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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.

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.

We're here to help.

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

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