About Us

Feel Better Quicker!! Melinda specializes in Evidenced Based Neuroscience Therapies for treating addiction, depression, anxiety, trauma and confidence related issues. Melinda takes a Humanistic approach focusing on the “whole” person. All of her programs include Mental, Emotional, Physical and Spiritual tools for achieving and maintaining optimal health and well being. Melinda works specifically with high functioning / high achieving individuals such as Law Enforcement, Health Care Professionals, Firefighters, CEO’s and Executives. Melinda is kind, compassionate and truly cares about her clients. 

I was born and raised on the East Side of St. Paul, and I currently work full time as a firefighter/paramedic for Maplewood Fire Department.  In addition to fire suppression/prevention/education and emergency medical response, my duties there also include serving as a community paramedic, as a member of our Mental Health Outreach Team, and as a tactical medic for the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team.  I started my career in the fire service in 2008, and I became a paramedic in 2010.  I have Master’s degrees in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and in Public and Non-Profit Administration.  I have extensive training and experience in providing Critical Incident Stress Debriefings, and I am very passionate about promoting and advocating for mental health and wellness for all people.  As a first responder myself, I have a particular interest in working with public safety personnel.  My therapeutic approach is client-centered, and my interventions are grounded in Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.  I believe in empowering my clients to find strength from within to overcome the obstacles that prevent them from being whole, and I strive to provide a safe space for them to heal, learn, and grow.  As your mental health counselor, I will be present, I will listen, and I will walk with you on your journey to self-discovery and wellness. 

Hey! I’m Charlie, and I’d be humbled to play a small part in your journey. I’m a passionate, caring, and charismatic Navy SEAL veteran dedicated to positively impacting your life. I was raised in Minnesota, splitting my time between the Twin Cities and Iron Range. While enlisted, I spent time in Afghanistan, South Korea, New Zealand, Australia, Thailand, and Germany. I cherished my time as a Navy SEAL (my childhood dream), but it came with many hardships. Those experiences led me to serve others in a new way—mental health and substance abuse recovery. I specialize in Twelve-Step Facilitation and Behavioral Therapy, with unique expertise in accomplishing goals, building discipline, overcoming fear/anxiety, performing under stress, and forging mental toughness. I consider and treat every mental health condition holistically (physically, mentally, and spiritually). If I’m not at the gym, work, or school, I’m with my kids. Don’t let the tattoos and scars fool you—I’m more of a lover than a fighter! Let’s work together to get you where you want to be!

Education

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Saint Paul, MN
Master of Professional Studies in Addiction Counseling
Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Expected May 2024

Saint Catherine University, Saint Paul, MN
Bachelor of Science in Public Health - Community Health Work, May 2017

• Study Abroad: Equal Health; Beyond the Biological Factors of Medicine, Summer 2015 (Global Health      Intervention, Cange, Haiti)

Internship Experience

Fairview Southdale
Co-Occurring Mixed Group, Outpatient
August 2020 - January 2021

People Incorporated, Huss
Co-Occurring, Men’s, Inpatient (Primarily Justice Involved)
August 2021 - January 2022

Canvas Health
SUD, Mixed, Outpatient
January 2024 - May 2024

Key Responsibilities

• Ensured compliance with Medicaid/Medicare requirements.
• Applied federal and state laws related to substance use disorder services.
• Conducted      comprehensive assessments and developed trauma-informed, person-centered treatment plans.
• Facilitated group psychotherapy sessions (in-person and telemedicine).
• Coordinated      interdisciplinary services (housing, employment, community support).
• Conducted individualized sessions with goal-setting.
• Evaluated substance use disorder programs and community resources per the Department of Human Services guidelines.

Practicum Experience

Minnesota Department of Human Services
Mental Health Research Intern
January 2016 - June 2016

Key Responsibilities

• Analyzed quantitative and qualitative data from survey research.
• Assisted in developing new mental health surveys.
• Coordinated community engagement initiatives.
• Led educational      meetings for 1115 SUD Waiver among regional providers.
• Developed educational materials regarding SUD policy changes.

Certifications

• Critical Incident Stress Management
      International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, Completed April 2024
• Living Works -      Safe Talk Certified
      April 2024
• Living Works -      ASIST Certified
      September 2024

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in supervising and collaborating with diverse teams.
• Proven project leadership skills, including public speaking and facilitating discussions.
• Strong communication skills for engaging stakeholders at all levels.
• Knowledgeable in grant administration and policy development.
• Ability to foster trusting relationships across departments.
• Proficient in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Employment Experience

Training Specialist and Provider, PRO Network
Substance Use Disorder Provider
April 2024 - Present

• Critical Incident Team Member
• Peer Support Training Specialist
• Compliance Coordinator

Lead Coordinator, State Advisory Council on Mental Health / Children’s Subcommittee
Minnesota Department of Human Services
February 2023 - Present

• Ensured statutory requirements for the SAC & CSC were met.
• Prepared biennial reports to the Governor and Legislature.
• Participated in      legislative processes and informed the SAC and CSC on key issues.
• Facilitated strategic meetings to advance the policy agenda.
• Enhanced community engagement initiatives.

Adjunct Lecturer, Public Health Department
Saint Catherine University
May 2023 - Present

• Reviewed and evaluated existing curriculum.
• Facilitated classes and graded student evaluations.
• Developed community partnerships for practicum placements.

Lead Project Manager, MDH Center of Excellence on Public Health and Homelessness
Minnesota Department of Health
May 2022 - February 2023

• Oversaw budgets, finances, and grant activities.
• Co-facilitated advisory group meetings and co-authored reports to the CDC.
• Managed program      development and policy formulation.

Program Manager, Community Residential Services (Adult Foster Care)
People Incorporated
January 2021 - May 2022

• Delivered community-based services and adhered to state standards.
• Analyzed and      implemented process improvements for service delivery.

Recovery Services Manager
Wayside Recovery Center, Minneapolis, MN
December 2019 - August 2020

• Supervised a      diverse clinical team.
• Planned and developed staff training programs.

Mental Health Program Director
Dungarvin Inc., Mendota Heights, MN
May 2019 - December 2019

• Managed a diverse team and maintained service plans.

Long Term Homeless Case Manager
Catholic Charities of Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN
July 2017 - June 2019

• Assisted clients in securing housing and connecting to community resources.

Drug Unit Assistant / Health Unit Coordinator
University of Minnesota Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN
August 2015 - December 2018

• Supported patients in crisis and coordinated care.

Intake Specialist / Intern Admissions Coordinator
3R’s Treatment Center, Minneapolis, MN
December 2014 - July 2015

• Implemented new      admissions protocols and trained staff.

Chemical Dependency Technician
NuWay House, Minneapolis, MN
June 2013 - October 2015

• Led groups and      monitored patient behavior.