Meet our Maple Grove Office
CINDY HODGSON, MA, LPCC, COUNSELOR
I have a master’s degree in counseling psychology from Bethel University and am a licensed professional clinical counselor. I tend to follow a CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) approach, helping you to change thoughts and behaviors that are contributing to your distress. I like to provide some techniques you can
begin using right away and then go deeper to explore the past experiences that may be underlying your tendencies to think and act in ways that aren’t helpful.
I welcome and have worked effectively with people holding a wide range of beliefs. I have a Christian worldview and am happy to integrate Christian principles into therapy if you would like. I have experience working with adults of all ages, including people with severe and persistent mental illness, and I welcome senior adults who are looking for support in navigating the challenges that come with aging. Whatever your age, whether you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, OCD, low self-esteem, spiritual issues, social or communication skills, anger issues, or relationship problems, I would be honored to walk with you on your path to healing.
KALLI HEITMANN, MA, Child & Family Counselor
I enjoy seeing children and families who need some help with communicating effectively, parenting strategies and techniques, as well as blended families/families of divorce. I also work well with teens and young adults who are struggling with identity issues and transitional challenges that this stage of life brings.
KRISTA NEWMAN, MA, LPCC, CLINICAL DIRECTOR
I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and have been active in the field of mental health and wellness since 2009. I have extensive training and passion in work with trauma including dealing with abuse, anxiety and PTSD, anger management, and relationships impacted by abusive partners.
I have experience, in particular, working with clients who are in relationships with abusive partners such as those struggling with Borderline or Narcissistic Personality disorders; I love to help individuals find the strength to set limits and emotionally heal from some of the “invisible abuse” that occurs within these relationships.
I tailor my approach to best meet the needs and goals of the individual. The theoretical model I most utilize is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I am also certified in the highly effective treatment of Eye-Movement-Desensitization-Reprocessing (EMDR).
SARAH RIMA, MA, LPCC, COUNSELOR
I completed my Masters degree in Mental Health Counseling at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. As a Christian therapist, I care deeply about providing a hopeful environment where my clients are free to process, heal, and grow, without judgement or shame. I am a whole-person wellness enthusiast, and I desire to see my clients thrive in all areas of their lives.
My work in the past few years has been primarily with college students navigating transition to school as well the many mental health challenges that arise during those stressful years. I have experience working with depression, anxiety, self-harm, trauma, body-image concerns and life-transitions. I am passionate about supporting women during pregnancy and postpartum and supporting mothers in various seasons of transition.
I utilize a trauma informed cognitive behavioral approach and often incorporate a narrative therapeutic method that allows clients to see themselves more clearly apart from the challenges they face. Through a process of building trust, getting to know my clients and working together to move through their concerns, my clients are equipped with skills and new perspectives that have potential to last far beyond our time together.
MIKAYLA NELSON, MA, COUNSELOR
I completed my master’s degree in counseling psychology at the University of St Thomas. I have particular interests in trauma, anxiety/depression, relational issues, couples’ therapy, and mood disorders. I also have personal experience and understanding of congenital cataracts, and would love to help you navigate the feelings and emotions behind this eye condition whether you have the condition, or you are a struggling parent.
I work with adults and teenagers and always try to find what works best for each individual client or family. The theoretical model I am most interested in is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy which explores your thoughts and behaviors and the way they impact your feelings and relationships. I also integrate a person-centered approach, which means that I am encouraging and our goals in session will be largely determined by you and what you want to get out of our time together.
In my personal life I have a love of disney stories, but real life isn’t always a fairytale. I enjoy helping people create new stories that will inspire and encourage them beyond their current struggles.
David Brickner, MA, Counselor
Life is complicated. Each of us has a story filled with joy and suffering. We have our own unique experiences that have shaped us, impacting how we view ourselves, others, and the world around us. Often there comes a point where we may want to make sense of the question, “How did I get here?” I think this is a beautiful question that is at the forefront of understanding your unique story. I am eager to walk alongside individuals who want to unpack their story, understand the depth of their experiences, and work towards a greater sense of peace in their lives.
I primarily work with adults and have a special interest in family of origin issues, life transitions, pornography addiction, men’s issues, anxiety disorders, sexuality, relational issues, existential questions, and grief. I also have an interest in working with college-age and young adults. Late teens and early twenties are such important ages as you step into your adult identity.
When working with individual clients, I draw primarily from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy approaches. I strive to meet clients where they are at with a relational, non-judgmental, empathetic approach. My approach is conversational and collaborative, and I enjoy incorporating humor when appropriate. I strive for my clients to feel heard, empowered, and supported, and approach their stories with curiosity and compassion.
I received a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Bethel University and am working towards my LPCC licensure. I am happy to incorporate Christian faith into sessions if you desire, however clients of any faith background are welcome and accepted.
JULIE MUEHLBACH, MA, MARRIAGE & FAMILY COUNSELOR
HANNAH HINDS, MA, MARRIAGE & FAMILY COUNSELOR
I completed my Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy at Bethel Seminary. I love to come alongside individuals, couples and families that desire healing, change and growth in their lives. I am ready to hear your story and help you move towards the next chapter in your life. Faith can be integrated if you desire, but whatever your faith background, you will be welcomed, valued and respected.
