading the agency’s comprehensive clinical practice of more than 200 therapists and case managers.

Jenny’s calming and reflective practice are her calling cards — and have helped shape and grow Washburn’s programs and innovations. When she’s not caring for staff and clients, Jenny is cooking up a storm with the people she loves, traipsing on the North Shore or snuggling with her 4-legged pal Ziggy.

Jenny’s favorite comfort food: Ice cream all day long!

Jenny’s favorite quote: “In the end only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived, and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you.”