About Us
Vision
All people who prioritize their mental health flourish with access to effective treatment, supportive services, and communities that are inclusive and welcoming.
Philosophy
Whole-person wellness starts at PMMH. We consider each person in their entirety; integrating treatment, care and resources which support a healthy mind, body, and spirit. We encourage each person to define their life goals— physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, social, vocational, and interpersonal—and we assist to achieve them. Our approach assists people in leading full lives with a focus on overall health and well-being.
Values
-Dignity and respect with all client interactions
-Create a welcoming atmosphere that reflects compassion and embraces differences through awareness of diversity, equality and inclusivity.
-Person-centered approaches that ensure all people have the right to make informed choices about their lives.
Beliefs
A person’s mental health is more than a diagnosis. We recognize that there are many factors, including environmental, socioeconomic, cultural, etc., that should be considered when providing services. We aim to foster hope, health and well-being that assists the clients life overall.
Theoretical Approach
We do not have a specific theory/modality that is utilized, as we believe it depends on each client and their specific needs. However, we do provide services that are person-centered and strengths-based. We utilize evidence based treatment modalities.
Meet our Therapists
Rebecca Koskiniemi, MSW, LICSW
Hello! Please call me Becky, I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in the state of Minnesota and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of Colorado. I have my Masters in Clinical Social Work and have been providing Mental Healthcare for over 9 years.
Prior to PMMH, I worked in home for over four years with all ages and all diagnoses. I have also worked in a residential Substance Use Disorder facility where I gained valuable experience with dual diagnoses clients. Before my journey into Social Work and Mental Health I was employed for ten years in a Nursing Home and gained knowledge of Geriatrics and the day to day struggles that can occur for this age group.
My specialties are Trauma, Insomnia, Depression, Anxiety, as well as care and treatment with the LGBTQIA+ community. I work with all ages from birth to 99+.
On the personal side, I have three children. They are all successful adults and I couldn't be prouder of them. I love to travel and do so any chance I can. I also enjoy fishing, camping, hiking, reading and spending time with my children and grandchildren.
Victoria Selander, MSW, LGSW
Hi there! My name is Victoria and I graduated from the College of St. Scholastica (CSS) in 2021 with my Master’s in Social Work. I work at Peaceful Mind Mental Health as an office manager and psychotherapist. I completed my undergraduate degree in 2018 at CSS and worked in a human services setting for three years. I have been with Peaceful Mind Mental Health since 2020.
I have experience working in-home with children and families focusing on safety and overall wellbeing. I meet clients where they are at in their journey and assist them in getting them to where they want to be. I follow a strengths-based, person-centered approach and tailor services to each individual client.
My specialities include anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, emotional intelligence, coping skills, etc.. I work with children, adolescents, and young adults. I offer in-person and telehealth services each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
I spend most of my free time I have with my two children and husband. I enjoy camping, exploring new places, reading, yoga, playing tennis, and journaling. I love meeting new people and assisting them in finding peace and contentment in their lives.
Kate Monson, MSW, LGSW
Hello, I’m Kate. My pronouns are she/her/s and they/them/theirs. I hold a clinically focused MSW from The College of St. Scholastica. I graduated in the spring of 2022, and I am a Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW). My educational background is seeded in the B.A. in Gender, Women’s, and Sexuality Studies I earned through the University of MN, Duluth in 2013. Currently, I am with clients through telehealth only.
I have recently been employed as a Mental Health Practitioner for IRTS and ARMHS practicing with adults living with serious or persistent mental illness diagnosis. I currently sit with clients ages 12+ from a variety of identities and backgrounds. I am a LGBTQIA2S+ affirming and identified practitioner, and I appreciate working with queer, trans and gender explorative clients, as well as, with their families. I provide care for clients with varied relationship and family structures. I believe in a society where the stories of historically marginalized communities are uplifted and celebrated in our lives individually and collectively. I practice allyship to BIPOC.
My personal and professional values are rooted in the following practices: feminism, earth-honoring, deep listening, trauma informed, and mindful presence. My philosophy is healing unfolds through courage, the loving presence of others, relationship, curiosity, and an intuitive acceptance that being human is a complex, unique, and universal experience. My theoretical training is person centered, strengths and mindfulness based, and grounded in Relational Cultural, Feminist, Queer, Attachment, and Polyvagal Theory.
