In our Staff Showcase series, we’re highlighting individuals who make Canvas Health an exceptional mental health provider. Today, we shine the spotlight on Karin Nystrom and Dr. Elena Rosas who has dedicated 15 years of their careers to making a difference in our community.
Join us in thanking our incredible staff for their contributions to our mission!
Karin was one of the providers who helped lead the transition from Generations to HSI–New Generations and eventually to Canvas Health. Throughout multiple organizational changes over the years, she remained a steady and trusted leader.
While becoming one of the most respected Functional Family Therapists (FFT) in the state, Karin also expanded her leadership responsibilities within the organization. What began as clinical supervision evolved into both administrative and clinical supervision for a team of four staff members, in addition to providing clinical supervision for two staff members from another organization. She has skillfully managed relationships with partner agencies and Hennepin County contract managers while navigating the ongoing complexities of working across three different records systems throughout her time at Canvas Health.
Reflecting on what has sustained her through 15 years in the field, Karin shared that much of it comes from the people around her. She values her coworkers and team deeply, describing them as a group that works hard while also finding joy, humor, and support together — even in the most challenging situations. She also spoke about her passion for working with children and families, recognizing that the greatest impact often comes through supporting the entire family system. The flexibility and independence of the role, paired with the strong support available when needed, have also contributed to her longevity and success.
When discussing memorable moments from the past 15 years, Karin reflected on the many experiences shared with her team — especially the ability to find laughter and connection even during difficult conversations. She also recalled a particularly meaningful final session with a family in which both the parents and a 14-year-old client expressed genuine gratitude for the work they had done together. Anyone who works with teenagers understands just how meaningful that kind of response can be.
Karin’s dedication, leadership, and compassionate approach have had a lasting impact on countless children, families, colleagues, and community partners over the past 15 years. Her work continues to strengthen both the organization and the families it serves, and her contributions are deeply appreciated.
Over her 15 years at Canvas Health, Dr. Elena Rosas has been a deeply respected psychiatrist and a steady, trusted leader as our Medical Director. Throughout her tenure, she has brought consistency, clinical excellence, and thoughtful leadership to the Psychiatry Department, helping shape a program grounded in high-quality, patient-centered care. She has worked closely with providers, nursing staff, and executive leadership to ensure continuity of care, sound clinical decision-making, and a collaborative approach to serving the people who depend on us. Dr. Rosas also played an important role in helping Canvas Health navigate key elements of our 2025 recertification as a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic.
Beyond her direct clinical work, Dr. Rosas has had a lasting impact on psychiatric operations and staff support. She has been instrumental in developing and sustaining clinical workflows, documentation standards, medication management practices, and care coordination processes that promote safety, consistency, and quality across the department. Her leadership has extended to major system initiatives, including long-standing involvement in EHR optimization and more recent efforts to thoughtfully integrate emerging tools, like IQAI, that support clinical documentation. In all of this, she has maintained a careful balance between efficiency, quality, and the clinician experience, helping Psychiatry evolve while remaining anchored to best practices and values-driven care.
Equally meaningful is the human impact of Dr. Rosas’s presence at Canvas Health. Colleagues consistently describe her as compassionate, approachable, and respectful of every role on the team. She leads in a way that makes people feel valued, encourages dialogue, and fosters an open and inclusive culture. Her patients feel this as well—those under her care know they are seen, supported, and believed in. Whether mentoring colleagues, supporting staff during times of transition, or leading quietly behind the scenes, Dr. Rosas has cultivated trust, connection, and shared purpose across the organization.
Dr. Rosas’s 15 years at Canvas Health reflect deep institutional knowledge, clinical excellence, and an enduring commitment to our mission. We are profoundly grateful for her leadership, her humanity, and the lasting difference she has made.
Congratulations, Dr. Rosas, on 15 years with Canvas Health — and thank you for all you have given to our community and our team.
