Angel Koski

Angel Koski

FOUNDER, MSED

At its core, MAP Behavioral Health Center is a space built for you, the client. Angel wanted to build a space where people could find comfort, healing and guidance. A place for people who have veered off course but need help finding their way, regardless of how lost. She believes that at times, we all carry our own world of troubles or feelings of helplessness, but she also believes there is always hope, which is why she, along with her talented associates, created MAP. Angel has a background in school counseling, working with at-risk youth, collaborating with families who need guidance for autism spectrum disorders, and instructing psychology and guidance. She has a soft spot for veterans, her dogs, and most of all, her family.

Paige Benson

Paige Benson

LPCC, CRC

In my practice, I strive to provide a warm, safe, supportive and non-judgmental environment for self-discovery. Therapy is a way to identify the positive and negative patterns in your life, to discover your own strengths, learn new coping skills and feel empowered to overcome hardships.

My areas of focus include:  anxiety, stress management, depression, trauma, interpersonal issues, transitional life issues, school bullying and suicidal behaviors.  I utilize approaches/skills of: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Client-Centered therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Growth Mindset, Mindfulness and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. I am trained in EMDR. I work  with youth and adults.  

I feel the therapeutic relationship is a very important element of change in therapy. Choosing a therapist is an important decision. I welcome the opportunity to speak with you over the phone in advance. Please call to schedule a complimentary phone consultation.

Trainings and Certifications: EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing through EMDRIA, DBT through DBT Skills with Marshal Linehan, ART through Accelerated Resolution Therapy

Paige is verified by Psychology Today

Sara Vaccarella

Dr. Sara Vaccarella

Psy.D, LP

Dr. Vaccarella has served as part of a multi-disciplinary team of mental health professionals in a variety of contexts, including inpatient, outpatient, and correctional settings. Her experience includes providing psychotherapy, psychological assessment, and program and policy development. Much of her work has included working with clients in a psycho-legal context, focusing on assessment and treatment of impaired sexual behavior and general mental health disorders. Dr. Vaccarella serves as the Clinical Director at MAPBHC; in this role, she is the Training Director for the MAPHC and Kartta Group doctoral internship consortium, she helps to coordinate clinical training activities, and she supervises counseling students and post-graduate clinicians and psychologists.



 

Dr. Kari Rengo

APRN, PMHNP-BC

I’m Kari.  I have a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and a Family Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certificate from the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, MN.  Using the alphabet as a guide, these degrees make me a DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC.  Say that 10 times fast!

I live in Duluth, MN with my husband, our three kids, our three dogs, and our two cats!  We enjoy spending time in nature and being on the lake in our boat together.  I’m OBSESSED with gnomes!  I have a weakness for peanut butter M&Ms, cake pops and comfort food. 

What I love about psychiatry is having the ability to help you find your True North.  Working with you to identify the symptoms that caused you to lose your fixed point in this spinning world.  Creating a treatment plan with you that is based on your most deeply held beliefs, values, and the principles you live by.  Celebrating with you when your internal compass, unique to you, returns to representing who you are at your deepest level. 

Finding your True North doesn’t need to be painful.  It can be comfortable, natural, and done at a pace that works for you.  You can smile, shed a tear or two, and maybe even enjoy the conversation.  I want you to end our visit thinking “Hey!  That’s wasn’t so bad!”.  That is my ultimate goal.

I can help you take control of your path and send you back in the direction of who you are at your deepest point, your True North.

Amy Maslowski

Ph.D.

