Education/School Issues/Truancy

Amy has her Bachelor’s of Social Work degree from Minnesota State University Moorhead, and her Master’s of Social Work degree from the University of North Dakota and is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. Amy has 17 years of experience working in foster care/adoption agencies and chemical dependency residential settings in North Dakota and Minnesota. Amy brings with her knowledge regarding the child welfare systems, advocacy for foster care/adoption/kinship youth and families, parent education, understanding of trauma histories, and mental health diagnoses.

I have worked in the social service system for over 25 years with children and families prior to becoming a licensed clinical counselor. I am very familiar with the child protection and court system. I have attended trainings with the MN Pride Network for LGBTQ population. I have worked with adults and children on the autism spectrum. I spent 10 years working with children and birth, adoptive and foster families in the child protection system.

I enjoy working with all members of the adoption community. I use a cognitive behavior therapy approach to understanding the beliefs and emotions affecting the problem behaviors in the family. I also am an adoptee in reunion and enjoy working with adult adoptees interested in searching for their history.

Address:
Sharon Stein McNamara ED.D., Psychology Inc
4700 Lexington Avenue N
Suite B
Shoreview, MN 55126

I have worked with children, teens, adults, couples, and families for six years. I specialize in working with trauma, adoption, reunification therapy, depression, anxiety, and chemical dependency. In addition to the PACC training, I have been trained in EMDR therapy.

Address:
Christian Family Solutions
421 E. Hickory St.
Suite 402
Mankato, MN 56003

Therapeutic Services Agency, Inc. and staff provide a range of services including specialized foster care based on Child and Adolescent Treatment Program, In-Home Family Based Services, assessment and outpatient mental health services. For more information visit www.hoperealized.com or call 320-629-7600 or 651-224-4114.

Address:
Therapeutic Services Agency, Inc.
220 Railroad Street SE
Pine City, MN 55063

Erin earned her Master’s of Social Work from the University of North Dakota in 2019, following her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Argosy University in 2006. She has been working with individuals impacted by trauma since 2006, bringing extensive experience from various settings, including residential chemical dependency treatment, community-based mental health, school-based, outpatient mental health and chemical dependency, and community social work consultation.

I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) and a Registered Play Therapist (RPT). I currently work with clients ages 0-10 and their families with a variety of mental health needs and concerns.

I have been providing services to children, families, & communities for over 40 years, in child welfare, foster care, domestic abuse, tribal social services, recreational therapy, children's residential services, adolescent chemical dependency, & education. Currently, an Assistant Professor-BASW Practicum Director with the College of St Scholastica's Social Work Department, trainer with University of Minnesota in Permanency & Adoption Certificate Program (PACC) & as a QI (qualified individual) & trainer of new QI's.

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.

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.