In our Staff Showcase series, we’re highlighting individuals who make Canvas Health an exceptional mental health provider. Today, we shine the spotlight on Karin Nystrom and Dr. Elena Rosas who has dedicated 15 years of their careers to making a difference in our community. Join us in thanking our incredible staff for their contributions to our […]
In our Staff Showcase series, we’re highlighting individuals who make Canvas Health an exceptional mental health provider. Today, we shine the spotlight on Jenny O’Connor and Katie Pape who have dedicated 20 years of their careers to making a difference in our community.
Join us in thanking our incredible staff for their contributions to our mission!
Describing Jenny O’Connor’s responsibilities at Canvas Health is no small task. As Child Day Treatment Manager, she provides exceptional clinical leadership across multiple intensive mental health programs serving children and families with complex needs.
Jenny oversees three Child Day Treatment programs: TLC, the stand-alone program at the Oakdale office; TEC, in partnership with NSP-M and O; and TEP, in collaboration with Forest Lake. Collectively, these programs serve 35 children each day who experience significant mental health symptoms that interfere with daily functioning. The work is demanding, and Jenny approaches it with expertise, compassion, and unwavering dedication.
In addition to day treatment programming, Jenny oversees Embedded School-Based Mental Health Services within the Federal Level 3 and 4 programs at Webster K-12 and Justice Alan Page Elementary School. Under her leadership, mental health staff provide individual, family, and group therapy while also supporting school systems in understanding and responding to the unique mental health needs of students.
Jenny began her career with the organization on February 9, 2001, as a Life Skills Counselor within the TLC Program. In many ways, her career has come full circle. Over the past 20-plus years, she has served children and families in multiple clinical roles, consistently focusing on helping children, adolescents, and their family systems better understand mental health symptoms while building the tools needed for healing and long-term success. Her work is grounded in the belief that children thrive when supported within relationships, families, schools, and communities.
Anyone who engages in professional consultation or conversation with Jenny quickly recognizes the passion she brings to her work. She believes deeply in the importance of family involvement in the therapeutic process and consistently demonstrates this value in her clinical leadership. Her intelligence, insight, and thoughtful approach to complex client situations make her an invaluable resource to colleagues and staff alike.
Jenny’s team describes her as a leader who “leads with integrity and grace,” someone who is “consistently reliable, knowledgeable, and able to balance the weight of the work with all the good as well.” Staff members admire her clinical skill with clients and families, her curiosity and open-mindedness, and the supportive environment she creates for growth and learning. One staff member shared that Jenny’s trust and encouragement helped push them outside their comfort zone in the best possible way.
Jenny’s more than 20 years of service have made a lasting impact on children, families, community partners, and the agency as a whole. Her flexibility, creativity, clinical wisdom, and dedication continue to strengthen the communities she serves and inspire those fortunate enough to work alongside her.
Over her 20 years at Canvas Health, Katie Pape has been a steady and highly respected leader whose work has meaningfully shaped the agency’s clinical, operational, and strategic direction. As a long‑standing Clinical Director, Katie has provided consistent leadership through periods of growth, the achievement of Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) designation, and evolving community needs. She has played a central role in guiding child, family, and adult mental health services, working closely with supervisors, clinicians, and leadership to ensure programs remain responsive, compliant, and grounded in high‑quality clinical practice. Her deep institutional knowledge and steady presence have brought clarity and continuity to complex operational environments.
Katie’s leadership is especially evident in her ability to align clinical excellence with operational discipline. Over the years, she has helped shape program structure, workforce development, service delivery expectations, and financial sustainability across a broad portfolio of services. She is widely relied upon as a trusted voice in program strategy, staffing decisions, cross‑department coordination, and system‑wide initiatives that strengthen accountability while keeping services centered on client care.
Building and sustaining relationships is one of Katie’s defining strengths. She routinely engages with community partners—often well beyond the standard workday—to strengthen collaboration, expand access to care, and secure funding. Through her leadership, the Therapeutic Assistance Program (TAP) has grown more than threefold, and in 2025 she helped secure funding that strengthened the long‑term sustainability of Abuse Response and Prevention Services and Vocational Services programs. Her ability to connect partnerships, funding, and mission has had a lasting impact on both the agency and the communities it serves.
