The Emily Program

Denise schedules appointments, answers phones and really enjoys being a first point of contact for people interested in learning more about the Emily Program. She also has a special interest in adoption and interned with the Ethiopia Adoption Program at the Children's Home Society and Family Services. Denise was drawn to The Emily Program out of a desire to help children and families. She earned her bachelor's in family social sciences from the U of M. Denise likes to sing with her a cappella group, collect seahorses and watch HGTV.

Molly has been with the Anna Westin House since 2006 and loves working in intensive programs and witnessing the incredible transformation clients go through. She is very proud to be part this amazing staff and the individualized care that Emily Program provides. Molly has a master's in marriage and family therapy from the Minnesota School of Professional Psychology and received her bachelor's in women's studies and psychology from Hamline University. She has worked in inpatient psychiatry and chemical dependency treatment, and also worked with schizophrenia, adolescent chemical dependency, and severe and persistent mental illness. Molly loves to practice yoga, see movies, and take naps.

Lynn oversees administrative operations at The Anna Westin House. She manages the office and provides administrative support so clinical staff can devote themselves to helping clients regain their health and focus on recovery. Lynn has an extensive background in executive support roles and came to The Emily Program in search of new challenges She likes working in a place where people care about the work they do, and go home each day feeling as if they have made a difference.

Shannon has worked in eating disorders since 1990 conducting research, providing clinical care and developing treatment programs. She returned to Minnesota to open the Anna Westin House, the state's first residential treatment facility. As Director of Residential Services, she guides, supports and encourages the Anna Westin House staff. Shannon also sees a small caseload of individual clients. Shannon received her doctoral degree in clinical psychology from the Minnesota School of Professional Psychology. She loves to dance to just about anything with her two kids (especially the song, "Bust a Move") and says: “I am also very grateful for the relationships that I have and try to spend as much time as I can with those important people in my life.”

Monique enjoys working with young women in a residential setting to address underlying issues contributing to the eating disorder as part of a dedicated therapeutic relationship. She has worked with adolescent and adult women struggling with eating disorders and co-occurring disorders in a variety of settings including residential, inpatient, partial, and outpatient at Laureate's program in Tulsa, OK, and Methodist Hospital's Eating Disorder Institute. She received her master's in counseling and psychological services from St. Mary's University in Minneapolis.

Before joining The Emily Program, Rachel most recently worked primarily with children and adolescents in a home-based family therapy setting in the Twin Cities. She received her master's in marriage and family therapy at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. She has a post graduate certification in medical family therapy. Her internship was completed at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha where she worked with individuals, families and couples dealing with a broad range of medical issues.

Allison evaluates and treats child, adolescent and adult clients. As a psychiatrist she does therapy and prescribes medications when indicated. She enjoys working with adolescents and people with substance use issues. Allison views every patient as a unique individual who has a life story that she want to understand. She earned a Bachelor’s in psychology and her Doctor of Medicine from Ohio State University. She did her residency at the University of Minnesota, where she also was Child and Adolescent Psychiatry fellow. Allison likes to read novels, write, and learn yoga. She always wanted to be a detective and work for the FBI, “but I think that ship has sailed.”

Kris was a nurse at Anna Westin House before becoming one of our therapists. She worked previously as a therapist in Hudson, Wisconsin, clinical perinatal nurse specialist for at United Hospital in St. Paul, and as a labor and delivery nurse. Kris earned a bachelor’s in ministries from Northwestern College and a master’s in clinical pastoral counseling from the Minnesota Graduate School of Theology in St. Paul. She also received a master’s in marriage and family therapy from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. Kris earned her R.N. at Victor Valley Community College in California.

