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.

MELISSA "MEL" JACOBSEN, MA, LAMFT, 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!

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, LMFT, MARRIAGE & FAMILY 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!

Sarah Rima, MA, Therapist

I completed my Masters degree in Mental Health Counseling at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. As a Christian therapist, I care deeply about providing a hopeful environment where my clients are free to process, heal, and grow, without judgement or shame. I am a whole-person wellness enthusiast, and I desire to see my clients thrive in all areas of their lives.

My work in the past few years has been primarily with college students navigating transition to school as well the many mental health challenges that arise during those stressful years. I have experience working with depression, anxiety, self-harm, trauma, body-image concerns and life-transitions. I am passionate about supporting women during pregnancy and postpartum and supporting mothers in various seasons of transition.

I utilize a trauma informed cognitive behavioral approach and often incorporate a narrative therapeutic method that allows clients to see themselves more clearly apart from the challenges they face. Through a process of building trust, getting to know my clients and working together to move through their concerns, my clients are equipped with skills and new perspectives that have potential to last far beyond our time together.

Beteley Gelaw, MA, Counselor

I finished my master’s degree in counseling and psychological services from the Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. As a Counselor and human being, I understand how some life situations can be challenging to go through alone. That is why it is wise to reach out and seek guidance when it is difficult to handle situations by ourselves. Being Christian is part of my story so I am happy to integrate it into our work together if it is a part of yours. As a Christian Counselor, I strive to see suffering from the perspective of Jesus and I believe each person has inherent value apart from anything they do.

Having lived much of my life in Ethiopia, I am also fluent in Amharic and available to provide services to individuals who speak this language. I enjoy working with individual adults and children in a variety of areas including: trauma, life adjustments, relationship issues, depression, social anxiety, parenting challenges, and play therapy.

I create a space where you can be heard, understood, and cared for regardless of your circumstances. One of the areas I emphasize is the importance of telling the truth. I believe the truth sets us free and helps us to focus your time on the things that are most relevant to your healing. Through listening and empathizing with your experience, we will come up with a collaborative plan as well as strategies to achieve your personal goals. I use an integrative approach with elements focused on behavioral interventions, exploring ways that the past has shaped your thoughts and relationships, and encouraging you to reach your full potential and feel valued as a person.

At the end of therapy, I hope you will not only feel you have achieved your goals, but also know you have the skills to overcome similar situations in the future. I also want you to know that your stories and struggles matter; I would be honored to give you grace and encouragement as we walk through them together.

LISA MANDELL, BILLING MANAGER & BOOKKEEPER

I am the offsite billing manager and bookkeeper. 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.