Equally important is the human presence Katie brings to her leadership. Colleagues describe her as thoughtful, collaborative, and deeply supportive. Known for checking in during times of community trauma, advocating for school‑based programming, and leading with compassion, she creates spaces where people feel safe to be authentic and heard.
Across two decades, Katie’s legacy reflects clinical insight, operational wisdom, relational depth, and unwavering dedication to Canvas Health’s mission of bringing hope, healing, and recovery to the people and communities we serve.
In our Staff Showcase series, we’re highlighting individuals who make Canvas Health an exceptional mental health provider. Today, we shine the spotlight on Jenny O’Connor and Katie Pape who have dedicated 20 years of their careers to making a difference in our community. Join us in thanking our incredible staff for their contributions to our mission! […]
In our Staff Showcase series, we’re highlighting individuals who make Canvas Health an exceptional mental health provider. Today, we shine the spotlight on Tom Gese who has dedicated 25 years of his career to making a difference in our community.
Join us in thanking our incredible staff for their contributions to our mission!
Tom started his career with Canvas Health in 2000 as a Building and Grounds Maintenance Assistant.
In late 2006, the Facilities Department was reorganized, and shortly after the transition, Tom came under new supervision — though “supervision” is a loose term in his case. Tom consistently demonstrates an exceptional ability to manage his responsibilities independently and effectively, without requiring close oversight.
The Oakdale building spans nearly 40,000 square feet, easily twice the size of any other location, and Tom is responsible for keeping it running smoothly. He also oversees the upkeep and programming of the energy management systems serving Oakdale and two additional sites. He meets these responsibilities with expert knowledge and skill.
Anyone who has spent time at the Oakdale location has likely seen Tom — he is the person consistently taking initiative and handling what needs to be done without being asked. There is never concern about whether daily maintenance needs are being addressed because Tom ensures everything is covered. He adapts seamlessly to the ever-changing demands of building maintenance and is always willing to learn and apply new skills.
In our Staff Showcase series, we’re highlighting individuals who make Canvas Health an exceptional mental health provider. Today, we shine the spotlight on Tom Gese who has dedicated 25 years of his career to making a difference in our community. Join us in thanking our incredible staff for their contributions to our mission! Celebrating 25 Years […]
Canvas Health offers Substance Use Treatment with two levels of care, 1.0 (Outpatient) and 2.1 (Intensive Outpatient). Although there are common elements, there are also important distinctions between the two levels of care:
Both levels of care are MAT (Medication Assisted Therapy) friendly, use evidence-based practices, and include random UA testing throughout the course of treatment. Both levels of care involve collaboration with any other interested professionals, such as mental health professionals, probation agents, social workers, and primary care physicians.
Unless you have been recommended to enter one of our programs as “step-down” from a higher level of care, the first step in determining the need for substance use treatment and the appropriate level of care is to schedule a Substance Use Comprehensive Assessment. If you have already completed one, the recommendation for level of care is typically found at the end of the assessment.
Canvas Health offers substance use treatment under a hybrid model. We have multiple locations offering in-person programming and offer telehealth programming to individuals who meet our telehealth guidelines. To request an appointment, fill out an online request or call to speak with an intake coordinator.
Canvas Health offers Substance Use Treatment with two levels of care, 1.0 (Outpatient) and 2.1 (Intensive Outpatient). Although there are common elements, there are also important distinctions between the two levels of care: Level 1.0 Outpatient Structured as a 12-week program One program option in early evening Two-hour groups sessions twice per week One-hour individual […]
In our Staff Showcase series, we’re highlighting individuals who make Canvas Health an exceptional mental health provider. Today, we shine the spotlight on Lori Swenson who has dedicated 25 years of her career to making a difference in our community.
Join us in thanking our incredible staff for their contributions to our mission!
