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 […]
In our Staff Showcase series, we’re highlighting individuals who make Canvas Health an exceptional mental health provider. Today, we shine the spotlight on Lindsay Clements and Katie Zacharias, 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!
Lindsay Clements started at Canvas Health as a Children’s Mental Health Case Manager. Since then, Lindsay has had the opportunity to work with 130 children during her career at Canvas Health. Partnering with families to help them make positive change and progress is what fuels Lindsay to do this work. Her commitment to serving children through her work at Canvas Health has been cultivated over time by seeing her clients reach their goals, a strong team of co-workers, and by the flexibility of her role that allows her to be the best she can be for her clients and for her own family.
Lindsay’s reputation as a professional speaks for itself. Her experience in the mental health system of care makes her someone that others rely on for expertise. She has worked with children and youth in all stages of life and with varying levels of parental and family support. Lindsay’s down to earth personality has allowed her to instigate progress in the most challenged family systems. Her belief in the benefit of meeting kids and parents wherever they are at has proven helpful to so many clients. Families can always count on Lindsay to show up with a calmness that is contagious, free of judgement, and with a flexible mindset.
Canvas Health is so lucky to have Lindsay. The Case Management Team is so blessed that she continues to stay. Most of all, we are all so happy that the families she works with have found an empathic partner in her. Thanks, Linds, for all the good stuff you sprinkle around every day. You’re an incredible human and we appreciate everything you do!
Katie Zacharias is the Supervisor of our Early Childhood Mental Health Program which provides consultation as well as mental health assessment and interventions to the littlest within our communities. Children and their families who are infants through age 5.
Katie joined Canvas Health in 2008 as a therapist within the Family Treatment Program. She spent her first 10 years within the agency driving around Washington County providing mental health assessments and individual and family therapy to clients who whose struggles were so significant that the identified child was on the cusp of an out of home placement. Katie’s natural, open and sensitive style allowed her to enter into these family’s lives, build relationship and work towards decreasing the conflict and pain they were all experiencing. Katie’s infectious laugh and sense of humor was helpful to her colleagues within the family treatment program and throughout the child division and agency.
Katie became the supervisor of our Early Childhood Mental Health services in 2018. Katie’s passion for working with young children and their caregivers can literally be felt each and every time she talks shop. Katie believes so much in providing early interventions to this population that she has engaged in multiple evidenced based practices. Katie has earned the Infant Mental Health Endorsement and has brought Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Trauma Informed Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) and now DC 0 to 3 to the agency. Katie has trained and mentored many clinicians in these modalities of therapy and is our very agency trainer!
We are very grateful for Katie’s reputation within the Early Childhood Mental Health community. Her work is seen by our partners within Department of Human Services, local School Districts, child care agencies and family serving agencies. Katie’s work within the community promoting early childhood mental health, educating and supporting early childhood teachers, care givers and day care providers is exceptional. Katie is a sought after trainer, supervisor and supporter to all working in early childhood services.
Katie – Thank you for your 15 years of service to children, their families and those providing for the youngest in our communities! Thank you for your clinical wisdom, your dedication to the littlest of peoples, thank you most of all for your friendship. Here’s to 15 more!
In our Staff Showcase series, we’re highlighting individuals who make Canvas Health an exceptional mental health provider. Today, we shine the spotlight on Lindsay Clements and Katie Zacharias, 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! Celebrating 15 […]
Canvas Health School-Based Therapist, Christina Blaszczyk, recently helped create and facilitate a mental health-related course for 916 Mahtomedi Academy and EastView Academy students.
“A Walk in My Shoes” is a one-credit course co-created by 916 Art Teacher Shawn Hennessey and 916 Language Arts Teacher Jenna Dugan and Blaszczyk. The course activities and material are based upon the movie “A Silent Voice”, which features heavy topics such as bullying and suicide.
As a part of the course, students viewed “A Silent Voice” and created an art project where they represented their authentic selves on shoes, and then participated in a peer-reviewed gallery walk where each student could share what it is like to walk in their shoes.
Students also participated in a facilitated critical discussion on the movie with teachers and therapists. The discussion focused on how to prevent bullying and suicide and how students can help stop misinformation and stigma.
“The small class size allowed for scholars to feel comfortable and safe enough to explore serious topics, such as bullying and suicide. It was a privilege to see a group of scholars from two different schools connect with each other throughout this meaningful course,” said Blaszczyk.
This course is now official curriculum within the 916 District and its creators are hopeful this course will be offered annually.
