In our Staff Showcase series, we’re highlighting individuals who make Canvas Health an exceptional mental health provider. Today, we shine the spotlight on Darcy Gassman 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!
Darcy chose to join HSI in March of 1999. She was the therapist in one of our adolescent day treatment programs TLC 2, located in Oak Park Heights, for 14 years. After that program closed in 2013, she moved to Oakdale as the therapist at TLC. In 2017 she became the Lead Therapist and remains in that position today, with just a short 3 month stint to start our all-day TEC program.
At our recent staff event, we recognized 25 years of passion, unconditional positive regard, dedication, humor, excellent clinical skills, mentorship/leadership, and so much more. Of those attributes, we want to highlight specifically her passion. She never just “dials it in,” she continues to have the same level of excitement about her work as some of my new young therapists.
Darcy’s impact has reached hundreds of adolescents, their families, schools, co-workers, and communities. Because of Darcy, kids and their families have learned to love themselves, forgive, be vulnerable, love others, take risks, be assertive, set boundaries, accept themselves, and know their worth. On behalf of Canvas Health and the community we want to thank Darcy for her 25 years in day treatment, which is no small feat. We are truly better because Darcy continues to choose Canvas Health.
In our Staff Showcase series, we’re highlighting individuals who make Canvas Health an exceptional mental health provider. Today, we shine the spotlight on Darcy Gassman 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! Celebrating 25 […]
Erika Furo completed a Master’s level internship at Canvas Health. She now works in our school-based mental health program. Recently she shared some thoughts about why she continues to work at Canvas Health.
“I decided to stay at Canvas Health because I felt impressed by their values, reputation, and ways of operating.
The individuals who make up the TAP team are compassionate and valuable clinicians who I feel grateful to work with. There is a noticeable absence of negativity on the TAP team, which makes everyone feel included and celebrated for the work they do.
Those in positions of leadership on the team foster a sense of comfortability that allows clinicians to advocate for their own needs. Canvas Health has contributed greatly to my success as a therapist.”
-Erika Furo, LGSW, MSW
Erika Furo completed a Master’s level internship at Canvas Health. She now works in our school-based mental health program. Recently she shared some thoughts about why she continues to work at Canvas Health. “I decided to stay at Canvas Health because I felt impressed by their values, reputation, and ways of operating. The individuals who make up the TAP team are compassionate and valuable clinicians who […]
As a part of Pride Month, Canvas Health’s Rainbow Affinity Group has scheduled a series of LGBTQIA+ Lunch & Learn sessions. Each week over the lunch hour, staff are invited to tune in to the virtual meetings to learn more about the mental health topics relating to this community.
At the June 5 Lunch & Learn, the group focused on Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder in the LGBTQIA+ Community. Here are some of the facts that were shared with the group that underscore the importance of prioritizing mental health for LGBTQIA+ individuals.
The LGBTGIA+ community tends to have a higher occurrence of both mental health and substance use disorders than the more significant population:
Many within the community struggle in silence and face worse health outcomes as a result. For example, 40% of transgender adults have attempted suicide in their lifetime, as compared to less than 5% of the general U.S. population. It is also estimated that LGBTQIA+ youth and young adults have a 120% risk of experiencing homelessness for several reasons, including family rejection or discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation.
Higher substance use rates within the community can be attributed to several reasons, including higher levels of stress, marketing, and even a lack of cultural humility within healthcare services. Higher levels of stress in the LBGTQIA+ community might be due to social prejudices or even discriminatory laws in areas of daily life (i.e., employment, relationship recognition, healthcare, etc.). Many healthcare providers grow up outside of the community and do not take the time to show cultural humility towards the community. As a result, many problems arise, such as microaggressions. Marketing by using targeted efforts to exploit LGBTQIA+ connections to bars and clubs via alcohol and tobacco has been pervasive. Efforts such as direct advertising in national gay and transgender magazines or sponsorships of events/organizations for LBGTQIA+ issues only further normalize substance use within the community.