Lori’s resume with the agency includes 8 years in medical records, 8 years supporting psychological services, 1 year supporting the BCBS-MCHN program, and 1 ½ years supporting the Family Treatment Program. It was in 2018 that Lori chose to overlook the kid’s case management team and agreed to be our primary support person. We are so happy she signed up for the gig!
Not a day goes by that she doesn’t put good out into the universe. She is one of the most compassionate people. Lori puts everyone above herself: case managers and clients, alike. She has the ability to make every person she interacts with feel seen, heard, and important. Her voice is often the first the clients hear when they reach out to the case management team for support. She has the natural ability to actively listen and empathize with clients. Her calm and collected presence puts clients at ease so they can get through the next minutes of the next hour of their day. For case managers, she is the fuel that keeps our machine running smoothly. She shows up for us day in and day out without hesitation and none of us would be successful in our work without her.
Here’s what our case managers had to say in honor of Lori:
“Lori is kind, helpful, patient, hilarious and beyond flexible with our team. She always offers to go above and beyond to ensure that each of us feels supported. I don’t know what we’d do without her”
“Lori is the glue that keeps our team together with all her hard work and many hats she wears. She is constantly trying to make things easier for us and complete our requests in a timely manner by going above and beyond.”
“No words can express how valuable Lori is to our team. She is beyond hard working, kind, and patient. I can’t thank her enough for everything she does for us!”
“Somehow, Lori keeps track of all of us and takes care of each person as if they are her only priority. Not sure how she keeps everything straight, but she does and manages to remain calm no matter how hectic things are. She’s beyond humble but the reality is we would be absolutely lost without her!”
Canvas Health is truly blessed to have such a dedicated, genuine, empathic employee in Lori Swenson. Thank you, Lori, for 25 years of hard work and compassion. …and for making us all feel important. Cheers!
In our Staff Showcase series, we’re highlighting individuals who make Canvas Health an exceptional mental health provider. Today, we shine the spotlight on Lori Swenson who has dedicated 25 years of her career to making a difference in our community. Join us in thanking our incredible staff for their contributions to our mission! Lori Swenson Lori’s resume […]
For nearly four years, Canvas Health has embedded social workers in local police departments to both co-respond to calls and provide follow-up for community members experiencing crisis and/or in need of mental and behavioral health services.
Canvas Health’s embedded social workers are available to co-respond with officers during daytime hours and can provide follow-up to community members involved in weekend and after-hours responses. Follow-up might look like a check-in to review a safety plan or a referral to resources or an assessment.
The program, now in Columbia Heights and Fridley police departments, has been very successful.
In 2024, Canvas Health embedded social workers co-responded 501 times, served 809 clients, and had 2,024 interactions with those clients. Of those co-responses, 96% resolved without use of force and 87% without a hold. That’s by design.
Both programs launched using start-up funding from the US Department of Justice’s Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Community Policing Development (CPD) Program. Columbia Heights has since left DOJ funding and now the city includes the program in its yearly budget. Fridley is in its second year of DOJ funding and still ramping up.
US DOJ’s CPD is “a competitive grant program designed to advance the practice of community policing by providing guidance on promising practices through the development and testing of innovative strategies; building knowledge about effective practices and outcomes; and supporting new, creative approaches to preventing crime and promoting safe communities.”
Embedded social workers might be unique to many organizations, but for Canvas Health, most of our services happen outside of our seven clinics. In addition to our PD partnerships, Canvas Health meets community members where they need it, with staff in over 50 metro schools and dozens more community locations.
To learn more about this program, visit www.canvashealth.org/adults/police-crisis-co-response
For nearly four years, Canvas Health has embedded social workers in local police departments to both co-respond to calls and provide follow-up for community members experiencing crisis and/or in need of mental and behavioral health services. Canvas Health’s embedded social workers are available to co-respond with officers during daytime hours and can provide follow-up to […]
By Emily Johnson, MSW, LICSW, School Based Mental Health Supervisor
It’s common to see an increase in school-related anxiety early in the academic year. New teachers, unfamiliar routines, academic expectations, and reduced downtime can all be challenging for students. Recent incidents of school violence both locally and nationally may be contributing to heightened anxiety, fear, and uncertainty among students and families. School anxiety can stem from a range of factors, including academic pressure or learning challenges, peer relationship difficulties or bullying, separation anxiety, family stressors, mental health needs, neurodiversity, special education transitions, or unmet support needs.
