Our team of caring professionals brings a wealth of experience from diverse industry backgrounds. We hope you'll read on and get to know the people behind our vision.

Administrative Staff   Dietitians   Medical   Support Staff   Therapists  

Administrative

Sue Babcock, Psy.D, L.P.
Director of Training

Sue has provided services to people struggling with eating disorders since 1995 in a variety of both inpatient and outpatient settings. She is interested in exploring the cultural influences regarding both prevention of and recovery from eating disorders. While Sue greatly values working with clients in a therapeutic relationship, she also enjoys public speaking on the topic of eating disorders and providing training and supervision. Prior to coming to the Emily Program, Sue was in private practice, and has been faculty at both graduate and undergraduate psychology programs.

Lindsay Brown
Director of Business Development

Lindsay began working with the Emily Program during her senior year of high school. She became a full-time member of the administrative staff after receiving her bachelor’s in business administration (concentrating on international business) from George Washington University in the District of Columbia. Lindsay helps support the clinical staff and manages the front of house operations. She works on financial and marketing projects including insurance and vendor contracts, advertising, property and space needs, among other assignments. Her special interests include mental health policy and organizational change.

Meg Brissenden
Human Resources Coordinator

Meg manages the human resources department of the Emily Program, and payroll. She has a master’s degree in education from the University of Michigan in Teaching English as a Second Language. She has worked in the human resources field for many years, most recently at the University of Minnesota College of Liberal Arts and then in private industry at a local biotechnology company. She brings experience in many areas of human resources, including recruiting and staffing, benefits administration, and employee relations.

Brenda Cornelius
Executive Assistant/St. Paul

Brenda joined the Emily Program after a long career in journalism in Nebraska, Iowa and mostly recently as managing editor for a group of community newspapers in the northern suburbs of the Twin Cities. While her vocation has been the newspaper industry, her long-time interest has been supporting girls and women to be empowered and self-confident. Her primary responsibility is to provide support to the St. Paul administrative staff to enable them to focus on the vision and growth of the Emily Program.

Jillian Croll, Ph.D., M.P.H., R.D., L.D.
Director, Education, Research and Program Development

Jillian brings expansive experience to the Emily Program’s clinical, research, education and program development areas. She also provides nutrition education and counseling. Jillian is on the board of the Academy for Eating Disorders, an international professional organization of clinicians and researchers, and co-chairs its Nutrition Special Interest Group. She has authored numerous book chapters and articles on nutritional treatment of eating disorders, body image, sports participation and adolescent health. She completed her doctorate in nutrition and epidemiology, master’s of public health and dietetic internship at the University of Minnesota and a master’s in nutrition at the University of Vermont.

Ann Davenport
Manager, Patient Accounts and Utilization Review

Ann has been working in health care administration since 1998. As patient accounts and utilization review manager for the Emily Program, her duties are varied and she is happy to assist clients with questions regarding insurance, mental health authorizations and billing. Ann received her bachelor’s in political science and international studies from Iowa State University.

Kari Fuchs
Executive Assistant and Office Manager/St. Louis Park

Kari joined the Emily Program following several years of administrative experience in health care and media. Her longtime goal has been to work in health services, focusing on healthy lifestyles. Kari’s responsibilities include executive support to Dirk Miller, office management and helping to support the front desk and other administrative staff in St. Louis Park.

Shirley Gottwalt
Executive Assistant

Shirley has provided support to the Emily Program and its staff in a wide range of roles since October 1999. At the time she joined the Emily Program, the staff included Dirk Miller and Lori Peiffer, with Kay Guidarelli as a contract dietitian. Shirley’s responsibilities now focus on accounting which includes accounts receivable and payable; bookkeeping; tracking and invoicing vendors. She also does transcription.

Kay Guidarelli, R.D., L.D.
Program Manager/Anna Westin House

Kay has worked in a variety of clinical settings specializing in weight management and eating disorder treatment including outpatient, inpatient, partial programming and residential. She also is a nutrition consultant to several Minnesota colleges working with eating disorders, sports nutrition and wellness. She received her dietetics degree from Mankato State University and completed her dietetic internship through the University of Minnesota Consortium Internship Program. Kay developed the nutrition program at Methodist Hospital’s Eating Disorder Institute.

Kelly Heyer
Office Manager/Anna Westin House

In addition to support of the day to day operation of the Anna Westin House, Kelly’s responsibilities include an array of office management duties. She enjoys these duties in addition to the liberty of being able to assist in the milieu when needed. She came to the Anne Westin House in June of 2003, bringing experience in the medical field including working one-on-one with patients, and office skills in the areas of payroll, accounting and office management.

Kelsy Karrigan
Administrative Assistant/St. Paul

Kelsy joins Kristen Sekenski as the first point of contact for clients coming to the St. Paul office. Her responsibilities include answering the phones, greeting and assisting clients and other administrative duties. Kelsy received her bachelor’s in business administration, with a minor in Spanish, from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Her most recent office experience was as a member service representative at an Eau Claire credit union. Her long-term career goal is to work in the human resources field.

Nicole Kuenzli
Client Relations Coordinator

Nicole is responsible for matching client needs with appropriate Emily Program resources. She advocates for clients’ needs within the Emily Program as well as outside agencies. She also assists clients and families with maximizing their insurance benefits and participates in intensive programs as a health educator. Nicole received her bachelor of arts in sociology from the College of St. Benedict, and is attending the College of St. Catherine/University of St. Thomas to complete a master’s degree in clinical social work.