I have training and experience working with children with trauma and have a heart for helping the whole family navigate the challenges of PTSD symptoms. I also have a heart for families or individuals that have been touched by adoption. I understand it can feel beautiful, messy and complicated all at once.
I also have a special passion for helping couples and families navigate differences in backgrounds and traditions. I strive to uphold the values of cultural humility and competency in the therapy room because I believe that race, ethnicity and culture are important parts of your identity.
I realize that therapy can be intimidating and change can be scary, so I strive to create a welcoming and warm environment where all individuals can feel safe to be honest with themselves and others.
MELANI KOMPELIEN, MA, COUNSELOR
My approach is gentle yet direct. I provide a safe environment for people to explore their histories and begin to take steps toward a healthier and more fulfilling life. I work with adults, couples, families, and children to help them find relational wholeness.
No matter what you are particularly struggling with—whether you feel stuck in your circumstances or lost in a sea of change, I believe there is hope. Together, we can work to make things better.
Lauren Anderson, MA, LAMFT, Marriage & Family Counselor
Being human comes with its challenges, and sometimes, we need support navigating the ups and downs of life. No issue is too big or too small; if it feels significant to you, it matters. As a therapist who knows what it’s like to be a client, I understand that finding a therapist and starting therapy can be a daunting task. I hope to make that journey a little less intimidating by meeting you where you’re at with compassion and care. Together, we can explore your story and process whatever you are facing.
I enjoy working with couples and families who want to strengthen their connection while addressing challenges holistically (mind, body, spirit). There are often underlying needs and emotions around the conflict and pain we experience, and uncovering those can create space for meaningful healing and restoration.
Therapy is as unique as you are, and I am committed to offering support that best suits your needs and goals. I take a gentle approach to therapy, creating a safe space for you to feel seen and known, free of judgment. Working with me often involves utilizing parts work (IFS), somatic practices, mindfulness skills, EMDR, and spiritual integration. I also support premarital couples using PREPARE/ENRICH.
Taking the first step can feel like the hardest part, yet the hard decisions often bear the most fruit. If you think working together could be the right step for you, please reach out. It’d be an honor to partner with you on your healing journey.
Laryssa McLouth, MA, LADC, Counselor
I am a Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor who earned my Master’s degree in Counseling and Psychological Studies, with a Certification in Addiction Studies, from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Over the years, I have primarily worked with adults (18+) facing substance use disorders, eating disorders/body issues, low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and/or anger management issues. I use a trauma-informed, person-centered therapeutic approach with influences from a psychodynamic lens and DBT/CBT skills.
I have a passion for helping those battling addiction learn how to manage their symptoms by integrating coping skills and mental health knowledge. Recovery is a process, and I am ready to aid individuals in finding the root cause of their addiction and promoting hope and healing through spiritual integration and DBT skills.
My ultimate goal is to help individuals find ways to cope with the negative experiences we encounter as humans. Understanding why we suffer can be daunting, and I want to work with individuals to find light where everything may seem dark. Life is a beautiful struggle, but no one must suffer alone.
Mary Stahl, Counseling Intern
Knowing the counseling journey involves vulnerability and can sometimes feel intimidating, my priority in counseling is to create a safe and confidential space for you to share, heal, and grow. I hold no judgment, and there will be no shame – problems we currently have were “rational” solutions in the beginning. They often solved a problem we encountered or helped to keep us safe or survive in a difficult situation. The problem is, when we no longer need those coping patterns they are often stuck, and we need help to release them. I use a holistic approach to counseling, utilizing cognitive, emotional, body (somatic), and faith-based techniques, depending on your specific needs. I’ll work with you to find the root of your current concerns so that healing changes can happen on a core level and become part of who you are. We will also work together to build meaning, purpose, and joy.
I am currently completing my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Bethel University under the supervision of Krista Newman. I work primarily with adults, and with a wide variety of concerns, including anxiety, depression, relational issues, sexuality concerns, body-mind interconnections, and spiritual issues. I have a rich background in theology and the Bible, and we can use spiritual tools if you would like to integrate faith into your counseling sessions.
I have personally experienced difficult seasons and the dark and disappointing places life can take us, and if this is part of your story, we will work together to help you find hope again. I am a firm believer that there is always hope, and that healing is always possible. If that seems hard to believe in this moment, I will hold that hope for you while we work toward rekindling it in you. I also believe that experiencing positive emotions is an integral part of the healing process. We will be intentional about working together toward healing in the hard spaces, but also have moments where you can laugh and experience joy on your healing journey.
LISA MANDELL, BILLING MANAGER & BOOKKEEPER
I am the offsite billing manager and bookkeeper. I manage most of the contact with your insurance company to ensure that our therapists get paid and your insurance covers everything they are supposed to. I am a retired biologist and former business owner. In my free time I enjoy quilting, reading, doing bible studies, cooking new dishes, and playing with my adorable grandchildren.
Dianne White, intake coordinator, billing assistant, & eap specialist
When you come into the Maple Grove office, you will see my smiling face ready to welcome you. I am available to answer questions about billing, insurance benefits, or to help you schedule or reschedule your appointments.
I have my bachelor’s degree in Crisis Counseling/Bible with a minor in Christian Counseling from Liberty University. When I am not working for Threads of Hope Counseling, I love to spend time with my two precious grandchildren, walking in the nearby parks with my Australian Shepherd, watercolor painting, or reading on my patio in the warmer months or in front of my fireplace in the winter.