The LGBTQIA+ community is only growing as time moves forward. We greatly hope this is due to increased allyship within the broader community. An ally tries to understand what others in the LGBTQIA+ community might be experiencing and lends their voice to help combat issues like those mentioned in this article.
Our role at Canvas Health is to lead with empathy and compassion to make sure that all are welcome at our organization.
As a part of Pride Month, Canvas Health’s Rainbow Affinity Group has scheduled a series of LGBTQIA+ Lunch & Learn sessions. Each week over the lunch hour, staff are invited to tune in to the virtual meetings to learn more about the mental health topics relating to this community. June 5: Mental Health & Substance […]
In our Staff Showcase series, we’re highlighting individuals who make Canvas Health an exceptional substance use disorder provider. Today, we shine the spotlight on John Cassidy who has dedicated his career to making a difference in our community.
Join us in thanking our incredible staff for their contributions to our mission!
In 1983, Human Services, Inc. in Washington County was a mere fourteen years old when John was hired as a full-time assessor. The Stillwater offices were in two locations: in the Government Center and above the AA Club, downtown. During those days, the agency worked in close collaboration with Washington County to provide its Pre-Petition Screening for civil commitment. Assessment services were mobile, meaning John spent a great deal of time driving, providing assessments to people in various hospitals and detox centers around the metro. For several years, John and a colleague also led the charge with the “Washington County Team Experience.” They gathered the top students from Washington County High Schools and took them on a three-day adventure to the University of River Falls to learn leadership skills.
To better serve the agency’s client, the agency asked John to study and learn the Spanish language. In 1990, he was chosen to be part of a two-year international fellowship, offering him the opportunity to share his skills among various countries throughout Central and South America. Since then, he continues to visit Central and South America.
During his time with the agency, John has completed thousands of assessments, touching so many lives. He has witnessed four changes in the agency’s name and the employee count has increased from, “about 60,” to over 320 total employees. There have been five different CEOs and seven Department Managers. Canvas Health is fortunate to have employed John Cassidy for the past forty years. He has proven to be dedicated, skilled, dependable, and loyal.
In our Staff Showcase series, we’re highlighting individuals who make Canvas Health an exceptional substance use disorder provider. Today, we shine the spotlight on John Cassidy who has dedicated his career to making a difference in our community. Join us in thanking our incredible staff for their contributions to our mission! Celebrating 40 Years with […]
Our school-based clinicians in Minneapolis Public Schools met with providers from other agencies also providing service in the district earlier this month.
The focus of the meeting was planning smooth transitions for students who are changing buildings and need ongoing mental health supports.
The clinicians identified ways to help navigate these transitions and were able to meet and talk with clinicians from schools where their students would be going.
Canvas Health‘s Beth Hopkins was on the planning committee and made maps for everyone to better understand the schools and neighborhoods!
Learn more about our school-based mental health program >>
Our school-based clinicians in Minneapolis Public Schools met with providers from other agencies also providing service in the district earlier this month. The focus of the meeting was planning smooth transitions for students who are changing buildings and need ongoing mental health supports. The clinicians identified ways to help navigate these transitions and were able to meet and talk […]
Canvas Health‘s mobile crisis teams (Anoka County, East Central Crisis Services, and Scott County) recently came together at our Oakdale clinic for a full-day role play training on the Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS).
CAMS is a therapeutic framework for suicide-specific assessment and treatment of a patient’s suicidal risk. It is a flexible approach that can be used across theoretical orientations and disciplines for a wide range of suicidal patients across treatment settings and different treatment modalities.
This training was a part of the crisis staff’s pursuit of earning the designation of “CAMS-Trained.” Training over the next several months will include online learning, book learning, the on-site role play training, and consultation calls with CAMS trainer, Dr. Blaire Ehret, Ph.D.