Dr. Amy Maslowski is a post-doctoral fellow with extensive experience in evidence-based psychotherapy and psychological and psychodiagnostic assessment. She is trained in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and trauma-based therapies (e.g., Prolonged Exposure, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Written Exposure Therapy), as well as supportive therapy with adults. She sees patients for anxiety disorders, mood disorders (e.g., depression), health concerns (e.g., chronic pain, insomnia), eating disorders, trauma, and psychosocial stressors and adjustment. She also periodically conducts psychological evaluations through her partnership with Kartta Group for children through adults to assess for memory/cognitive conditions (e.g., Mild Cognitive Impairment), pre-surgical (e.g., spinal cord stimulator, organ transplant, bariatric), ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), personality disorders, learning disabilities, and differential diagnosis. (She is not currently available for assessments.) 

Dr. Maslowski is a MN native and lifelong lover of the Northland. Outside of work, she is almost always outside taking in the beauty of Duluth and the North Shore. She especially enjoys hiking area state parks and the Superior Hiking Trail, as well as volunteering with local organizations (e.g., Grandma’s Marathon, Bentleyville). 

She received her bachelor’s degree from the College of Saint Benedict, her master’s degree from the University of Minnesota Duluth, and her Ph.D. from the University of North Dakota. 

Ashlan Mahan

DOCTORAL Intern, MA

Hello there! I am a new resident to the Duluth area (originally from Texas), and I am very excited to serve my clients in a welcoming, safe, and nonjudgmental environment. I received my bachelor’s degree in psychology, master of arts degree in forensic psychology, and am currently wrapping up my doctorate degree in clinical forensic psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. I have been immersed in the mental health field for about eight years now and have had the privilege of working with a multitude of populations. Some of my career/research interests lie in trauma treatment, correctional psychology, and family systems. A few of the therapeutic approaches I tend to gravitate toward include Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI); however, I believe the needs of the client may require more integrative approaches specific to them.

When I am not in the office, I enjoy being outdoors, reading, travelling, and spending time with my pup.

 
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Katelyn Maciej

MA, LADC, LPCC

“Life is a Journey Not a Destination, and it all Begins with One Single Step”

I work from a client-centered approach focusing on strengths, goals, wellness, and overall well-being. I aim to connect with clients through a warm, calm, compassionate demeanor, in a safe supportive environment.  I also use a solution-focused approach to help clients problem solve and attain their goals.

I received a Master’s Degree from Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School. My focus (since 2015) has been working with adults struggling with substance use. The bulk of my experience has been working with adult males; however, I also work with women and family members of those with addiction.  I specialize in substance use disorder counseling, but also work in areas of anxiety, depression, adjustment issues, trauma, relationship issues, and life planning. I am fortunate to work with a multidisciplinary team that assists in bringing a lot of expertise in many other areas of mental health.

Things can and do change.  If you are struggling to create change in your life, it is my hope that with my experience and areas of therapeutic focus, I can help you on your own journey towards living the life that you want you live.

Trainings and Certification: EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) through EMDR Institute, ART through IS-ART

Katelyn is verified by Psychology Today

Trevor Swoverland

LICSW

Welcome!

It’s a courageous thing to recognize the need for help tackling problems you are facing, and I see it as my personal mission to partner with you to take on the concerns that brought you in. I offer a space free of judgment and full of acceptance for whatever challenges you have. I will meet you where you are at, and we will work together as a team to address the changes you want to make. We will construct our sessions to make use of the approaches and styles that will work best for you personally, and together we will evaluate whether our work is effective for you, and we will adjust our strategy as needed to reach the best possible outcome we can together. Through every step of treatment our focus is on your identified needs and your comfort with and confidence in the approaches we take in our work together. 

I have years of experience serving people struggling with post-traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, anger management issues, managing boundaries in relationships, grief, poor self-esteem, work problems, stress management, and adjusting to life changes. In my work I use several different therapeutic approaches including Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Dialectic Behavioral Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and am trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), mindfulness practice, and I have considerable experience with safety planning for suicidal thinking and behavior. You are the expert in your own life experience and so with your knowledge and the approaches described above we can work together to improve your functioning and quality of life.  I am excited to get to know you and to work with you to create the future you want for yourself. 