Lakshmi Logendran
Administrative Assistant/St. Louis Park

Lakshmi shares responsibilities for the front desk at the St. Louis Park office with Angela Segner. Her responsibilities include answering the phones, greeting and assisting clients and other administrative duties. She has a degree in business management from Colorado Technical University and is pursuing a master’s in business administration human resource development. Before joining the Emily Program, she managed four coffee stores, worked in customer service and coached freshman volleyball at Maple Grove Senior High.

Dirk Miller, Ph.D., L.P.
Executive Director & Founder

Dirk has been dedicated to the treatment of eating disorders for over 20 years. He started the Emily Program in 1993, which continues to see tremendous growth under his leadership. Dirk oversees all clinical and administrative activities in addition to working directly with clients. He completed his doctorate in psychology at the University of Minnesota. His dissertation was in the area of eating disorders treatment. He developed and administered an inpatient/outpatient eating disorders program at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, which was the first such program in Indiana. In addition to his work with individuals struggling with eating disorders, Dirk also has been involved in the treatment of alcohol and drug abuse.

Kristen Sekenski
Administrative Assistant/St. Paul

Kristen’s various responsibilities include assisting clients when they arrive at the St. Paul office, answering the phone and providing administrative support to the other staff. She is currently an undergraduate at the University of Minnesota and will graduate in the spring of 2008 with a major in psychology. She plans to continue her education with a master’s program in a psychology-related area.

Angela Segner
Administrative Assistant/St. Louis Park

Angela shares responsibilities for the front desk at the St. Louis Park office with Lakshmi Logendran. Her duties include assisting clients both on the phone and when they arrive at the office. She also provides administrative support to the St. Louis Park staff. Angela received her bachelor’s in communications and Spanish from the University of Minnesota-Duluth. During college, she interned as a public relations assistant at the Tweed Museum of Art and was a copy editor for the University of Minnesota Statesman.

Shannon O’Donnell, Psy.D. , L.P.
Director, Intensive Programs (St. Paul) and Residential Services

Shannon has worked in the eating disorders field since 1990 conducting research, providing clinical care and developing treatment programs. She returned to Minnesota to open the state’s first residential treatment facility, the Anna Westin House. Prior to that, she had been creating and managing treatment programs in Spokane, Wash., and Mountain View, Calif., as well as maintaining a private practice. Shannon received her doctoral degree in clinical psychology from the Minnesota School of Professional Psychology.

Deborah Schermann, M.A., L.P.
Director Intensive Programs (St. Louis Park)

Deborah has worked in the area of eating disorder treatment since 1987 as an individual, family and group therapist. She helped develop and administer an outpatient eating disorders clinic at Allina. She is committed to providing education to health professionals and the public regarding eating disorders prevention and treatment. Most recently, she has participated in research and has developed expertise in the area of obesity treatments.

Monique Silver, M.A., L.P.C., L.P.P.
Clinical Manager/Anna Westin House

Monique enjoys working with young women in a residential setting to address underlying issues contributing to the eating disorder as part of a dedicated therapeutic relationship. She has worked with adolescent and adult women struggling with eating disorders and co-occurring disorders in a variety of settings including residential, inpatient, partial and outpatient at Laureate in Tulsa, Okla., and Methodist Hospital’s Eating Disorder Institute. She received her master’s in counseling and psychological services from St. Mary’s University, Minneapolis.

Dietitians

Jillian Croll, Ph.D., M.P.H., R.D.
Registered Licensed Dietitian

Jillian brings expansive experience to the Emily Program’s clinical, research, education and program development areas. She also provides nutrition education and counseling. Jillian is on the board of the Academy for Eating Disorders, an international professional organization of clinicians and researchers, and co-chairs its Nutrition Special Interest Group. She has authored numerous book chapters and articles on nutritional treatment of eating disorders, body image, sports participation and adolescent health. She completed her doctorate in nutrition and epidemiology, master’s of public health and dietetic internship at the University of Minnesota and a master’s in nutrition at the University of Vermont.

Lisa Diers, R.D., L.D.
Registered Licensed Dietitian

Lisa has experience in providing client-tailored nutrition education and nutrition counseling to people of all ages and demographics. She promotes a balanced and healthy relationship with food, body and mind. She received her degree in food/nutrition and dietetics from Minnesota State University, Mankato. She completed her dietetic internship at the University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview and the University of Minnesota Children’s Hospital, Fairview in Minneapolis.

Georgianna Elliott, M.A., R.D., L.D.
Registered Licensed Dietitian

George’s interests are working with adolescents and young adults to promote overall health and well-being by developing a healthy attitude toward eating and body image. She received her degree in home economics with an emphasis in foods and nutrition from Western Illinois University. George completed her dietetic internship at St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Ill. After working in clinical settings, she found that the relationship between emotions and food was an integral part of her practice, and completed a master’s in guidance and counseling from Bowling Green State University in Ohio.

Barb Freeman, R.D., L.D.
Registered Licensed Dietitian

Barb has spent her entire career specializing in eating disorders and eating disturbances. She has worked in outpatient, inpatient and residential settings with individuals of all ages, and remains passionate about partnering with individuals and families as they journey the path toward recovery. Barb received her degree in general and clinical dietetics at Iowa State University in Ames. She completed her dietetic internship at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha.

