In moments of profound distress, sexual assault advocates and staff from Canvas Health Abuse Response & Prevention Services emerge as beacons of support for survivors. These tireless individuals bridge the gap between trauma and recovery, offering empathy, practical aid, and a sense of dignity to survivors who face one of the hardest experiences imaginable.
Advocates not only provide emotional solace but bring with them tangible, life-changing help in the form of supply bags or “go bags.” These thoughtfully curated bags contain items designed to restore comfort, address immediate needs, and allow survivors to regain a semblance of control over their lives.
Here’s why each item in the go bag matters:
The advocates from Canvas Health Abuse Response & Prevention Services play an indispensable role in hospitals. They provide survivors of sexual assault not only these resources but also compassionate guidance through a confusing and painful time. They help survivors navigate medical procedures, connect them with counseling services, and offer hope in what might feel like hopeless circumstances.
The importance of advocates in hospital settings cannot be overstated. Their presence signals that survivors are not alone, that there are people who care deeply about their well-being, and that healing is possible. The thoughtfully assembled go bags are far more than practical tools—they are symbols of hope, reminders of humanity, and stepping stones toward recovery. With their invaluable assistance, survivors can begin the journey toward reclaiming their lives, strength, and confidence.
In moments of profound distress, sexual assault advocates and staff from Canvas Health Abuse Response & Prevention Services emerge as beacons of support for survivors. These tireless individuals bridge the gap between trauma and recovery, offering empathy, practical aid, and a sense of dignity to survivors who face one of the hardest experiences imaginable. Advocates […]
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month! This year’s theme, Together We Act, United We Change, highlights the importance of working together to address and prevent sexual abuse, assault, and harassment.
Source: https://www.nsvrc.org/saam/about-2025
Canvas Health’s Abuse Response & Prevention Services staff and advocates work every day to help victims of sexual assault. Our program offers the following services to individuals in Washington County:
For victims or individuals seeking support, Canvas Health’s Abuse Response & Prevention Services is a vital resource offering hope, care, and practical help. This program’s work is transformative in fostering healing and building stronger communities.
Sexual Violence Facts
Source: https://rainn.org/statistics/victims-sexual-violence?ref=nomore.org
Call to Action
Let’s unite in our mission to educate, advocate, and provide resources for those affected by sexual violence!
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month! This year’s theme, Together We Act, United We Change, highlights the importance of working together to address and prevent sexual abuse, assault, and harassment. Source: https://www.nsvrc.org/saam/about-2025 Canvas Health’s Abuse Response & Prevention Services staff and advocates work every day to help victims of sexual assault. Our program offers the […]
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 thrilled to announce that Tammy Biery, the executive director at Career Solutions, recently joined the Canvas Health Board of Directors.
Tammy has been a driving force in workforce development initiatives in Central Minnesota through her role at Career Solutions, a partner agency in CareerForce St. Cloud. Career Solutions focuses on providing essential services such as dislocated worker programs, career and job-related programs for at-risk youth, and assisting employers with their workforce needs. Tammy’s leadership has been instrumental in organizing, directing, coordinating, measuring, and reporting outcomes for the operations of Career Solutions. She works with multiple programs and partners to encourage joint participation and collaboration, ensuring the achievement of program and grant outcomes.
Tammy has a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Master of Management with an emphasis in change leadership from The College of St. Scholastica. Additionally, she has 25 years of experience in sales and marketing program development, supporting corporate strategic initiatives.
“Tammy’s extensive experience and dedication to workforce development make her a valuable addition to the Canvas Health Board of Directors. We look forward to the positive impact she will have on our organization and the communities we serve,” said Dr. Khu Thao, Canvas Health CEO.
Canvas Health is thrilled to announce that Tammy Biery, the executive director at Career Solutions, recently joined the Canvas Health Board of Directors. Tammy has been a driving force in workforce development initiatives in Central Minnesota through her role at Career Solutions, a partner agency in CareerForce St. Cloud. Career Solutions focuses on providing essential […]
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 […]
Black History Month is a time to celebrate the rich history, culture, and contributions of Black individuals and communities. It’s also an important opportunity to highlight the significance of mental health within the Black community. Here are some ways to celebrate and honor Black History Month.