Learn more about our School-Based Mental Health Services >>
Canvas Health School-Based Therapist, Christina Blaszczyk, recently helped create and facilitate a mental health-related course for 916 Mahtomedi Academy and EastView Academy students. “A Walk in My Shoes” is a one-credit course co-created by 916 Art Teacher Shawn Hennessey and 916 Language Arts Teacher Jenna Dugan and Blaszczyk. The course activities and material are based […]
In our Staff Showcase series, we’re highlighting individuals who make Canvas Health an exceptional mental health provider. Today, we shine the spotlight on Dean Gorall, Colleen Pavel-Brown, and Ping An Liu, 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!
Dean Gorall is the Supervisor of the Family Treatment Program which is one of the oldest programs within the agency. He first came to the agency and began working in the Family Treatment Program to complete his internship in 1996.
Dean has been a constant calm, smart and articulate presence within the Child Division for the last 20 years. Dean has spent much of his career working with families who are experiencing the most difficult of relational struggles. He has seen many Washington County families when they are at their worst, lowest and most vulnerable. Dean’s collaboration, sensitive style and clinical expertise is seen, heard, and felt by his clients, co-therapists, and colleagues.
In 2018 Dean became the supervisor of the Family Treatment Program. And since our go live date with Profiler in 2010, Dean has put in countless hours of Electronic Health Record training for virtually all employees entering the agency. Hundreds of Canvas Health employees have been touched by his humor, kindness, and teaching.
Dean – Thank you for your 20 years of service to children and their families.
Colleen started at HSI in 2003 in the Accounts Payable role. She was in that role for a few years and then moved to doing AP role and AR role as a transition into full time AR Specialist. Then after a few years, Colleen’s role was split into part-time AR and part-time purchasing when a colleague retired. Colleen now does a split between Purchasing and AR. Colleen does all purchasing for programs supplies and office supplies. She answers client calls, works on billing questions, sends out county billing and contract billing and does all follow up on our work comp and EAP billing. Colleen also does all client collections.
For everyone that doesn’t know Colleen, she is a kid at heart. She never wants to grow up, and she is always keeping AR on our toes and laughing. Right when you think you have heard everything, Colleen will one-up herself, make your jaw drop, and leave you laughing. AR started a list of funny Colleen stories for her award write up, but we decided to keep all those stories to our “inner jokes” for AR. Colleen has been a great asset to Canvas and AR. She has given Canvas Health 20 years, and we hope to have 20 more years of funny stories. Thank you, Colleen!
Ping joined the agency in 2003 as an Accountant and has seen numerous accounting and financial reporting changes during that time, from adding and closing programs to becoming a CCBHC in 2022. Ping participated in 20 annual external audits (which is an accomplishment in itself) and helped Canvas Health pass these audits with minimal or no findings.
Ping has also helped implement and customize our current accounting system to make sure it meets the agency’s needs, and he has trained and mentored our Accounts Payable Specialists over the years to ensure invoices and expenses are entered correctly into our accounting system. In addition, Ping prepares our monthly reports and addresses questions from program leaders to help them understand their financials. Thank you Ping for 20 years of dedicated service to 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 Dean Gorall, Colleen Pavel-Brown, and Ping An Liu, who have dedicated their careers to making a difference in our community. Join us in thanking our incredible staff for their contributions to our […]
On May 11, 2023, the federal government will end the pandemic’s classification as a public health emergency. One of the direct effects of this move on Canvas Health clients is the ending of a safety net requiring Minnesota and other states to keep individuals automatically enrolled in Medicaid programs.
This means that 1.5 million Minnesotans on Medicaid programs — either Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare — will have to once again re-enroll for their benefits. Currently, approximately 60% of Canvas Health clients receive coverage through Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare.
Canvas Health is joining the State in communicating to clients regarding the eligibility renewal process through email reminders, printed materials, and staff education about the renewal process.
If clients need assistance during the renewal process, we are encouraging them to schedule an appointment with a Canvas Health Care Coordinator. If a client no longer qualifies for Medicaid, Canvas Health’s Navigators can help them find new health care coverage through MNSure, the State’s health insurance marketplace.
We encourage clients and others to check out our special webpage to access information and links about these upcoming changes.
On May 11, 2023, the federal government will end the pandemic’s classification as a public health emergency. One of the direct effects of this move on Canvas Health clients is the ending of a safety net requiring Minnesota and other states to keep individuals automatically enrolled in Medicaid programs. This means that 1.5 million Minnesotans on Medicaid […]
