Dr. Stefanie Hanisch received her Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBChB)/MD at the University of Pretoria in South Africa. She completed her residency at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, where she was Chief Resident. She went on there to complete a Fellowship in child and Adolescent Psychiatry in 2003. She also received psychodynamic psychotherapy training at the Houston Galveston Psychoanalytic Institute.

Dr. Hanisch previously worked at Prairie St-John's Clinic in Moorhead, providing psychiatric services to children, adolescents and adults and was appointed Chief of Staff in 2005. She has consulted at Innovis Health System, Douglas County Hospital and Tri-County Hospital. She is currently on staff with Sanford Health and is contracted with Solutions on a part time basis.

Professional memberships include the American Medical Association, American Psychiatric Association and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Dr. Hanisch is licensed in North Dakota, Minnesota and Texas.

Carolyn Meske completed her M.S. in Child Development and Family Science at North Dakota State University in 1990, specializing in Marriage and Family Therapy. Her B.S. was also at NDSU. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Minnesota, and a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in North Dakota. She is an Internationally Certified Critical Incident Stress Manage, Certified Neutral in the State of MN, Certified as an Early Neutral Evaluation Specialist and co-founder of the Co-Parenting Therapy Program through Solutions. She is a board-certified Supervisor for the Minnesota Board of Marriage and Family Therapy, and designated as an approved supervisor for the ND Board of Counselor Examiners and the MN Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy.

Prior to working at Solutions, Ms. Meske was employed in clinical and administrative capacities for agencies in Moorhead, Fargo and Grand Forks. Ms. Meske joined Solutions in 2004 and is the Director of Outpatient Services. She oversees all outpatient programming at Solutions, as well as the intake and medical records processes. She has a part time clinical practice, and specializes in high conflict divorce and co-parenting; Early Neutral Evaluation; qualified neutral in MN, and Critical Incident Stress Debriefing. She is committed to doing couple / marital therapy, treating anxiety disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder, and working with military soldiers, veterans and their families. She is a member in the Minnesota Association of Marriage and Family Therapy, and the North Dakota Family Based Services.

Being able to offer hope to those who have struggled with mental health symptoms, seeing relationships turn around, and helping conflicted parents change those behaviors which directly impact the children are things Ms. Meske finds meaningful in her work. She strives to remain neutral when working with highly conflicted parents so as to set the stage for a good working relationship with both parents.

In her spare time Ms. Meske enjoys going to the lakes, walking, baking and crafting. She is active with volunteer and committee work at her church.

Michele Lovehaug received her bachelor of arts degree from Concordia College in 1997 in both social work and Spanish. She went on to complete her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Minnesota in 1999. Ms. Lovehaug is a Licensed Independent Social Worker in both North Dakota and Minnesota. She is also a Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Social Work.

Prior to working at Solutions, Ms. Lovehaug worked at Southeast Human Service Center as an Advanced Clinical Practitioner and Child Family Therapist. Before that, she was an In-Home Therapist with The Village Family Service Center in the Family Based Services Program. Ms. Lovehaug has extensive experience working with children and families and with child protection issues. She is a Certified Facilitator in the Wraparound Process and Family Group Conferencing.

Ms. Lovehaug began her practice at Solutions in 2005, and is the Outpatient Services Supervisor at the Moorhead location. She provides individual and family using brief solution focused, structural/strategic, narrative and cognitive-behavioral therapy modalities. Her areas of specialty are with children and families, especially young children with behavioral difficulties, anxiety and trauma, and children and families involved in the foster care and adopt systems. She also works with families undergoing infertility treatment. She provides clinical supervision for staff seeking licensure.

Ms. Lovehaug is a certified trainer in Parent-Child Interactional Therapy, an evidence-based therapy designed to improve relationships between parents and their children. She strives to maintain the fidelity of this treatment model in her work and clinical supervision. She works hard to help families see the change and to be a part of the solution for their children. She finds it rewarding to see positive changes in family relationships.

Church related activities and volunteering have been important for Ms. Lovehaug, and she has been involved on mission trips. She is a member of The Power of 100 in the Red River Valley. She enjoys hiking, creating scrapbooks, and traveling in her spare time.

