This page is dedicated to highlighting our team and giving you a better sense of who we are. The information below will help you put faces to names and give a small snapshot of what each of us does at SCS. We look forward to working with you.
Lead Administrative Team
Joy Johnson-Lind, LICSW
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Senior Director of Mental Health
Emily O’Hara, MSS, LICSW
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Associate Director/Clinical Director
Chia-Chen Tu, Ph.D., L.P.
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Assistant Director/ Training Director
Maureen Maslinski, MSW, LICSW
Pronouns: She/her/hers
Assistant Director of Embedded Counseling
Ahmed Elhadidi
Pronouns: he/him/his
Office Supervisor
Counseling Staff
Sarra Beckham-Chasnoff, Ph.D., L.P., L.M.F.T.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Senior Supervising Psychologist.
Education: Ph.D. Counseling Psychology, Indiana State University.
About Me: I’ve worked in college counseling for the largest part of my career because this is a time in a person’s life where they are open to understanding themselves as adults, often for the first time. I weave a developmental approach into my work with students as they learn more about who they are and how to navigate the relationships that are important to them. I focus on emotional understanding, believing that our culture often encourages us to negate important feelings we have, leaving us to navigate our lives without fully knowing ourselves. I also look at the world with a feminist lens, believing that the gender roles and other stereotypes we are taught when we are young, and are expected to follow into adulthood, can create barriers to leading a fulfilling life. Lastly, I recognize that the people I work with are students who may be struggling with academic challenges and expectations that complicate their lives.
When I’m not at work you can likely find me running by the river, reading a library book, or cheering on my favorite football team..
Professional Interests: Prior to working at Student Counseling Services, I worked in a LGBT+ Counseling Center and I continue to find fulfillment working with students from my queer community. I also have been privileged to facilitate a grief group for students who have lost parents or siblings, and I work with grieving students individually as well.
Nina Hernandez Beithon, M.S.W., LICSW
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Diversity Liaison Counselor
Education: M.S.W. Social Work, University of Minnesota.
About Me: My work is deeply rooted in relationships, as I believe that healing happens in relationship with others and ourselves. I approach therapy with a social justice and anti-oppressive lens which includes a profound understanding of the systems at play that impact students from oppressed communities. My personal and professional work also includes macro-level work to change systems at a larger institutional level in addition to individual and group counseling. As a mixed (Mexican/White) person I am committed to serving students from a variety of backgrounds and enjoy co-creating and exploring together in therapy what healing looks like for you. I take a holistic approach to healing as I believe that our mental wellbeing is strongly connected and in balance with other life components including academics, spirituality, politics, relationships, finances and physical health. I provide therapy in English and Spanish. In my free time, I enjoy practicing and performing with our Indigenous Mexica Danza group, reading, and spending time in nature.
Professional Interests: My professional interests include: race-based traumatic stress, student activism, police violence, political-based oppression, Latinx populations and issues, oppression fatigue, indigenous and students of color populations and issues, traditional indigenous healing practices, interpersonal trauma, inter-generational and/or historical trauma, gender based violence (domestic and sexual violence), self-esteem, body positivity, identity exploration, LGBTQ populations and issues, harm reduction, and cultural adjustment for 1st generation college students.
Amy Brandt, MSW
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Embedded Counselor for College of Veterinary Medicine
Education: M.S.W, Social Work, University of St. Thomas/University of St. Catherine
About Me: I work as the Embedded Wellness Counselor in the College of Veterinary Medicine and offer individual counseling for students in this program. I’ve had the honor of working with many students over the years and find it very meaningful to support students on their journey of self-exploration and growth. Life can be very stressful, especially when we are trying to balance many competing demands on our time and energy, such as academics, work, personal relationships and needs in our communities. It’s important to me to normalize “not feeling okay” and reaching out for support when we need it. My counseling style is compassionate, non-judgmental and strengths based. I hope to create a space where we can gently and honestly explore where you are and identify what interventions and resources will support you the best.
In my free time, I enjoy being in nature, spending time with my family and friends, and trying new restaurants.
