LORENZ CLINIC - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Mental Health Professional
Abagael Gerdes (she/her) graduated with her Master's Degree in counseling psychology from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota and bachelor's degree in psychology from The College of Saint Benedict. She began her career working in an intensive day treatment and outpatient setting with children as well as their families. After this role, Abagael transitioned to a school-based therapy setting where she engaged in outpatient individual and family therapy services in an elementary school.
Abagael enjoys the experience of working with children, teens, and their families in both individual and family therapy settings, who are struggling with depression, anxiety, adhd, autism, as well as supporting and processing many different life stressors.
While working with clients, Abagael engages in a collaborative and person-centered approach with her clients to ensure that each client is getting their individualized needs met and their voices heard. Using evidence-based practices, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, talk therapy, play therapy, and art therapy, Abagael works with each client to determine what practices they feel most comfortable with and which would best support them towards achieving their goals.
Job Titles:
- Mental Health Professional
Job Titles:
- Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Amanda Preston is a board-certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, specializing in child and adolescent psychiatry in an outpatient clinic setting. She received her Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree from St. Catherine University in December 2020. Prior to this, she earned her Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato. Her education experience also includes an Associates of Applied Science in Nursing (AAS) degree and Public Health Nursing certification.
Amanda provides diagnostic assessment and medication management for individuals ranging from ages 4-17 years old. She has a clinical interest in an array of mental health concerns including but not limited to ADHD, anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, and gender identity.
Amanda is committed to partnering with families to develop an individualized treatment plan that also improves their emotional well-being. Treatment plans are determined based on evidenced-based research and, in collaboration with the patient's entire healthcare team whenever possible. She believes in getting to know each of her patients individually and developing a healthy, trusting relationship with them, encouraging self-advocacy to develop the most effective treatment plan.
Education
M.S.N. - St. Catherine University
B.S.N. - Minnesota State University, Mankato
Job Titles:
- Mental Health Professional
Amy (she/her/hers) is entering her third year at St. Cloud State University (SCSU) in their CACREP-accredited and Trauma-Informed Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) Masters Program. She previously earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Bemidji State University.
Currently, Amy also works at SCSU's mental health clinic, where she has experience treating clients with Depression, Anxiety, Disordered Eating, and Adjustment Disorders. The CMHC program provides trauma-informed education, so she is well-equipped to treat clients who have experienced or are experiencing traumatic events. Amy has a special interest in working with adolescents, young adults, couples and family systems.
Clinically, Amy's theoretical practice is grounded in a Humanistic and Person-Centered approach and emphasizes the importance of the client's story and perspective. Amy works by joining her clients, acknowledging and validating their lived experiences, and creating a safe space that welcomes all feelings and emotions that may arise. When working with clients, Amy leads with empathy and celebrates diversity, equity, and inclusion by taking an individualized approach to each client.
Job Titles:
- Mental Health Professional
Job Titles:
- Mental Health Professional
Job Titles:
- Mental Health Professional
Brenna Rothmeier (she/her) holds a Master's of Social Work from the University of St. Thomas. Prior to receiving her MSW, Brenna received a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication from the University of Minnesota - Duluth.
Brenna has experience working alongside children with Autism diagnoses, as well as their families. She also has experience working with individuals grieving the death or loss of a loved one and is a long-time volunteer with a local grief non-profit organization.
As a clinician, Brenna is most drawn to working through the attachment and psychodynamic perspectives, but recognizes the individual needs of each child, teen, or adult she works with. When working with clients, she strives to encourage connection through authentic and genuine relationships.
Job Titles:
- Mental Health Professional
Chelsea Mikkelsen (she/her) has over 10 years of experience in business operations with a strong focus in human resources. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management with an emphasis in Human Resources from North Dakota State University.
In her role, Chelsea oversees IT operations, health information technology, project management, working to create unique results through ongoing business operation activities and temporary projects. Chelsea is passionate about clinician support and is committed to fostering a culture of collaboration within the Lorenz Clinic by building strong relationships across the organization.
Christian (he/him) is a doctoral intern at the Lorenz Clinic with 6 years of graduate training in clinical psychology at Adler University in Vancouver, Canada. He completed an undergraduate degree in psychology with concentrations in biology and behavioral science from McGill University in Montreal, Canada.
Primarily, Christian works from an attachment-based framework to help his clients understand and process their emotional experiences both within themselves and in their relationships in order to heal and grow. While working with clients, Christian will employ a range of cognitive-behavioral techniques when appropriate and utilize systemic and feminist approaches to therapy in his treatment planning.