Peter Moynihan received his undergraduate degree from the University of Alberta and then attended New York University, where he received a Masters of Social Work in 1980. While in New York, Mr. Moynihan worked for Brooklyn Catholic Charities, and was the Director of Outreach Services at the Bronx Center for Community Services. He was the Founder and Director of Mental Health & HIV Services at Morris Heights Health Center. He also served on the board of directors for Bronx Heights Neighborhood Community Corporation. Mr. Moynihan relocated to the Fargo-Moorhead area in 1994, where he has worked as a psychotherapist ever since. He has been practicing at Solutions since 2000.

Mr. Moynihan is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in both Minnesota and North Dakota. He has certifications in HIV counseling and treatment of compulsive gambling. Mr. Moynihan treats a variety of clinical problems and works with couples, families and individuals, from adolescents to seniors. He specializes in working with separated or divorced parents and their children experiencing high conflict and co-parenting difficulty.

Mr. Moynihan works hard to connect with his clients and to find ways to bring hope and healing to the therapy process. In his spare time Mr. Moynihan values being outdoors, and enjoys recreational activities in all seasons. He has regularly run half-marathons, bikes on most days, and likes to cross country ski in the winter.

Dr. Joseph Cox obtained his master’s and doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology from the Minnesota School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University – Twin Cities and completed an APA-accredited internship at Southeast Human Service Center in Fargo, North Dakota. After internship, Dr. Cox completed a post-doctoral residency at Solutions Behavioral Healthcare Professionals where he continued to work as a licensed psychologist before resigning to establish his own outpatient practice.

Dr. Cox continues to provide clinical supervision for the Adult Rehabilitative Mental Health Services and Relational Violence Solutions programs at Solutions. He is licensed as a psychologist in Minnesota and has extensive experience with psychological evaluations, court-related work, and adult rehabilitative mental health services. In his time outside of work, Dr. Cox enjoys spending time with friends and family, motorcycling, attempting woodworking, and restoring motorcycles.

Denette Narum received bachelor’s degrees in both Social Work and Criminal Justice from Moorhead State University. She went on to obtain her Master of Social Work from the University of St. Thomas / College of St. Catherine. She completed her internship at Rueben Lind Family Services in Minneapolis, providing in-home family therapy, group therapy and play therapy. Ms. Narum previously had experience working as an in-home therapist prior to providing and supervising children’s day treatment services. She is licensed as an LICSW.

In 2008, Ms. Narum came to Solutions, where her practice has been with children, adolescents and adults. She has been a clinical supervisor for community based children’s therapeutic services (CTSS) and is now the manager of Solutions’ school based services. She has been trained in a number of evidence-based practices. Ms. Narum oversees and provides services using the Incredible Years model, training teachers and parents, and providing group therapy for the children. Her specialty areas are conducting cognitive-behavior therapy, trauma-focused therapy with children, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), family therapy, and group therapy.

Authenticity, honesty, and meeting clients where they are at are values Ms. Narum brings to her work. She enjoys working with clients with complexities and finds meaning in assisting her clients to move closer to the kind of life they are wanting to have.

Ms. Narum is active in her church, as a member of the council and as a confirmation instructor. She enjoys going to the lakes, reading, gardening, and playing Bunco in her spare time.

Kelli Gast received her BA from Concordia College, with a major in Social Work and a minor in Psychology. She received her MSW from the University of Minnesota in 2005. She has worked in the Fargo-Moorhead community since then in several capacities, including doing professional home-based services, children’s day treatment, and outpatient services. She is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in Minnesota and holds a certificate in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health from the University of Minnesota (2013).

In 2009, Ms. Gast joined Solutions, where she has directed early intervention services, including the management of several grants focused on children’s services. She has been trained/certified in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health, Child Parent Psychotherapy, Incredible Years Child, Parent and Teacher programs, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Trauma Informed Care.

Ms. Gast likes diversity in her job, and works with clients ranging from infancy to adults, as well as teachers and childcare staff. She is committed to helping children with trauma backgrounds and behavioral difficulties. She also enjoys her work with community leaders for program development.

