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 March: Shujianing Li, MA

Shujianing holds a Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling from the Lynch School of Education at Boston College. She has worked and trained in different clinical settings, including college mental health, psychiatric inpatient, and intensive outpatient programming. She is pursuing a PhD in Counseling Psychology. Shujianing self-identifies as a queer 1.5-generation Chinese American woman. She is passionate about working with individuals from diverse ethnoracial, immigration, and class backgrounds and with different sexual orientations and gender identities. Shujianing believes the best treatment approach is personalized and emerges through equal collaboration with her clients. She often draws inspiration from relational-cultural and emotion-focused frameworks and uses somatic and cognitive-behavioral techniques. Shujianing offers services in English and Mandarin Chinese and will be joining our Golden Valley office.

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. 

Welcoming August 21: Ashley Helgeson

Ashley is currently a graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health program at Minnesota State University Moorhead. She is looking forward to graduating in May (2024) and is currently pursuing licensure in clinical counseling (LPCC). Ashley enjoys using person-centered, strength based and positive psychotherapy and is passionate about working with those who are experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, substance use, and co-dependency. She strives to create a safe, affirming, and non-judgmental environment. She looks forward to working with a diverse group of clienteles and is open to work with children, teens, and adults. Ashley looks forward to helping clients gain insight on how life events can affect one’s approach to life and she hopes to support and empower individuals as they take their next steps into that journey.

Outside of work and school, Ashley enjoys spending time with friends and family. She also enjoys crocheting, rollerblading and getting outside as much as she can during the summer months.