Professional Interests: I support students with different presenting concerns, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, academic demands and the intersection of race, culture, gender, sexuality, and spirituality. My counseling approach draws from different strategies, such as self-compassion, relaxation training, mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills.
Ian Evans, Psy.D., L.P.
Pronouns: He/Him/His
About Me: As a psychologist, I view the process of counseling as one that allows for life's difficulties to be explored and addressed within a supportive environment and trusting relationship. My general approach to therapy is from an interpersonal, emotion-focused, and positive psychotherapeutic lens, which emphasizes the meaning and emotional impact of relationships in the clients' life along with fostering personal strengths to promote holistic well-being and resiliency. Within this approach I view a warm and empathic therapeutic relationship as a primary agent of change; a relationship that actively incorporates the holistic identities and experiences that helps embody the client's full story.
Outside of the office, I enjoy spending time flipping through vinyl records at a local shop, sitting in the stands at a Twins or Wild game, and taking my dog Pickle for walks.
Professional Interests: I have strong interest in working with first-generation college students, international students, LGBTQIA+ identities, masculinity & emotion, racial/ethnic identities, and rural mental health. My clinical interests include presenting concerns such as adjustment difficulties, anxiety and depressive disorders, emotional processing, group therapy, multicultural identity exploration, relational distress/couples counseling, suicide prevention, and trauma. Working with students and organizations outside of the therapeutic context is deeply meaningful to me. I have enjoyed providing outreach programming related to character strengths, gratitude, grief/loss, identity development, life transitions, mentoring, relationships, self-care, suicide prevention, violence prevention, and work-life balance.
Alexa Fetzer, Ph.D., L.P.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Staff Psychologist - Training & Group Therapy Focus
Education: Ph.D. Counseling Psychology, University at Albany, SUNY.
About Me: In my counseling work, I like to help students gain a better understanding of their current struggles, and help them identify new ways of being or relating to others that feel more genuine and meet their goals more effectively. I believe that in coming to know ourselves and forming relationships with others, we often rely on what we’ve learned from previous experiences, or what has seemed to work in the past. When we enter periods of transition that bring new roles, new relationships, and new experiences, our previous learned ways of being or forming relationships may not be as effective, which can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, or relationship and identity concerns. I enjoy working with students to gain insight into the possible “whys” of what isn’t working, and “hows” for moving forward in a way that is more genuine to who they are and to what their values and goals may be. This inherently includes a multicultural approach, as I believe we receive many messages and “shoulds” about how to be and how to form relationships from our diverse experiences—from our family systems, our cultural values and beliefs, and surrounding sociopolitical messages and experiences.
When I’m not at work, I like to nurture my northern MN roots by camping, canoeing, and working on my loon call in the wilderness. I also enjoy yoga, eating delicious food (emphasis on the eating—not so much on the cooking), and keeping up with an ever-growing Netflix queue
Professional Interests: My professional interests include clinical supervision and training, group counseling, diversity awareness and social justice issues, identity development, interpersonal relationship concerns, emotion regulation, mindfulness, anxiety, and depression.
Sarah Gustafson-Dombeck, M.A. LPCC
Pronouns: she/they
Embedded Counselor for Carlson School of Management (CSOM) Undergraduate Program
Education: M.A. Counseling & Student Personnel Psychology, University of Minnesota
About me: Hello! So happy to be here supporting undergraduate students as they navigate challenges while working towards personal and academic goals. I’ve been fortunate enough to have worked at the U for several years as an ASL interpreter and in a role that bridged students to helpful campus resources. I enjoy connecting and co-creating a space to examine life stressors, recognize how past experiences or wounding impact our current behaviors and mood, to unify mind/body connections, and to rediscover innate strengths. My experiences personally and professionally have shaped my values and core beliefs which are grounded in social justice: to recognize disability as diversity, to bear witness and provide hope of healing from adverse childhood experiences and the transformative power of radical-acceptance.
In my free time, I enjoy walking, biking, kayaking, listening to music, attending craft/art fairs and spending time with friends at local coffee shops.