Outside of my work as a therapist I am a volunteer firefighter and am often busy with my family on our small farm outside of Duluth.

Trainings and Certifications: ART through Accelerated Resolution Therapy, EMDR

Carol Johnson

Carol Johnson

MA, LMFT

- Telehealth Only -

As a therapist, I seek to join my clients in the creative process of therapy, to come up with helpful solutions to ease their struggles and bring more joy back into their lives. We walk together through the fog in search of pockets of sunshine. I strive to not only see my clients’ emotional health, but also their physical, spiritual, and relational health, looking to each for clues that might hold healing. I am innately curious, compassionate, and focused on my clients’ strengths. 

I work with couples and individuals of many backgrounds and orientations who are experiencing a wide variety of challenges: depression, anxiety, communication issues, life changes, self-esteem challenges, relationship conflict, among others. I am passionate about working with women experiencing prenatal or postpartum anxiety or depression. I also love working with couples getting started and offer premarital counseling packages.

In therapy, I use a variety of techniques, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), narrative therapy, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), family systems, and mindfulness. I am a certified Prepare-Enrich facilitator.

Aside from counseling, I enjoy spending time with my family outdoors, jogging, and reading.

Carol is Verified By Psychology Today

 
Paul Baecker

Paul R. Baecker

Board Certified Counselor MA, NCC, LPCC

Paul is a board-certified counselor who studied at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. He works from a strength-based and solution focused, holistic, and mindful counseling approach with adult and adolescent disorders such as Depression, PTSD, ADHD, Anxiety, Personality, and Behavioral issues such as ODD, among others. He is specifically trained in trauma focused Cognitive Behavioral therapy and training resiliency with adolescents and trauma victims, which was completed while studying in Germany. Furthermore, his forte is in active and play therapy with children and adolescents that are looking for a different spin on traditional therapy.  

He has completed Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy training and often utilizes TF-CBT to help individuals who have experienced trauma. He also draws from years of Play Therapy experience, which is often helpful for younger children to express and process their experiences.

Caring and compassionate, he is committed to working with a variety of patient populations including LGBTQ to provide quality mental healthcare and customization treatment plans. He has the zeal and passion to accomplish any task put before him. Outside of work one can find him cycling around the North Shore on his road bike with his wife and kids or enjoying all that the Northland has to offer in its abundant natural beauty. When not in Duluth, he can be found enjoying the Northland and all that it has to offer.

To better serve the rural health communities, Paul is now seeing clients in downtown Cloquet Minnesota with free on-site parking.

Ronda White

Ronda White 

MA, LP, LMFT

Welcome! The choice to begin psychotherapy is a courageous one and I admire those willing to begin a journey toward healing and transformation. I’m honored to work with them in their pursuit of happier, more productive and successful lives.

My experience includes: job related stress; anxiety; trauma recovery; relationship problems; compulsive behavior; sexual disorders; mood disorders; change of life adjustments; and anger management. I tend to use a holistic approach in my work, incorporating mind, body and spirit.

I've been a mental health provider since 1989. Part of my work has occurred in highly stressful environments. This experience has given me added perspective for assisting people dealing with job related stress, including first responders. I'm certified both in EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) and ART (accelerated resolution therapy); these therapy techniques are both designed for resolving trauma, as well as decreasing anxiety, depression, and problematic behavior patterns. I’m also trained in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Positive Psychology.

I work with adolescents and adults.  If I'm the type of therapist you're seeking, I hope you'll call to schedule an appointment soon! *Please verify availability at the time of your call as appointment times fill quickly.

Trainings and Certifications: EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing through EMDRIA ART through Accelerated Resolution Therapy, Completed parts 1 and 2 of POWER (police officer wellness by enhancing resiliency) training.