Be Curious
Understanding the root of anxiety helps us respond with empathy and effectiveness. Is there a pattern—certain days, times, subjects, or environments that trigger distress? Are there peer dynamics at play (e.g., bullying, isolation, lunchroom or bus issues)? Are there perceived benefits to staying home (e.g., screen time, parental attention)? Are mental health, learning differences, or trauma contributing?
Beware of the Avoidance Trap
Anxiety often leads to avoidance, which can feel relieving in the moment but reinforces fear in the long-term. For example, a student avoiding their morning work due may soothe their anxious feelings about their morning work in the short term. But over time, avoidance strengthens the belief that the task is too hard, making future attempts even more difficult.
Build Brave Behaviors
“Being brave isn’t the absence of fear, it’s having that fear and finding a way through it. ” – Bear Grylls
Kids need both compassion and challenge. They deserve patience and support and opportunities to face discomfort in manageable ways to build resilience. Here are a few strategies to try that encourage brave behavior:
Seek Help
While encouragement and support at home are essential, some challenges are too big to face alone and that’s okay. If your child’s anxiety is interfering with their daily functioning, school attendance, or emotional well-being, professional help can make a meaningful difference.
At Canvas Health, we understand the complex needs of children and families navigating anxiety, trauma, school struggles, and other mental health concerns. Our team provides compassionate, evidence-based care to help kids thrive emotionally, socially, and academically. Whether your family needs in-school support, therapy, parenting resources, or crisis intervention, we’re here to walk alongside you with tools that heal and empower. Click here to learn more and see how we can help >>
By Emily Johnson, MSW, LICSW, School Based Mental Health Supervisor It’s common to see an increase in school-related anxiety early in the academic year. New teachers, unfamiliar routines, academic expectations, and reduced downtime can all be challenging for students. Recent incidents of school violence both locally and nationally may be contributing to heightened anxiety, fear, and […]
The Columbia Heights Police Department, in partnership with Canvas Health, is proud to announce the addition of Vicki Schroeder, MSW, LICSW, as the department’s new embedded mental health co-responder. This role is part of the Collaborative Crisis Intervention Response Program, a joint initiative launched in December 2021 to provide compassionate, community-based mental health support alongside law enforcement.
Vicki is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker whose education specializes in multicultural practice. She brings extensive experience working with individuals and groups in both residential and community settings. Her clinical focus includes trauma and past victimization, serious and persistent mental illness, toxic masculinity, sexual violence, and life transitions. She is especially passionate about supporting justice-involved individuals and those facing mental health or criminal commitments.
“I understand that a day involving law enforcement or incarceration is rarely the outcome someone envisioned when they woke up,” said Schroeder. “My career has been dedicated to helping people navigate those moments and find hope. I work collaboratively with clients to identify what’s needed to move forward.”
Each day, Vicki is paired with a patrol officer and responds to in-progress calls involving behavioral health, emotional distress, or mental health crises. She provides on-scene de-escalation and stabilization and follows up with individuals who may benefit from ongoing support and services.
“In the last several years, mental health has been a factor in a significant percentage of our calls, and we believe that number is increasing,” said Chief Matt Markham. “Having a trained mental health professional like Vicki on board helps our officers better address the challenges our citizens face. This includes improving access to services, reducing use-of-force incidents, and decreasing hospital transports and repeat calls from high-utilizer individuals.”
The Columbia Heights Police Department selected Canvas Health as its partner because of the agency’s established presence as Anoka County’s Mobile Crisis Response provider. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to community wellness, public safety, and reducing stigma around mental health.