Molly has been with the Anna Westin House since 2006 and loves working in intensive programs and witnessing the incredible transformation clients go through. She is very proud to be part this amazing staff and the individualized care that Emily Program provides. Molly has a master's in marriage and family therapy from the Minnesota School of Professional Psychology and received her bachelor's in women's studies and psychology from Hamline University. She has worked in inpatient psychiatry and chemical dependency treatment, and also worked with schizophrenia, adolescent chemical dependency, and severe and persistent mental illness. Molly loves to practice yoga, see movies, and take naps.

Shannon has worked in eating disorders since 1990 conducting research, providing clinical care and developing treatment programs. She returned to Minnesota to open the Anna Westin House, the state's first residential treatment facility. As Director of Residential Services, she guides, supports and encourages the Anna Westin House staff. Shannon also sees a small caseload of individual clients. Shannon received her doctoral degree in clinical psychology from the Minnesota School of Professional Psychology. She loves to dance to just about anything with her two kids (especially the song, "Bust a Move") and says: “I am also very grateful for the relationships that I have and try to spend as much time as I can with those important people in my life.”

Quinn performs intake assessments, sees individuals, couples, and families, and facilitates groups in the Intensive Day Program and the Anna Westin House. He is a graduate student at The Minnesota School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University, where he received the school's Presidential Leadership Award. Quinn’s dissertation study investigates identity development in the age of social networking. Quinn had clinical training at the Hazelden Foundation and UW-Stout Counseling Center. He has a BA in Cultural Anthropology and Studio Art from Connecticut College where he created mixed media pieces from Mapuche myths. He was in business in the Americas and Europe until getting up enough courage to quit his job and follow his intuition to work in psychology. Quinn is left-handed in a right-handed world.

Monique enjoys working with young women in a residential setting to address underlying issues contributing to the eating disorder as part of a dedicated therapeutic relationship. She has worked with adolescent and adult women struggling with eating disorders and co-occurring disorders in a variety of settings including residential, inpatient, partial, and outpatient at Laureate's program in Tulsa, OK, and Methodist Hospital's Eating Disorder Institute. She received her master's in counseling and psychological services from St. Mary's University in Minneapolis.

Kari was an educator, pastor and chaplain before joining The Emily Program. She first gained awareness of eating disorders while serving as a parish pastor in Richfield and Chaska, and later during her chaplain residency at Methodist Hospital. She was drawn to The Emily Program’s holistic, multi-disciplinary team approach to treatment. Kari appreciates the opportunities chaplaincy offers to connect with diverse religious and spiritual traditions. She received her bachelor’s in communications and social work from Concordia College in Moorhead, and master of divinity from Luther Seminary in St. Paul, where she also was associate director of contextual education and an internship consultant.

Annie has worked in the areas of mental health, chemical dependency, and eating disorders treatment since 1990. She completed her doctoral degree in music/music therapy and received a master's in counseling. She has advanced training in music psychotherapy from Temple University, is a fellow in the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music (FAMI) and in Neurological Music Therapy (NMT). Annie also is conducting research and teaching at the University of Minnesota.

MC has been in practice more than 10 years and is experienced working with people with eating disorders. She is sensitive to the vulnerabilities clients may feel in receiving bodywork and uses a variety of modalities to bring ease to the body, mind and spirit. MC molds sessions to specific client needs and is creative about helping clients to feel most comfortable. She is dedicated to helping clients access and develop a deep relationship with the wisdom inherent in their bodies. She believes it is this wisdom, beneath the chatter in our minds, which can direct us to our inner truth, and lead us to harmony with our lives and the world around us.

Amy facilitates music therapy groups and sees individuals. She especially enjoys meeting with people in a variety of levels of care and being creative in helping people find ways to work towards recovery. Amy earned her undergraduate degree from St. Olaf College and a music therapy equivalency degree from University of Minnesota. She is completing a masters in counseling with an emphasis in family psychology at the University of St. Thomas. Amy loves taking her dog to the dog park, reading fiction, and spending time with friends.