Professional interests: I approach counseling using a person centered, strengths-based perspective, incorporating CBT, DBT, MI, ACT queer theory, and trauma informed approaches with a goal of honoring your personhood and lived experiences.
Jake Loeffler, Psy.D, L.P.
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Outreach Coordinator, Staff Psychologist
Education: Psy.D. Clinical Psychology, Rosemead School of Psychology.
About Me: Sometimes life happens faster than we can adapt to it and often it can be helpful to have someone navigate life during these times. I view caring for one's’ mental health as an ongoing process which requires more work during difficult chapters in life. As a counselor, I help students build resiliency through supporting their strengths and equipping them with skills to make changes to their lives. Each of us are weathering a unique season in our lives and I aim to provide assistance for today’s battles as well as confidence in one’s abilities to effectively build a life for the future. Some of my own personal values include watching and playing sports. I am a MN sports fan. I enjoy woodworking and collaborating with different creatives and makers. I cherish sunny days on the lake paddle boarding and hiking in nature. I am a foodie and enjoy frequenting the great eateries and gathering spaces around the Twin Cities.
Professional Interests: Trained as a generalist, I work with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety/stress, mood disorders, trauma, academic skills development, grief, identity development, family and relationship issues, and spirituality. I work from an integrated holistic framework that incorporates person-centered, interpersonal, cognitive-behavioral and insight-oriented theories that values individual differences and diversity with the goal of identifying and developing personal strengths that will foster empowerment.
Maureen Maslinski, MSW, LICSW
Pronouns: She/her/hers
Assistant Director of Embedded Counseling
Education: MSW, Social Work, University of St Thomas/College of St. Catherine
About Me: My hope is to help students improve their quality of life and get to know themselves better. I believe, as humans, we inherently have within us what we need to feel better and experience life more fully. Oftentimes, we need help accessing those capabilities, as well as navigating through and healing from the environmental and life stressors that we deal with along the way. As a counselor, I provide that help.
I enjoy connecting with students to form a trusting, inclusive and open space. I utilize relationship-based, strength-focused, empowerment, social justice, and system perspectives in my work. As a white, cisgender woman, I am committed to doing my own daily work to address biases, combat systematic racism, and educate myself and others of the consequences of oppression and marginalization on individuals from the BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and other marginalized communities.
In my free time, I enjoy taking my golden retriever out on sniffing excursions, traveling, spending time in nature, being with family and friends, and watching a variety of sports on TV and in person.
Professional Interests: I have extensive experience helping people heal from and work through trauma, attachment injuries and grief and loss. I enjoy helping individuals on their own journey of identity exploration as it relates to sexuality, gender, spirituality, race, culture, being a student, adoption, etc. I am also interested in helping students dealing with depression, anxiety, and other adjustment stressors.
Mae Moua, M.A.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Crisis/Intake Counselor.
Education: Argosy University, M.A. Marriage and Family Therapy
Emily O’Hara, MSS, LICSW
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Associate Director/Clinical Director
Education: MSS, Social Work, Bryn Mawr Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research
About Me: As a licensed social worker, I have been working with individuals and communities for over fifteen years. My experiences range from community mental health, case/care management, college counseling, and anti-poverty activism. Relationships, inclusivity and compassion are some of my core values. As a result, in both counseling and supervision, I strive to create a welcoming, affirming and accessible environment where individuals feel seen, heard, and valued. Everyone deserves space to share their story. With that in mind, I collaborate with clients to help them transform painful past learning and experiences into resilience and hope for the future. I work with a range of issues but specialize in trauma and attachment/relational issues. We are all the experts of our own experience; therefore, my work honors the humanity, dignity and values of each unique person. The therapeutic relationship is critical, especially when working cross culturally. I’m committed--and always will be committed--to working from an anti-oppressive, holistic, trauma-informed lens.
In my spare time, I enjoy being in nature and spending time with my family. My own self-care includes distance running, watching women’s basketball, reading, dark roast coffee and live music.
