Meet our Brooklyn Park Office

CINDY HODGSON, MA, LPCC, COUNSELOR

I believe that every person is a unique and valuable creation of God, made in His image and loved by Him. As a result, I provide a compassionate approach to counseling, combined with gently challenging you when appropriate. I strive to provide a non-judgmental space for you to talk about whatever you have experienced, and I hope you feel cared about and respected in our therapeutic relationship.

I have a master’s degree in counseling psychology from Bethel University and am a licensed professional clinical counselor. I tend to follow a CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) approach, helping you to change thoughts and behaviors that are contributing to your distress. I like to provide some techniques you can
begin using right away and then go deeper to explore the past experiences that may be underlying your tendencies to think and act in ways that aren’t helpful.

I welcome and have worked effectively with people holding a wide range of beliefs. I have a Christian worldview and am happy to integrate Christian principles into therapy if you would like. I have experience working with adults of all ages, including people with severe and persistent mental illness, and I welcome senior adults who are looking for support in navigating the challenges that come with aging. Whatever your age, whether you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, OCD, low self-esteem, spiritual issues, social or communication skills, anger issues, or relationship problems, I would be honored to walk with you on your path to healing.

KALLI HEITMANN, MA, Child & Family Counselor

We all know that life can get complicated at times, and occasionally we need others to step into our life to walk alongside us through the hard times. I graduated from Bethel Seminary with a degree in Marriage & Family Therapy. I tend to see things through a systemic lens, knowing that we are who we are because of what has shaped us throughout our life. I believe relationships are one of the most essential parts to life and therapy and my approach reflects their importance.

I enjoy seeing children and families who need some help with communicating effectively, parenting strategies and techniques, as well as blended families/families of divorce. I also work well with teens and young adults who are struggling with identity issues and transitional challenges that this stage of life brings.

I keep a person-centered approach and foster a non-judgmental atmosphere for you to explore some deeper issues that may be underlying some of the problems, all while keeping in mind how your experience of God fits into it all. I strive to meet every client where they are at, no matter the circumstances. We all are doing the best we can with what we have, and I see it as my goal to come alongside you in your goals towards growth and healing.

Shanelle Wenell, MA, LAMFT, Marriage and Family Counselor

We all know life is complicated, but it doesn’t have to be complicated and lonely. Sometimes we meet professionals that are God sent to help us along the way. I know I have. My hope is, I might be that for you; a beacon of hope shining in the darkness.

A little about me, I graduated from Adler Graduate School with a degree in Marriage and Family therapy. While I have many different passions the first of them starts with the simple step of getting to know you. I am passionate about understanding my clients and their journey this far. I believe understanding you and the context in which you have experienced life is the most important start to your journey of wholeness.

My therapy style is compassionate, understanding, honest, humorous, challenging and a balance of walking out faith, while living in reality. I am passionate about all people, but connect well with couples, adolescents, young adults and men struggling to emotionally connect.

I believe in working with the way God designed us, and therefore do my best to use evidence based approaches to help my clients deal with their presenting concerns. Much of my success as a therapist has been: working with couples lacking emotional intimacy and understanding of each other’s needs, anxiety disorders, social disorders and young adults and adolescents struggling with social skills and healthy relationships. I look forward to hearing your story and sharing in your journey to hope, to health and healing.

Melissa "Mel" Jacobsen, MA, Marriage & Family Counselor

No journey is without turbulence and sometimes we just get plain “stuck” I’m passionate about coming alongside you in these moments to help you reconnect with your strengths while working with you to find new strategies to reach your goals and ultimately find greater hope, healing, and peace.

I graduated from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota with a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. I enjoy working with a variety of clients including young professionals struggling to find a work-life balance, teens searching for direction, as well as couples and families, specifically those who have been impacted by Child Protection. In addition, I’m drawn to supporting those whose lives have been touched by chronic illness and disability as I recognize these circumstances often have ripple effects across an entire family system.

My style is grounded in warmth, humor, and a client-centered approach I believe clients are experts in their own lives and we all have the ability to be the change we want to see. My hope is therapy will be a safe space for clients to share and explore on the journey to becoming who they want to be! For those who find comfort in their faith I will join with you to incorporate this into your healing. I look forward to meeting you!

BONNIE THEIS, MS, NCC, COUNSELOR

I enjoy helping clients find their strengths and problem solve to succeed in their life goals. I love to use humor to help you feel comfortable and enjoy the process. I completed my Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Minnesota State University- Mankato. My approach is primarily CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) based and focuses on helping you make tweaks to unhealthy thought patterns, but it is tailored based on your specific needs.

I have worked with a wide array of age groups but my true passion is working with adolescents and young adults. This specific time in your life can be difficult but I strive to help you find resources outside of counseling as well as being a resource for you in the office. My goal is to be a listening ear and make a difference by being an ally for you. I genuinely care for my clients and add an aspect of fun to every relationship.

Annie, Therapy Dog

Annie is a Certified Therapy dog who loves to cuddle and works with adults, teens, and children. She is a border collie mix who is spayed and current on all of her vaccinations. She was a rescue and has a bad hip probably from being hit by a car, but that doesn’t hold her back from loving on people and seeking attention from everyone.