Bruce Beaman

Bruce Beaman

Marriage & Family Therapist, MSEd, LMFT

- Telehealth Only -

I believe people's needs are met through their relationships with others and their interactions with the world. I believe the health of those relationships, how they are understood, and their ability to meet our individual needs form the foundation of our personal health and well-being. Therapy is a process of discovery, and often re-discovery, of what helps us to be our best selves and our relationships meaningful and fulfilling. I believe behavior is purposeful, no one sets out to fail, and everyone can achieve personal success. My purpose is to assist you in achieving a more satisfying, fulfilling, and enriched life.For the last ten years, I have been working with adult offenders in the corrections' system. Previous to that, I worked with individuals in the community, doing in-home family therapy. My experiences include working with family and peer relationships, conflict resolution, anxiety, emotion management, self-esteem, attachment and co-dependency, chemical dependency, and spirituality.

 

Sarah Johnson

LPCC, LADC

As a clinical counselor, I hope to create a non-judgmental and encouraging space for us to address areas of concern. I believe it is important to not only work to relieve or resolve symptoms, but also work together to help you cultivate a life of well-being. 

My past clinical work has given me a wide range of experiences. I have worked in residential, outpatient and incarcerated settings. I have worked with individual teens and adults, couples, and families and with many different disorders ranging in severity. My specialities include trauma work, anxiety, PTSD, depression, substance use disorders, grief, and teen parenting skills. In my practice, I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Motivational Interviewing. I am trained in EMDR and TF-CBT and am also a Certified Mental Health Integrative Medicine Provider. 

Ellie Schoenfeld

LICSW

I have been working as a therapist for the past fifteen years and spent most all of the rest of my working life in Human Services.

Eduardo Duran says, “Healing has to do with being able to harmonize with all that life has to offer.” Carl Jung says, “To ask the right question is already half the solution of a problem.” All sorts of people have pointed out that the very word “psychotherapy” translates to soul healing.

Life often presents us with situations of great suffering including but not limited to issues related to grief, depression, anxiety, identity, traumas both historical and current, problems in relationships, feeling overwhelmed, internal and/or external oppressions, medical problems, sleep problems, feelings of alienation, existential angst, and general problems of adjusting to changing life circumstances or stages. All of these things are the terrain of the sacred spaces of your story, your life.

Therapy can provide a safe space in which to explore, identify, and shift barriers which interfere with accessing the inner resources, knowledge, and answers which already live inside of you.  
Through an eclectic mix of evidence-based modalities, we can explore the stories of your life, the habits of your mind, and which strategies might best help you in restoring harmony between your mind/body/spirit and past/present/future.

Mary Oliver asks, “…what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”

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Ryan Meyer

Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LPCC

Ryan is understanding, thoughtful, and will challenge you to think “outside the box” to discover and uncover deeper meaning and satisfaction with your life. He understands what “feeling stuck” is like and will work with you to find creative solutions that truly work and inspire long term change.

He enjoys working with individuals, couples, and families and has been in the helping profession for more than 18 years. He is very dedicated to new learning and seeks to find the right blend of personalized tailoring with the right advanced treatment techniques that have been proven to work.

Ryan graduated from the University of Minnesota with a focus on race relations, equality studies, and social work and continued his education at the Adler Graduate School where he focused on clinical counseling and marriage and family therapy. His work on OCD was published online in 2013 and proposes new and exciting clinical treatments that had not been discussed previously.

If you would like an opportunity to work with an empathic, creative, and thought inducing therapist who will help you reduce the impact of your daily struggles and learn ways to improve your relationship with yourself and others, please reach out and he will be there to help.

EDUCATION:

Adler Graduate School, Master of Arts, Clinical Counseling and Marriage and Family Psychotherapy

University of Minnesota, Bachelor of Arts, Sociology with emphasis in Race, Class, and Gender

 

Kristen Hale

LPCC, LADC, RYT

- Telehealth Only -

From the outside, people see you holding it together but on the inside you’re feeling a wreck. Your inner critic is fierce and all the emotions and parts of you that you’ve worked so hard to contain are showing up in new and weird ways. What might have worked before (insert your go-to coping strategy) just isn’t working anymore and it’s leaving you feeling out of control.