Outside of work, I seek a personal sense of joy, meaning, curiosity, and pleasure in my life. As a white-bodied third generation Norwegian and European American, I practice learning about my cultural heritage and ancestral identity. I live with my chosen and non-traditional family, including our dogs, and a garden filled with bees and butterflies in the summer months. I am an ardent admirer of mystery, dancing, music, poetry, reading, writing, and being in nature--especially swimming.
It is my hope to combine my clinical training and intuitive abilities to be a companion for you as you explore your therapeutic journey and grow to trust your own inner voice of wisdom. Thank you for considering me to be a part of your healing and mental health journey. If there are appointments available through online scheduling, I am accepting new clients. I look forward to hearing from you.
Lana Kallon, MSW, LGSW
Hello! My name is Lana, and I am a Licensed Social Worker in the state of Minnesota. I graduated with my Bachelors in Social Work, Gerontology and a minor in Sociology in May of 2015. I started my career right after graduation and have been working in the social service field since then.
Since starting my career, I have primarily focused on working with geriatric patients. I started working in a nursing home serving residents in the long-term care setting and the transitional care unit. From there, I went to work for a primary care provider clinic proving behavioral health services to adults and older adults. Currently, I work for Lutheran Social Service of MN as a care coordinator for those ages 65+ in various counties.
On a personal note, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our new dog Rego who is an 8-week-old Dutch Shepherd. I enjoy being outside as much as I can as the Minnesota weather allows. In my spare time I enjoy reading, cooking, going to movies, bowling, training dogs and working on my best friend’s farm.
Annastasia Ramig, MSW, LGSW
Hello, everyone! Feel free to call me Stasia as I know my name is a mouthful! I graduated with a clinically focused MSW degree from St. Mary's University of Minnesota in the summer of 2022. I am a Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW) and meet Minnesota clients strictly via telehealth. I offer therapy services through Peaceful Mind Mental Health and my availability is as follows: Mondays, 1-9PM; and Tuesday-Friday, 8-4PM.
After graduating with my BSW from The University of St. Scholastica in the winter of 2019, I worked as an Adult Rehabilitative Mental Health Social Worker (ARMHS) before leaving the role to become the oncology program manager and social worker at our local hospital in May of 2021 until I graduated with my MSW and transitioned into full-time therapy work.
I have worked in mental health clinics, in hospitals and in a nursing home where I gained experience with patients 18+ struggling with medical and mental health diagnoses. I really enjoy creating obtainable goals--together with my clients--through a strength-based, person-centered approach utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and integration of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). With these strategies, I intend to help my clients enhance their self-awareness, increase their emotional and behavioral insight, boost their distress tolerance and process their emotions.
My specialties include Depression, Anxiety, Borderline Personality Disorder, Couples, and Cancer/Medical Diagnoses.
In my free time I enjoy reading, writing, traveling inside-and-outside of Minnesota and spending time out in our beautiful summer and fall seasons. I also enjoy spending time with my friends and family, attending concerts and playing with my dog, Spartacus, a.k.a. Sparky.
Nikki J. Wait, LADC
Hello! My name is Nikki, I’m excited to be joining the Peaceful Mind Mental Health staff as an Addictions Counselor! I hold a bachelor's degree with a double major in Psychology and Spanish and am a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor in the state of Minnesota.
I have 10+ years of experience in mental health and drug and alcohol counseling. I started my career working with adolescents in a behavioral health program and eventually moved on to be a mental health practitioner and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor at a mental health outpatient clinic. At this clinic I helped start and run an outpatient chemical dependency treatment program.
I enjoy helping individuals struggling with addictions and their families navigate the road to recovery. Areas of special interest include, grief and loss, co-occurring disorders, and skill-based recovery. I also complete assessments for court ordered individuals as well as those seeking services voluntarily.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my boyfriend and children, extended family and friends as well as participating in various hobbies including crafting and kayaking!