*Raising Awareness:
Black History Month helps to raise awareness about the unique mental health challenges faced by Black individuals. Historical and systemic racism, discrimination, and socio-economic disparities have contributed to higher rates of mental health issues within the Black community. By acknowledging these challenges, we can work towards creating more equitable mental health support systems.
Click here for Minnesota Events Celebrating Black History Month
*Reducing Stigma & Becoming Educated:
Black History Month provides a platform to openly discuss mental health, normalize seeking help, and reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues. This can encourage more individuals to seek the support they need. Educating ourselves about the needs of the Black community is essential to providing quality support.
Resources
Source: NAMI
Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM)
Group aimed at removing the barriers that Black people experience getting access to or staying connected with emotional health care and healing through education, training, advocacy and the creative arts.
Black Men Heal
Limited and selective free mental health service opportunities for Black men.
Black Mental Health Alliance — (410) 338-2642
Provides information, resources and a “Find a Therapist” locator to connect with a culturally competent mental health professional.
Black Mental Wellness
Provides access to evidence-based information and resources about mental health and behavioral health topics from a Black perspective, as well as training opportunities for students and professionals.
Black Women’s Health Imperative
Organization advancing health equity and social justice for Black women through policy, advocacy, education, research and leadership development.
Brother You’re on My Mind
An initiative launched by Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and NIMHD to raise awareness of the mental health challenges associated with depression and stress that affect Black men and families. Website offers an online toolkit that provides Omega Psi Phi Fraternity chapters with the materials needed to educate fellow fraternity brothers and community members on depression and stress in Black men.
Ebony’s Mental Health Resources by State
List of Black-owned and focused mental health resources by state as compiled by Ebony magazine.
Melanin and Mental Health
Connects individuals with culturally competent clinicians committed to serving the mental health needs of Black & Latinx/Hispanic communities. Promotes the growth and healing of diverse communities through its website, online directory and events.
Mocha Health
Online community for Black women to seek support.
Ourselves Black
Provides information on promoting mental health and developing positive coping mechanisms through a podcast, online magazine and online discussion groups.
POC Online Classroom
Contains readings on the importance of self care, mental health care, and healing for people of color and within activist movements.
Sista Afya
Organization that provides mental wellness education, resource connection and community support for Black women.
Therapy for Black Girls
Online space dedicated to encouraging the mental wellness of Black women and girls. Offers listing of mental health professionals across the country who provide high quality, culturally competent services to Black women and girls, an informational podcast and an online support community.
The SIWE Project
Non-profit dedicated to promoting mental health awareness throughout the global Black community.
The Steve Fund
Organization focused on supporting the mental health and emotional well-being of young people of color.
*Celebrating Resilience:
The Black community has shown incredible resilience in the face of adversity. Black History Month is a time to celebrate this resilience and recognize the strength and perseverance of Black individuals.
Click here to read and watch “Black Joy: Resistance, Resilience and Reclamation”
*Promoting Culturally Competent Care
Culturally competent mental health care is essential for effective treatment. Black History Month emphasizes the importance of understanding and respecting cultural differences in mental health care. This includes recognizing the impact of cultural identity on mental health and ensuring that mental health professionals are equipped to provide culturally sensitive care.
Click here to visit NAMI’s page discussing Culturally Competent Care
*Encouraging Community Support
Community support plays a vital role in mental health. Black History Month encourages communities to come together, support one another, and create safe spaces for discussing mental health. This sense of community can provide a strong support network for individuals facing mental health challenges.
Black History Month is a time to celebrate the rich history, culture, and contributions of Black individuals and communities. It’s also an important opportunity to highlight the significance of mental health within the Black community. Here are some ways to celebrate and honor Black History Month. *Raising Awareness: Black History Month helps to raise awareness […]
“Creating a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for clients is my topmost priority. Allowing clients to freely express themselves regardless of their background is important in every healing process. My approach is a partnership that seeks to ensure that clients are seen and heard. I have a great commitment to ensure that Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) are given the necessary tools needed for their healing journeys.”