Hi! I'm Kristen, therapist and yogi who is passionate about helping people feel freedom and find balance in their mind and bodies through teaching, guiding, and creating a space of ease to do some hard work. I get pretty excited about helping people understand how their nervous system and brain work together.

To release our pain, we have to go into it. BUT! This process doesn’t have to suck (though at times it likely will.) It can be rewarding and incredibly freeing. I do a lot of psychoeducation to foster language and insight into what is happening, why it might be happening, and how to work your way through it. Awareness and curiosity really are the secret sauce to doing this work.

Trainings and Certifications:
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) through EMDRIA, RYT 500 (Registered Yoga Teacher) Yoga North

Kristen is verified by Psychology Today

Annie Johnson

MSW, LGSW

Hello, I am so happy you are here! The connection and healing that came from the interactions with my clients before arriving at MAP allowed me the background to continue my education towards becoming a licensed social worker. I am passionate about belonging to the mental health community, doing the work I love.

In my therapeutic work, I strive for a person centered outlook and meeting each individual where they are at. I have experience working with children (ages 5-12) and teens on their day to day struggles with anxiety, depression, and body positivity. In addition, I also have experience working with adults and families, individuals on the autism spectrum, and the LGBTQ community. It is my hope to help individuals find their best mode of “transportation”, whatever that may be, on this journey called life. We all start somewhere, and I believe deeply that therapy helps guide each individual to where they hope to be, while fostering a bond that helps them achieve their own goals. 

When I am not with clients, I love to spend my time outdoors, especially along the shore of Lake Superior. You can find me curled up reading mystery novels, spending time with my loving partner, on the water fishing, listening to music, and connecting with family and friends.

I am so grateful for the opportunity to work with each of you. Therapy is a big step, but it is such a wonderful choice. I will see you soon.

Trainings and Certifications: EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) through EMDRIA

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Harmony Feldman McCullough

MSW, LGSW

- Telehealth Only -

Welcome, I am so happy you are here. My goal is to create a warm, trust-filled atmosphere for you and your children to have a safe space to create healing and find solutions. I partner with you to understand your problems and find solutions built on your specific strengths. My approach is informed by aspects of mindfulness, play therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, and the science of brain development and attachment. I earned a masters degree in social work from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2015, and my social work training has given me a strengths-based, holistic approach. I believe in the power of listening and support within a trusting relationship to help bring lasting change for happier, more peaceful lives. Research is important to me, and I strive to offer care based on the most up-to-date science about what works for people. I have experience working with children, teens, and adults to find help with concerns such as behavior problems, trauma experiences, transitions, anxiety, stress, and relationship conflict.  I am currently licensed as a Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW) to practice in the state of Minnesota, and am in the process of completing my supervised practice hours to become a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW). In my free time I enjoy playing with my children, cooking, reading, and being outside in the sunshine as much as humanly possible. I look forward to partnering with you to start the process of healing and growth!

Trainings and Certifications: EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing through EMDRIA

 

Mary Biglow

MSW LGSW

Hello and welcome. Seeking therapy for yourself or your teen can feel overwhelming and I intend to honor the vulnerability and bravery it takes to reach out. I have worked in the mental health field in Duluth for 8 years with adults, teens and families in a variety of settings including residential treatment, intensive day treatment and social services. Through my experience I have come to believe that we all have innate strengths and have witnessed the tremendous growth that can happen within the safe, non-judgmental and confidential environment of therapy.

I encourage a collaborative approach where we create a shared understanding of what success and healing mean for you and work together to reach your goals at your own pace. I work from a strengths based and trauma informed approach and am passionate about helping adults, teens, and families work through life and family adjustments, life transitions, depression, grief, anxiety, stress management and trauma. I have training in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ( TF-CBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Bowenian family therapy and behavioral management.