Learn more about our mobile crisis response teams >>
Canvas Health‘s mobile crisis teams (Anoka County, East Central Crisis Services, and Scott County) recently came together at our Oakdale clinic for a full-day role play training on the Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS). CAMS is a therapeutic framework for suicide-specific assessment and treatment of a patient’s suicidal risk. It is a flexible approach […]
Sometimes all it takes to turn a life around is for one person to see your potential.
That’s the case for Jerry*, a former client at Washington County Jail.
Jerry overcame addiction through our Jail Program. With the help of our embedded staff, Jerry was able to look more deeply at the underlying reasons for his dependence and make positive changes to his lifestyle. Through evidence-based therapy including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Enhanced Illness Management and Recover (EIMR), Jerry learned coping strategies and changed his belief system for the better. As a result, his whole life looks totally different.
“Years ago, the clinicians in the Washington County Jail helped me start my recovery journey. I’ve now been sober for almost 12 years, and I have so much gratitude to the clinicians for meeting me where I was at back then. I’m now married, coach at my children’s school, am active in my church, and I have a successful career. Oftentimes I suppose the clinicians see people at their worst and struggling, but they don’t get to see the fruits of their labor when they are at their best. Thank you for helping me be my best.”
Jerry*, Former Client at Washington County Jail
Sometimes all it takes to turn a life around is for one person to see your potential. That’s the case for Jerry*, a former client at Washington County Jail. Jerry overcame addiction through our Jail Program. With the help of our embedded staff, Jerry was able to look more deeply at the underlying reasons for […]
Mental health challenges can make it difficult for individuals to keep their jobs due to the cyclical nature of their illness or insufficient coping and work-related skills. Canvas Health provides vocational services to help these individuals seek and attain employment, and to develop skills to help them maintain employment.
For individuals living with mental health challenges, a job can be a powerful component in their recovery. Here’s an example from one of our clients:
After not working for over 20 years, John* felt uncertain about how to go about applying for jobs.
Janessa, an Employment Specialist with Partnering for Jobs, started working working with John in early 2023. Through coaching, John gained valuable volunteering experience that helped him build back his confidence. After a few volunteering opportunities, John felt ready to dive into the job search.
With his renewed confidence, he quickly gained interviews and was able to advocate for his needs.
John recently started a job as a night auditor at a hotel. He is feeling self-assured in his job and so happy with all the progress he’s made!
Learn more about our Vocational Services for Adults and Youth to see how our specialists can help with:
Partnering for Jobs services are funded by Minnesota Vocational Rehabilitation Services and are provided at no cost to participants. This program is offered in collaboration with Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.
Mental health challenges can make it difficult for individuals to keep their jobs due to the cyclical nature of their illness or insufficient coping and work-related skills. Canvas Health provides vocational services to help these individuals seek and attain employment, and to develop skills to help them maintain employment. For individuals living with mental health […]
“I am the Substance Use Counselor for the evening substance use program at the North Branch clinic. This was an extremely exciting opportunity as Canvas Health is engaging people in treatment in the community that I grew up in and call home to this day. There was no doubt in my mind that this was the right place for me and a way to engage and give back to my community.
The New Choices for Recovery Intensive Outpatient evening program that I facilitate is a three-day-a-week intensive outpatient treatment program that is open to all adults. I integrate and engage clients with innovative activities that allow them to increase their awareness and recovery growth. This program’s expectations are a nonjudgmental environment in which all are welcome. My requirements of the group are to be present and respectful of your fellow group members.
There is something so powerful to be in an environment where people can authentically be themselves. Vulnerability is a beautiful struggle in treatment and one that is encouraged. Treatment is not an easy journey, but a beautiful one.”
“It is my honor and privilege to be a part of the Canvas Health team and to provide care and an amazing range of services to this wonderful community. I am grateful to the entire North Branch staff that work extremely hard to make treatment possible.”