Professional Interests: I am formally trained in Forward-Facing Trauma Therapy, Accelerated Resolution Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, (Level 1 & 2), Brainspotting (Phase 1 & 2), and Health and Wellness Coaching. I have extensive experience and a passionate interest in the treatment of traumatic stress. I also have a strong commitment to/participate in ongoing training in neurodiversity, racial trauma, LGBTQIA+ issues, suicide prevention, compassion fatigue and professional resilience.
Mitch Paradise, LICSW
Pronouns: they/them/theirs
Embedded Counselor for Carlson School of Management (CSOM) Graduate Programs
Education: MSW, Social Work, University of Michigan
About Me: As a clinical social worker, I have rooted my counseling approach in anti-oppressive frameworks, acknowledging that we’re all doing our best to live under the weight of large and harmful systems that can impact our individual growth and development. I believe in the power of storytelling and co-creating safe affirming spaces to explore identity and trauma, working with individuals towards a place of radical self-acceptance and healing. I also believe in popular education: we are all educators and learners, prioritizing collaboration to build a meaningful and trusting working relationship with clients that best addresses their concerns. In my clinical practice, I specialize in serving adults, transitional age youth, and those exploring various identities, incorporating elements of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Internal Family Systems, relational-cultural therapy, narrative therapy, and expressive arts therapy.
In my free time, I enjoy kayaking and hiking, all things hockey (go Gophers and Wild), catching my favorite bands when they’re in town, and making frequent trips home to Chicago to visit with family and friends.
Professional Interests: identity development and exploration, grief & loss, shame resilience, depression, anxiety, stress management, trauma, relationship to self and others, attachment, fat liberation and radical self-love.
Nicole Pierce-Risvold, LPCC
Pronouns: she/her
Embedded Counselor
Education: Masters of Science in Clinical Counseling and Psychology, St. Cloud State University & University of St. Thomas
About me: I have a deep passion for supporting students on their unique journeys. I believe in building strong rapport, using a strength based and holistic approach, and focusing on solutions. I strive to support the individual identities of my clients and create a safe place for exploration and acceptance.
As an Embedded Counselor in the School of Dentistry, I find that focusing on outreach and finding ways to provide psychoeducation to staff and students allows a community of care to be created. I am passionate about finding unique ways to keep this going!
When I am not at work, I enjoy being active and getting outdoors. My cup is full when I am around family and friends, and of course a good meal and conversation.
Professional Interests: My professional interests include yoga, movement, neuroscience, and meditation. I feel that teaching folks tangible tools can go a long way! I also enjoy educating individuals on creating meaningful and creative self care plans that can allow them to cope in times of stress.
Dan Piñon, M.A., LPC
Pronouns: them/them/elle/elles
Staff Counselor with a Focus on Serving BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ Students
About me: I am a multicultural, queer, latine, gender fluid therapist who has worked with a wide variety of ages, backgrounds, and presenting concerns. I am both a first generation college student and a second generation child to an immigrant parent. I deeply believe in community and the healing power of relationships. Moreover, I understand that each person is greatly shaped by their community, family, friends, institutions and past experiences. My hope is to consider the whole person, including the cultural context from which they come. This includes being mindful of how my own power and privilege enters the therapy room and impacts our interactions. I welcome direct discussion of systematic/institutional racism, long term impacts of identity discrimination and intergenerational trauma as well as how we can begin constructing our own path to healing, for both ourselves and our communities.
Presenting concerns I specialize in: Over time, I have developed an emphasis in working with BIPOC community members, gender expansive/trans community members, first generation college students, young/emerging adults, multicultural identity development, gender identity/expression development, disordered eating, life transitions, couples/family related concerns, neurodiverse individuals (ADHD, ASD, Complex PTSD, etc), relational distress, sexual health related concerns, grief/loss, trauma (including historical, generational, and institutional trauma), and sexual health. I identify as a neurodivergent affirming provider, which means I approach presenting concerns with a strengths/abilities perspective as opposed to a more pathologizing conceptualization of how the brain works! Lastly, I have knowledge and comfortability attending to the process of seeking out gender affirming care so if this is something you're wondering about, ask away!