Kay Guidarelli, R.D., L.D.
Registered Licensed Dietitian

Kay has worked in a variety of clinical settings specializing in weight management and eating disorder treatment including outpatient, inpatient, partial programming and residential. She also is a nutrition consultant to several Minnesota colleges working with eating disorders, sports nutrition and wellness. She received her dietetics degree from Mankato State University and completed her dietetic internship through the University of Minnesota Consortium Internship Program. Kay developed the nutrition program at Methodist Hospital’s Eating Disorder Institute.

Laura Gutierrez, R.D., L.D.
Registered Licensed Dietitian

Laura came to the Emily Program from Scripps Clinic in San Diego, Calif. where she was the primary dietitian and nutrition resource for the nationally-recognized nutrition research organization. Her extensive professional experience with eating disorders includes specialized treatment of athletes. She has presented to both local and national organizations on topics related to eating disorders and was an R.D. and health educator at Methodist Hospital’s Eating Disorder Institute. Laura received her bachelor’s in dietetics, food and nutrition from Mankato State University in Minnesota.

Jamie Larson, R.D., L.D.
Registered Licensed Dietitian

Jamie’s interests include teaching adolescents and other individuals struggling with eating disorders about healthy eating and overall well-being. While at Abbott Northwestern Hospital’s Bariatric Center, she initiated development of the nutrition program for pre-operative and post-operative patients, in both individual and group settings. She has a dual degree in dietetics and nutrition/food science from The University of Vermont. She completed her internship at Weill Cornell Medical Center and Columbia Presbyterian Hospital. She also is a yoga instructor, earning her certification at Core Power Yoga in Minneapolis.

Katie Loth
Nutritionist

Katie’s special interests are working with children and adolescents and conducting research related to eating disorder prevention. She received her degree in dietetics at the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point and her master’s in public health from the University of Minnesota. Katie was a nutritionist as part of a Leadership Education in Adolescent Health fellow in the STAR clinic at the University of Minnesota, working with eating disorders and weight management.

Abby Ludwig, R.D., L.D.
Registered Licensed Dietitian

Abby has extensive experience in a wide variety of nutrition settings including health/fitness facilities, inpatient hospital settings working with a variety of clientele, and in research with work that included studies with eating disorder participants. Abby enjoys working with a variety of clients to help develop a healthy relationship with food, and a healthy attitude toward body and fitness. She received her degree in food, nutrition and dietetics with a minor in psychology from Concordia College in Moorhead, and completed her dietetic internship at St. Mary’s Hospital/Mayo Clinic in Rochester.

Kirsten Nielsen, R.D., L.D.
Registered Licensed Dietitian

Kirsten has worked with people of all ages and backgrounds and particularly enjoys working with children and adolescents to restore healthy and normal nutrition and eating. She received her degree in food, nutrition and dietetics from Concordia College in Moorhead. She completed her dietetic internship at St. Mary’s Hospital/Mayo Clinic in Rochester. She previously worked at Methodist Hospital’s Eating Disorders Institute in the outpatient clinic and coordinated the Intensive Outpatient Program and was involved in the Emily Program’s first IOP.

Amy Patefield, R.D., L.D.
Registered Licensed Dietitian

Amy’s particular interests include obesity and compulsive overeating. She enjoys working with individuals of all ages and backgrounds on weight management and healthy eating. Amy received her degree in dietetics and completed the coordinated internship program from the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University. She previously provided nutrition evaluations for surgery candidates and one-on-one nutritional counseling for individuals, both pre- and post-surgery, at the HCMC Bariatric Center. Amy is certified in adolescent and adult weight management.

Raquel Pereira, M.S., R.D., L.D.
Registered Licensed Dietitian

Raquel has experience creating, implementing and evaluating programs promoting normal eating and positive body image. She has a number of professional publications to her credit, two awards and more than 10 years of experience in disease prevention and treatment, with a specific interest in eating attitudes and media influence related to health behaviors. She received her dietetics training and a master’s in human nutrition in Brazil, then obtained a second master’s, in community nutrition, from Michigan State University. Raquel is bilingual in English and Portuguese, and speaks some Spanish. She has volunteered both locally and nationally in the nutrition field and is energized by working directly with the community.

Val Schonberg, M.S., R.D., L.D.
Registered Licensed Dietitian

Val has a passion for helping individuals make nutrition and lifestyle changes despite the overwhelming and confusing information consumers receive about their health. She specializes in child and adolescent nutrition, including eating disorders, weight management and diabetes. Prior to earning her master's degree in nutrition, Val earned a bachelor's in speech communication from the University of Nebraska and worked for IBM as a corporate marketing representative in the Twin Cities. Additional experience working with children, teen and women's church ministry groups has equipped Val to counsel and motivate people to achieve balance with mind, body and spirit.

Angela Staples, R.D., L.D.
Registered Licensed Dietitian

Prior to joining the Emily Program, Angela worked at Methodist Hospital’s Eating Disorders Institute and Fairview Hospital, in both partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs. She has a strong interest in intensive programs, working with clients struggling with anorexia, bulimia and eating disorder not otherwise specified. She has experience working with clients of all ages and in a variety of settings. Angela received her degree in dietetics and food and nutrition from Minnesota State University in Mankato. She completed her internship at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Ill.

Maggie Vertalino, R.D., L.D.
Registered Licensed Dietitian

Maggie’s interests are eating disorders, sports nutrition and working with children and adolescents. She has previous experience with individuals of all ages and backgrounds. She received her degree in dietetics and completed the Coordinated Internship Program at the University of Kentucky. She received her master’s in public health from the University of Minnesota. Maggie worked as a dietitian as part of a Leadership Education in Adolescent Health fellow in the STAR clinic at the University of Minnesota, working with eating disorders and weight management.