Tessa Colestock, MSW, LGSW, serves adults through our Adult Day Treatment and Adult Group Therapy Programs
“Creating a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for clients is my topmost priority. Allowing clients to freely express themselves regardless of their background is important in every healing process. My approach is a partnership that seeks to ensure that clients are seen and heard. I have a great commitment to ensure that Black, Indigenous, and […]
Canvas Health is proud to announce a new partnership with Carver County’s Mobile Mental Health Crisis Services program. This program, which is currently operated by Carver County staff, provides 24/7/365 support to those experiencing a crisis in Carver County through the crisis line at (952) 442-7601. This phone number will be used to contact the crisis team during and after the transition.
“We’re honored to be entrusted with the care of those experiencing mental health crises in Carver County,” said Dr. Khu Thao, Canvas Health CEO. “Canvas Health’s breadth of experience in providing high quality crisis services will help ensure a smooth transition to this new model for the county.”
Beginning July 1, 2025, Canvas Health will take on the responsibility of providing crisis services to Carver County including:
Canvas Health will establish a local presence and operate from the Carver County Government Center. Carver County Health & Human Services (HHS) will maintain the current model through the first half of 2025, using allocated funds to support the transition.
Through this partnership, Carver County will continue to offer sustainable, high-quality crisis support for residents. A phased implementation plan will ensure continuity of care during the transition.
Since 1969, Canvas Health has provided hope, healing, and recovery to the people we serve. Our integrated programs and services offer coordinated care to people of all ages in their homes, the community, and in our clinics. The agency currently provides mobile crisis services to those experiencing crisis in Anoka, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Pine, and Scott Counties. We strive for excellence in clinical care as we serve those living with mental illness, substance use disorders, crisis, unstable housing, and trauma. Canvas Health is a non-profit, Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC). For more information, visit www.CanvasHealth.org.
Canvas Health is proud to announce a new partnership with Carver County’s Mobile Mental Health Crisis Services program. This program, which is currently operated by Carver County staff, provides 24/7/365 support to those experiencing a crisis in Carver County through the crisis line at (952) 442-7601. This phone number will be used to contact the crisis […]
Safe at Home is a statewide address confidentiality program administered by the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State. It is designed to help survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or others who fear for their safety maintain a confidential address. It was established by Minnesota state law.
If you someone you know needs this type of assistance, the Abuse Response and Prevention Services (ARPS) crisis line is available 24/7 at (651) 777-1117. By calling, clients can speak with an advocate to determine if they meet the eligibility criteria and are a suitable candidate for the program. In cases where the client might qualify or has a unique situation, our staff members will reach out directly.
Important Note on Eligibility
Due to grant standards and funding, ARPS can only assist with applications if there is a sexual violence (SV) aspect involved. If there is no SV aspect, clients should be referred to Tubman, the domestic violence agency in the Washington County. Tubman’s 24/7 Crisis Line is (612) 825-0000.
Key points about the Safe at Home Address Confidentiality Services administered by the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State:
To be eligible for the Address Confidentiality Services, the following criteria must be met:
For more information, visit: www.sos.state.mn.us/safe-at-home
Safe at Home is a statewide address confidentiality program administered by the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State. It is designed to help survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or others who fear for their safety maintain a confidential address. It was established by Minnesota state law. If you someone you know needs […]
In our Staff Showcase series, we’re highlighting individuals who make Canvas Health an exceptional mental health provider. Today, we shine the spotlight on Amanda Cammack, Katherine Carlson, Beth Hopkins, Dr. Rori Johnson, Anna Marie Montague, Ben Rastegari, Jessica Torrey, Ben Widbin, Sandra Woolsey, and Der Yang 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!
Amanda Cammack is celebrating 10 years of children’s mental health case management work at Canvas Health. Join me in a heartfelt congratulations and thanks to Amanda for her dedication to the children and families in Washington County.