She loves treats, playing at the puppy park, and rolling in the snow. She does not respect human ideas of personal space, but most people seem to forgive her. She works only with her handler, Bonnie, but if you are interested in having her join your session, let us know.

ADAM RETTERATH, MA, LAMFT, MARRIAGE & FAMILY COUNSELOR

I completed my Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at St Thomas university. I love working with families and couples on resolving their conflicts, improving communication, and restoring peace to the relationship. I am level I Gottman trained and find this approach very helpful for couples who find themselves struggling with resentment and having the same fight over and over again. (In Gottman language, we address these issues as “perpetual problems”). I’d love to be able to help your family negotiate these struggles and work together as team mates and partners again.

I also enjoy working with individuals struggling with a wide range of issues including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, building self esteem and reaching their personal and family goals. I have extensive experience working with children with trauma and behavioral issues, but in those cases I particularly enjoy helping the entire family system to develop new strategies to not only cope and survive, but connect and thrive. I feel honored to be invited into your family to bring change, encouragement, and hope.

PRISCILLA WILSON, MA, LPCC, COUNSELOR

I completed my Masters in Adlerian Therapy at Adler Graduate School and have worked for the past several years doing in-home therapy. I tend to use a coaching style and can be very encouraging, but also straight forward when needed. I like to use humor, metaphors, and story telling to help you get through tough moments. Others would describe me as easy going, compassionate, and determined; I am determined to help each individual and family that I work with to reach their goals and find hope.

I specialize in Autism and love working with families affected by this diagnosis. I have worked extensively with autism related challenges and have a passion for educating and supporting families so they can not only survive, but thrive with this unique condition. I love working with families and marriages with a variety of issues and take a systemic approach to helping families improve their situation.

I have experience in helping clients deal with trauma and PTSD and would be happy to walk with you through the journey of healing from past pain and hang-ups. I also have a ministry degree and can provide pastoral counseling for those seeking more faith integration in their counseling.

KRISTA NEWMAN, MA, LPCC, CLINICAL DIRECTOR

I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and have been active in the field of mental health and wellness since 2009. I have extensive training and passion in work with trauma including dealing with abuse, anxiety and PTSD, anger management, and relationships impacted by abusive partners.

I have experience, in particular, working with clients who are in relationships with abusive partners such as those struggling with Borderline or Narcissistic Personality disorders; I love to help individuals find the strength to set limits and emotionally heal from some of the “invisible abuse” that occurs within these relationships.

I tailor my approach to best meet the needs and goals of the individual. The theoretical model I most utilize is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I am also certified in the highly effective treatment of Eye-Movement-Desensitization-Reprocessing (EMDR).

Cerise Lewis, MS, LAMFT, Therapist

I understand the complexity of life’s challenges and enjoy working with married couples, children and families. I am passionate about strengthening families and building strong relationships. I specialize in working with communities of color, families, couples and school aged children.

My experience with this work began over twenty years ago, at a nondenominational church, counseling couples and their families through relationship and parenting challenges. My personal experience, in marriage and raising six children with my husband has equipped me with skills to empathize with others and integrate faith into practice, if desired.

I ascribe to family systems approaches to counseling and welcome the opportunity to help you navigate and overcome challenges with marital infidelity, relationship boundary issues, parenting, children and teens, depression, anxiety, stress, and general relationship issues.

MARIE MERKL, MA, THERAPIST

Struggling with addiction can feel like a vicious cycle. Now providing chemical use assessments and outpatient treatment/counseling. In creating a caring, compassionate environment as client-centered therapist I build a therapeutic relationship with each individual, family, or couple to reach their goals. Over the past several years I have worked with a variety of clients, however I have developed a passion working with specific areas of therapy. Some ares of specialty I work in are severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI), trauma and PTSD, EMDR, addiction issues, and personality disorders.

I consider your comfort in the therapeutic process to be an upmost priority. Therefore by taking a client centered approach I provide a space where you are able to openly discuss any life challenges with no fear of judgement or shame. Call today for your appointment!

LISA MANDELL, BILLING ASSISTANT

I am the offsite billing assistant. I manage most of the contact with your insurance company to ensure that our therapists get paid and your insurance covers everything they are supposed to. I am a retired biologist and former business owner. In my free time I enjoy quilting, reading, doing bible studies, cooking new dishes, and playing with my adorable grandchildren.

Dianne White, Intake Coordinator & Billing Assistant

When you come into the Brooklyn Park office, you will see my smiling face ready to welcome you on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. I am available to answer questions about billing, insurance benefits, or to help you schedule or reschedule your appointments.

I have my Bachelor’s degree in Crisis Counseling and am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Bethel Seminary. When I am not at Threads of Hope or working on assignments for my classes, I love to spend time with my two precious grandchildren, walking in the nearby parks, working with my many geraniums, or reading on my patio. When I am at the park, I can often be found taking pictures of the wildflowers for my personal collection.