Counseling Style: My counseling style is trauma informed, sex-positive, and anti-oppressive with foundations in intersectional feminist theory, neurodivergent affirming framework, relational cultural theory, somatic based therapy, and developmental psychology. Some of my passions lie in working with body image concerns, mixed identity exploration, grief/loss, somatic experiencing of trauma, disordered eating, complex PTSD, burn out and neurodiversity.
Education and Professional Background: I am a licensed, trauma-informed therapist who holds a Masters of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology from the program at the University of St. Thomas. I have completed various practicum experiences in university counseling, community mental health (including intensive outpatient facilities and substance use treatment), and neuropsychological assessment (ADHD & Mild/Major Cognitive Impairment). Lastly, I have additional experience in group counseling, equity, diversity and inclusion focuses, social justice, consultation and case management type work.
Greg Sawyer, M.A.
Pronouns: He/His/Him
Counselor/Care Coordinator.
Education: M.A. Marriage and Family Therapy, St. Mary's University.
About Me: I am an African American male, social justice advocate, educator, advisor, and counselor. I am committed to providing advocacy and support to our student population using a student-centered approach as my guidance modality. I am a graduate of the U of M and was born and raised in the Twin Cities. I’m also a father to 3 exceptional daughters.
Professional Interests: I am a strong believer in the systems approach to understanding and learning ways to best navigate our world. I am a proponent of well managed mental health and work to guide and support students in their journey.
Lauren Scholder, Psy.D., L.P.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Coordinator - St. Paul Office, Staff Psychologist.
Education: Psy.D. Clinical Psychology, Chicago School of Professional Psychology.
About Me: I strive to create genuine relationships with clients where they feel heard, understood and accepted. In therapy, we will work together to build insight, self-awareness, coping, problem-solving and promotion of overall well-being. I approach each therapeutic relationship with compassion, empathy, respect, and warmth. My objective is to create safety with clients so that they may be their authentic selves and work towards change.
I have had the privilege of working in four college counseling centers with both traditional and non-traditional college students. In my free time, I enjoy taking my dog Billmurray for walks, watching too much TV, and spending time with friends and family.
Professional Interests: My professional interests include identity development and exploration, relationships with self and others, navigating significant life change, working with historically marginalized individuals and communities, trauma, managing depression and anxiety, graduate and professional school student issues and clinical supervision and training.
I provide services on the St. Paul campus of the University, and have liaison relationships with faculty and staff who work with students whose majors are housed in St. Paul, or who live on or near the St. Paul campus.
Eve Sussman, Ph.D, L.P.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Staff Psychologist.
Education: Ph.D in Counseling Psychology, University of Denver
About Me: I have spent the majority of my career working in college counseling, and I deeply enjoy and feel honored to support students at all stages of their educational journey. I work with clients from a strengths-based and anti-oppressive lens that blends exploration, insight development, skill building, and self-compassion. I believe that we heal in relationship to others and so I prioritize my connection with clients and help them feel seen and understood in our work together. I understand how systems of oppression impact our mental health and cause trauma, and how our cultures and communities can be sources of healing and empowerment. As a white, cisgender woman, I am committed to dismantling biases and fighting against systemic racism and other forms of oppression, and continuing to learn and educate myself on these issues. Therapy can be hard and vulnerable, and I work to ease some of that discomfort with my warmth and genuineness. I also love to laugh with clients and celebrate their successes and joys.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my partner, friends, and family, watching my favorite TV shows, playing games (video and board), and exploring food and nature in the Twin Cities. In the warmer months, I love being outside in our garden or swimming and kayaking in one of the beautiful Minneapolis lakes.
Professional Interests: When working with clients, I especially enjoy working on self/identity exploration, depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationship concerns (relationship to self, friends, partner, family). I am trained as a generalist and so I’m happy to work with students on a variety of other concerns, including but not limited to academic concerns, grief, experiences of oppression, and self-esteem. I particularly value supporting and empowering BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ students, and working with students who are exploring, questioning, and seeking understanding of their identities.