Hilmar Wagner, M.P.H., R.D.,L.D.
Registered Licensed Dietitian

Hilmar received his Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition/Dietetics and Master’s Public Health Nutrition from the University of Minnesota. He completed his dietetic internship at Methodist Hospital. Hilmar has extensive experience in a wide variety of nutrition settings including outpatient clinics and health/fitness facilities. His special areas of interest are in physical activity and complementary/alternative medicine. Hilmar enjoys working with all clients to help develop a healthy, balanced way of eating.

Lisa Winter, R.D., L.D.
Registered Licensed Dietitian

Lisa created the nutrition program at the state’s first residential treatment facility, the Anna Westin House, and facilitated the start-up of the Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program at the Emily Program. She received her degrees in nutrition science and dietetics from North Dakota State University in Fargo. She completed her dietetic internship through the dietetic internship program for graduate students at the University of Minnesota, where she is pursuing a master’s in nutrition.

Medical

Joan Babel, LPN

Joan has been with Anna Westin House since it opened and enjoys her nursing role there. She has over 35 years of nursing experience and has worked in nursing home and outpatient endocrinology clinic settings.

Joan Benner, M.D.
Family Practice Physician

Joan’s special interests are patient education, preventative medicine and women’s health. Before she began providing medical care for the Emily Program, she practiced for 10 years in a clinic setting in Stillwater. Most recently, she was an emergency department physician in Stillwater for seven years. Joan completed her medical education at Michigan State University and her residency at the University of Minnesota. She is board certified in family practice.

Jennifer Candy, LPN

Jen has been with the Anna Westin House since May 2005. During that time she has been attending school for her registered nursing degree, which she plans to complete in May of 2009. Jen appreciates the opportunity to play a role in offering a safe place and an environment of trust for women who are starting their future of recovery. Some of her duties include charting, passing medications and scoring monthly psychological testing.

Henry Emmons, M.D.
Consulting Psychiatrist

Henry is a consultant to seven Twin Cities area college counseling centers and is a popular workshop presenter. He received a Bush Medical Fellowship, which funded a sabbatical to study natural and mindfulness therapies in the practice of psychiatry. He has worked with an integrative medical clinic run by the University of Minnesota, and has created adult education programs through the university’s Center for Spirituality and Healing, including “A Year of Living Mindfully” and “The Inner Life of Healers: Programs of Renewal for Health Professionals.” His first book, “The Chemistry of Joy: A Three Step Program for Overcoming Depression Through Western Science and Eastern Wisdom,” was published in January of 2006.

Barb Erickson, B.S.N.

Barb’s nursing experience, before joining Anna Westin House, included working as a private duty nurse and visiting nurse. She also has experience in county public health and geriatrics. She is a graduate of Madison General Hospital School of Nursing. She received her bachelor’s in public health nursing from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Linda Gallagher, R.N., B.S.N.

Linda has been with the Anna Westin House from the beginning. She helped develop its nursing program, and witnessed the wonderful changes that have occurred in the program itself, and in the lives of the women who have come to Anna Westin House to heal. Her prior nursing experiences included pediatrics, burn unit, adult and adolescent psychiatry and chemical dependency. Working at Anna Westin House has fulfilled a new nursing passion. Linda received her bachelor’s in nursing from St. Scholastica in Duluth.

Linda Krantz, R.N.

In addition to broad clinical experience, Linda is a Stephen Minister (good listener). She enjoys working with people of all ages and backgrounds. Before joining Anna Westin House, she was with MVNA (Minnesota Visiting Nurse Agency) as the Registrar Coordinator/Nurse Supervisor for the Influenza Program. She graduated from Lutheran Deaconess School of Nursing and has worked at St. John’s Hospital in med/surg, HCMC dialysis ICU, home health care and Good Samaritan Nursing Home.

Carmen Larson, M.M.S., PA-C, B.S.M.T.
Physician Assistant

Carmen’s range of care has included infants to adults.She has worked in the Minneapolis area as a physician assistant in the field of internal medicine/infectious diseases for the last five years. She has broad experience as a medical technologist in the areas of lab management and clinical lab practice. She received her master’s of medical science and physician assistant certificate from Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Mo.

Richard Levine, M.D.
Psychiatrist and Family Practice Physician

Rich’s particular area of interest includes emergency mental health care and the medical and psychiatry interface. In addition to his work at the Emily Program, he uses his skills in an emergency room, where he sees mental health crises. Rich received his medical degree from the University of Tulane School of Medicine. He then completed a dual residency in psychiatry and family medicine at the University of Minnesota.

Vanessa Sanders, LPN

Vanessa has been with the Anna Westin House since 2005. Previously, her work included working in psychiatric and detoxification programs in the metro area. She completed her nursing education at Minneapolis Community and Technical College.

Cathy Schulenberg, R.N., M.A.T.

Cathy’s special area of interest is spirituality. She also conducted and published research examining the ability to teach caring behaviors to nursing students. She received her bachelor’s in nursing and her master’s in theology from the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul. Cathy has a diverse background of clinical experiences, and previously taught in the nursing department at the College of St. Catherine.

Susan Swigart, M.D.
Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychiatrist

Susan’s areas of interest include working with adolescents and young adults with co-morbid anxiety and mood disorders, as well as with athletes with eating disorders. She has experience working with children, adolescents and adults in a variety of inpatient and outpatient settings. Susan received her medical degree from the University of Minnesota-Minneapolis. She then completed a general adult psychiatric residency followed by a fellowship training program in child and adolescent psychiatry at the University of Minnesota. During residency and fellowship, her primary area of research was in the area of eating disorders.