Thomas Wait, MSW, LGSW
Hello! My name is Tom and I am a Licensed Graduate Social Worker in the State of Minnesota. I am currently preparing to take my licensing boards to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I plan to see clients both in person and via telehealth (for your convenience) as I provide services with Peaceful Mind Mental Health. I take on an eclectic approach which combines person centered practice with cognitive behavior therapy. I like to meet each individual where they are and help them to identify the strategies and techniques that will best support them in their journey. I have a strong background in working with children and personally enjoy working with children and their families through trauma, relationship and attachment barriers. I have a personal tie to foster care and adoption and look forward to any opportunity to provide support through these transitions. I am a Certified Trauma Professional as well as an Autism Spectrum Disorder Informed Professional and enjoy fully utilizing this experience to best support children and families. I have spent a great deal of my workforce experience providing ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy to children with Autism and other related conditions to meet their goals to live their best lives. I plan to expand my service delivery in the future by providing Autism assessments.
I have 3 beautiful children that keep me busy on my off time. Between soccer practice, dance rehearsal and the additional family excursions, I stay fairly busy. Additionally, I hold a full-time position as a Clinic Director for a leading provider in ABA services for children with Autism.
My availability will start with Wednesdays from 4pm-7pm. I am open to discussing other days of the week and times that work for you so that we can work together to meet your goals.
I look forward to meeting you!
Katelyn Swanson, MSW, LICSW
Hello! My name is Katelyn Swanson. I have a Bachelor's degree in Community Psychology, minor in child/family studies, and a Master's in Social Work with a clinical concentration. I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in Minnesota. I have over 7 years of experience in the behavioral/mental health field.
I am an optimistic person and try to be open and understanding with my clients. My approach is very client-centered. I try to see the best in people and meet clients where they are at. Therapy can be difficult and a lot of work: that is where change happens-- outside of our comfort zone. We have to feel safe to get outside of our comfort zone that is my goal. I am currently seeing clients statewide via telehealth and in-person at the New York Mills location.
I have a diverse range of experiences with different populations. Over the course of my career, I have worked with children aged three to teenagers, young adults, middle aged adults, and elderly individuals. I have worked with people who struggle with mental illnesses, LGBTQ+, trauma survivors, domestic violence survivors, children with behavioral challenges, people with a history of addictions/chemical dependency, families, people in crisis, and more.
Some of the interventions I have training and/or experience with are CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), TF-CBT (trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy), grief/loss, DBT (dialectical behavioral therapy), LGBTQ+ focused, play therapy, art therapy, person centered, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, solution-focused, psychoeducation, and have a goal in pursuing certification through Gottman Institute to become a certified Gottman couples therapist. Some of the diagnoses I have experience working with are those who meet diagnostic criteria for ADHD/Other Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Oppositional Defiant Disorder/Disruptive Behavior/Dissocial Disorders, PTSD, Mood Disorders, and Substance Use Disorder.
On a personal note, I enjoy spending time with my husband, kids, extended family, and friends. I love participating in many different activities such as swimming, reading, camping, arts/crafts, napping, and binging the occasional TV show.
Geneva Cabello, LSW, MSW Clinical Trainee
Hello! My name is Geneva and I am currently attending Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota for my Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work and will graduate winter of 2023. I have been a social worker for 9 years and have experience with the developmentally delayed, adults with severe and persistent mental illness and teens.
I hope to focus on adolescents, families and those who have experienced sexual trauma. I follow a strength based and person-centered approach.
In my free time I enjoy traveling with my family, flower gardening and playing with my dogs and horses.
Alissa Sladek, MSW, LICSW
Hello! I’m Alissa. I have my master's in social work and have been working in the mental health field for over 10 years. I have my LICSW in Minnesota and my LCSW in Texas. I work with adults 18 and over. I have experience with many different diagnoses but have a passion for working with individuals who have BPD.
I feel that therapy is a relationship, and that trust is important to reach your goals. I like to meet people where they are at in their mental health journey, understanding everyone is different and needs different things. I have like using DBT skills but have used many different approaches depending on what is the best fit for the individual.
In my free time I love to be outside and spend time with friends and family.