Chia-Chen Tu, Ph.D., L.P.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Assistant Director/ Training Director.
Education: Ph.D. Counseling and Student Personnel Psychology, University of Minnesota.
Languages Spoken: English, Mandarin Chinese.
About Me: I believe human beings have the potential to grow and my role is to enhance people’s awareness and foster change through human connections. I strive to work collaboratively with clients to create a trusting and respectful relationship in which they can gain perspectives or develop new skills and confidence to meet life's challenges. I have extensive experience doing psychotherapy at university counseling centers and providing supervision and training to psychology trainees. I have a special interest in understanding the complexities of human connections as well as exploring the personal and social factors that can lead to disconnection. I work closely with International Student and Scholar Services staff to support international students, and I also develop workshops to assist graduate and professional school students in coping with academic stress and enhancing professional skills. I am fluent in English and Mandarin Chinese and experienced in providing bi-lingual counseling and clinical supervision. When I am not working, I enjoy visiting local farmers markets or art fairs, attending performance art events or film festivals, and travel.
Professional Interests: Resilience to shame, relationship distress, anxiety, childhood trauma, cultural adjustment and identity development for international students, common concerns for first generation students or students of color, training and supervision of psychology trainees, mind-body integration.
Siming Xie, Ph.D., L.P.
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Staff Psychologist- BIPOC/International Students Focus
Education: Ph.D. Counseling Psychology, Texas A&M University
Languages Spoken: English, Mandarin Chinese.
About Me: As a psychologist working in a university setting, I'm enthusiastic about assisting students in tackling the diverse personal and developmental challenges they encounter. My primary clinical orientation and approach draw inspiration from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). I also place a strong emphasis on multiculturalism in counseling, introducing culturally adaptive coping strategies to better serve my clients. I'm dedicated to providing a safe and affirming environment where clients can openly explore their identities, cultures, values, and strengths. I grew up in Tianjin, China, and I'm fluent in Mandarin. As a former international student myself, I'm particularly passionate about working with underrepresented and international students. In my free time, I find fulfillment in various activities. I enjoy traveling, hiking, working out, watching sports and movies, trading, and fishing.
Professional Interests: culturally sensitive treatment; concerns for BIPOC and international students; cross-cultural adjustment; brief therapy; positive psychology; anxiety; grief and loss; relationship concerns; training and supervision
Predoctoral Interns
Rachel Hughitt, M.S.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Pre-Doctoral Intern
Counseling Psychology, University of Denver
About Me: I believe that individuals are not defined by their problems but rather have the
capacity to change their relationship with them. I assist clients in exploring and modifying the
narratives they hold about their lives, separating from those that diminish their sense of agency.
By re-authoring perspectives and addressing unhelpful thought patterns, we aim to transform
these dynamics.
My approach is centered on respecting your cultural and personal identities, celebrating your
resilience, and promoting healing. Together, we create new, empowering narratives that honor
your experiences, beliefs, and strengths, fostering both empowerment and change. I will support
you in identifying and overcoming thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that act as barriers to living
a value-driven life, helping you reclaim your voice and rewrite the stories influencing your life.
Through this process, I hope you will step forward with renewed confidence and clarity,
empowered to live a life aligned with your authentic self.
Professional Interests: My professional interests revolve around addressing relational concerns
and trauma, which encompasses a range of issues related to how you connect with yourself and
with others. Whether resolving internal conflicts or navigating difficulties in interpersonal
relationships, my goal is to support you in building stronger, more positive connections with
yourself and those around you.
Ulysses Jimenez, M.A.
Psychology Intern
Counseling Psychology, Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
About me: My general approach to therapy is centered around creating a collaborative environment dedicated to helping individuals explore deeper aspects of themselves to foster awareness, emotional growth, and lasting change. This process can be difficult at times, but through our conversations, you will have the opportunity to express your story and aim to improve feelings of self-compassion, effectiveness, and holistic wellness. I firmly believe in the importance of inclusivity and respect for diverse perspectives. My door is open to everyone from all walks of life with varied backgrounds and experiences. I understand that individual beliefs and values are integral to one's identity and can significantly influence personal experiences and relationships. My goal is to support each person in navigating their unique challenges, fostering empathy and understanding, and promoting personal growth.