I have called Duluth home for 12 years and when I am not in my office, I am spending my time gardening, hiking, reading, and finding new ways to enjoy the outdoors.

Kat Proveaux

LGSW, MSW

As Anne Lamott says, “Sometimes we feel that we are barely pulling ourselves forward through a tight tunnel on badly scraped-up elbows. But we do come out on the other side exhausted and changed”. Much like this quote, therapy is to help in building on your strengths, learning ways to build resiliency, processing trauma, and breaking through barriers to a healthier and happier life. 

Through my volunteer and clinical work combined, I have had experienced working in residential treatment, crisis shelters, and community mental health.  I have served as a volunteer firefighter/EMT and now volunteer with the area Critical Incident Stress Management Team and as an educator on health risks for first responders.   

I primarily work with adults, and I have a passion for working with first responders, those who are experiencing post-traumatic stress, identity issues, depression, anxiety, and many other life challenges.  I’m here to walk alongside you on your journey to health and wellness by focusing and building on your strengths. I use various modalities to inform my treatment, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapies, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), and I am Accelerated Resolution Therapy. (ART) certified.

Everyone is unique in what they will find helpful and what they want from therapy. I encourage open and honest communication between myself and those I work with and welcome you to come as your authentic self.

In my free time I enjoy playing with my dogs, hiking, searching for agates, playing board games, and being with family. 

Trainings and Certifications: ART through Accelerated Resolution Therapy

Hayley Rasmussen

MSed

The therapeutic journey will be different for everyone; I aim to make my clients feel heard and respected and assume that everyone is doing the best that they can with the tools they have. Taking the first step is often the hardest, and I am happy you are here!

I have been working in the mental health field for over a decade and have experience working with children, adults, and families of all backgrounds.  I am trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems Trauma Therapy and use a client-centered, collaborative approach, acknowledging that what works for some does not always work for others.  I believe in the power of the client therapist relationship and am honored to hear my clients’ stories and to be able to be a part of their healing.

My clinical interests include anxiety, attachment, depression, family systems and disordered eating. I am passionate about helping clients navigate through the complexities of life by harnessing the strengths they already possess while equipping them with evidence-based tools and techniques.    

When I’m not at work, I enjoy being outside, baking, reading, and most of all spending time with my husband and children who make me believe in the power of gratitude and a good laugh.

 

Grace Pegel

MA

As a therapist, I believe in meeting people where they are at and that you, the individual, are the expert on your life. I tailor my practice to what your individual goals and needs are by considering all parts of who you are, including your strengths, and not only the struggles you face. Throughout my work, I hope to foster a space in which we can communicate openly about what is working and what may not. I look forward to collaborating together and getting to know you better, as this journey will be a team effort between the two of us.

I work with primarily adults on a variety of issues such as trauma processing, anxiety, and depression. I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). Both of these approaches are useful in healing from trauma and alleviating anxiety, depression, or other distressing emotions. I also use other therapeutic approaches such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

In my free time, I enjoy crocheting, reading, hiking, and spending time with my cat and dog.

Trainings and Certifications: EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing through EMDRIA, DBT through DBT Skills with Marshal Linehan, and ART through Accelerated Resolution Therapy,

Mara Stommes

MA, LPCC

TELEHEALTH ONLY

Hello, I’m so glad you’re here! I’m Mara and I’m passionate about connecting with teens and adults of all backgrounds and identities. I find that we seek out therapy when what has worked is no longer working and we are feeling stuck which calls us to understand ourselves differently and move towards change.

In the therapy process you can expect me to be encouraging, a collaborative learner in what brings you to therapy, and affirm that you are the expert in your life. During the therapeutic process I will encourage you to be mindful of what wisdom your body may be sharing and will cater my approach to support your individual needs, strengths, and life experiences.