“We are honored to continue our collaboration with the Columbia Heights Police Department,” said Dr. Khu Thao, CEO of Canvas Health. “Vicki’s expertise and compassion will help ensure that individuals in crisis receive timely, appropriate, and lasting support.”
The Columbia Heights Police Department, in partnership with Canvas Health, is proud to announce the addition of Vicki Schroeder, MSW, LICSW, as the department’s new embedded mental health co-responder. This role is part of the Collaborative Crisis Intervention Response Program, a joint initiative launched in December 2021 to provide compassionate, community-based mental health support alongside […]
Three of Canvas Health’s former Doctoral Interns, Noreen Raja, Psy.D., Natalia Witkowska, Psy.D., and Bria Haynes, Psy.D., collaborated on a poster session for the International Neuropsychological Society (INS) 2025 Conference.
Their poster and presentation, titled “Cultural Perspectives on Treatment Approach and Outcomes in a South Asian Patient with Significant Cognitive Decline: A Case Study,” offered valuable insights into this important topic. Noreen and Bria, pictured here, presented their work at the INS 2025 event in New Orleans.
The INS is dedicated to promoting the international and interdisciplinary study of brain-behavior relationships throughout the lifespan.
We are incredibly proud of our Doctoral Internship Program for fostering remarkable knowledge and relationships!
Learn more about Canvas Health‘s internship programs here.
Three of Canvas Health’s former Doctoral Interns, Noreen Raja, Psy.D., Natalia Witkowska, Psy.D., and Bria Haynes, Psy.D., collaborated on a poster session for the International Neuropsychological Society (INS) 2025 Conference. Their poster and presentation, titled “Cultural Perspectives on Treatment Approach and Outcomes in a South Asian Patient with Significant Cognitive Decline: A Case Study,” offered valuable insights […]
We are proud to announce a group designed specifically for individuals ages 18-25 who identify within the LGBTQIA+ community. This 16-week program will take place every Friday from 1:30-3:00 p.m. in our Bloomington clinic as well as in a hybrid format.
The group offers a safe and supportive environment for young adults to come together and learn valuable skills for navigating their transition into adulthood.
Sessions will focus on a variety of important areas, including: DBT skill education, substance use disorder education, communication, social skills, time management, relationships, self-care, and career exploration.
This group strives to create a supportive community where everyone can thrive and grow.
For more information or to sign up, please contact us at (651) 251-5020 or adt@canvashealth.org.
We are proud to announce a group designed specifically for individuals ages 18-25 who identify within the LGBTQIA+ community. This 16-week program will take place every Friday from 1:30-3:00 p.m. in our Bloomington clinic as well as in a hybrid format. The group offers a safe and supportive environment for young adults to come together […]
We are excited to reveal the new mural in our Oakdale clinic PCIT room. The mural was funded by our generous donors, including the Janice Gardner Foundation.
PCIT, or Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, is an evidence-based treatment for young children (ages 0-6) with behavioral and emotional difficulties. It focuses on enhancing the parent-child relationship and modifying interaction patterns.
Learn more about our Early Childhood Clinical Services here.
We are excited to reveal the new mural in our Oakdale clinic PCIT room. The mural was funded by our generous donors, including the Janice Gardner Foundation. PCIT, or Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, is an evidence-based treatment for young children (ages 0-6) with behavioral and emotional difficulties. It focuses on enhancing the parent-child relationship and modifying […]
Canvas Health is pleased to announce the appointment of Steve Karr to its Board of Directors. Steve brings over 30 years of experience in field sales and marketing to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the upper Midwest, along with a strong commitment to community service and support.
Steve is currently the President and co-owner of ArKco Sales, a second-generation electro-mechanical manufacturer representatives firm founded in 1977 and headquartered in Mahtomedi, Minnesota. Since 2016, he has been leading the company, overseeing all critical functions, managing key accounts, and guiding a team of 8 employees. Under his leadership, ArKco Sales represents over 20 global and domestic manufacturer lines.