Together, we may explore topics surrounding meaning, fears, freedoms, and responsibilities to create a clearer view of the future and how we connect with others. Some of my personal values include connecting with my family, cultural values, athletics, and the arts. In my free time, I also play with my dogs, print 3D objects, and follow various sports.
Professional interests: My clinical interests focus on identity exploration, cultural concerns, trauma, dissociation, and relational challenges. I have experience working with individuals from rural communities, those with multicultural backgrounds, first-generation college students, and those facing performance-related issues. I'm particularly interested in helping clients enhance their mental health while optimizing their performance in athletics and music.
Franny Parent, M.S.
Pronouns: They/Them/Theirs
Pre-Doctoral Intern
Clinical Psychology, Loyola University Maryland
About Me: As a therapist, I invite collaboration in honoring the wisdom in our feelings and understanding all parts that make up the unique Self. I orient myself professionally and personally towards living with a wide open heart, which I believe means making space for every aspect of lived experience that informs how we move through the world. Curiosity, justice, growth, community, and enjoyment make up my core values. Moving in service of these values is integral to who I am as a therapist and as a human. I identify as queer in every sense of the word. I believe that community care and self-care are deeply intertwined. I emphasize the interconnectedness of mind and body, the celebration of neurodiversity, and the importance of both safe and brave spaces. Outside of work, I love reading queer fiction, running around outside, and connecting with my loved ones through sharing meals, music, art, etc.
Professional Interests: Gender-affirming care, sexual diversity, and centering experiences that have been relegated to the margins shape my professional interests. My approach is dynamic because each individual set of needs and experiences is unique. Broadly speaking, I orient towards the integration of values exploration and present-moment awareness informed by acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), connection to self and others informed by interpersonal process therapy (IPT), parts work informed by internal family systems (IFS), and practical emotion regulation and distress tolerance skills informed by dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). I honor the impact of systemic oppression and colonization on mental health and invite these topics to the therapeutic space.
Advanced Practicum Trainees
Practicum Trainees
Jake Schachter, B.A.
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Education: B.A. Psychology, Augsburg University
About me: I am interested in third-wave cognitive behavioral approaches to therapy that incorporate mindfulness, self-compassion, and emotion regulation strategies. I am interested in incorporating positive psychology into my practice by encouraging clients to become the best versions of themselves.
Outside of therapy, I enjoy biking, hiking, traveling, playing sports, being outdoors, listening to music, watching movies, creative activities, reading books, and eating food.
Professional interests: I am interested in a broad range of concerns including substance use, anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, and stigmatized identities as well as academic and interpersonal concerns.
Hi! I am a second-year Ph.D. student in the Counseling Psychology program here at the University of Minnesota. My background in healthcare and psychology have laid the foundation for my current work. After gaining valuable experience as a research assistant in the FANs Lab and a clinical research coordinator for the COMPASS study at the VA, I am interested in exploring the intricacies of risk and resilience in those who have experienced stress and trauma, particularly within marginalized communities. I believe in creating supportive environments that foster trust and understanding while allowing people to share their stories and navigate their own unique experiences.
Outside of my academic pursuits, I love cooking and baking, staying active by taking walks or working out, and discovering new places through travel.
Professional Interests:
My research focuses on understanding the risk and resilience factors affecting marginalized individuals who have experienced stress and trauma. Specifically, I am interested in the impacts of intergenerational trauma, cultural beliefs, familial warmth, discrimination, and socio-environmental influences. I am particularly interested in how substance use can serve as a coping mechanism in the development and maintenance of trauma-related symptoms. Currently, I am investigating the relationship between discrimination, self-reliance, and depression in Latinx adults.
Administrative Staff
Ahmed Elhadidi
Office Supervisor
Sabby Blodgette
Front Desk Staff
Kathryn Rauch
Front Desk Staff
SCS Footer 2
