Our Mental Health Professionals partner with individuals, couples, and families across the lifespan to provide counseling services through a strengths based and trauma-informed lens. Our Mental Health Professionals hold various expertise and are trained in a variety of therapeutic interventions to address the full spectrum of mental health, relational, or family system challenges. We provide counseling services in-person and offer telehealth counseling.
DIRECTOR OF CLINICAL SERVICES
ADowis@familyservicerochester.org
Education
Masters of Science in Education, Emphasis is Community Counseling, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh; Post-Graduate Certificate: Contemporary Theory in Couple and Family Systems, Capella University
Licensure
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC); Wisconsin; Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC); Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy
Specialized Training/Certifications
Collaborative Intensive Bridging Services (CIBS); Diagnosing Children ages 5 and under (DC 0-5) MN DHS; Couple and Family Systems, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused Brief Therapy Clinical Supervision
Competencies
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT); Domestic Violence, Children and Adolescent Mental Health, Family Systems
Specialized Interests/Skills
Individual Psychotherapy; Multi-Systemic Therapy; Parent/Child Relationships; Blended Family Issues; Solution-Focused Therapy; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
My pronouns are: sher/her/hers
Self-determination is important for me. People choosing their own way and their own path is key. It’s important that individuals have time to talk about what brought them here for services and their hopes. I particularly like to focus in on hopes – what is it that you want to see.
Trusting is important to the relationship. I want to walk alongside people creating a safe space where they feel they can share their story freely. I strongly believe that individuals need to follow their own pace in building a therapeutic relationship, thus ensuring their readiness to do the work.
Humor is important and being able to find those moments with humor is useful in relationships and can be validating.
Being an older adult myself, I understand the challenges that come with the aging process. I am honored to offer mental health services to this population.
Special Interests/Skills: Older adults, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, PEARLS, domestic violence
My work in mental health has always been specific to underserved communities. Persons of color are additionally marginalized in society. My life’s work over the last ten years or so has been very much focused on diversity, equity, and inclusivity. I like to believe that it feels different sitting with someone with that lens, that there is a different level of respect.
I start with clients with us assessing fit - are they comfortable with me. Because I do a lot of trauma work, I like to be very transparent and offer options to people so they feel they have some agency. The client is the expert on who they are and I have the skills to help them live their best life.
I see a variety of ages, sexual orientation, sexual and gender identity. I enjoy working with youth who are struggling in their educational systems.
Special Interests/Skills: LGBTQ+, QTBIPOC, Latino/Latina, Native American populations; complex trauma, intersectionality, severe and persistent mental illness, ex-offender community reentry.
My pronouns are: she/ella
Melissa graduated with her Masters of Arts in Counseling and Psychological Services from Saint Mary’s University.
Melissa enjoys working across the lifespan and will be providing individual, family, and couples therapy.
Melissa is a trauma-informed therapist and has training in Relationship Counseling, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and Emotionally Focused Therapy.
My pronouns are: she/her/hers.
My work focuses on Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) as well as consultation, including debriefing critical incidents.
EAP expands education on the importance of mental hygiene and wellness as a multigenerational personal and professional value that supports work health and adjustment.
When working with families, it is important to consciously create a family culture that supports each family member in reaching their fullest potential.
Special Interests/Skills: Employee Assistance Programs. Outreach to rural and geographically challenged areas. Military members and their families. Expanding the concept of mental hygiene and removing stigma through community education for individual and families.
I try to make sure therapy is as unique as the client themselves, meaning we can work together to create the structure and unique modality which works for you.
My priority in every session is to provide an inclusive and safe space to process successes and challenges in your life. I am willing to give as much feedback, whether skills, validation, compassion, or simply space, as you need. It is your right to bring whatever you have, and it is my job to make sure we work towards your overarching therapeutic goals.
It is very important to me that therapy is at a pace with which you are comfortable. A major part of that is being open to explore your identity with you. While I may have several interests, my greatest passion is working with the LGBTQIA+ community and helping one find their safe spaces.
Special Interests/Skills: LGBTQIA and gender identities, dialectical behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, diagnosing children ages 5 and under (DC: 0-5).
Rapport building is very important. A good therapeutic relationship with congruence, empathy, and unconditional positive regard can really help clients grow because they are being validated when they usually are not at home, school, and work.
It is very important as a therapist for me to validate clients, help them reframe their automatic negative thoughts, normalize some of their difficulties, and most importantly to show them a non-judgmental stance.
Most people are afraid of being judged, put in a box and labeled. I’m very easy to talk with. I try to make my clients feel welcome and provide a judgment free zone in my office.
Special Interests/Skills: Adolescent and adult mental health, depression, anxiety, life transitions, relationship issues, and trauma. Managing and Adaptive Practices (MAP) trained. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
My pronouns are: she/her/hers
While I may be providing mental health services, I consider the client the expert in their life and their experience. I see my role as providing a safe, inclusive space to explore how environmental barriers and one’s mental health are impacting the life one wants to be living. My priorities in our work together is your safety and comfort, transparency of services, lack of judgment, and providing services which will address your mental health goals.
I approach therapy by first considering your strengths and prioritizing whether you perceive me as a good fit for your needs. Together, we can create an individualized course of treatment to address the changes you are hoping for in your life. My practice is guided by Strengths-Based, Family Systems, CBT, DBT, Trauma-Informed, and Person-Centered interventions.
Special Interests/Skills: Adolescent, young adult, life transitions, LGBTQIA+ identities, disordered eating, relationship anxiety, divorce recovery, and religious trauma.
