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Early Childhood Consultation/Early Childhood Behavior Assistance

Our specially trained early childhood therapists offer short-term consultation in real-life settings such as the home, daycare, and classroom. Staff team with parents and providers to gain increased understanding of the child’s struggles in order to provide individually tailored recommendations and interventions to support the child’s social and emotional development.

Services Provided

  • Assessment, consultation, and support
  • When additional intervention is necessary for children ages five and under, the Early Childhood Mental Health program provides specialized assessments as well as individual and family skills training and therapy

Assessments & Treatments

  • Specialized early childhood mental health assessment for children ages five and under
  • Neuropsychological Evaluations
  • Play Therapy
  • Family Therapy
  • Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
  • Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP)

Who is Eligible

Children ages five and under and their families and preschool/childcare providers in Washington County.

Referrals & Appointments - Washington County Residents Only

Download the Referral Form

Referral Form

Fax
(651) 251-5204

Questions

For questions regarding eligibility criteria or the referral process, please reach out to us!

Email
Barb Tester, Early Childhood Behavioral Assistance Program Support
btester@canvashealth.org

Phone
(651) 251-5024

Meet The Team

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Katie Zacharias, LMFT

Early Childhood Mental Health Supervisor

I believe that when working with young children, it is so important to partner with parents and caregivers in developing strategies that promote positive behaviors and healthy interactions.

Clinic Locations

  • Oakdale Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder Clinic

Specialty Areas

  • Early Childhood Clinical Services
  • Early Childhood Consultation
  • DC: 0-5 Assessment, Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Trauma Informed Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), Family Therapy
  • Ages Served: 0-6
  • ADHD/ADD (Children), Abuse, Anxiety, Behavioral Problems, Transitions, Trauma, Self Esteem, Self-Worth, Emotional Disorders, Domestic Violence, Depression, Parenting Issues, Emotional Regulation, Emotional Disregulation, Mood Disorders, Relationship Issues, Attachment Disorders, Self Harm, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Professional Experience

I have over 15 years experience working in mental health with children and their families.

Education

  • Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy

License and Credentials

  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
  • Infant Mental Health Endorsement® (IMH-E®)

Referral & Appointment

To check this provider’s availability or to make a referral or appointment, please contact Barb Tester, Early Childhood Program Support; at (651) 251-5024 or btester@canvashealth.org.

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Jennifer Olsen, LMFT

Early Childhood Mental Health Therapist

My belief is change happens when we feel safe and supported. I believe partnering with caregivers is vital to understanding and improving children’s mental health. Every child and family is unique, and it is my honor to walk with you on your wellness journey.

Clinic Locations

  • Stillwater Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder Clinic

Early Childhood Clinical Services

  • Early Childhood Behavioral Services (ECBA)
  • Ages Served: 0-5
  • ADHD/ADD (Children), Abuse, Anger, Anxiety, Autism, Behavioral Problems, Transitions, Trauma, Self Esteem, Self-Worth, Emotional Disorders, Domestic Violence, Depression, Developmental Concerns, Emotional Regulation, Emotional Disregulation, Mood Disorders, Attachment Disorders, Grief, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), DC: 0-5 Assessment, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Trauma Informed Child-Parent Psychotherapy

Professional Experience

My experience includes providing therapy to children, families, individuals, couples and groups in home, office and school settings. I provide Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), Narrative and Cognitive Behavioral therapies and therapeutic strategies in my current role.

Education

  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
  • Licensed Associate of Marriage and Family Therapy
  • Master of Arts - Argosy University
  • Bachelor of Arts - University of Minnesota, Twin Cities

License and Credentials

  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

Referral & Appointment

To check this provider’s availability or to make a referral or appointment, please contact Barb Tester, Early Childhood Program Support; at (651) 251-5024 or btester@canvashealth.org.

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Amanda Cruz, MSW, LGSW

Early Childhood Mental Health Therapist

I believe that healthy families develop when they feel safe, supported, and connected to one another and others. “If kids could do well, they would” (Dr. Ross Greene, Ph.D.) As a mental health practitioner, I believe that young children need the guidance from their parents to develop into the person they are meant to be. I believe in working right alongside parents and caregivers in helping them learn strategies that promote healthy relationships between them and their child. Everyone’s therapeutic process to improve their mental health is unique to them and their experiences and I am here to support parents, caregivers, and children however that may look.

Clinic Locations

  • Oakdale Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder Clinic
  • Cottage Grove Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder Clinic

Specialty Areas

  • Early Childhood Clinical Services
  • Early Childhood Consultation
  • Ages Served: 0-5
  • ADHD/ADD (Children), Abuse, Anger, Anxiety, Autism, Behavioral Problems, Transitions, Trauma, Emotional Disorders, Domestic Violence, Depression, Developmental Concerns, Emotional Regulation, Emotional Dysregulation, Attachment Disorders, Grief, Self-Harm, DC: 0-5 Assessment, Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Trauma Informed Child-Parent Psychotherapy

Professional Experience

My experience includes providing mental health services across various settings (schools, homes, and community) to children (mainly ages 4-12), families and caregivers. For the last 3 years, I have worked in schools as a School Social Worker providing mental health services to students with a variety needs from trauma to behavioral disorders. Before that, I worked with a non-profit organization where I provided mental health services and mentoring to children and adolescents who have been involved in outsides systems ( juvenile justice and child welfare) and were at risk for further system involvement and/or harm.

Education

  • Bachelor's in Psychology- University of Wisconsin Platteville
  • Masters in Social Work- University of Wisconsin Green Bay

License and Credentials

  • Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW)
  • Master of Social Work (MSW)

Referral & Appointment

To check this provider’s availability or to make a referral or appointment, please contact Barb Tester, Early Childhood Program Support; at (651) 251-5024 or btester@canvashealth.org.

Maas, Anne Sitorius

Anne Sitorius Maas, LPCC

Early Childhood Mental Health Therapist

I believe change occurs when children and families feel safe and supported. I value collaborating with caregivers to help families strengthen their relationships, learn to understand their children in new ways, and promote overall development.

Clinic Locations

  • Oakdale Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder Clinic

Specialty Areas

  • Early Childhood Clinical Services, Early Childhood Consultation
  • Ages Served: 0-5
  • ADHD/ADD (Children), Abuse, Anger, Anxiety, Behavioral Problems, Transitions, Trauma, Self Esteem, Self-Worth, Emotional Disorders, Domestic Violence, Depression, Developmental Concerns, Parenting Issues, Emotional Regulation, Emotional Dysregulation, Attachment Disorders, Grief, DC: 0-5 Assessment, Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Trauma Informed Child-Parent Psychotherapy

Professional Experience

My experience includes working with children, parents, and families in clinic and school-based settings. In my current role, I provide Parent-Child Interactions Therapy (PCIT), Trauma-Informed Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), Circle of Security Parenting, and play-based interventions. I also provide Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation to childcare providers through the State of Minnesota.

Education

  • Bachelor of Arts - Gustavus Adolphus College
  • Master of Arts - Lewis & Clark College

License and Credentials

  • Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)

Referral & Appointment

To check this provider’s availability or to make a referral or appointment, please contact Barb Tester, Early Childhood Program Support; at (651) 251-5024 or btester@canvashealth.org.

We're here to help.

You are welcome at Canvas Health. We're looking forward to serving you.

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