– Brooke Fricke, Substance Use Counselor
“I am the Substance Use Counselor for the evening substance use program at the North Branch clinic. This was an extremely exciting opportunity as Canvas Health is engaging people in treatment in the community that I grew up in and call home to this day. There was no doubt in my mind that this was […]
Canvas Health recently announced its 2024 Board of Directors leadership.
The Board will be chaired by Karen Dodson, who served more than 30 years in the healthcare industry prior to joining Canvas Health’s Board. “I am honored to work alongside Canvas Health staff and volunteers to serve our community through sustainable growth, quality clinical care, and a commitment to our mission of hope, healing, and recovery,” said Dodson.
Canvas Health recently announced its 2024 Board of Directors leadership. The Board will be chaired by Karen Dodson, who served more than 30 years in the healthcare industry prior to joining Canvas Health’s Board. “I am honored to work alongside Canvas Health staff and volunteers to serve our community through sustainable growth, quality clinical care, […]
Overcoming alcohol or drug dependence can feel like climbing a mountain, alone, in the dark. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
Canvas Health offers Substance Use Disorder Services to guide adults and adolescents to recovery using an approach that includes assessments, treatment plans, and group therapy.
While each individual’s journey is unique, group therapy sessions are a place to find common ground. Groups provide non-judgmental peer support from those who understand what climbing the mountain feels like.
The camaraderie and kinship that comes from other group members can make an enormous difference in the healing process. Through dialogue led by trained facilitators, group members can gain strategies and coping skills from others with similar experiences. Learning from each other while being vulnerable is a powerful way for those who may have felt misunderstood to feel seen and valued.
Groups also can influence the individual treatment plans that are designed to change thinking and behaviors. With the help of facilitators, group sessions challenge negative self-talk and inspire new ways of thinking and behaviors, both to prevent relapse and to form a more positive relationship with self, others, and community.
Adult groups and adolescent groups have the same goal: to provide peer learning. Not only do individuals grow to understand the connection between substance use disorders and mental health, they also gain the ability to talk more openly about it. Learning how to educate family and friends about substance use disorders is just another way to help people feel less alone.
Canvas Health is here to help individuals struggling with alcohol or drug dependence to feel supported when they are ready to climb their mountain to recovery. With expert guidance from our counselors and comforting peer support in group sessions, people can begin to feel hope that reaching the summit is not only possible, but that the way there won’t be quite so lonely.
If you believe that you or someone you care about could benefit from outpatient treatment for drug or alcohol use, call (651) 777-5222 to request an appointment for an assessment at one of our clinic locations.
Join a Group: To join a group, you must have a recent substance use assessment, which can be provided by Canvas Health or an outside agency. Group members also attend individual treatment sessions with a Canvas Health substance use counselor.
Click here to view the Adult Group Schedule >>
Click here to view the Adolescent Group Schedule >>
Overcoming alcohol or drug dependence can feel like climbing a mountain, alone, in the dark. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Canvas Health offers Substance Use Disorder Services to guide adults and adolescents to recovery using an approach that includes assessments, treatment plans, and group therapy. While each individual’s journey is unique, group […]
We are delighted to introduce Dr. Benjamin Eliason, our new psychiatrist who is offering virtual telepsychiatry appointments through our Oakdale and Coon Rapids offices. Clients (18 and older) will see a clinician in-clinic for paperwork, vitals, and tech support. Appointments with Dr. Eliason will be virtual, in either English or Spanish.
I have twenty years of experience as a psychiatrist. I am kind, patient, and caring. I am well versed in cognitive-behavioral and dynamic psychotherapeutic approaches and I use these principles to inform me in the guidance of patient-care, in understanding each person and in assisting them in understanding themselves.
Psychological healing can turn into a process of excavation. I do not claim to have all the answers but I have the tools and I am interested enough to be a helpful guide in turning over the stones that will connect you with the answers that will help.
My philosophy is that there are many difficulties and barriers to getting well in the area of mental health. I’m inclined toward a little prescribing and a little therapy.