Christian works with children, adolescents, and adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, behavioral disorders, and complex mental health issues that are complicated by substance use, personality functioning, or sociocultural barriers. He also provides support for clients experiencing challenges in parent-child relationship dynamics, greater family systems, and couples.
Job Titles:
- Master of Social Work
- Practicum Student
Christine Hoberg is a Master of Social Work student in Augsburg University's Multi-Cultural Clinic Practice program. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree from Excelsior College.
Previous experiences for Christine include working with youth who have experienced family loss, trauma and interpersonal struggles. Christine has an interest in working with people of all ages and backgrounds as well as has an interest in supporting clients struggling with OCD, family dynamics, and trauma.
When working with clients, Christine draws upon cognitive behavioral therapy concepts to help clients recognize patterns to grow through struggles, and supports clients in groundedness while working towards goals. In therapy, Christine enjoys using humor with clients while working from trauma-informed and strengths-based lenses.
Dara Awosika graduated from the University of Houston with a Master's in Social Work. Dara also attended Baylor University, where she received her Bachelor's in Social Work. She is passionate about working with clients on strategies to assist them in creating change and healing to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Dara mainly works with adults in providing individual and group therapy. She has experience in working with clients with Major Depression Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and guiding clients working through grief and stress.
Her work includes using client-centered and strengths-based approaches in sessions with clients. Dara utilizes the therapeutic approaches of Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to provide clients with tools and strategies to integrate change and acceptance into their lives. Her work involves empowering clients in a space that is safe and free from judgment to help clients work towards reaching their goals.
Job Titles:
- Mental Health Professional
Job Titles:
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Dr. Amanda (she/her) Collins is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). As a doctorally prepared psychiatric provider, Amanda specializes in treating clients of all ages. Amanda previously worked as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and is a registered art therapist. She utilizes tools like cognitive and dialectical behavioral therapy approaches and integrates supportive psychotherapy into her medication management appointments.
Dr. Amanda Collins sees individuals who are ages 6-64 who are navigating ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma, and autism. Amanda is an ally for LGBTQI+ populations. Recognizing an individual's strengths, forming a trusting connection, use of humor, and creativity is the basis of how Amanda approaches working with people.
Education
DNP - University of Arizona
MSN - University of Arizona
M.A. - Antioch University Seattle
B.A. - Edgewood College
Dr. Amanda Peterson has experience working with adults in a variety of settings, including outpatient mental health, substance use outpatient clinics, and intensive outpatient programs. She also received extensive training within the Veterans Affairs healthcare system and incorporates this knowledge into effective treatment for those who have served or are actively serving in the military. Completing her postdoctoral training in the assessment and treatment of schizophrenia-spectrum disorders and bipolar disorders, Dr. Peterson has had research and clinical interest in the treatment of suicidality.
While working with Dr. Peterson, clients can expect her to primarily work from a cognitive-behavioral background. Past experiences for Dr. Peterson includes treating a variety of conditions utilizing evidence-based treatments, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and trauma-focused therapies (e.g., Cognitive Processing Therapy). Adopting a personalized approach to treatment, Amanda adapts to best suit the needs of her clients, while also heavily emphasizing the relationship between her and her clients to create a comfortable, nonjudgmental environment that can help facilitate change. Dr. Peterson encourages therapeutic change within the context of one's strengths and aims to help individuals reach their goals and improve their life satisfaction based upon one's existing capabilities.
Education
Ph.D. - University of South Florida
B.S. - University of South Florida
Job Titles:
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Dr. Suarez is a bilingual Licensed Psychologist who approaches therapy from a strengths-based, non-judgmental perspective, especially in his work with families, children, adolescents, and young adults.
Job Titles:
- Certified Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Dr. Royer (Burns) is a board certified mental health nurse practitioner. She received her Doctorate of Nursing Practice degree from the University of Minnesota and has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from South Dakota State University. Her education experience also includes an Associate Degree in Nursing, a Practical Nursing Diploma, and an Associate of Arts degree from Ridgewater College. Dr. Royer's education has empowered her with a systems view perspective enabling her the ability to be a valuable change agent in the mental health care system. She is a strong advocate for her patients and her educational background in health policy fuels her passion for mental health care advocacy at both a state and national level. Dr. Royer believes that effective mental health care involves meeting the person where they are at in their journey and helping them to recognize their value as an individual. She is committed to working alongside each patient to build their confidence, give them the tools they need to succeed, and instill hope in order to have them looking forward to a brighter tomorrow.