Seeing families change the cycle of abuse and learn new ways to support the children so that they can have safe, healthy caregivers is a driving value for Ms. Gast. She works to bring compassion and understanding to her work, and as a parent to three children herself, understands how difficult parenting can be. In her off time Ms. Gast is on the advisory board for the Social Work program at Concordia as well as an Adjunct Professor in the Social Work department. She coaches her sons’ soccer teams, and enjoys watching hockey, going to sporting events, and reading.

Kristin Moen received her Master of Social Work from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 2009. She previously graduated from Concordia College in 2005 with a social work major, as well as sociology and psychology minors.

She was employed by Heartland Family Services in Council Bluffs, IA as a therapist to work with adults receiving substance abuse treatment and seeking mental health services. She completed evaluations, provided crisis management and developed treatment plans. She ran groups using the Matrix Model. She also provided Trauma focused CBT and Parent Child Interaction Therapy for children and parents. She worked as a Child and Adolescent Therapist in Prairie St. John’s partial hospitalization program prior to coming to Solutions in 2013.

Ms. Moen is licensed as an LMFT in both North Dakota and Minnesota. She works with a wide range of clients, from children to adults. She provides Incredible Years programming for children at local elementary schools. Her specialty areas are in infertility issues, trauma-informed practice, and behaviorally-based models such as Incredible Years and Parent Child Interactional Therapy. She enjoys working with children and adults, as well as with families. She finds meaning in being a part of her client’s journey to well-being, and strives to bring competency and integrity to her work.

After hours Ms. Moen engages in volunteer activities at her church, and enjoys spending time with her family, watching movies, and cheering on the Minnesota Twins.

Michelle (“Shelley”) Dahl-Monroe received a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Moorhead State University in 1997 and went on to earn her Master of Science in child development and family science at North Dakota State University, specializing in marriage and family therapy. She has training experience in Family Therapy/Systems Theory, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Incredible Years Parenting Group.

Ms. Dahl-Monroe worked previously with Rural Minnesota CEP, working with low income families and assisting them with self-sufficiency through obtaining and maintaining employment. Before that, she worked in a residential facility for individuals with traumatic brain injuries. She came to Solutions with experience providing group, individual, and family therapy, as well as school-based day treatment services, with a specialty in working with children, adolescents and their families.

At Solutions, Ms. Dahl-Monroe currently works as an outpatient therapist, and provides group, individual, and family therapy. She works with families, couples, groups, adolescents and adults. She provides a group in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and is a certified Incredible Years Parent Group leader. She is also certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy. “Change” is what Ms. Dahl-Monroe finds most meaningful, including both big and small changes for clients which provide motivation for continued success. She strives to bring validation for both her clients and co-workers alike. She values hard work and brings this to her work as a therapist.

Ms. Dahl-Monroe is licensed in Minnesota and North Dakota as a Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT). She is a member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) and is an AAMFT-approved supervisor. Ms. Dahl-Monroe is an ambassador for the National Health Service Corps. She provides some weekend respite care for families in Clay County. She has a therapy dog, Zonta, who accompanies her to some therapy activities and is trained in the READ program. She volunteers through Pet Partners of the Red River Valley. In her spare time Ms. Dahl-Monroe enjoys traveling, swimming, walking, going to movies, quilting, baking, and going door to door to greet her co-workers.

Candice Gullickson received an Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice from Bismarck State College and went on to complete her BA in this area from the University of North Dakota. She received a second degree from the University of North Dakota in Social Work, and went on to earn her Masters of Social Work from the University of North Dakota in 2009.

Work experience for Ms. Gullickson includes a position with Hettinger County Social Services in western North Dakota in the areas of child welfare, adult and aging services. She then worked as an Advanced Clinical Specialist at Badlands Human Service Center in Dickinson ND, providing mental health therapy and counseling for individuals, groups and families with a range of conditions and concerns. She was trained in evidence-based therapies, including SPARCS (Structured Psychotherapy for Adolescents Responding to Chronic Stress) and TFCBT (Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). She was also trained in Structural Family Therapy and Domestic Violence.