Work should be a joy. Life should be a joy. Pain and suffering should be meaningful and all our struggles should be turned toward our personal growth and learning. A physician can be a helpful guide toward healing and should help clients learn and grow to continue the work of their own healing.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Eliason or make a referral, please call our Psychiatry Administrative Coordinator at (651) 251-5044.
Fun Facts: I have lived in California, Wisconsin, El Salvador, Oregon, and Utah. Fluent in Spanish and also learning to speak Romanian. Being from a large family made me very curious about people and this interest drew me into the field of medicine and eventually psychiatry.
Hobbies: Palm collecting, plant identification, rock climbing, reading and writing.
Pets: A golden doodle dog named Flynn.
Family: My wife is from Romania so my two children are half-Romanian. She has a special love and appreciation for the United States. I come from a family of many physicians living in different states.
We are delighted to introduce Dr. Benjamin Eliason, our new psychiatrist who is offering virtual telepsychiatry appointments through our Oakdale and Coon Rapids offices. Clients (18 and older) will see a clinician in-clinic for paperwork, vitals, and tech support. Appointments with Dr. Eliason will be virtual, in either English or Spanish. In His Own Words […]
Make a big difference. Support the little things.
This year for Give to the Max Day we are fundraising for clinical supplies and training that are essential to Canvas Health therapy programs.
Here are just a few examples of small things are more than they appear to be when it comes to helping individuals of all ages and backgrounds heal from mental health and substance abuse:
Jayden* recently used fire trucks/police vehicle toys to describe when he witnessed her father being arrested.
Our adolescent day treatment program gives kids who have had a hard time in a traditional classroom environment the opportunity to work on their social skills, get their education, and help heal from their mental illness/substance use disorders.
To our therapists, being trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)” gives them a whole new set of tools to help clients with trauma. One of our therapists described how it will help her client who has spent significant time in and out of juvenile detention centers:
“He has been homeless, lacks guidance, is often approached with criminal opportunities and is very reactive. EMDR would help him process his trauma so he can react to his unpredictable life thoughtfully and not make mistakes that will put him behind bars.”
Tools to interact with nature give our clients an opportunity to see growth in themselves and in the plants and vegetables that they are tending. They are so excited for harvest time and they even learn how to cook with their freshly grown crops!
A new rug, special lighting, wall hangings, and blankets make spaces warm and comfortable for elementary-aged clients to open up to their therapists.
Make a big difference. Support the little things. This year for Give to the Max Day we are fundraising for clinical supplies and training that are essential to Canvas Health therapy programs. Here are just a few examples of small things are more than they appear to be when it comes to helping individuals of […]
Canvas Health’s Early Childhood Behavior Assistance Program’s therapists offer assessment by teaming with parents and care givers.
Together, the team gains clarity and increased understanding of a child’s struggles in order to provide individually tailored recommendations and interventions to support the child’s social and emotional development. Therapists provide specialized assessment as well as psychotherapy and/or skills training.
This program always begins with a comprehensive assessment using the DC:0-5 framework. From there, we work with caregivers and providers using developmentally appropriate and culturally informed methods to determine the child’s emotional and relational needs.
The Early Childhood Behavior Assistance Program has immediate openings in the following programs:
PCIT is an evidence-based treatment for young children (2-6 years) with behavioral problems. PCIT will help with:
CPP is an evidence-based treatment for young children who have been through stressful or scary events. CPP will help with:
COS is a parenting program based on attachment research for strengthening and supporting secure parent-child relationships. COS will help with:
To make an appointment or for questions regarding eligibility or the referral process please call our program support assistant at (651) 251-5024.