Kim Tisdale, B.S.N.

Kim has been with Anna Westin House since 2004. She has worked as a registered nurse in a variety of settings, the majority of which have been mental health, including working with individuals with eating disorders. She received her bachelor’s in nursing from the University of Mary, Bismarck, N.D.

Andrea Young, R.N., B.S.N.

Andrea was a pivotal member in developing the nursing program at the Anna Westin House, where she continues to work as a nurse clinician. She received her bachelor’s in nursing and child development and family science, with a minor in psychology, from North Dakota State University in Fargo. Her clinical background includes oncology, labor and delivery, OB, newborn nursery, women’s health and eating disorders.

Support Staff

Nancy Biber, A.C.E., N.S.C.A., N.A.S.M.
Certified Personal Trainer

Nancy's goal is to help clients realize that a balanced approach to exercise will promote happiness, less stress, more energy and an overall sense of well-being. She has worked as a personal trainer, nutrition coach, group fitness instructor, Pilates instructor and facilitated group training classes in a health club setting since 1991. She received her bachelor's in social work and a minor in psychology from the University of Iowa.

Lindsay Brinkman
Health Educator

Lindsay has had a special interest in media and body image through her undergraduate psychology studies and earned a bachelor’s in psychology from the University of Minnesota-Morris in 2006. Prior to joining the Anna Westin House, she completed an internship in the Research, Education and Outreach division of the Eating Disorders Institute at Methodist Hospital. Lindsay’s previous health care experience includes working for seven years at a long-term care center in Glencoe.

Jeanine Dorfman, M.Div.
Board Certified Chaplain

Before joining the Emily Program, Jeanine was chaplain at the Eating Disorders Institute at Methodist Hospital, where she was instrumental in creating the program’s spiritual component. She received her master’s of divinity from Vanderbilt University Divinity School and completed clinical training in chaplaincy at Abbott Northwestern, North Memorial and Methodist hospitals in the Twin Cities. She is ordained in the United Church of Christ and is endorsed by the UCC for the specialized ministry of chaplaincy. She also is board certified by the Association of Professional Chaplains. Jeanine serves the spiritual needs of people with eating disorders both through the Emily Program and another local treatment center, as well as working with grieving people at Allina Hospice.

Angela Ewer
Health Educator

Angela has a special interest in child and adolescent nutrition and health, mainly in eating disorders and driving behaviors. She currently is a senior at the University of Minnesota working toward her bachelor’s in nutrition science and dietetics. Following graduation, she plans to complete an internship pursuant with her goal of becoming a registered dietitian.

Marie Fors
Health Educator

Marie is attending Argosy University for a master’s in marriage and family therapy.She is completing her internship through Relationships LLC in North Minneapolis where she works with couples, families and individuals. At that site, she will be incorporating a new group for families with eating disorders. Marie has a bachelor’s in psychology from Metro State University. She also attended Winona State University, where she majored as pre-med.

Elizabeth Kelly, L.Ac, Dipl. Ac., M.Om.
Acupuncturist

Elizabeth has been treating residents of the Anna Westin House with Oriental medicine/acupuncture since the inception of the program. She received her degree in Oriental Medicine from Northwestern Health Sciences University in Bloomington. For over 10 years, she has maintained a private practice in Eden Prairie.

MC Kunz, CMT
Massage Therapist

MC has been in practice more than 10 years and is experienced working with people with eating disorders. She is sensitive to the vulnerabilities clients may feel in receiving bodywork and uses a variety of modalities to bring ease to the body, mind and spirit. MC molds sessions to specific client needs and is creative about helping clients to feel most comfortable. She is dedicated to helping clients access and develop a deep relationship with the wisdom inherent in their bodies. She believes it is this wisdom, beneath the chatter in our minds, which can direct us to our inner truth, and lead us to harmony with our lives and the world around us.

Amy Liesmaki, M.A.
Health Educator

Amy is working on her Psy.D. in clinical psychology at Argosy University/Minnesota School of Professional Psychology, where she also received her master’s in clinical psychology. She has a bachelor’s in biology with a concentration in biomedical studies from St. Olaf. She completed a diagnostic/assessment practicum at Mental Health Systems in Woodbury and Edina and is currently doing a practicum at St. Cloud State Counseling and Psychological Services. Before joining the Emily Program, Amy’s experience included providing office support at an OBGYN clinic; working as a certified nursing assistant; and as a health caretaker at a Minneapolis child and family center.

Meghan Murray
Chef

Originally from Alaska, Meghan completed her bachelor’s in finance from the University of Wyoming. She then returned to Alaska, working in the banking industry for a few years. Switching gears, she moved to Minnesota and completed Culinary Arts School at Le Cordon Bleu.

Susan Opperman
Health Educator

Susan’s responsibilities include supportive eating, charting, taking residents on outings and being available for support. She received her bachelor’s in psychology from Augsburg College in Minneapolis. She plans to return to school for a master’s of social work.

Kathryn Peterson
Home Health Aide

Kathryn greatly enjoys her work at the Anna Westin House. She has worked as a certified nursing assistant in a variety of settings since 1995. She completed her certified nursing assistant coursework at Hutchinson Technical Institute.