Ms. Gullickson came to Solutions in 2014, where she works with children and families. Since being with Solutions she has been trained in the Incredible Years model, which is a research-based approach for parent and classroom management of disruptive and impulsive behavioral disorders. She strives to bring hope and peace to clients experiencing darkness in their lives. She finds meaning in watching clients change and grow over time, as well as the reciprocal personal growth this can bring. After hours Ms. Gullickson enjoys reading, yoga and cooking

Jennifer (“Jenn”) Ballinger received her undergraduate degree from Montana State University, and her Master of Arts from DenSem in Littleton, CO. She has worked in residential, in-home and in-office counseling, and believes in the incredible capabilities of all people. Ms. Ballinger joined Solutions in 2016. She is a certified counselor with the NBCC and is active in this organization. She participates in the New American Behavioral Health Network and has served on several committees for the New American Consortium for Wellness and Empowerment.

Ms. Ballinger loves working with families, couples, adolescents, and children. She specializes in working with anxiety disorders, depression, trauma, conflict resolution, adolescent issues, and early intervention. She has expertise in Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Parent Child Interactional Therapy (PCIT).

Those times when clients begin to feel hope that things can change bring meaning to Ms. Ballinger’s work, and she feels impacted when family relationships begin to heal and barriers between people come down. She brings to her work the strong belief that all people have a voice that needs to be heard, so that they can find the strength to bring about change. She believes she has learned and grown from each client she has worked with. During her off time, Ms. Ballinger’s hobbies are reading, singing, camping, cooking, and going for bike rides with her family.

Dr. Witte is a graduate of Concordia College, with majors in psychology and art. She received a Master of Science degree from North Dakota State University in clinical behavior therapy Dr. Witte practiced as a behavior analyst at Southeast Human Service Center for a number of years before entering her doctoral program at the University of North Dakota. She received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology in 1997, completing her internship at the Norfolk Regional Center.

In 2000 Dr. Witte joined Solutions as the Clinical Director. She provided therapy and assessment services and specialized in parental capacity evaluations. Because of rapid agency growth and the increase in Dr. Witte’s administrative responsibilities, her direct practice reduced over time, and her primary role is presently as a clinical supervisor. Dr. Witte has supervised numerous psychology students, interns, and post-doctoral residents over the years. She also supervises other mental health professionals seeking licensure. In 2013 Dr. Witte became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst – Doctoral. She teaches Ethics for Behavior Analysts at the University of North Dakota and oversees student practicum placements at Solutions. She has been a leader in this area, presenting at local conferences, developing and running a weekly study group and providing supervision for those seeking similar certification.

Professional groups include the American Psychological Association, North Dakota Psychological Association, Minnesota Psychological Association, Association on Behavior Analysis – International, Association of Professional Behavior Analysts, and she is a Diplomate of the American College of Forensic Examiners.

Tiffany Waterman was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and sociology from Coker College in Hartsville, South Carolina. In 2004 she received her master's degree in Counseling Psychology on the Marriage and Family Therapy track at National University in Sacramento. Her internship was Diogenes Youth Services, counseling at-risk teens and their families involving issues such as abuse/neglect, school violence, domestic violence, gang violence, drug/alcohol abuse and anger management. Ms. Waterman has experience working in the field of developmental disabilities, conducting assessment and developing treatment plans. Prior to working for Solutions, Ms. Waterman was employed by Lutheran Social Service of MN for 5 years, primarily in a school setting providing individual, group and family therapy to children and families in a rural community. She also worked in the LSS Treatment Foster Care program providing therapeutic services to children in placement, foster parents and biological parents.

Ms. Waterman joined Solutions in 2014. She has provided therapeutic services in elementary schools and is a clinical supervisor for CTSS programming. She provides outpatient therapy to individuals, families and groups, and has expertise in treating trauma, anxiety disorders behavioral difficulties, and attachment issues.

Specific training includes Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Refugee Mental Health Diagnosis and Treatment, Cognitive Processing Therapy, the Incredible Years Child and Parent programs and working with children on the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum. Ms. Waterman is motivated to help families reach their goals and to sustain success. She works hard to understand every family’s unique situation and to meet them where they are at, creating the best opportunity for success.

After hours Ms. Waterman enjoys going to the lake, spending time with family, walking and playing with her dogs, trying new foods, and traveling. She volunteers at 4 Luv of Dog rescue, providing foster homes for dogs who are looking for their “forever” homes.