Tamar's experience includes providing individual and group therapy to adults with a history of trauma, mental illness, and brain injury while working at Belleview Hospital Center in New York City. She also conducted research examining the connection between creative therapy and cognitive improvement in patients suffering from traumatic brain injury. Tamar received her graduate degree from the School of Visual Arts in New York City and completed her internships at Incarnation Children's Center, an inpatient facility for children and adolescents with HIV/AIDS, and at Bellevue Hospital Center.

Carey's clinical experience includes treating patients with a wide variety of physical and psychoemotional issues including insomnia, pain, menopausal symptoms, headaches, migraines, PMS, fatigue, digestive complaints, depression, and anxiety. She received a master's in Oriental Medicine from The Minnesota College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine at Northwestern Health Sciences University in Bloomington. Carey has also provided acupuncture in private practice and at Solimar Wellness Spa in Eagan.

Joan's special interests are patient education, preventative medicine and women's health. Before she began providing medical care for The Emily Program, she practiced for 10 years in a clinic setting in Stillwater. Most recently, she was an emergency department physician in Stillwater for seven years. Joan completed her medical education at Michigan State University and her residency at the University of Minnesota. She is board certified in family practice.

Michelle values the opportunity to build a therapeutic relationships and follow clients throughout their treatment journey as they develop skills to manage their lives in a more healthful way. She was attracted to work here by TEP’s holistic approach towards treatment. Michelle is currently earning her RN at Minneapolis Community and Technical College; she already has a Culinary Arts diploma from Le Cordon Bleu. Michelle manages and plays on a co-rec volleyball team and enjoys gardening, baking, camping, and spending quality time with her husband and her Doberman-coonhound, Remus.

Patricia was a care manager/mental health specialist with Cigna in Eden Prairie before joining the staff at the Anna Westin House. Her role there was to lead crisis intervention therapy for participants and families and educate and empower participants to make healthy lifestyle decisions to promote a positive self-image for long-term health and wellness. Patricia received her R.N. from St. Anthony College of Nursing in Rockford, Ill.

Peter has broad experience in the area of outpatient and inpatient psychiatric care for clients with eating disorders. He is a former staff psychiatrist at Remuda Ranch Centers in Arizona, where his primary role was psycho-pharmacological treatment and psycho-education of adult clients in treatment for severe anorexia nervosa. Peter received his bachelor’s in biology, with a minor in psychology, from Transylvania University in Lexington, Ky., and his M.D. from the University of Kentucky in Lexington. He completed his internship and residency at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta.

Helena complied several years of nursing experience working in care centers before coming to The Emily Program. She worked in geriatric care, neuromuscular disorders care, and family practice/OB/GYN care. Helena has a Licensed Practical Nurse Diploma from St. Cloud Technical College.

Carmen's range of care has included infants to adults. She has worked in the Minneapolis area as a physician assistant in the field of internal medicine/infectious diseases for the last five years. She has broad experience as a medical technologist in the areas of lab management and clinical lab practice. Carmen received her master's of medical science and physician assistant certificate from Saint Louis University in Missouri.

In addition to broad clinical experience, Linda is a Stephen Minister (good listener). She enjoys working with people of all ages and backgrounds. Before joining Anna Westin House, she was with MVNA (Minnesota Visiting Nurse Agency) as the Registrar Coordinator/Nurse Supervisor for the Influenza Program. She graduated from Lutheran Deaconess School of Nursing and has worked at St. John's Hospital in med/surg, HCMC dialysis ICU, home health care, and Good Samaritan Nursing Home.

MC has been in practice more than 10 years and is experienced working with people with eating disorders. She is sensitive to the vulnerabilities clients may feel in receiving bodywork and uses a variety of modalities to bring ease to the body, mind, and spirit. MC molds sessions to specific client needs and is creative about helping clients to feel most comfortable. She is dedicated to helping clients access and develop a deep relationship with the wisdom inherent in their bodies. She believes it is this wisdom, beneath the chatter in our minds, which can direct us to our inner truth, and lead us to harmony with our lives and the world around us.

