Behavior Issues

My area of focus is trauma therapy and art - the collaboration to create a holistic experience.

Address:
TellaWorks
816 Aurora Ave
Saint Paul, MN 55104

I have had over 25 years of experience working therapeutically with children, adolescents and adults through therapeutic foster care, adoption (of bi-racial child with disabilities), grief, trauma and loss therapy individually, couples and families. Most significant training and expertise in grief and trauma. Trauma Studies certificate from U of Minn. and a certified thanatologist. Mother of seven adults, grandmother of ten above average grandchildren, married 40+ years.

Kari J. Peters brings over 25 years of experience working with children and families facing severe mental health challenges. She holds a Master of Science degree in Community Counseling with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. Kari currently serves as a Children’s Mental Health Case Manager, providing coordinated and individualized support to children with severe emotional disorders. Prior to her role as a CMH case manager, she delivered in-home family therapy, supporting families through early intervention and preventative mental health services.

All people are striving for well-being in their life, with ideas, goals, and opportunities available for each unique person. It is my sincere belief that most people know the direction they aim towards in life. However, life often throws us curveballs, and it's okay to ask someone to come along for part of the journey. You may need help to reframe your perspective, build up coping skills and mindfulness, process trauma, or support your relationships in order to continue on your life's journey.

Areas that I specialize in include: working with all types of families; adoptive, foster, and kinship, adult/youth adoptees, transracial parenting, communication/conflict, life transitions, childhood trauma, child development, as well as depression, anxiety, stress, and other mental health diagnosis.

Elliott is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and holds a Master’s degree from Augsburg College and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. Elliott has had the privilege of working with children, youth, individuals and families of diverse backgrounds who are experiencing behavioral and mental health needs, disruptions in attachment and family relationships, trauma, as well as those experiencing the negative impacts of systemic and structural bias and racism.

I am currently the Deputy Director of Health and Human Services with managerial responsibility for child-serving programs. Previously, I was the supervisor of Child Welfare supervisor of Child Welfare services and Licensing at Nicollet County with previous experience as a case manager for children’s mental health, child protective services and adoption case management. I use the information and perspectives I learned through the PACC training every day in my work.

Nesting Connections, LLC provides attachment-based, trauma informed, play focused therapeutic services for ages 0-18 as well as support for caregivers and educators. Additional information can be found at www.nestingconnections.com

Address:
Nesting Connections, LLC
14051 Burnhaven Drive
Suite 111
Burnsville, MN, MN 55337

When meeting clients I begin with the question of "What happened to you" rather than "What is wrong with you." When I get to watch and bear witness as an individual or family grows and is able to heal it humbles me! I like to walk along side those I work with in helping them develop/discover the life and relationships they desire. I also enjoy working with couples in achieving satisfying marriages or relationships.