Steve holds a BA in Management from St. John’s University and earned his MBA and MIM (Master’s in International Management) from the University of St. Thomas. His professional journey is marked by a dedication to lifelong learning, networking, and fostering growth through resiliency, change management, innovation, empathy, hard work, and faith.
A longtime supporter of Canvas Health, Steve has actively participated in annual fundraising events and is now excited to contribute at the board level. He looks forward to leveraging his experience and resources to help Canvas Health continue providing best-in-class critical services and resources to those in need.
Steve resides in Stillwater with his wife Dana. Together, they have raised three children, now thriving young adults. In his leisure time, Steve enjoys reading, hunting, fishing, ice hockey, golf, skiing, and traveling with family and friends.
“Having witnessed Steve’s dedication and impact through his involvement with Canvas Health in recent years, we are thrilled to welcome him to the Canvas Health Board of Directors. We look forward to the valuable insights and leadership he will bring to our mission,” said Dr. Khu Thao, Canvas Health CEO.
Canvas Health is pleased to announce the appointment of Steve Karr to its Board of Directors. Steve brings over 30 years of experience in field sales and marketing to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the upper Midwest, along with a strong commitment to community service and support. Steve is currently the President and co-owner of […]
Canvas Health is delighted to announce the appointment of Jeff Uecker to its Board of Directors. Jeff brings over 25 years of non-profit experience, along with a deep commitment to community service and support.
Jeff is currently the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for Goodwill Easter Seals Minnesota, a local non-profit organization that has been connecting people to jobs since 1919. The organization uses store proceeds to support nearly 20 free programs that help job seekers achieve higher levels of employment and reach their life goals. Jeff’s extensive experience includes previous roles at the Center for Victims of Torture and the National Marrow Donor Program.
Jeff holds a BS in Accounting from Minnesota State University at Mankato and an MBA from the University of St. Thomas. His professional journey exemplifies a dedication to financial stewardship, strategic planning, and fostering growth within non-profit organizations.
Jeff and his wife Laura reside in Ramsey, MN, and have two adult children.
“We are excited to welcome Jeff to the Canvas Health Board of Directors. His extensive experience and dedication to community service will be invaluable as we continue to expand our mission of providing critical mental health, substance use, and crisis services,” said Dr. Khu Thao, Canvas Health CEO.
Canvas Health is delighted to announce the appointment of Jeff Uecker to its Board of Directors. Jeff brings over 25 years of non-profit experience, along with a deep commitment to community service and support. Jeff is currently the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for Goodwill Easter Seals Minnesota, a local non-profit organization that has been connecting […]
Canvas Health is pleased to announce the appointment of Ty Baker to its Board of Directors. Baker brings a wealth of experience and a passion for developing leaders and coaching them to maximize their potential.
Ty currently serves as a Senior Learning and Development Consultant with Hennepin County and is the Principal of the Ty Baker Series Consulting organization.
Ty holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications from Glassboro State/Rowan University and a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from the University of Northwestern, St. Paul. His commitment to lifelong learning is evident through his numerous certifications, including the “Leading Teams” certificate from the University of Michigan, a certification from the University of Minnesota Train the Trainer Program, and a certificate in Inspiring Leadership through Emotional Intelligence from Case Western Reserve University.
In addition to his academic achievements, Ty is a graduate and Top Five Award Winner in Dale Carnegie’s Sales Advantage Course and was one of the few African Americans to graduate from the Prudential Management Intern Program.
“We are thrilled to welcome Ty Baker to our Board of Directors,” said Dr. Khu Thao, Canvas Health CEO. “His dedication to leadership development and impressive background will be invaluable as we continue to grow and serve our community.”
Canvas Health is pleased to announce the appointment of Ty Baker to its Board of Directors. Baker brings a wealth of experience and a passion for developing leaders and coaching them to maximize their potential. Ty currently serves as a Senior Learning and Development Consultant with Hennepin County and is the Principal of the Ty […]
In our Staff Showcase series, we’re highlighting individuals who make Canvas Health an exceptional mental health provider. Today, we shine the spotlight on Anna Marie Montague, Dr. Rori Johnson, and Sandra Woolsey who have dedicated 10 years of their careers to making a difference in our community.