Molly Regan
Health Educator

Molly has been with the Anna Westin House since October 2006. She is pursuing her master’s in marriage and family therapy from the Minnesota School of Professional Psychology and hopes to specialize in working with women on issues including eating disorders, depression, anxiety and stress management. Molly received her bachelor’s in women’s studies and psychology with a sociology minor from Hamline University. She has worked for the University of Minnesota, Fairview, in inpatient psychiatry and chemical dependency treatment. She also has worked with specialties such as schizophrenia, adolescent chemical dependency, and severe and persistent mental illness at both Park Nicollet and People Incorporated.

Brian Smith
Home Health Aide

Before joining the Anna Westin House four years ago, Brian worked in a direct-care capacity for Mount Olivet Rolling Acres for 17 years. He enjoys his interaction with residents at the Anna Westin House and finds his role challenging and rewarding.

Carey Velenchenko, L.Ac, Dipl. Ac., M.Om.
Acupuncturist

In addition to the Anna Westin House, Carey has provided acupuncture in private practice, as well as Solimar Wellness Spa in Eagan. Her clinical experience includes treating patients with a wide variety of physical and psychoemotional issues including insomnia, pain, menopausal symptoms, headaches, migraines, PMS, fatigue, digestive complaints, depression and anxiety. She received a master’s in Oriental Medicine from The Minnesota College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine at Northwestern Health Sciences University in Bloomington.

Therapists

Sue Babcock, Psy.D
Licensed Psychologist

Sue has provided services to people dealing with eating disorders since 1995 in a variety of both inpatient and outpatient settings. She is interested in exploring the cultural influences regarding both prevention of and recovery from eating disorders. While Sue greatly values working with clients in a therapeutic relationship, she also enjoys public speaking on the topic of eating disorders and providing training and supervision. Prior to coming to the Emily Program, Sue was in private practice, and has been faculty at both graduate and undergraduate psychology programs.

Kathleen Bernhoft, M.S.W., L.I.C.S.W.
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker

Kathleen's broad social work background includes group work, family intervention, case management, cross-cultural communication, as well as program and community development. She has worked with adults with mental illness and chemical dependency, and has provided psychotherapy to survivors of rape and sexual abuse. Kathleen served with the Peace Corps in Thailand where she taught English and worked in leadership development for girls and women. She received her bachelor's in art education from the University of Minnesota and her master's of social work from the University of St. Thomas.

Laurie Braunshausen, M.S.W.
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker

Laurie has broad clinical experience working with children and adolescents struggling with eating disorders, depression, anxiety, behavioral issues, physical and sexual abuse, attachment issues and family issues. Before joining the Emily Program, she was a child and adolescent therapist at a day treatment program in the Twin Cities where she provided individual, group and family therapy. Laurie received her master’s in clinical social work from the College of St. Catherine and the University of St. Thomas and completed her clinical internship at Hennepin County Mental Health Center.

Hoinu Thirumalai Bunce, M.S. Ed., Psy.D.
Licensed Psychologist

Hoinu has experience working with adolescents and adults with depression, anxiety, chronic medical illness, eating disorders and chemical dependency. Her interests include cognitive and personality assessment, chemical dependency assessment and treatment, and eating disorders. Hoinu received her doctoral degree in clinical psychology from Argosy University at the Twin Cities Campus. She completed her internship at Hazelden in Center City, Minn.

Joan Caillier, Psy.D.
Licensed Psychologist

Joan’s special interests include obesity treatment, trauma recovery and management of chronic medical illness and related psychological adjustment. Her diverse clinical experience includes various cultural and economic issues and clients of all ages. Joan received her doctoral degree from the Minnesota School of Professional Psychology. She interned at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Kansas City and formerly practiced locally at Allina Medical Clinic in Farmington and at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis.

Katy Christensen, Psy.D.
Licensed Psychologist

Katy’s interests are in the areas of clinical and health psychology, including eating disorders. She has experience working with adolescents and adults with a variety of mood and anxiety disorders, chemical dependency, personality disorders and chronic mental illness. She received her doctoral degree in clinical psychology from the Minnesota School of Professional Psychology where she minored in health psychology. She completed her internship at the Wyoming State Hospital in Evanston. She has a master’s in kinesiology with an emphasis in sports psychology from the University of Minnesota.

Rachel Cleveland, M.S.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Before joining the Emily Program, Rachel most recently worked primarily with children and adolescents in a home-based family therapy setting in the Twin Cities. She received her master’s in marriage and family therapy at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. She has a post graduate certification in medical family therapy. Her internship was completed at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha where she worked with individuals, families and couples dealing with a broad range of medical issues.

Kimberly Gerads, M.S.W.
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker

Kim provides individual and family counseling in the area of eating disorders and facilitates the daytime Intensive Outpatient Program for people with anorexia and bulimia. She has broad clinical experience assessing and treating a range of mental health issues. Kim received a master’s in clinical social work from the University of Houston. She completed an internship on a psychiatric unit at Memorial Hospital Southwest and worked for Family Services of Houston for 10 years.

Alison Hawkinson, Psy.D.
Postdoctoral Fellow

Alison has experience working with children, adolescents and adults with a variety of mood and anxiety disorders, eating disorders, autism, chemical dependency, personality disorders and chronic mental illness. Her interests include cognitive and personality assessment and treatment of eating disorders. Alison received her master’s and doctoral degrees in clinical psychology from the Minnesota School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University – Twin Cities. She completed her internship at the Metropolitan Community Mental Health Center in St. Paul.

Annie Heiderscheit, Ph.D., MT-BC, FAMI, NMT
Music Therapist

Annie has 17 years of clinical experience in mental health, chemical dependency and eating disorders treatment. She completed her doctoral degree in music/music therapy and received a master’s in counseling. She has advanced training in music psychotherapy from Temple University, is a fellow in the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music (FAMI) and in Neurological Music Therapy (NMT). Annie also is conducting research and teaching at the University of Minnesota.