Brian Grandpre received his master’s degree in guidance and counseling in 1993 from Northern State University in South Dakota, then went on to obtain a Master of Social Work in 2003 from the University of Minnesota. He is licensed as a clinical social worker.

Mr. Grandpre has had a wide range of work experience spanning thirty years. He worked at Northeastern Mental Health Center in Aberdeen, SD conducting both in-home and outpatient therapy. From 1997-2005 he was the supervisor of the intensive treatment unit at Catholic Charities in Fergus Falls. He worked in private practice prior to re-joining Catholic Charities, providing outpatient services in their St. Cloud office.

Mr. Grandpre recently returned to the Fargo/Moorhead area after having been employed in the St. Cloud, MN area for the past seven years, including providing services at Solutions’ St. Cloud and Alexandria offices. He has been involved with social justice organizations and has been on the Churches United Homeless Shelter board of directors in the past. Mr. Grandpre accepts referrals for adolescents and adults of any age.

Mr. Grandpre has experience with issues associated with depression/mood, anxiety, PTSD, phase of life/adjustment problems, schizophrenia/psychosis, and personality disorders. He respect5s all clients as individuals rather than “labels,” however believes that clients who are motivated and invested in their treatment tend to have better outcomes. He finds the process of sharing the therapeutic experience, with clients gaining insight, developing new understandings, putting change into action, and recognizing positive outcomes to be the most meaningful part of his work experience. In his work he emphasizes the importance of working together, understanding each person’s right to self-determination, ethics in his practice, and developing a trusting professional relationship.

Dr. Michael Paulson received his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of North Dakota in 1970, completing his pre-doctoral APA-approved internship at the Norfolk State Hospital and Mental Health Center in Norfolk, NE. Dr. Paulson received post-doctoral training in family therapy at the Philadelphia Child Guidance Clinic. He was a post-doctoral fellow at the Community Mental Health Center of Rutgers Medical School in New Jersey.

Dr. Paulson has extensive training and experience with psychological testing, particularly in personality assessment. He has had training in psychoanalytic therapy, behavior therapy, cognitive therapy, family therapy, marriage therapy, and sex therapy. Dr. Paulson was formerly with the North Dakota Department of Human Services and prior to starting at Solutions he was the Chief Psychologist at Southeast Human Service Center, where he supervised numerous mental health professionals and trained scores of pre-doctoral psychology students and psychiatric residents.

Dr. Paulson is a Licensed Psychologist in both North Dakota and Minnesota, and he is listed in the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology.

Joel Bakken received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology from North Dakota State University, specializing in clinical behavior therapy. He worked as a behavior analyst for ten years, specializing in applied behavior analysis, developmental disabilities and autism, as well as the provision and day treatment programming.

Mr. Bakken founded Solutions Behavioral Healthcare Professionals in September, 1999. He functions as the Executive Director, and also provides clinical oversight to community-based services. He specializes in providing behaviorally-based interventions to individuals with autism and also severe personality disorders. He is licensed as a Psychologist (MS) in Minnesota and an Applied Behavior Analyst (LABA) in North Dakota. He is also a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

Providing evidence-based interventions and gathering information about the outcomes of intervention are both central to Mr. Bakken’s role as an administrator and a supervisor. Mr. Bakken has served on the board of directors for a number of non-profit agencies. He is currently the president of Act Up, which is a social justice theatre group. He was formerly on the board of Lost and Found Ministries, and president of the church council.

Mr. Bakken is an avid golfer and has run marathons. He likes to watch sports of all kinds, and is enjoying learning social dance.

Lamar Hill received his master's degree in Social Work from the University of Minnesota in 2010. Before that, he was awarded a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from the University of Mary in Bismarck, ND. He completed his social work internship at White Earth Tribal Mental Health. Mr. Hill is a Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW) in Minnesota and is currently working under clinical supervision to become a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker.

Mr. Hill is trained in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Incredible Years for toddlers and infants, Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS), Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and the suicide and crisis intervention models, SafeTalk and ASIST.