When Amanda came to our agency, she was wide-eyed and had an excitement and passion for working with kids that was common for new staff beginning work in the field. A decade later, Amanda continues her passionate work with clients. She has worked with nearly 100 children during her tenure with Canvas Health. Amanda has the natural ability to develop meaningful and connected relationships, promoting change and improved functioning through that connection and trust. She frequently goes beyond the requirements of her role, and we can always count on her to think outside the box to meet client needs and achieve goals. Amanda has been a dedicated advocate for her clients over the years, always focused on strengths and giving kids a voice when they need it.
Amanda has been committed to inclusivity and equity and has continually strived for integration of these values into everyday work and life. Her clinical skills and influence on the case management team are invaluable. We are so proud that she continues to approach her work with the same passion she had those first few weeks of work, ten years ago.
In life there are few things you can depend on; Katherine Carlson has been one of those things for the school based program. Katherine has worked in District 916’s elementary school level 4 program for the past 10 years. This program has gone through several changes and tons of growth over the years. Through it all Katherine has been a consistent. Katherine is a skilled therapist working with some of the youngest and most complex students we work with in our program. Katherine has a steady, quiet calming presence that puts clients, their families, and schools at ease. She is non-judgmental and open to understanding each individual person’s story.
Katherine’s work with families has grown and developed over the past 10 years as well. Her acceptance of families where they are at has allowed her to develop wonderful relationships with caregivers even when others are not able to do so. Many families allow Katherine to come and see them all summer in their home and through this work they develop a deep sense of trust with her. She is an expert at working with students on the autism spectrum and holds hope for them when many other skilled professionals struggle. She is patient and willing to put in the time that it takes to help these complex students build trust with her and process difficulties they are experiencing.
Katherine is creative and has found tons of tools to engage even the most skeptical young person. Her creativity showed itself during the Covid lockdown when she was able to engage these students and their families on telehealth successfully. Katherine is collaborative and works well with social workers and teachers. She partners with other Canvas Health staff and providers in the community. Her work has spread the good name of Canvas Health far and wide!
Katherine is constantly seeking to grow professionally, she has adoption competency, she is TFCBT trained and trained in EMDR. Through all this amazing work Katherine has also been one of the highest billers in our program. She consistently exceeds her billing expectation and seems to do so effortlessly. Katherine is a leader on our team, completing her training to be a board approved supervisor, she has taken on supervising interns for the past several years. She also takes the lead on organizing our baskets and gifts. She participates on the QM committee at Canvas Health as well. Katherine is a brilliant clinician who has helped countless children, families, and school staff over the past 10 years. Her consistent high quality therapeutic work has helped to build the strong program we have today. We depend on her, and she delivers. Congratulations to Katherine on 10 years at Canvas Health! Looking forward to what you do with the next 10!
Congratulations to Beth Hopkins on her 10 year anniversary with Canvas Health! Beth is an outstanding clinician and important leader on our team. Several years ago, she helped to start one of our first Minneapolis school mental health programs, which has now grown to 9 different buildings in Minneapolis.
Beth does great clinical work and is a leader on our team. She is who people turn to when they need help answering questions or a seasoned clinician to consult with. She is also very helpful by stepping up to lead meetings and help keep up morale when the job gets hard.
Last year, Beth worked hard to finish an intensive clinical supervision training and she is now a board approved supervisor. She is now one of our clinicians who supervises interns, who are very lucky to have Beth coaching and mentoring them.
Beth continues to pay attention to the details and cares about doing right by her clients and school. She continues her committee work which is above and beyond her job. She is a member of the Mpls Clinicians Planning Committee and the Excellence Committee. She attends Canvas events and helps with outreach such as the Pride Festival and Stomp Out Suicide. Beth is also a working mom who has two beautiful sons at home. She has struck a balance, which is not easy, while caring for them while prioritizing the wellness of her clients and relationship with her school. Beth gives so much to her clients, parents, school partners, interns, and colleagues. She is a woman of integrity and reliability, and our team is better because of her!
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.