Dr. Royer's professional experiences include medication management and psychotherapy in the outpatient setting with both children & adults, intensive outpatient programming, and working closely with those with developmental disabilities. Her special interests include perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, depression, anxiety, attention disorders, insomnia, and other psychiatric illnesses. Dr. Royer believes that every patient and the struggles they are facing are unique. Receiving a mental health diagnosis is only a small part to what mental health care involves. She believes that the person needs to be seen before the disorder and every treatment plan should be individualized based on the patient's unique needs. In addition to utilizing her own expertise, Dr. Royer regularly collaborates with her patient's therapists and other providers to discuss treatment plans and improve patient outcomes. She believes that each member of the patient's care team plays an integral role in the patient achieving mental wellness.
Dr. Royer is in-network with most payers and can see clients ages 5+.
Education
DNP - University of Minnesota
BSN - South Dakota State University
ADN - Ridgewater College
Practical Nursing Diploma - Ridgewater College
AA - Ridgewater College
Job Titles:
- Mental Health Professional
Job Titles:
- Licensed Clinical Psychologist
- Staff Psychologist
Hayley Knapp is a licensed clinical psychologist with a passion for helping adult individuals navigate their lives while deepening their understanding of themselves. Dr. Knapp has experience in various settings, including hospitals, intensive group programs, medical offices, and private practice. She has extensive training and experience in the diagnosis and treatment of eating disorders and enjoys helping individuals in all stages of recovery. Dr. Knapp also welcomes individuals who are mental health providers themselves, those living with depression, anxiety, challenges in family relationships, and anyone who feels as though they struggle with the expectations and demands of life. Dr. Knapp's work tends to take a relational psychodynamic approach and is in-depth and long-term in nature.
Dr. Knapp holds a Bachelor's degree in music from Michigan State University, as well as Master's and Doctoral degrees in clinical psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She completed a postdoctoral fellowship in health psychology and medical education and enjoys providing education and lectures on eating disorders for medical students and residents.
Education
Psy.D. - The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
M.A. - The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Job Titles:
- Licensed Clinical Psychologist
- Supervising Child Psychologist
Dr. Jared Spencer is a licensed clinical psychologist who focuses on providing individual therapy and assessment to children (ages 5+), adolescents, and adults. He has experience in a variety of settings including outpatient clinics, inpatient hospitals, and schools.
Dr. Spencer utilizes a relational approach to therapy that emphasizes developing a strong therapeutic relationship, as this is vital to the process of self-understanding and personal growth. Dr. Spencer focuses on providing a validating experience for clients that is centered on understanding the whole person, while also helping to alleviate specific symptoms via the development of insight and self-reflection. With children, Dr. Spencer utilizes play therapy techniques in order to facilitate growth in areas of emotional expression, communication, and self-regulation. Using play with children truly helps to meet each child where they are at developmentally, allowing for a natural process to unfold that is unique to each child. Working with parents in conjunction with their child's treatment is part of Dr. Spencer's practice, as this collaboration is essential to developing long-lasting therapeutic change.
Dr. Spencer has experience working with a number of clinical issues including mood disorders, anxiety, adjustment to life transitions, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and trauma. He also performs psychological assessments for a number of different clinical issues including ADHD, learning disabilities, executive functioning, behavioral symptoms, mood symptoms, and anxiety. Additionally, he has experience consulting with parents around a variety of topics including parenting strategies, co-parenting, parent-child attachment, and advocacy for special education services.
Education
PSyD - Pace University School/Clinical Child Psychology
MSEd - Pace University School/Clinical Child Psychology
BA - Skidmore College
Job Titles:
- Director of Psychological Services
Job Titles:
- Supervising Child Psychologist
Job Titles:
- Mental Health Practitioner
Job Titles:
- Mental Health Professional
Job Titles:
- Mental Health Professional
Job Titles:
- Director of Client Experience
Job Titles:
- Mental Health Professional
Job Titles:
- Mental Health Professional
Job Titles:
- Mental Health Professional
Job Titles:
- Mental Health Professional
Job Titles:
- Mental Health Professional
Job Titles:
- Mental Health Professional
Job Titles:
- Director of Intensive Mental Health Programs
Job Titles:
- Mental Health Professional
Job Titles:
- Director of Human Resources
Job Titles:
- Integrated Behavioral Health Program Lead Clinician
Job Titles:
- Mental Health Professional
Job Titles:
- Mental Health Professional
Job Titles:
- Mental Health Professional
Job Titles:
- Mental Health Professional
Job Titles:
- Mental Health Professional
Job Titles:
- Mental Health Professional