Nicole has years of experience working with young people in patient assessments, medication administration, immunizations, patient/family education and diagnostic tests. She earned her associate of science degree and R.N. from North Hennepin Community College. She also worked at Golden Valley Rehabilitation and Care Center as part of a multidisciplinary team providing basic patient care.

Tierni brings experience in mental health and social work to her role as a nurse at The Anna Westin House. She completed her social work senior practicum in the Acute Behavioral Health Unit at Abbott Northwestern, and was lead behavioral therapist for The Lazurus Project, a program for children with autism. Tierni received her bachelor’s in social work with a minor in psychology from Minnesota State University in Mankato. More recently, she received her bachelor’s in nursing from Metropolitan State University and was an RN at Fairview Southdale Hospital, providing care for newborns and postpartum patients.

Lillian has experience caring for patients in diverse environments, including performing complex medical treatments and dealing with patients with psychiatric and mental health issues. She has worked in maternity and obstetric units and pediatric medical-surgical units. Most recently, she has worked in the acute care medical unit in Hennepin County Medical Center. She holds a bachelor’s in business administration from Principia College in Elsah, Ill., and a BSN from Metropolitan State University, St. Paul.

Patti provides medical and administrative support to Dr. Joan Benner, performing EKGs, lab draws, and gathering vital signs. She also is a licensed massage therapist. Patti loves working closely with clients and trying to meet all their medical needs. She also finds it fun to be a team with Joan and loves working with her. Patti enjoys golf, bike riding, being in the sun and traveling.

Carey's clinical experience includes treating patients with a wide variety of physical and psychoemotional issues including insomnia, pain, menopausal symptoms, headaches, migraines, PMS, fatigue, digestive complaints, depression, and anxiety. She received a master's in Oriental Medicine from The Minnesota College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine at Northwestern Health Sciences University in Bloomington. Carey has also provided acupuncture in private practice and at Solimar Wellness Spa in Eagan.

Samantha provides nutrition counseling and education, therapeutic meals and snacks, and works with a cooking group. She like helping to create a positive and supportive eating environment for residents, and helping them establish healthy relationships with food. Sam has a B.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics from University of Wisconsin-Stout. She loves to get involved with athletics in the summer and spend free time on the lakes.

Joan formerly was an associate professor in the foods and nutrition programs at Meredith College in Raleigh, N.C., and San Jose State University in California. Working with college students brought awareness of the prevalence of eating disorders. As a result, her research and professional interests shifted toward the psychology of food. She also has provided nutrition education in public education settings, including working with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction to develop food technology curriculum for high school students. Joan received her bachelor’s and master’s in nutritional science from San Jose State. She also has worked as a professional chef.

Kristen has a varied background in diet and nutrition coupled with a broad interest in the treatment of eating disorders. Her experience includes wellness program development. She has been a speaker, instructor, and trainer on the topic of wellness, as well as sole proprietor of an independent nutrition business which focused on corporate education and disease prevention. She received her bachelor's in dietetics from the University of Kentucky in Lexington and her doctorate in nutrition from the University of Minnesota. She has extensive research experience and has authored journal and non-journal publications on a wide range of nutrition-related topics.

Lisa created the nutrition program at the Anna Westin House, the state’s first residential treatment facility, and facilitated the start-up of the Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program at The Emily Program. She received her degrees in nutrition science and dietetics from North Dakota State University in Fargo. She completed her dietetic internship through the dietetic internship program for graduate students at the University of Minnesota, where she is pursuing a master’s in nutrition.

Ashley has degree in psychology at Abilene Christian University in Abilene, Tex. She has conducted research on the factor structure of adolescent sexual behavior with the Mayo Clinic and Abilene University. She is pursuing a master’s in general psychology at ACU, where her thesis focuses on alternative diagnostic criteria for post traumatic stress disorder in sexually abused children.