Mr. Hill was formerly employed by White Earth Tribal Mental Health as a Mental Health Practitioner, and then a Program Manager. In addition to supervision and management duties there, he completed Rule 25 Chemical Dependency Assessment training and facilitated training presentations on the use of the Medicine Wheel, stress reduction techniques and lifestyles, and working across cultural barriers. He also previously worked as a Case Manager for Access of the Red River Valley and as a Case Coordinator with Friendship, Inc. He has represented the White Earth Nation as a member of the Minnesota American Indian Mental Health Advisory Council.

Mr. Hill was drawn to this work because he grew up in foster care and “aged out of the system.” He views his life experiences, past and present, along with his education have guided and shaped his role and responsibility as a helper to those affected by life circumstances. He strives to work preventatively with children and families, empowering them to actualize their strengths, achieve their identified goals, and maintain a healthy balance in life.

Nicole England completed her Master's in Social Work from the University of North Dakota in 2014. She received her bachelor's degree in Social Work at Minnesota State University Moorhead in 2007. She is currently a Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW) in Minnesota and a Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) in North Dakota. She is the secretary of the Adult Mental Health Local Advisory Council and also a member of the Children’s Mental Health Local Advisory Council.

Ms. England began her career with Solutions by working as a Direct Service Professional. She next worked with CTSS and case management. She is currently in charge of Targeted Mental Health Case Management Services and serves as the Quality Control Manager for the entire organization. In this capacity she oversees state reviews for outpatient services, ARMHS, CTSS and Case Management, as well as the process for satisfaction surveys and program quality assurance plans. She has had evidence-based training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Circle of Security, Incredible Years and Parent Child Interaction Therapy. She utilizes motivational interviewing, Cognitive-Behavior Therapy, and behavior management and parenting skills. Typical clients on her case load are children and families or adults with depression, anxiety disorders or borderline personality disorder.

Social work has always been a passion for Ms. England. She enjoys working with children, adolescents and their families. She finds helping families change their family system and create positive change very rewarding. She also is motivated to help adults manage their mental health symptoms and to teach them the skills for life-long symptom management. She values keeping up with current research-based therapeutic practices. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family, going to the lakes and spending time outdoors.

Brandon Saxton obtained his bachelor’s degree in psychology from North Dakota State University in 2013. He is currently in the third year of his PhD program in clinical psychological science at NDSU. Brandon has prior experience working as a behavioral interventionist. He is in his first year of practicum placement with Solutions, and is administering, scoring and interpreting of a variety of psychological testing measures. He is also providing individual and group therapy and skills training for individuals with mental health disorders. Mr. Saxton works out of both the Moorhead and Detroit Lakes offices. He is primarily interested in the treatment of depression and research on the vulnerability factors and cognitive changes associated with this condition.

Kathleen McNabb earned her Master of Science in Counseling from Minnesota State University Moorhead in 2014 and is currently pursuing her license as a professional counselor. Kathleen has previous experience working in administration in an academic setting and is interested in expanding her scope to include counseling. She is currently co-leading Solutions’ domestic violence group through the Relational Violence Solutions program. She is particularly interested in working with parents and children.

In her spare time she enjoys gardening, nature hiking, kayaking and attending sporting events.

Dr. Jo Ellison is a graduate of Gustavus Adolphus College, where she received a bachelor of arts degree in psychology. She went on to the University of North Dakota, where she was awarded her PhD in Clinical Psychology in 2012. Dr. Ellison completed her predoctoral internship at Southeast Human Service Center. She was a postdoctoral fellow at the Neuropsychiatric Research Institute under the supervision of Dr. Stephen Wonderlich.

Dr. Ellison has previous work experience with Assessment and Therapy Associates of Grand Forks, Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, and Child and Family Therapy Associates in Fargo. She worked with the eating disorders program at the Neuropsychiatric Research Institute prior to joining Solutions in 2015, and conducted clinical research in the area of eating disorders, obesity, bariatric surgery and trauma. Dr. Ellison is also adjunct faculty at Concordia College’s Psychology Department and the University of North Dakota Medical School.

Dr. Ellison currently conducts psychological evaluations, diagnostic assessments and provides individual therapy for a variety of clients. She provides clinical supervision for community-based mental health rehabilitation services conducted at Solutions, which assists clients in developing the skills necessary to restore functioning which is lost due to the impact of a mental illness.

