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Canvas Health is hiring in all areas! Check out our career opportunities here.

Our specially trained early childhood 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. We provide specialized assessment as well as psychotherapy and/or skills training.

Assessments & Treatments

  • DC: 0-5 Mental Health Assessments, Neuropsychological Evaluations, Psychiatric Evaluations
  • Staff are trained in evidence-based interventions that include: Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Trauma Informed-Child Parent Psychotherapy (TI-CPP), Trauma-Focused CBT, and Circle of Security (COS)

Who is Eligible

  • Children five and under who experience attachment, social, emotional, and behavioral challenges at home, in childcare, or in other settings.
  • These early childhood services are available throughout the Twin Cities metro area.

 

circle of security parenting program logo     Circle of Security

The Circle of Security Parenting™ program is based on decades of research about how secure parent-child relationships can be supported and strengthened.

In this program, parents and/or caregivers will learn how to better:

  • Understand your child’s emotional world by learning to read the emotional needs
  • Support your child’s ability to successfully manage emotions
  • Enhance the development of your child’s self esteem
  • Honor your innate wisdom and desire for your child to be secure

Download a flier about our Early Childhood Mental Health programs here.

To make a referral to the Circle of Security program, please download this form.

Early Childhood Clinical Services Referrals & Appointments

To make an appointment or for questions regarding eligibility or the referral process:

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

Phone
(651) 251-5024

Meet The Team

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Katie Zacharias, LMFT

Early Childhood Mental Health Supervisor

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

Clinic Locations

  • Oakdale Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder Clinic

Specialty Areas

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

Professional Experience

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

Education

  • Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy

License and Credentials

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

Referral & Appointment

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

Jessica Bemlott

Jessica Bemlott, MA

Psychology Doctoral Intern

I use relational and strengths-based approaches to help families move toward the positive changes they want to see. Helping families understand their child’s development is key to success, and I emphasize the importance of involving caregivers in their child’s care to give everyone the tools they need to be happier and healthier.

Clinic Locations

  • Forest Lake Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder Clinic
  • Oakdale Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder Clinic

Specialty Areas

  •  Children’s Therapeutic & Support Services
  • Early Childhood Mental Health Services
  • Outpatient Therapy – Adolescents
  • Outpatient Therapy – Children & Families
  • Psychological Evaluation & Treatment
  • Ages Served: 0-22
  • ADHD/ADD (Children), Anxiety, Depression, Developmental Concerns, Emotional Disorders, Emotional Dysregulation, Emotional Regulation, Mood Disorders, Parenting Issues, Psychological Assessments (clinical/forensic), Self-Esteem, Self-Worth, Transitions, Trauma, DC:0-5 Assessment

Professional Experience

I have worked with children and their families in inpatient, partial hospital program, and outpatient settings, receiving training with Washburn Center for Children, the University of Minnesota’s Department of Pediatrics, and Volunteers of America’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program.

Education

  • University of Minnesota, Twin Cities - BA
  • Saint Mary's University of Minnesota - MA

Referral & Appointment

To check this provider’s availability or to make a referral or appointment, contact Angie Lubo, Program Specialist; alubo@canvashealth.org, (651) 251-5059

Carr, Becky 2 – Professional 2024

Becky Carr, PsyD

Clinical Psychology Post-Doctoral Fellow

I believe that children do better when they have the tools and environmental support to do so. Because children grow in the context of relationships, I believe that parents often just need help in understanding and entering their child’s world so that they are able to support them. By working closely with both parents and kids, I strive to foster understanding and empathy while we work together to resolve concerns. My goal is to see things from the child’s perspective and provide the individualized support they need at each developmental stage.

Clinic Locations

  • Oakdale Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder Clinic

Specialty Areas

  • Early Childhood Mental Health Services
  • Psychological Evaluation & Treatment
  • Ages Served: 0-5
  • ADHD/ADD (Children), Anxiety, Attachment Disorders, Autism, Behavorial Problems, Developmental Concerns, Emotional Disorders, Emotional Dysregulation, Emotional Regulation, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Psychological Assessments (clinical/forensic), Trauma, Trauma Informed Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), DC:0-5 Assessment, Early Childhood Mental Health Consutant

Professional Experience

I have substantial experience in psychological testing and have worked with clients of all ages. I trained at the University of Minnesota Birth to Three clinic, where I worked closely with families in the adoption and foster care system. I have also done therapy with children and adolescents, with a focus on CBT.

Education

  • PsyD Clinical Psychology - Augsburg University
  • MA Forensic Psychology - Argosy University

License and Credentials

  • Doctor of Psychology - PsyD

Referral & Appointment

2023-10-26 Canvas Health Headshots WEBSIZE-Darin Kamnetz-145

Amanda Cruz, MSW, LGSW

Early Childhood Mental Health Therapist

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

Clinic Locations

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

Specialty Areas

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

Professional Experience

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

Education

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

License and Credentials

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

Referral & Appointment

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

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Jennifer Olsen, LMFT

Early Childhood Mental Health Therapist

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

Clinic Locations

  • Stillwater Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder Clinic

Early Childhood Clinical Services

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

Professional Experience

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

Education

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

License and Credentials

  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

Referral & Appointment

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

Maas, Anne Sitorius

Anne Sitorius Maas, LPCC

Early Childhood Mental Health Therapist

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

Clinic Locations

  • Oakdale Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder Clinic

Specialty Areas

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

Professional Experience

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

Education

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

License and Credentials

  • Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)

Referral & Appointment

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

Mackenzie Turner

Mackenzie Turner, MA

Psychology Doctoral Intern

When working with children and families, I use a strengths-based, empowering approach where caregivers and their children are the experts regarding their unique life experiences. As a clinician, my role is to provide tools so that children and families can embrace their existing skill sets, develop new strategies, and eventually function as their own therapists!

Clinic Locations

  • Coon Rapids Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder Clinic
  • Oakdale Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder Clinic

Specialty Areas

  • Early Childhood Mental Health Services
  • Outpatient Therapy – Adolescents
  • Outpatient Therapy – Children & Families
  • Psychological Evaluation & Treatment
  • Ages Served: Birth- 20

Professional Experience

During my undergraduate and graduate years, I have worked with children ages 0-17 in laboratory school, inpatient behavioral health, academic, and outpatient medical center settings. Through my clinical training, I have learned skills that inform my work with children and families from many different backgrounds, who present with a variety of different mental health concerns.

Education

  • B.Sc in Developmental Psychology- University of Minnesota
  • MA in Clinical Psychology- Roosevelt University, Chicago

Referral & Appointment

To check this provider’s availability or to make a referral or appointment, contact Angie Lubo, Program Specialist; alubo@canvashealth.org, (651) 251-5059

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

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