MSW, LICSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Michael has been in private practice since 1997. He specializes in helping individuals and families out of stressful and challenging dynamics, such as divorce, trauma, substance abuse, depression and anxiety. Michael has an MSW (Masters of Social Work) and is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW).  He is trained in family systems therapy, chemical dependency and child and adolescent therapy, with an undergraduate degree in psychology. Michael has been working with couples, families and children his entire career. Michael enjoys running, adventures and spending time with his wife and family.

Michael's message to you: If you are looking for practical solutions to finding wellness for you and your family, this is the place to come. You will experience life-giving support and positive challenges that will empower you to reach the wellness you desire.

Additional Specialties: Reunification, Co-Parenting, Trauma, and Addiction Counseling, Parent Coaching, Parent Consulting, Mediation, Presentations, Training and Consulting with Schools

Education: M.S.W., Augsburg College - Systems Theory, Family Practice, B.S., St. John's University - Psychology

Licensure: LICSW: Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Additional Coursework: St. Mary's University - Play Therapy, Argosy University - Psychological Testing and Interpretation, Child Inclusive Mediation, Rule 114 Qualified Neutral Mediator

Professional Activities & Memberships: AFCC (Assoc. of Family & Conciliation Court), Board of Directors YMCA Camp Menogyn, '98 - '04, Chemical Health Specialist, Hopkins High School, '00 - '04, Drug Free Community Coalition Coordinator - Hopkins School District

MA, LMFT - Marriage & Family Therapist

Mathew has a background in youth and family ministry and is also a trainer and associate with Peer Ministry Leadership training faith communities all over the nation in "Good Samaritan Leadership".

Mathew is passionate about relationships and has a desire to help couples redesign their relationship so it suits both partners, improve communication and understanding for parents and children, and support parents in reasserting their parental authority when feeling as though they have lost control of their family.

Mathew also writes a blog, Relationships that Heal for professional and non-professional helpers and caregivers.

Matt says that he is passionate about his work because, “We heal ourselves through our relationships, we become ourselves in relationships, we are who we are because of those we love and are loved by. I can think of no greater honor than to assist families, couples, parents and children in working to repair, heal build and rebuild relationships.”

Additional Specialties: Video Gaming Addiction, Discernment Counseling, Marriage Counseling, Reunification, Co-Parenting, Parent Coaching

Education: B.A. University of MN, M.A. Marriage & Family Therapy at St. Mary's University

License, Certifications & Awards: Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, MN License Number 2560, PREPARE/ENRICH certified Facilitator, Discernment Counselor

Professional Activities & Memberships: AAMFT (National Association of Marriage & Family Therapy), MAMFT (Minnesota Association of Marriage & Family Therapy), DRI Alliance, Tonka Cares, AFCC (Assoc. of Family & Conciliation Court), NAADAC (The Association for Addiction Professionals), One Voice Coalition (Hopkins Drug Free Coalition), Minnetonka Digital Citizenship Committee

Licensed Associate of Marriage and Family Therapy

Emilee works with individuals, couples, and families who need support navigating life’s transitions as well as those who desire healthier relationships. She has experience with adoption, 2nd marriages, parenting after divorce, parenting kids with disabilities, and parenting exceptional kids.

Emilee uses a family systems focus to understand what is causing stress and anxiety in families and relationships.  Emilee is passionate about attachment work, mindfulness, and how they impact not only client’s relationships but also the therapeutic relationship as well.

Emilee says she does this work because, “Each family, couple, or client I work with teaches me something. The stories they share, the resilience that they show, and the growth they choose to accomplish enriches my work and life. I am blessed with a vocation that allows me to work out of my strengths, calling, and passions; which in this field, magnifies the ability to do this work well.”

Additional Specialties: Integrating Spirituality into therapy, Adoptive Families, Second Marriages, Co-Parenting, Families With Exceptional Kids, Couples contemplating divorce, and Conflicted Families

Education: M.A. Bethel Seminary, Marriage and Family Therapy, B.A. Bethel University, Social work.

