Joining us in May: Alissa Krueger

Alissa is joining Birch Counseling as a graduate student intern from St. Mary’s University in the Counseling and Psychological Services program. She has over 15 years of experience in diverse administrative roles, collaborating with people from various backgrounds.

Alissa offers a warm, compassionate, and safe space to explore what matters most to clients. She believes every client deserves to feel heard, seen, and validated. She values humor to build connections and create a supportive space for growth.

Alissa works with adults, older adolescents, and couples. She uses an integrative approach that includes aspects of acceptance and commitment therapy, narrative therapy, motivational interviewing, and feminist therapy. As a mother, Alissa has a special interest in supporting individuals experiencing pregnancy and postpartum depression and anxiety. She is passionate about helping new parents navigate the challenges of expanding their family.

In her free time, Alissa enjoys reading at coffee shops, making arts and crafts with her children, and taking advantage of the many Minnesota lakes.  

Welcoming in August: Madison Garnhardt, MA

Madison (she/her) is a graduate student at Walden University in their Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. She is passionate about working with young children and their families, adolescents, and young adults. As a queer therapist, Madison has a special interest in working with fellow members of the LGBTQIA+ community and those who support queer rights. 

Madison uses a client-centered approach to support clients with empathy, compassion, and understanding of their worldview. Along with this, Madison utilizes mindfulness to help clients connect their physical and emotional reactions to what is happening in their life.

When not working or studying, Madison spends her time reading, playing with her pets, or hanging out at local coffee shops and book stores.

Welcoming in June: Maddy Fiksdal, MA

Maddy has experience working in various roles and settings with adults and adolescents. She graduated with a master’s degree in Counseling for Co-Occurring Disorders from Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School of Addiction Studies. She is a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) and is currently under supervision while working toward Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) licensure.

Maddy is passionate about working with individuals ages 15+ who are experiencing trauma, addiction, anxiety and particularly enjoys working members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Maddy uses a person-centered lens and brings curiosity, empathy, compassion, and humor to her work. She creates a safe environment and builds strong therapeutic relationships. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) interventions are frequently used tools. Maddy is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

Outside of work, Maddy enjoys spending time with friends and family. She loves crossword puzzles, watching movies, and reading. Maddy enjoys rock climbing and tries to be outdoors as much as possible.

Welcoming in January: Student Therapist Jayme Hanson

Growing up Jayme’s parents struggled with mood disorders, depression, and substance abuse. Exposure to their wellness journeys embedded a deep interest in the workings of the human brain and nervous system along with the healing potential of therapy.

Jayme is a connector at her core, she aims to develop deep trust with her clients as they journey through the process of discovery and healing. She is passionate about adults struggling with relationship concerns, anxiety/depression, chronic illness, parenting, work stress, and racial trauma.

Before psychotherapy, Jayme held executive leadership roles within healthcare companies and co-founded a successful medical technology startup that improved treatment access for people living with chronic illnesses. She received her Bachelor's in Psychology from DePaul University and is in the process of obtaining a Master's in Clinical Mental Health from Northwestern University. Upon completion of her clinical rotation and graduation, she will pursue credentials as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPCC).

Welcoming January 15: Student Therapist Kaelyn Dagon

Kaelyn currently is a graduate student at the Saint Mary’s Master’s Counseling and Psychological Services Program. She is working toward becoming a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). Kaelyn received her bachelors degree in psychology from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. She is passionate about working with emerging adults, older adolescents, and professionals in education with a focus on life changes, stress, occupation burnout, goal-setting, performance enhancement, anxiety, and depression. She enjoys working with a diverse population of individuals from different backgrounds and cultures and believes in incorporating one's unique experience into their healing journey. She looks forward to building a safe and welcoming environment where clients are able to build skills in order to achieve their goals.  Kaelyn incorporate strategies and concepts from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness based and strength based practices, Narrative Therapy, art therapy, and strengths-based approaches.

In her free time, Kaelyn I enjoys working out, listening to music, watching sports, painting and spending time with family and friends.