Mental Health Services

Location: Virginia

Licensed Psychologist, Director/Clinical Supervisor of Mental Health and ARMHS Program

Started working with Accra in 2020

I am an outpatient psychotherapist. I have worked in the mental health field for over forty years and during my career I have worked extensively as an outpatient psychotherapist in community-based settings, private practice and hospital settings providing individual, family and group psychotherapy. I have been a Licensed Psychologist since 1991. I have a special interest in assisting clients with trauma and trauma-related issues. I am trained in Eye Move Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

In my spare time, I enjoy playing the guitar and spending time on my farm, working in the stable and training and riding my horses.

Location: Virginia and Hibbing

Outpatient Therapy, Clinical Supervisor

Started working with Accra in 2022

Pronouns: he/him/his

I am a licensed psychologist who has specialized in helping those with PTSD and other trauma reactions over the course of my 35 years working in mental health. Prior to working in this field, I spent ten years working in corrections. 

Throughout rural areas such as the Iron Range, there is a great need for behavioral health services. I am proud to provide personalized, in-home therapy that meets people where they are at and improves mental well-being within local communities.

In my spare time, I like to camp and write; and I have published two books.

Location: Minnetonka

Outpatient Therapy, Mental Health Professional 

Started working with Accra in 2019

Pronouns: she/her/hers

My education and training include a master’s degree from the University of Minnesota in Integrated Behavioral Health, and I am currently pursuing a post graduate licensure as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor. I have clinical training in cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and trauma informed approaches, as well as clinical experience in residential, crisis and outpatient service settings. I have experience treating depression, anxiety, trauma, personality disorders, serious and persistent mental illness (SPMI), and co-occurring disorders.

I believe that we all have the capacity, and often the desire, for growth and positive change. Using person-centered, cognitive-behavioral, and trauma-informed approaches, I believe my role is to help navigate clients toward that growth and change. I believe in the scholar-practitioner model of care in which research should influence clinical work as well as the use of evidence-based practices. I believe the therapeutic process starts with building a collaborative relationship with clients, a thorough assessment, and accurate diagnosis to inform appropriate treatment interventions. Whether that be cognitive behavioral techniques, trauma informed approaches, helping clients develop adaptive skills, processing various life events, or making meaning out of difficult circumstances, I will work with clients to identify desired changes and therapeutic goals. 

It is my hope that through a collaborative relationship, I can empower clients to make positive changes toward their goals of improving their psychological well-being.

I am interested in the arts, and I enjoy photography, videography, and painting. I also love traveling, camping, going to concerts, being outdoors, and spending time with my family and friends.

Location: Virginia

Outpatient Therapy, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker

Started working with Accra in 2021

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Hi, my name is Shelia. I am a licensed independent clinical social worker and licensed alcohol and drug counselor, licensed to practice in the state of Minnesota. I have extensive training in trauma and co-occurring disorders where sometimes individuals are dealing with both chemical and mental health issues. I have experience working with diverse populations and for clients who identify as American Indian, African American, and LGBTQIA+. I have experience with adolescents, adults, and families, including working in the school-linked mental health setting.

One of the main reasons I enjoy this career so much is that I enjoy people and believe that the connection that is created is a large part of doing the healing work within therapy. When you visit with me, I hope you find that you feel heard, respected, and validated for your life experiences.

I have my Master of Social Work from the University of Minnesota Duluth. I am a licensed alcohol and drug counselor and a licensed independent clinical social worker for the state of Minnesota.

In my spare time, I enjoy exploring the north shore, hiking, singing, and playing guitar. I have raised my family and they continue to be a big part of my life.

Locations: Virginia and Duluth 

ARMHS Mental Health Practitioner

Started working with Accra in 2022

In my 20 years of experience, I have worked in school psychology, psychotherapy, the youth correctional system, day treatment programs, and in-home based mental health services. I work with a variety of clients with various mental health diagnoses and enjoy doing in-home services the most as one gets to see every aspect of their daily lives and family dynamics (not to mention sometimes meeting new pets – one of my favorite aspects of this position). 

I live on a lake north of Duluth and spend a lot of time fishing (and ice fishing) and boating. I have two children; my son graduated from high school this year, and my daughter graduated from college. I will be a first-year empty nester, so much of my time that was spent going to hockey and lacrosse games for 15 years will be spent finding new hobbies or engaging in old ones that I didn’t have time for while raising children. I have a black lab named Dax, and he will be our only child/spoiled baby in the household.

Locations: Minnetonka 

ARMHS Mental Health Practitioner

Started working with Accra in 2022

Pronouns: he/him/his

In a past life, I spent six years as a Special Education Teacher. I worked primarily in alternative educational settings, helping students who struggled with high emotional and behavioral needs. This experience taught me several important lessons, including the important role empathy and support can play in helping people achieve their goals. I am currently pursuing my Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) & Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) licenses through the Masters of Integrative Behavioral Health program at the University of Minnesota. One day, I hope to open my own treatment center that would also train rescue dogs as emotional support animals.

In the rare occurrence of having free time, I enjoy working on and riding my motorcycle, spending time with friends, and traveling. I’m passionate about helping and supporting others in achieving their goals and becoming their best selves, and I am excited to have the opportunity to do so as an ARMHS Worker in the Mental Health Department at Accra.

Locations: Minnetonka 

ARMHS Mental Health Practitioner

Started working with Accra in 2022

Hi, my name is Tracie! I have a bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and have been a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist for about 12 years. I help my clients learn valuable life skills, improve their sense of purpose, increase self-esteem, ignite passions, and increase their quality of life by utilizing the integration of evidenced-based practices and leisure/recreational experiences. I take great pride in teaching those who have been affected by difficult life circumstances and feel undeserving of joy to re-learn how to engage in life in adaptive and fulfilling ways.

I have experience treating adults with severe and persistent mental illnesses within the mental health continuum of care. This includes inpatient psychiatry, intensive outpatient programs, residential mental health programs, and crisis stabilization services. Much of my experience has been providing therapeutic programming, skills, and psychoeducation both in group and individual settings.   
In my free time, I love to spend time with friends and family, take group fitness classes, do puzzles, and shop. When the weather is nice, I enjoy paddleboarding and hiking with my dog. I love traveling and exploring cute towns and sipping fun coffee drinks. In 2019, I became a cardio drumming instructor and hope to lead more classes in the future.  

Locations: Hibbing and Virginia 

ARMHS Mental Health Practitioner

Started working with Accra in 2023

Pronouns: she/her/hers

In my eight years of experience, I have worked in group homes, day programs, and as a school-based mental health practitioner, which helped me discover that my true passion is helping adults who experience mental illnesses. I am currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in social work through Walden University. I will graduate in fall 2023 and then pursue a master’s degree in social work. My long-term goals are to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), open an equine therapy program, and specialize in trauma therapy.

I currently live just outside of Hibbing with my three horses and my almost 5-year-old son. I train horses and compete in barrel racing and rodeos in my free time. My son and I enjoy trail rides on the horses when we are not competing. I love to travel, and the mountains in Washington will always be my favorite place to hike. I love ice fishing and recently took up snowboarding.