Tamara Madler is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Addiction Counselor with over 15 years of experience working with adolescents and adults. Ms. Madler has a wide range of experience across treatment settings ranging from inpatient hospitalization, residential and partial hospitalization, to outpatient programs. She is well versed at directing community based care and guiding individuals to needed resources.

Ms. Madler specializes in the treatment of depression, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, serious persistent mental illness, dual diagnosis, bereavement, anger management, infertility, and behaviors that have resulted in correctional problems. She has extensive experience working with adults with substance addictions and places an emphasis on individual and family education and support to achieve a meaningful recovery experience.

As a therapist, Ms. Madler is a down to earth and has an approachable style. She is dedicated to giving clients individualized, comprehensive care in a relaxed and trusting environment that inspires and fosters self-awareness and acceptance without judgment; which in turn promotes growth, healing wellness, and fulfillment in one’s life and relationships. Ms. Madler has a genuine compassion for the human condition and helping people to transform their symptoms.

Ms. Madler received her undergraduate degree from North Dakota State University and obtained her Master of Social Work degree from the University of North Dakota in 1998. She completed her addiction training through the North Dakota Addiction Consortium. Ms. Madler is married with one child and a dog that keep her quite busy. She loves to garden, enjoys the outdoors, can always come up with a crafting project, and likes spending time with friends and family.

Jennifer (“Jenn”) Ballinger received her undergraduate degree from Montana State University, and her Master of Arts from DenSem in Littleton, CO. She has worked in residential, in-home and in-office counseling, and believes in the incredible capabilities of all people. Ms. Ballinger joined Solutions in 2016. She is a certified counselor with the NBCC and is active in this organization. She participates in the New American Behavioral Health Network and has served on several committees for the New American Consortium for Wellness and Empowerment.

Ms. Ballinger loves working with families, couples, adolescents, and children. She specializes in working with anxiety disorders, depression, trauma, conflict resolution, adolescent issues, and early intervention. She has expertise in Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Parent Child Interactional Therapy (PCIT).

Those times when clients begin to feel hope that things can change bring meaning to Ms. Ballinger’s work, and she feels impacted when family relationships begin to heal and barriers between people come down. She brings to her work the strong belief that all people have a voice that needs to be heard, so that they can find the strength to bring about change. She believes she has learned and grown from each client she has worked with. During her off time, Ms. Ballinger’s hobbies are reading, singing, camping, cooking, and going for bike rides with her family.

Brian Grandpre received his master’s degree in guidance and counseling in 1993 from Northern State University in South Dakota, then went on to obtain a Master of Social Work in 2003 from the University of Minnesota. He is licensed as a clinical social worker.

Mr. Grandpre has had a wide range of work experience spanning thirty years. He worked at Northeastern Mental Health Center in Aberdeen, SD conducting both in-home and outpatient therapy. From 1997-2005 he was the supervisor of the intensive treatment unit at Catholic Charities in Fergus Falls. He worked in private practice prior to re-joining Catholic Charities, providing outpatient services in their St. Cloud office.

Mr. Grandpre recently returned to the Fargo/Moorhead area after having been employed in the St. Cloud, MN area for the past seven years, including providing services at Solutions’ St. Cloud and Alexandria offices. He has been involved with social justice organizations and has been on the Churches United Homeless Shelter board of directors in the past. Mr. Grandpre accepts referrals for adolescents and adults of any age.

Mr. Grandpre has experience with issues associated with depression/mood, anxiety, PTSD, phase of life/adjustment problems, schizophrenia/psychosis, and personality disorders. He respect5s all clients as individuals rather than “labels,” however believes that clients who are motivated and invested in their treatment tend to have better outcomes. He finds the process of sharing the therapeutic experience, with clients gaining insight, developing new understandings, putting change into action, and recognizing positive outcomes to be the most meaningful part of his work experience. In his work he emphasizes the importance of working together, understanding each person’s right to self-determination, ethics in his practice, and developing a trusting professional relationship.