Join us in thanking our incredible staff for their contributions to our mission!
Dr. Rori Johnson’s decade with Canvas Health started as she was going through a closure of Riverwood Behavioral Health Center, previously 5 County Mental Health. She cares so much about 5 county rural community that she brought her knowledge and expertise in outpatient, adult day treatment and mobile crisis services to Canvas Health. With Canvas Health, Dr. Rori Johnson has been continuing to work with 5 counties to coordinate 24/7/365 Mobile Crisis services. She has shared her knowledge with other mobile crisis supervisors and helped to establish Canvas Health as one of the few non-profits in the metro area running mobile crisis services. Ten years of being on-call 24/7/365, for someone who struggles to get back to sleep after being woken up, is quite a feat. Rori has worked with diligently with law enforcement and educational systems in rural communities who are slower to embrace mental health resources.
Her professionalism and knowledge of the region and commitment to clinical care and the community makes her stand out from others. Not only does Dr. Johnson provide quality clinical work with multiple approaches including EMDR, she also is always the first to take people off the waitlist just so they can be seen more quickly. Dr. Johnson has provided supervision to countless interns and trainees in psych services and through the programs she supervised. She has lead day treatment services in the North Branch area and is always excited to bring additional services like Substance Use to her community. We hear all the time that people just love to hear Dr. Johnson speak because she is so thoughtful and knowledgeable. When we talk about Excellence at Canvas Health, Rori is one of the key contributors to that value.
Anna Marie has been both a volunteer and an employee for Housing Services. Her knowledge of all the technical aspects of data reporting in Housing Services and HMIS is amazing. She is a valuable memberof the housing team and even though she works only a little her impact is huge.
Therapy is often described as an art, of course we know it’s a science too. The magic of therapy is in the middle, understanding the art and science and blending them together with clinical understanding in a way that helps clients get better. Sandy Woolsey has that “magic.” She is wise and understands science and theory and can explain it to others. She is able to support complex children and families and provide hope in a way that others cannot. She is magical. Sandy Woolsey began in the TAP school-based program working at the Bellaire Education Center in District 916 ten years ago. At the time it was a level 4 special education program for middle and high school students.
Over the 6 years Sandy worked at Bellaire it changed and morphed. Through it all she worked with a complex population of youth. Many whom had many therapy services in the past that were unsuccessful. When the population at the school became younger, Sandy learned new techniques and brought in her sand tray work to use with students. When presented with a complex client with dissociative identity disorder, Sandy joined a consultation group focused on the diagnosis. She partnered with school staff, psychiatry, and community providers to provide high quality wrap around care. Sandy worked with grace and caring and helped educators and families understand and support students.
Sandy became a supervisor in the school-based program before the Covid lockdown. The role of supervisor in the school-based program is complex. Not only is it important to understand clinical supervision (of which she is a pro) but also you must understand how to navigate relationships with school partners. Taking on this challenge during a global pandemic was a feat. Yet with Sandy’s determination and focus on providing the best clinical care to our clients, we have continued to grow our programs. She is the person on our team that challenges all of us to continue to learn and grow as clinicians, to understand the work and then to take it to the next level, to go deeper in an effort to help others. She is skilled at attachment work, parts work and EMDR. She is making all of us better and thus helping more clients, families, and schools then you can imagine. Thank you, Sandy, for your dedication to Canvas Health for these past 10 years and for sharing your magic with us all.
In our Staff Showcase series, we’re highlighting individuals who make Canvas Health an exceptional mental health provider. Today, we shine the spotlight on Anna Marie Montague, Dr. Rori Johnson, and Sandra Woolsey who have dedicated 10 years of their careers to making a difference in our community. Join us in thanking our incredible staff for […]