I have a deep interest in working with individuals experiencing life transitions such as academic and career change, family of origin transitions, family changes, grief and loss, interpersonal distress, trauma and relational concerns. However, my interests are continuously expanding as I am a lifelong learner seeking both mentorship and continuing education to evolve how I support clients. I invite you to connect if my approach resonates with you!

Heather Brennan

MA

Hello and Welcome!

As a therapist I seek to join you in your journey of self-discovery and finding solutions to help you feel whole again. I believe that we use our stories to connect with others, sort out our own thoughts and feelings and inform others of what we have been through. I believe that these stories and relationships in our lives are our foundation. I strive to connect with clients in a safe, nonjudgmental, and supportive environment. My approach to this is Narrative Therapy, Mindfulness Techniques, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Family Systems. I am client focused and what strategies we do will be led by what works for you to reach the desired outcome.

I work with individuals, including children and teens, couples, and families. My specialties include substance use disorders, grief and loss, trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and relationship conflict including co-dependency.

Choosing a therapist can feel overwhelming. If you are seeking a warm environment to work out your own story, I look forward to helping you!

When I am not in the office, I enjoy being with my family, watching hockey, hiking with my dog or reading a good book.

Trainings and Certifications:

Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Sociology, Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy, Associates in Alcohol and Drug Counseling, Certified in Play Therapy.

 

Luke Tervola

LICSW

TELEHEALTH ONLY

Hi, I'm Luke, and I'm a Clinical Social Worker with over a decade of experience as a mental health provider. My hope is that you're able to find a good fit for your therapist, as it has been my experience that the qualities found in the therapeutic relationship, including authenticity, validation, understanding, and mutual empathy are some of the essential foundations to the work of healing. 

With that in mind, I tend to emphasize building the therapeutic relationship when we first meet, which may include discussing your interests, things that are important to you, important relationships, possibly sharing in some humor, and discussing what makes life meaningful to you - in addition to the core of what brings you to therapy at this time. 

I work with adults (18+) and specialize in treating depression, anxiety, trauma and complex trauma, grief and loss, attachment wounds, factors of personal growth, and more. I bring a person-centered, trauma-focused, mindfulness-focused, and attachment-focused approach to my practice. I often use the following modalities in my practice: Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy. I have training in EMDR and a certification in DBT therapy.

In my own time I enjoy spending time with my significant other, time spent outdoors, hiking, vegetable gardening, and watching the Minnesota Twins and Vikings. 

Trainings and Certifications:

Training in EMDR through EMDRIA, Certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (C-DBT) through Evergreen Certifications. 

Jake Christenson

MA

Hello! I first want to acknowledge the courage it takes for someone to recognize their need for help in overcoming life’s ever presenting obstacles. It can be such an intimidating and overwhelming process to ask for help, but I hope that we can work together to not only overcome those obstacles, but thrive in the face of them. With that being said, I strive to create an accepting and compassionate environment where I will meet you where you are at. I take pride in collaborating together to find what best works for you and your needs.

In my practice, I work from both a strengths based and trauma informed perspective to help those with difficulties such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and overall life stress. I utilize various therapeutic approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help a diverse range of children, adolescents, and adults.

When I am not in the office, I spend my time enjoying the beautiful outdoors of Duluth through hiking and golfing. I also enjoy a good read with a cup of coffee next to me whenever I can!

Trainings and Certifications: ART through Accelerated Resolution Therapy

Marissa Marsolek

MA

Welcome! I hope you can take a little time to thank yourself for recognizing that therapy may be the best next step for you or your kiddo! This first step can be the hardest part of this process, and I want to acknowledge that you are here.

I am excited to be able to offer my clients a safe and supportive space in which they can explore their thoughts, feelings, experiences, and work towards making positive changes in their lives. I feel privileged to work together with clients to navigate the inevitable challenges that life throws at us. I believe that clients are experts in their lives, and that I am here as a partner to uncover those truths that may get in the way of coping and healing.

