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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

Headshots 2 – 2021 – 2023-12-04T152832.186

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 (0-5) Mental Health Services
  • Outpatient Therapy - Children & Families
  • Ages Served: 0-6

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.

Carr, Becky 2 – Professional 2024

Becky Carr, PsyD, LP

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

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 (0-5) Mental Health Services
  • Psychological Evaluation & Treatment
  • Ages Served: 0-5

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
  • Licensed Psychologist - LP

Referral & Appointment

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

 

Early Childhood (0-5) Mental Health Services
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.

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

Amanda Cruz, MSW, LICSW

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

  • Cottage Grove Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder Clinic

Specialty Areas

  • Early Childhood (0-5) Mental Health Services
  • Ages Served: 0-5

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 Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)
  • 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.

Olsen, Jennifer-2

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 (0-5) Mental Health Services
  • Ages Served: 0-5

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.

Pruitt, Sadaf Professional 25-3

Sadaf Pruitt, MA

Early Childhood Mental Health Clinical Trainee

I take a dual-generation approach when working with young children, leveraging the expertise of caregivers to best help their child. It takes a village to raise a child, and I am honored to be trusted to walk alongside families and become part of their village.

Clinic Locations

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

Specialty Areas

  • Early Childhood (0-5) Mental Health Services
  • Ages Served: 0-5
  • Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-up (ABC)

Professional Experience

I recently finished my Master’s degree at the University of Minnesota focusing on Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health, and have worked with young children in a variety of settings. I have experience as a preschool teacher, autism day treatment paraprofessional, and home visitor. These experiences have helped me appreciate both the joys and challenges of caring for young children and I hope that my continued work with families helps to amplify that joy for all involved.

Education

  • BA - University of Minnesota
  • MA- University of Minnesota

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
  • Bloomington Mental Health Clinic

Specialty Areas

  • Early Childhood (0-5) Mental Health Services
  • Ages Served: 0-5

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.

Thorton, Kailey-2

Kailey Thornton, MA

Psychology Doctoral Intern

I strive to empower parents and caregivers with practical tools to promote positive behaviors and healthy interactions.

Clinic Locations

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

Specialty Areas

  • Early Childhood (0-5) Mental Health Services
  • Outpatient Therapy - Adolescents
  • Outpatient Therapy - Adult
  • Outpatient Therapy - Children & Families
  • Psychological Evaluation & Treatment
  • Ages Served: 0-25

Professional Experience

I am in my final year of my doctoral training. I have trained in school systems, medical systems, community mental health, and private practice. I am looking forward to partnering with children and families at Canvas Health as they navigate developmental and/or psychosocial challenges.

About Me

I am originally from Omaha, Nebraska, and I am excited to learn more about Minnesota. In my free time, I enjoy going for walks, biking, and trying new restaurants.

Education

  • Bachelor of Science in Psychology - Harding University
  • Bachelor of Arts in Spanish - Harding University
  • Master of Arts in School Psychology - University of Memphis

Referral & Appointment

For therapy: To check this provider’s availability or to make a referral or appointment, please call our Intake Coordinators at (651) 777-5222; email intake@canvashealth.org, or complete this form to request an appointment.

 

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

We're here to help.

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

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