Ben Rastegari started his journey with Canvas Health as an ARMHS worker as he completed his clinical hours. He then applied for an outpatient therapist position and has been a consistent provider in Cottage Grove since then.
He has helped out with Credible, ran an anger management group and been a consistent provider for adults at the Cottage Grove office. Ben is passionate about providing a non-judgmental, supportive space for his clients and focuses on rapport development and client focused treatment approaches.
Ben has shown a lot of growth in his time at Canvas Health, in particular in the past year and we appreciate his willingness and hard work!
Jessica Torrey is getting recognized for 10 years of service, however if you ask Jessica this well beyond 10 years. Jessica started her work with Canvas Health in the 2000s. She took a break from work to spend time with her children and then returned to work at Canvas Health as her children aged.
Jessica was our first Rapid Access Assessor in 2014, before we were required to have one as part of being a CCBHC. In 2018 she made the leap into supervision at Canvas Health with the Cottage Grove Outpatient team. She followed Dan Johnson who moved into his role in psych services. While Jessica enjoyed supervision and the Cottage Grove team the drive from Anoka County to Cottage Grove was not sustainable.
When a position on the Anoka Mobile Crisis team opened up in 2020 she transitioned to her current position as the supervisor of the Anoka Mobile Crisis team. Through Jessica leadership Canvas Health has been able to secure contracts with 2 city police departments (Columbia Heights and Fridley). Her Embedded Social Workers have received accommodations from the department and have been recognized as an effective model of collaboration and community transformation.
Jessica has led her team through the addition of Certified Peers and Family Peers and has built a solid foundation with Anoka County. As part of being a mobile crisis supervisor she is on-call 24/7/365 for her team to support. She has been working on increasing her relationships with the Allina-Unity staff as her team is moving toward colocation. Jessica is taking on the next part of the development, moving Mobile Crisis service to be both within a hospital and be focused on the community. For each challenge that is placed before her, Jessica has embraced and proved that she can do successfully. Her dedication and efforts wherever she has worked is appreciated and is part of what makes Canvas Health a great place to work.
The children’s mental health case management team is celebrating Ben Widbin’s 10-year anniversary with Canvas Health. We’re relieved by this momentous anniversary, not only because Ben is such an incredible asset to our team, but especially because he has attempted to leave us in the past, but quickly returned, realizing that his work home was with us at Canvas Health!
Over the last decade, Ben has had roles as an ongoing case manager and in most recent years, as an assessment worker on the case management team. He has worked with almost 275 children! Ben holds the record for the number of parents that reach out to him for additional support after he’s ended service with a family. This speaks to his ability to develop and maintain easy connections with others. Ben’s clinical skillset and knowledge of both the social service and mental health systems of care have benefited the client’s he has served. In his CMH Assessment work, Ben is known for getting families and kids the support they need very quickly in hopes to ensure improved functioning to often overwhelmed family systems.
Ben has a great sense of humor, and you can often hear his chuckle around the office. His calm demeanor is contagious, and it often benefits his families and his co-workers. He is well loved on the case management team and in the child and family division. Thank you to Ben for his years of service and his commitment and dedication. Congratulations!
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.
Starting as a 10 hour per week, part-time front desk admin has turned into 10 years with Canvas Health!
In her journey through Canvas Der moved on to be our Cottage Grove front desk admin, Program Support for Adult Day Treatment and is currently our Supervisor of Intake and Quality Management.
Der brings a commitment of excellence, attention to detail, and understands that her Intake team is often the first point of contact for people seeking services at Canvas, while Medical Records supports efficient communications with our community partners. Her dedication, contributions and expertise have been fundamental to the agency’s mission of helping people and changing lives. Congratulations on reaching this incredible milestone of 10 years with us.
In our Staff Showcase series, we’re highlighting individuals who make Canvas Health an exceptional mental health provider. Today, we shine the spotlight on Amanda Cammack, Katherine Carlson, Beth Hopkins, Dr. Rori Johnson, Anna Marie Montague, Ben Rastegari, Jessica Torrey, Ben Widbin, Sandra Woolsey, and Der Yang who have dedicated 10 years of their careers to […]