I am passionate about working with children, adolescents, and adults in concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, life adjustments, and stress management. I strive to create an environment where we can work together to not only decrease the negative feelings, but also create a happier and healthier future. I tend to utilize strategies from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, behavior management, and mindfulness-based approaches.

When I am not in the office, you will find me wandering the Duluth-area hiking trails, watching NCAA softball, eating Love Creamery ice cream, or getting lost in a good book!

Trainings and Certifications: ART through Accelerated Resolution Therapy

 

Chloe Backderf

CLINICAL INTERN

Therapy is a tool for understanding ourselves, and then using that knowledge to become whoever we want to be. My job is to provide an environment for self-growth—one void of judgment no matter your differences from myself. My approach to therapy is goal-oriented, with an emphasis on collaboration and utilizing your personal strengths to work toward achieving your goals.

I’m a clinical intern completing the final year of my master’s program. I have experience in individual and group therapy, as well as psychological testing and assessments. My long-term plan is to work with eating disorders after finishing my degree, but I currently welcome working with a wider range of client concerns.

Outside of therapy, I enjoy making soup, weightlifting, and learning German.

Alix Brezinka

CLINICAL INTERN

Hi there, I'm Alix! I am currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Counseling and am honored that you are interested in working with me. I believe every strong therapeutic relationship is rooted in empathy, active listening, and unconditional positive regard, all of which I hope to bring to each session. My goal is to create a safe and warm environment that is free of judgment and allows open communication. I want to work with you to discover your strengths and identify new skills to help you overcome the obstacles in your way. Change is difficult, and I am proud of you for taking the first step.

In my free time, I enjoy being outside, knitting, reading, and traveling. Thank you for taking the time to read a little bit about me and I hope to see you soon! 

Ana Knighten

CLINICAL INTERN

Hello! I am a graduate trainee in the University of Minnesota Duluth’s clinical-counseling program. During my time at MAP Behavioral Health, I will be receiving supervision from Dr. Sara Vaccarella.

When seeing clients, I seek to create an accepting and collaborative environment where we can work toward shared goals. I believe that everyone brings their own strengths to the therapeutic process and that by working together we can figure out how to use those strengths to improve your quality of life.

I primarily use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and I am also exploring Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).

When not in the office, I enjoy hiking to waterfalls, tending my herb garden, and practicing violin.

 

Sydney Hoag

ONLINE ADMIN ASSISTANT

A recent grad from St. Scholastica, Sydney joins our administrative support staff to help with calls, scheduling and checking clients in. You will find her at the front desk just working away.

Brandi Nelson

Admin

Hello! I’m always so happy to see you walk through the door in search for help and guidance through life’s obstacles. If you don’t see me at the front desk, you’ll find me working remotely to help set you up with the best provider at the best time.

When I’m not at work, I’m outside on the water with my daughter or lost in a book. 

Whether you need administrative help or someone to just talk with while waiting, I will be glad to help you out!

Susie Lokhorst

ADMIN

Hello! I am one of the friendly faces you see and hear at the front desk at MAP. My goal is to help make the things that happen outside of your sessions the easiest it can be. I would love to help you find the best provider to help you with your healing journey.

I have lived in Duluth for just over six years now, and I graduated from the University of Minnesota Duluth with a degree in Psychology. My goal at MAP is to not only learn, but also to provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere for everyone that comes through. I look forward to working with you!

 

Mikayla Faltisek

Front Desk Assistant

Hi there! As a front desk assistant, I am available to assist you during your time at MAP! I strive to make sure that anyone who walks through our door feels welcomed and accepted. I am here to find the best care for you!

When I am not at MAP with you, I am focusing on my studies towards the final year of my psychology program as well as my research in the mind-body trauma care lab at UMD. I love yoga, being outdoors, making coffee, and spending time with loved ones. 

I look forward to helping out if you need administrative assistance or simply someone to chat with!