Megan loves how The Emily program shows everyone that a joyful life without eating disorders is possible and can be obtained. She has a BA in Psychology from California State University, Sacramento and earned her Cosmetologist License from The Model College of Hair Design in St. Cloud. Megan is currently working towards masters in Marriage and Family Therapy at St. Mary's University. Drawing on years of experience working in salons, she enjoys making hair look spectacular for everyone's around her. Megan is crazy about her dog, Leroy, and loves making dance videos with her cousins to show at family weddings.

Lindsay's special interest in media and body image grew from her undergraduate studies the University of Minnesota- Morris, where she earned a bachelor's in psychology. Prior to joining the Anna Westin House, she completed an internship in the Research, Education and Outreach division of the Eating Disorders Institute at Methodist Hospital. Lindsay also worked for seven years at a long-term health care center in Glencoe.

Betsy supports clients in residential treatment and helps them move toward recovery. Her interest i eating disorders began during a summer research internship at Park Nicollet, where she coauthored a manuscript on eating disorder age of onset. Betsy earned her BA in anthropology from Princeton University, where she completed her senior thesis on the relationship between collective memory and cultural identity in Vietnam. Back home now in Minnesota, Betsy spends her time volunteering at Children's Hospital and at the Animal Humane Society, where she helps dogs find “forever” homes. She also enjoys reading, watching movies, and spending time with Ernie and Tillie, her zany West Highland terriers.

Emily interacts directly with the amazing clients and helps Lisa Diers and MC Kunz provide yoga therapy. She considers it an honor to support our AWH residents. Emily is earning a master’s in holistic health from St. Catherine University in St. Paul and has bachelor’s in studio arts from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. A free spirit who loves to dance without inhibitions, she practices yoga daily and spends all the time she can with her friends and family. Emily likes to travel, camp, and do nearly every other kind of outdoor activity.

Emily brings a variety of life experiences to her role as an eating disorder technician at The Anna Westin House. She has worked as a communication specialist with Regis Corporation and also has administrative experience in a medical clinic and as a personal care attendant. Emily’s volunteer experience involves working with at-risk girls with the Best Friends program and serving as a senior leader for Royal Servants international mission trips over several summers. She received her bachelor’s in communication from Bethel University in St. Paul and is working on her master’s in marriage and family therapy at St. Mary’s University in Minneapolis.

Candace works closely with Chef Meghan Murray to provide meals for residential clients. She received her associate of applied science degree in the Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Program at Brown College. Candace has worked as a food service director and manager, overseeing café and catering operations that catered for 100-600 people a day!

Before coming to AWH, Anna worked in public schools with special-needs and at-risk students, and as a public relations intern at Duluth’s Marshall School, interviewing and publishing biographies of faculty and students. She earned a bachelor in communication studies from the University of Minnesota, Duluth and plans to earn master’s in school counseling from University of Wisconsin, River Falls.

Sondra has experience as a staff member at Minnesota Teen Challenge residential treatment facility where she worked with teenage girls who struggled with the challenges of drug and alcohol recovery. Sondra received her bachelor's in psychology from Bethel University and is pursuing a master's in marriage and family therapy at Bethel Theological Seminary. She is inspired to be part of the Anna Westin House which offers the opportunity to enrich lives and empower people to make positive changes.

Vanessa has a strong passion for food. She loves cooking, baking and sharing the finished product with all of the clients and staff. Vanessa has an associate’s degree in culinary arts from Saint Paul College and is completing her bachelors at Metropolitan State University. Besides creating appetizing meals, she loves to sing, listen to music, dance, read motivational books and watch comedy movies. Vanessa also loves spending time with her children, friend and church family.

Originally from Alaska, Meghan completed her bachelor's degree in finance from the University of Wyoming. She then returned to Alaska, working in the banking industry for a few years. Switching gears, she moved to Minnesota and completed culinary arts school at Le Cordon Bleu.