Lynnette Hiltunen, Ph.D
Postdoctoral Fellow

Before joining the Anna Westin House and the Intensive Day Program, Lynnette's experience included working in residential treatment centers for eating disorders in San Diego. She received her master's in clinical health psychology from California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University in San Diego, where she is due to complete her doctoral degree in early fall. Her internship included working in the Weight and Wellness Clinic at Children's Hospital in San Diego, where she counseled children and families struggling with obesity.

Kate Jalma, M.A.
Pre-doctoral Fellow

Before joining the Emily Program in the fall of 2007, Kate spent a year at the University of Oregon in Eugene as a pre-doctoral intern at the University Counseling and Testing Center. She has experience in family therapy through Reuben Lindh Family Service in Minneapolis, and has worked with college students dealing with eating disorders and other issues at the University of Minnesota, Carleton College and Metropolitan State University. She received her bachelor’s in child psychology and master’s in educational psychology at the U of M, where she now is finishing her Ph.D. in educational psychology. Her dissertation is investigating how women end friendships.

Helene Keery, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist

Helene has broad clinical experience with children, adolescents and adults with eating disorders as well as with people who have both eating disorders and diabetes. Most recently she has been doing clinical work, conducting research and participating in program development at Methodist Hospital’s Eating Disorders Institute. Helene received her doctoral degree in clinical psychology from the University of South Florida and completed her internship at the University of Florida Health Sciences Center. She completed a fellowship in adolescent health at the University of Minnesota.

Colette Kuhn, Psy.D.
Licensed Psychologist

Colette has worked in a variety of settings including educational institutions, chemical dependency treatment centers and community mental health agencies. She has extensive individual and group therapy experience working with a wide range of mental health issues. Before joining the Emily Program, Colette worked as a staff psychologist at the University of St. Thomas Counseling Center where she provided counseling to undergraduate and graduate students and trained and supervised doctoral interns and practicum students in the counseling profession. She received her doctorate in counseling psychology from the University of St. Thomas

Jennie Laskow, M.A.
Licensed Professional Counselor

Jennie has substantial experience providing mental health services within residential and outpatient settings. She has worked with groups and individuals dealing with a broad range of issues including mood, anxiety and thought disorders, chemical dependency and HIV. Jennie received her master’s in counseling psychology from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul. She completed her practicum at the Park Nicollet Mental Health Department in Minneapolis.

Amy Lawrence, M.S.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Amy has worked with families and individuals in a variety of settings including internships at The Bridge for Runaway Youth and The Clinical Services Center in Menomonie, Wis. Previously, she worked at Nystrom and Associates, an outpatient clinic, and Methodist Hospital’s Eating Disorder Institute both in the inpatient and outpatient settings. Amy received her master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Wisconsin-Stout.

Jennifer Lees, Psy.D.
Licensed Psychologist

Jennifer has a diverse background of clinical experience, most recently working at a community mental health center in Moorhead, Minn. assessing and treating a broad range of adolescents and adults with mental health and behavioral concerns. She received her doctoral degree in clinical psychology from the Minnesota School of Professional Psychology. Jennifer completed a pre-doctoral internship in community mental health with the Southern Arizona Psychology Internship Consortium in Tucson.

Tamar Melmed Marmor, M.P.S.
Art Therapist

Tamar’s experience includes providing individual and group therapy to adults with a history of trauma, mental illness and brain injury while working at Belleview Hospital Center in New York City. She also conducted research examining the connection between creative therapy and cognitive improvement in patients suffering from traumatic brain injury. Tamar received her graduate degree from the School of Visual Arts in New York City and completed her internships at Incarnation Children’s Center, an inpatient facility for children and adolescents with HIV/AIDS, and at Bellevue Hospital Center.

Joie Miletich, M.S.W.
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker

Joie's most recent work was with children, adolescents, families and groups as well as individuals with severe and persistent mental illness at the Human Development Center in Cloquet, Minn., before joining the Emily Program in the fall of 2007. Joie received her bachelor's in social work from the University of Wisconsin-Superior and her master's in social work from the University of Minnesota-Duluth.

Dirk Miller, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist

Dirk has worked in the area of eating disorders since 1982 as an individual therapist, group facilitator and program director. He developed and administered an inpatient/outpatient eating disorders program at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, which was the first such program in the state of Indiana. His doctoral dissertation was in the area of eating disorders treatment. He developed and facilitated eating disorders groups at a variety of locations. Prior to his work in eating disorders he was involved in the area of alcohol and drug abuse treatment.

Shannon O’Donnell, Psy.D.
Licensed Psychologist

Shannon has worked in the eating disorders field since 1990 conducting research, providing clinical care and developing treatment programs. She returned to Minnesota to open the state’s first residential treatment facility, the Anna Westin House. Prior to that, she created and managed treatment programs in Spokane, Wash., and Mountain View, Calif., as well as maintained a private practice. Shannon received her doctoral degree in clinical psychology from the Minnesota School of Professional Psychology.

Louise Page, M.A.
Licensed Professional Counselor

Before joining the Emily Program, Louise provided individual and group therapy to people with anxiety, depression, substance abuse and addiction and post-traumatic stress disorder during clinical training at the Park Nicollet Clinic. She has additional experience working with individuals with dual diagnoses of serious and persistent mental illness and chemical dependency. Louise received her master’s in counseling and student personnel psychology at the University of Minnesota.