My pronouns are: she/her/hers
Education
Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW), Winona State University, Rochester MN
Master of Social Work (MSW), Winona State University, Rochester MN
Temporary Graduate Social Worker, MN Board of Social Work (TLGSW)
Specialized Training/Certifications
IV-E Child Welfare Scholar; Trauma-Informed Master’s Program
Licensure
Licensed Graduate Social Worker, Minnesota Board of Social Work (LGSW)
Working towards Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)
Competencies
Individual and Family Therapy
Special Interests/Skills
Supporting School-Aged Children's Mental Health
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Solution-Focused Therapy
My pronouns are: she/her/hers
Education
Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Mankato State University; Masters of Science in Counselor Education, Winona State University
Licensure
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)
Specialized Training/Certifications
Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Ambit network; Diagnosing children ages 5 and under (DC:0-5) - MN DHS
Competencies
Individual Therapy; Family Therapy
Special Interests/Skills
School-based mental health therapy; Trauma-focused psychotherapy; Child, adolescent, and young adult therapy
Education
Bachelor of Social Work, St. Cloud State University
Masters of Social Work, St. Catherine University and University of St. Thomas
Licensure
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, Minnesota Board of Social Work
Specialized Training/Certifications
Diagnosing children ages 5 and under (DC:0-5), MN DHS
Competencies
Individual Therapy
Family Therapy
Special Interests/Skills
Adult and adolescent mental health issues
Co-occurring disorders
Cognitive behavior therapy
Education:
Masters of Science in Mental Health Clinical Counseling; Winona State University, Winona, MN; Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education; University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse, LaCrosse, Wisconsin
Licensure:
Working towards Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)
Specialized Training/Certifications
Diagnosing children ages 5 and under (DC:0-5), MN DHS; Utilization of The Early Childhood Service Intensity Instrument (ECSII), MN DHS; 10 hours of training in Conscious Discipline
Competencies
Individual, family, and group counseling
Special interests:
Adolescent and Children's Mental Health, family systems, school-linked services, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Attachment work
My pronouns are: she/her/hers
Education:
Bachelor of Social Work, Minnesota State University Moorhead; Masters of Social Work, Saint Mary’s University
Licensure:
Licensed Graduate Social Worker, Minnesota Board of Social Work; Working towards Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
Specialized Training/Certifications:
IV-E Child Welfare Scholar; Diagnosing children ages 5 and under (DC:0-5), MN DHS
Competencies:
Individual Therapy; Family therapy
Special Interests/Skills:
Adult and adolescent mental health issues; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Education:
Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW), Minnesota State University, Mankato; Master of Social Work (MSW), Winona State University-Rochester; Temporary Graduate Social Worker, MN Board of Social Work (TLGSW)
Licensure:
Licensed Graduate Social Worker, Minnesota Board of Social Work (LGSW); Working towards Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)
Specialized Training/Certifications:
Trauma-Informed Master’s Program
Competencies:
Individual and Family Therapy
Special interests:
Supporting School-Aged Children's Mental Health; Solution-Focused Therapy; Attachment, Trauma, and Family Systems Work
My pronouns are: she/her/hers
Education
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), Winona State University, Winona MN; Master of Social Work (MSW), Winona State University, Rochester MN; Temporary Graduate Social Worker, MN Board of Social Work (TLGSW)
Specialized Training/Certifications
IV-E Child Welfare Scholar; Trauma-Informed Master’s Program
Licensure
Licensed Graduate Social Worker, Minnesota Board of Social Work (LGSW); Working towards Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)
Competencies
Individual and Family Therapy
Special Interests/Skills
Supporting School-Aged Children's Mental Health; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Solution-Focused Therapy; Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
My pronouns are: she/her/hers
Education:
Bachelors of Science in Psychology from Saint Mary's University, Minneapolis MN
Masters of Art in Clinical Counseling from Saint Mary's University, Minneapolis MN
Licensure:
Working towards Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)
Specialized Training/Certifications
Diagnosing children ages 5 and under (DC:0-5), MN DHS
Competencies:
Individual and Family Therapy
Specialized Training:
Collaborative Intensive Bridging Services (CIBS)
Systemic Family Therapy (SFT)
Special Interests
Adolescent and Children's Mental Health, family systems, Multisystemic Therapy (MST), and trauma informed therapy.
My pronouns are: she/her/hers
Education
Bachelor in Social Work; Minor in Psychology, Viterbo University, La Crosse, WI
Masters in Clinical Social Work, St. Catherine/St. Thomas University, St. Paul, MN
Licensure
Licensed Graduate Social Worker, Minnesota Board of Social Work
Working towards Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)
Specialized Training/Certifications
Collaborative Intensive Bridging Services (CIBS)
Systemic Family Therapy (SFT)
Competencies
Individual and family therapy (CIBS)
Special Interests/Skills
Adolescent and children's mental health, family systems, Multisystemic Therapy (MST), trauma-focused therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT)
My pronouns are: she/her/hers
Education:
Masters of Science in Mental Health Clinical Counseling; Winona State University, Winona, MN; Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education; University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse, LaCrosse, Wisconsin
Licensure:
Working towards Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)
Specialized Training/Certifications
Diagnosing children ages 5 and under (DC:0-5), MN DHS; Utilization of The Early Childhood Service Intensity Instrument (ECSII), MN DHS; 10 hours of training in Conscious Discipline
Competencies
Individual, family, and group counseling
Special interests:
Adolescent and Children's Mental Health, family systems, school-linked services, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Attachment work
My pronouns are: she/her/hers
Education
Bachelor of Psychology, minor in Gender Studies - Winona State University
Master of Counseling Psychology, emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy - University of St. Thomas
Licensure
Working toward Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy (LMFT)
Competencies
Individual and Family Therapy
Specialized Interests/Skills
Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Family Systems, Trauma-Informed Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Attachment Work, Mindfulness