Certifications: Licensed Associate of Marriage & Family Therapist, MN License Number 3285, & PREPARE/ENRICH certified Facilitator.

Professional activities & memberships: National Association of Marriage & Family Therapy, MN Association of Marriage & Family Therapy, AFCC (Assoc. of Family & Conciliation Court), AFCC Membership Committee, Tonka Cares, Supervised by Alan Davis, LMFT, #1298 MN

Find out more about Emilee on Psychology Today

MA, LAMFT — Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist 

Allison works with individuals, couples, adolescents and families who are dealing with the impact of a major life transition. She has experience with individuals and families dealing with a new or existing medical diagnoses, anxiety, depression, and grief and loss. Allison uses a narrative approach to view each person’s life as a story, and sometimes those stories can have unexpected twists and turns that can be emotionally difficult to deal with. She also incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy techniques to help individuals challenge unhealthy and unhelpful stories about themselves.

Allison says her goal as a therapist is to “Walk with a family, couple or individual as they experience an unexpected and unwelcome change in their life and grieve the loss of what they had imagined their life would be. I want to help them integrate that change into their life by accepting, embracing and then thriving in the midst of change.”

Additional Specialties: Medical family therapy, grief and loss, anxiety and depression, young adults transitioning to adulthood, couples counseling

Education: B.A. University of Oregon, M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy at St. Mary’s University of Minnesota

Certifications: PREPARE/ENRICH certified facilitator

Professional activities & memberships: American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy, Minnesota Association of Marriage and Family Therapy, Collaborative Family Health Association

Intern

Dana is joining Traverse Counseling and Consulting as an intern pursuing her License of Marriage and Family Therapy. Dana has been a school counselor in Hopkins since 1999. During these years, she has had extensive experience working with families, students, teachers and outside agencies. Her work has included counseling students with varying social, emotional and academic issues. Dana loves her work as a school counselor and working with a community of families and students. She has chosen to pursue a Licensure in Marriage and Family Counseling to dive deeper into issues and help families, couples and children pursues their goals.

In her free time, Dana enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She also seeks the outdoors and will do anything to spend time at a lake or a have a walk in the woods. When she can, Dana loves to travel and experience different cultures and incredible food.

Education: BA St. Olaf College. MS University of Wisconsin. Pursuing LMFT - Adler University.

Office & Outreach Manager

Carolyn has many years of experience in both office management and marketing. She has a passion for helping others and creating an atmosphere of warmth and dignity for all. She divides her time between managing our front office, client care, and providing information and resources about our services to the professional community.

Carolyn says that she does this work because: “Being part of the Traverse team is such a privilege. I get to share compassion and hope with our clients, witness lives being transformed, be part of a genuinely caring team of people, and share the good news about the work that they do with the community. Being part of something that is making such a difference in the lives of others gives me a great sense of fulfillment.”

Client Care Coordinator

Melissa comes to us with diverse experience-from teaching college Spanish to working in Higher Education Administration to previous work at a Medical Clinic and a stint traveling and working in Guatemala, she brings a diverse and varied background of working closely with people from all walks of life and circumstances. Melissa thoroughly enjoys the interaction that she is privileged to have with our clients each day, and she delights in doing everything she can to keep our office organized and our schedules scheduled, our phones answered and our emails responded-to in a timely fashion.

Melissa says: "I can think of nothing more fulfilling than knowing I am part of a team that empowers and supports individuals and families in their quest for life-giving and healthful relationships and lives. To know that coming to work every day means that I can make even a small difference by supporting this amazing group of therapists is incredibly fulfilling."

Client Care Coordinator

With a background in customer service, retail and event planning, Carly adds a diverse set of skills to our team. We appreciate the professionalism and care that she shows our clients.

Bookkeeper

As a previous Senior Store Manager with a leading coffee retailer, and with a background in youth ministry, Eleeya brings a wonderful combination of customer service, compassion, organizational and problem solving skills to her billing and bookkeeping position. We are very fortunate to have her on our team!