Canvas Health’s Early Childhood Behavior Assistance Program’s therapists offer assessment by teaming with parents and care givers. Together, the team gains clarity and increased understanding of a child’s struggles in order to provide individually tailored recommendations and interventions to support the child’s social and emotional development. Therapists provide specialized assessment as well as psychotherapy and/or […]
In our Staff Showcase series, we’re highlighting individuals who make Canvas Health an exceptional mental health provider. Today, we shine the spotlight on Andrew Ballew, Linnea Cebelinski, Jordan Jones, Stephanie Knickerbocker, Mike Mishler, Melissa Moon, and Meaghan Puckett who have dedicated their careers to making a difference in our community.
Join us in thanking our incredible staff for their contributions to our mission!
Andrew Ballew was hired as the Postdoctoral Fellow for the psychological services, and in this role, he was instrumental in providing a strong foundation for the neurodevelopmental assessment services for Canvas Health. He has developed his expertise in the area of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome assessment and through this role has developed strong partnerships with clinical partners in the community, including Proof Alliance and the Native American Community Clinic.
Andrew is one of the few clinicians in the state that regularly provides Fetal Alcohol Syndrome assessments for adults, and as a result, receives referrals from clients living in all parts of the state. Due to his neurodevelopmental assessment focus and his skill in the forensic assessment, counties across the state and even federal agencies have sought his help when forensic cases involve complicated cognitive developmental factors. More recently, he has been invited to be a presenter at the annual state convention for Guardians ad Litem, where he shared his knowledge of working with the most vulnerable youth in the state.
Andrew’s skill and dedication for providing assessment to children and families, especially those who are disadvantaged, is known across Canvas Health. He works closely with several programs, including Therapeutic Assistance Program (TAP), Children’s Case Management, youth day treatment, and outpatient services. His commitment to social justice and the marginalized youth that he serves comes through in his practice and is reflect in his support of DEI issues and his longstanding membership on Canvas Health’s Cultural Diversity Committee. Beyond his clinical work, Andrew is also acts as a trainer, mentor, and critical support to the doctoral training program, which provides our interns with a safe space to process their experience. We’re lucky to have our team, Andrew. Thank you!
Linnea Cebelinski is a warm and steady presence at Canvas Health, on the school-based team, at her school, and most importantly to her clients. Linnea works at Lucy Laney, an elementary school on the Northside of Minneapolis. She works with very young children, most of whom have experienced enough trauma for many lifetimes. In addition to the traumas we often address in therapy, Linnea’s clients live in a hurting and under-resourced community that is disproportionately impacted by gun violence and poverty. It is not uncommon for her clients to be impacted by shootings in the community, and many have lost friends and family members (including parents) to guns.
Linnea’s approach to therapy is creative, honoring, and celebratory of the spirits of her little clients and their developing brains. Her therapy room is a healing space that provides safety, while sharing opportunities to process, create, grow, play and most importantly, be a kid. She has used sculpture, kintsugi, candles, and even yo-yos in her therapeutic interventions. She is comfortable using non-traditional therapy spaces at her school, including outside in the garden or in the gym. She will travel to client homes or meet up with her kids at their daycare. Linnea also created a garden at the school to both beautify the space but also to give her clients the opportunity to nurture and take care of something. They start seeds in the spring and continue to tend the garden during summer school. She also uses tapping, which is an intervention she has shared and taught many of our other therapists who love using it with their clients.
Working at any organization for 10 years is an accomplishment. However, Linnea’s position requires her to be very strong, extremely resilient, and unwavering in her commitment to her clients and her belief that caring for them will in turn make their lives better. She somehow balances that tenacity with quiet grace and gentleness that makes all around her feel safe and celebrated. Congratulations to Linnea for this milestone anniversary and a job well done!
Jordan has been a consistent presence in the Cottage Grove and Bloomington communities for the past 10 years.
Jordan provides excellent quality mental health services and has the additional skill to be able to provide services in both English and Spanish. Her expertise in EMDR and her calming nature make her a highly sought after referral within Canvas Health as she helps individuals heal from traumatic events. Jordan has served as a Spanish speaking outreach provider, consulted at Hope House, El Consorcio, and been a consistent and active member of Canvas Health’s Cultural Diversity Committee.