Lori Peiffer, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist

Lori has broad clinical experience, which includes the treatment of eating disorders, PTSD, anxiety, depression and chemical dependence. She also has significant experience conducting Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to treat clients with impulse control problems such as eating disorders and self-injurious behavior. She received her doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Missouri-Columbia and completed her internship at the Missouri Health Sciences Psychology Consortium.

Doug Perry, M.A.
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker

Doug has extensive clinical experience working with individuals, couples and groups in a broad range of mental health issues. Most recently, he worked as a psychotherapist on an acute crisis unit at Fairview University Medical Center where his focus was primarily on depression, anxiety, eating disorders and chemical dependence. Doug also is gay-identified and specializes in working with the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community. He received his master’s in counseling and psychological services at St. Mary’s University in Minneapolis.

Lisa Rogers, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist

Lisa has worked in the area of eating disorders since 1992. She has a varied clinical background, which includes working with adolescents and families where there has been sexual abuse, depression and acting-out behaviors. After receiving her doctoral training at the California School of Professional Psychology, she completed a two-year fellowship in Adolescent Health at the University of Minnesota Medical School. She went on to work in the Eating Disorders Research Program at the University. Prior to the Emily Program, she worked at Children’s’ Hospitals and Clinics in Minneapolis with teen-age Medical Services eating disorders program clients.

Stacy Saindon, M.A.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Stacy is committed to healing the mind, body and spirit. Prior to joining the Emily Program, she was a clinical therapist and youth project supervisor providing individual, group and couples therapy at the Jane Addams Hull House Association in Chicago. Her clinical specialties include trauma, domestic violence, depression/anxiety, life cycle transitions/developmental stages, grief and loss, and substance abuse and addictions. Stacy received her bachelor’s in family social science from the University of Minnesota and her master’s in psychotherapy and counseling, with a focus on marriage and family therapy, from Alfred Adler Graduate School in Hopkins, Minn.

Deborah Schermann, M.A.
Licensed Psychologist

Deborah has worked in the area of eating disorder treatment since 1987 as an individual, family and group therapist. She helped develop and administer an outpatient eating disorders clinic at Allina. She is committed to providing education to health professionals and the public regarding eating disorders prevention and treatment. Most recently, she has participated in research and has developed expertise in the area of obesity treatments.

Angie Scott, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist

Angie has worked with individuals and groups in various areas including depression, anxiety, relationships, developmental transitions, eating disorders and abuse recovery. She completed her doctoral degree at the University of Minnesota in Counseling and Student Personnel Psychology. She interned at the University of St. Thomas Personal Counseling Center in St. Paul. In addition to her extensive experience in university and college settings, her clinical experience encompasses work in a variety of community mental health agencies.

Monique Silver, M.A., L.P.C.
Licensed Psychological Practitioner

Monique enjoys working with young women in a residential setting to address underlying issues contributing to the eating disorder as part of a dedicated therapeutic relationship. She has worked with adolescent and adult women struggling with eating disorders and co-occurring disorders in a variety of settings including residential, inpatient, partial and outpatient at Laureate in Tulsa, Okla., and Methodist Hospital’s Eating Disorder Institute. She received her master’s in counseling and psychological services from St. Mary’s University, Minneapolis.

Kandee Kubat Timmerman, M.S.W.
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker

Kandee has worked in the area of eating disorders since 1990. She has broad clinical experience working with individuals, couples, groups, children and families on issues ranging from mental illness and depression to substance abuse and adoption. Before joining the Emily Program, she was a child and family therapist specializing in adolescents and at-risk youth. She received her master’s in social work (emphasis in clinical work with children and families) from Eastern Washington University, Spokane, and completed internships with Group Health NW Behavioral Health and Children’s Home Society of Washington.

Leah Walls, M.A.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Leah has worked with individuals, families, couples and groups in a variety of settings. She is committed to cultural diversity and works from a strength-based approach. Some of Leah’s focus areas include adolescents, couples, trauma, grief depression and anxiety. Leah received her master’s in counseling psychology and certification in marriage and family therapy from St. Mary’s University in Minneapolis.

Tracy Williams, M.S.W.
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker

Prior to joining the Emily Program, Tracy worked in an outpatient setting in Winona for 10 years providing individual, couple and family therapy addressing a broad range of mental health and developmental concerns. As part of the Winona Eating Disorder Collaborative, she provided therapy to those struggling with eating disorders, particularly in the university community. Prior to moving to Winona, Tracy provided therapy for at- risk children and their families with the Yakama Nation in Washington. She received her master’s degree from Loyola University in Chicago.

Marta Wilson, M.A.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Marta has over 20 years of experience working with adolescents as a therapist, coach and teacher. Prior to joining the Emily Program, she was a clinical psychotherapist at FamilyMeans in Stillwater where she worked with individuals, couples and families, as well as at-risk high school students. She received her bachelor's from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a master's in psychology from the University of St. Thomas. She also received a post-master's certificate in family psychology from St. Thomas.

Kevyn Ziemann, M.A., L.P.
Licensed Psychologist

Kevyn is working on a Ph.D. in counseling and student personnel psychology at the University of Minnesota. As part of his clinical training, he worked with individuals dealing with a variety of issues at Saint John’s University and the College of St. Benedict. He received his master’s degree in counseling psychology from the University of St. Thomas. His undergraduate work was completed at the University of Minnesota, where he majored in sociology and criminology and minored in women’s studies.