Leah has what she calls “the awesome job” of assisting clients in multiple ways, from therapeutic meals to a smooth transition out of the Anna Westin House. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Luther College in Iowa and a Master of Social Work from Barry University in Miami. She has worked counseling women and children survivors of domestic violence, facilitating positive communication and life skills groups for children, and grant writing. She loves traveling to other countries. She plays viola, has a passion for animals, and loves the snow. She hopes to have her dog, Odin, certified as a therapy pet and begin an Animal Assisted Therapy group at the Anna Westin House.

Elizabeth has a background as an educator. She was a lead teacher and KinderCare Training Coordinator at the Knowledge Learning Corporation for two years and was a parent child interaction therapy intern at Genesis II for Families. She is seeking her master’s in marriage and family therapy at St. Mary’s University, and received her bachelor’s in child psychology, with a minor in family social sciences from the University of Minnesota.

In addition to her commitment to Anna Westin House clients, Andrea has a strong commitment to community service. She has volunteered at Northwest Youth and Family Services; provided academic assistance to elementary students, including the Inner City after-school program; worked with Teen Challenge; and volunteered as a violinist. She was a Dakota Community Home Health Aide/Senior Advocate before joining The Emily Program. Andrea has a bachelor’s in family social science from the University of Minnesota and is enrolled in the marriage and family therapy masters program at St. Mary’s University.

Rebecca holds a master’s degree in clinical social work from the University of St. Thomas/College of St. Catherine and a bachelor’s in psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She interned at the Minneapolis Fire Department (trauma-related issues) Hennepin County Adolescent Parent Unit at Broadway High School, and the Mendota Juvenile Treatment Center. Rebecca also completed two research projects on treatment and public perception of eating disorders.

Carise is passionate about working with clients in holistic and individualized ways, like The Emily Program's approach. She enjoys connecting with people on their journeys to well-being. Carise received her BA in Psychology from Bethel University and is pursuing a masters in Counseling Psychology from Adler Graduate School. She hopes to be licensed in Marriage and Family Therapy and Clinical Counseling. Carise’s joys in life are traveling, music, her family, and her dog, Dakota (of whom you're sure to hear plenty about if you spend enough time with her).

Chelsea works closely with residential clients to support their therapy, activities and other services. She is studying to be a Registered Nurse at Anoka Ramsey Community College, with a special interest in adolescents and eating disorders. After moving to Minnesota from Pennsylvania, Chelsea began regularly checking The Emily Program website for a position because she wanted a working environment with high expectations and where the focus was on client care. She loves supporting and listening to residents while getting to know each resident and finding out what works best for them and their recovery. Chelsea enjoys cooking and traveling.

Laurie enjoys offering encouragement and support to residents in the midst of struggles, and appreciates the "team" aspect of the staff. She earned her bachelors in youth/social science from Crown College in Waconia, Minnesota and is now working on her masters in marriage and family therapy at St. Mary's University of Minnesota. Laurie likes watching movies (mostly dramas), learning new things about people, biking, being outside, playing with her adorable nieces, spending time with friends and family, and coffee dates. She tries to seize every opportunity for free-style dancing and her favorite snack is frozen marshmallows.

Linda enjoys working with all the amazing individuals we serve at the Anna Westin house. She appreciates the focus on high-quality, individualized care. Linda worked for many years managing residential programs for individuals with developmental disabilities. She has B.A. in Sociology from the University of Minnesota. Linda enjoys biking, hiking, canoeing and gardening. She is a volunteer classroom art teacher and reading assistant who loves spending time at the family cabin with her family and her “third child,” a quirky German Shorthair Pointer.

Amy enjoys working as a team to provide care to clients and meeting wonderful people at The Emily Program. She has a bachelors in sociology from Winona State University and is studying to be a medical assistant at Hennepin Technical College. Amy likes getting outside as much as possible, especially playing tennis and camping. She also loves taking her Siberian husky for walks whenever she gets the chance.