Over the years she has stepped up to provide training on microaggressions for Canvas Health staff. Prior to the pandemic, Jordan was part of a test group to provide telehealth and her efforts through those two years made it possible for Canvas to move to all telehealth services within one week. Her dedication to providing evidence-based, culturally sensitive services, further our DEI work, voicing inequities, as well as providing consultation to peers has been a huge asset to Canvas Health. Thank you, Jordan!
Stephanie Knickerbocker has been a dedicated HR team member since 2013. She is diligent in her efforts and takes pride in adhering to deadlines.
Stephanie is not one who enjoys the spotlight so on behalf of Canvas Health, we would like to express our appreciation and celebrate this 10 year milestone. Stephanie, employees like you are the foundation to the success of Canvas Health and our HR team. Thank you for your contribution and for being a valuable member. We sincerely appreciate your hard work and efforts year after year. Happy 10-year anniversary!
Mike Mishler started his career cleaning the Coon Rapids office in 2013. 10 years and 2 office moves later, he continues to be the person that keeps the office in tip top shape.
Mike is seldom seen by staff but what he does is seen by everyone. His attention to detail, his drive to go beyond expectations and the ability to adapt to the changing landscape of building maintenance is what makes Mike a great employee.
Please join me in congratulating Mike on a terrific 10 years!
Melissa has been involved in implementing two amazing programs which positively impact Washington County residents. The first program is our employment program, Partnering for Jobs, which brought Melissa to Canvas Health 10 years ago. The second program is our Social Security Outreach and Advocacy program, SOAR. This program offers Social Security advocacy and education to individuals experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness in Washington Country. Canvas Health is the only CCBHC clinic in Washington County that offers this outstanding service.
During her 10 years at Canvas Health, Melissa has been dedicated to strengthening partnerships and building strong relationships with community service providers and organizations in Washington County. Through the Partnering for Jobs program she has collaboratively worked with LSS, VRS and Washington County Adult Mental Health team. The SOAR program has further strengthened her community relationships.
Melissa has taken on a leadership role and helped train and mentor new Partnering for Jobs staff. This included teaching new skills, providing guidance on best practices, and serving as a sounding board for others. She has volunteered and supported Canvas Health at our Annual Golf Classic event, Valley Vine Harvest Throwdown and staffed our Canvas Health booth at the Pride Festival. Melissa has also helped improve internal processes of referrals and advocated for ease in the process of referrals for both programs. We’re so grateful to you, Melissa!
Meaghan started her journey with Canvas Health, HSI-New Generations back then, as an ARMHS worker. During that work she completed her clinical hours and applied for a therapist position. She has always been very conscientious about the work with her client and shown great care for her colleagues. When the office would do an annual picnic she would always show up and want to connect with others, as well as appreciate the benefit of a door prize as she won every time. Meaghan continued to expand her clinical practice when she got involved in early childhood work doing the DC 0-5 trainings. She then went on to get training in PCIT and continues to work with a broad spectrum and age range for her clients. Prior to the pandemic, Meaghan was part of a test group to provide telehealth and her efforts through those 2 years made it possible for Canvas to move to all telehealth services with 1 week. She is always wanting to learn and has recently take the task of learning Credible and being part of the Credible help team. Over the years, supervisors have looked to Meaghan to be a mentor to new hires and she has done a great job with sharing her insights, struggles, and laughter with her team members. She helps create safe spaces for both her clients and colleagues. Canvas Health and the Bloomington outpatient office especially has been graced with her presence, stability, and dedication through many shifts and changes.
In our Staff Showcase series, we’re highlighting individuals who make Canvas Health an exceptional mental health provider. Today, we shine the spotlight on Andrew Ballew, Linnea Cebelinski, Jordan Jones, Stephanie Knickerbocker, Mike Mishler, Melissa Moon, and Meaghan Puckett who have dedicated their careers to making a difference in our community. Join us in thanking our […]