Amy Fox received her BA in Psychology from Moorhead State University in 1995. She went on to obtain her master’s in Counseling from the University of North Dakota in 2000. Amy worked at Lakeland Mental Health Center in Moorhead from 1995 until 2006, where she held a number of positions, including Intake Worker, Professional Home-Based Practitioner, and Adult Case Manager. For the last five years of her employment she worked in a children’s day treatment setting as a Mental Health Professional, completing diagnostic assessments for children, providing supervision for the Mental Health Practitioner in the program, and providing individual, group, and family therapy for children. From 2006-2009 Ms. Fox was employed by Youthworks, providing individual, group and family therapy with at risk youth and their families. In 2009 Ms. Fox began working at Southeast Human Service Center. She was initially with the Regional Intervention Services, completing crisis assessments and interventions in the community, screening individuals for higher levels of care and investigating commitment petitions. In 2012 she joined the Central Intake team, where she conducts diagnostic assessments and develops treatment plans using a person-centered philosophy and focusing on functional impairment.

Ms. Fox works part time with Solutions, providing diagnostic assessments and therapy. She works with the team of community-based practitioners providing mental health rehabilitative services which are designed to restore functional impairments due to mental health disorders.

Dr. Blake is working as a Licensed Psychologist, with a specialization in Clinical Psychology, for Solutions Behavioral Healthcare Professionals, Inc. She provides services in both Detroit Lakes and Fergus Falls and works with all age ranges, including the birth-to-three population. She performs a variety of psychological services, including diagnostic assessments and psychological evaluations and testing for developmental disorders, cognitive and intellectual impairments, autism spectrum disorders, emotional and behavioral disorders in children, ADHD, trauma, and mental illness in adults. She provides therapy services to individuals, children, and families. Dr. Blake also serves as the Clinical Supervisor for Children’s Therapeutic Services and Supports (CTSS) in the Fergus Falls and Detroit Lakes offices.

Dr. Blake graduated from Concordia College with a B.A. in Psychology in 2001. She earned her M.S. from Capella University in 2007 and then her Doctorate of Psychology degree in 2012. Dr. Blake began working in the mental health field with children and families as part of the Family Outreach Program in Ottertail County in 2004, and she has remained in the field since that time. Her work experiences include a variety of clinical settings and populations, with a primary focus on community mental health. In addition, she teaches as an adjunct faculty for University of Phoenix.

Dr. Blake integrates a blend of enthusiasm, humor, and optimism with a wide range of clinical expertise into her work with her clients. She is passionate about providing services to children and families that include consideration of the whole person, family, and social system as a conduit to health and wellness. Personal interests include music, travel, yoga, reading, and anything that counts as quality time with her family. She values adventure and fun in both her personal and professional life.

Julie Starkey received a master's degree in Social Work from the University of Minnesota-St. Paul in 2003, and a bachelor's degree from the University of Minnesota-Duluth. She is an LICSW and Licensing Supervisor in Minnesota.

Ms. Starkey formerly worked as Clinical Coordinator with Fraser, Ltd. in Fargo, where she developed an outpatient program and provided therapy. From 2009 to 2011, she worked as a Mental Health Professional with Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota in Detroit Lakes, providing both outpatient and school-based mental health services in Pelican Rapids. Prior to this she was with Drake Counseling Services for six years, providing outpatient mental health services and family counseling for the adolescent outpatient substance abuse program in Fargo, then served as the Director for their Detroit Lakes Services for two years. Before obtaining her LICSW, Ms. Starkey was a child protection specialist at Becker County Human Services and a family service worker at Mahube Head Start. Ms. Starkey is also an adjunct instructor for the School of Social Work at Minnesota State University Moorhead.

In 2015 Ms. Starkey joined the staff at Solutions’ Detroit Lakes office. She has expertise in treating depression, anxiety disorders, trauma, PTSD, obsessive compulsive disorder, anger management, co-dependency and relationship concerns. She provides Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, and marital and family therapy.

Ms. Starkey values the opportunity to assist people in the quest to improve their lives, inspire positive changes in life style and relationships, and providing to support to others in accessing their personal strengths. She strives to bring nonjudgmental expertise to her sessions and to provide a positive, supportive environment to encourage personal empowerment. In her off time she is involved with her church and values spending time with family. She enjoys the outdoors, walking, boating, cross country skiing, kayaking, and biking. She also likes cooking, decorating, crafting, painting and entertaining.