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HomeMeet the Board

MEET THE BOARD

Who We Are


DIRECTORS OF THE BOARD


Angie Haag - MA, LPCC, LADC

President


Position Expires: October 31, 2021


Contact @ presidentmnca@gmail.com


Angie is dually licensed in the behavioral health field as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) and a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC). 


I have worked on the MnCA board of directors since 2018, previously serving as the secretary of the board. I am very passionate about operations and strategy in the business realm and truly enjoy being a part of the MnCA team as we create a bigger and better vision for the future. 


I am also the owner of a small private practice named Mind Revolution Therapy and supervise a team of clinicians doing crisis mental health work in Emergency Departments.


My expertise in the MH field include women's studies; LGBTQIA+ specific training; and trauma informed care. My passions in the field include patient advocacy, social services, program development, and field supervision of LADC/LPCC interns. 

Kjirsten Lipa - MA, LADC

Secretary


Position Expires: October 31, 2022


Contact @ secretarymnca@gmail.com


I am very excited to be joining the MnCA Board as the secretary of the board. I graduated from Saint Mary's University in June of 2019 from the dual diagnosis program combining clinical counseling with alcohol and drug counseling. I am currently working as a co-occurring counselor in NE Minneapolis. I am very excited to step into this role, because I have always felt that advocacy for clients and social welfare will be a key component to my career. I believe that part of this advocacy is staying informed about what is happening within our government both at a local and national level. 


As a new clinician I am excited about learning and growing my expertise in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and a feminist-based Relational Cultural Therapy. I look forward to working alongside MnCA members and serving our community. 

Jennifer Holloway - MA, LPCC

Treasurer


Position Expires: June 30th, 2021


Contact @ treasurermnca@gmail.com

Amanda Richards, MA, LPCC, LADC, MAC

Legislative Chair


Position Expires: June 30, 2022


Contact @ legislativemnca@gmail.com


I began my career as a music therapist then transitioned into Substance Use Disorder counseling and a few years later, completed my MA in Counseling and Student Personnel Psychology at the University of Minnesota -- this was before counselors were licensed in Minnesota!  


I found myself thrust into the role of advocate in the early 90s when I lobbied state representatives to add sexual orientation to the Minnesota Human Rights Act (MHRA). I have visited the legislature on several occasions since, lobbying for changes to licensing requirements and parity in reimbursement, among other issues. Additionally, I often create "scripts" for colleagues to use in contacting representatives. Previously, I served as Ethics Chair for the MnCA Board (2015 - 2017), I decided to re-join the board to advocate for a Compact Licensing Law and to influence revisions in the LPC/LPCC licensing requirements.  


Currently I have a consultation practice providing clinical supervision for individuals seeking licensure, consultation to persons who are already licensed, and technical expertise to Mental Health practices and Substance Use Disorder treatment programs. Also, I am Community Faculty at Metropolitan State University in the MS in Co-occurring Disorders Recovery Counseling program and Adjunct Faculty at Adler Graduate School where I teach Clinical Supervision.

Markie Gohman, MA, LPCC

Professional Development Co-Chair


Position Expires: June 30th, 2022


Contact @ professionaldevelopmentcomnca@gmail.com


Markie received her Master of Arts degree from the University of Colorado Springs in 2017. She is Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. She currently works for a non-profit providing School-Based Therapy to high school students, as well as providing outpatient counseling services. Her experience includes serving adolescents and adults both individually, through family work, and facilitating groups. She hold special interest in working with individuals experiencing Grief and Loss, Depression, Anxiety, and Life Transitions. 


Markie believes it takes courage and bravery to show up and demonstrate vulnerability in counseling. Because of that, she will work to meet each of her clients where they are at and hold light with them, or for them, until they can hold their own light. 


She considers her to be a lover of knowledge and look forward to serving on the MnCA board and working to bring exciting and new training, as well as connecting with you all. 

Dr. Rashida Fisher, LPCC, LADC

Professional Development Co- Chair


Position Expires: October 31, 2022




Contact @ professionaldevelopmentmnca@gmail.com

Tracie Houle, MA, LADC, LPCC

Membership Chair


Position Expires: October 31, 2021


Contact @ membershipmnca@gmail.com


Tracie is a dually licensed mental health professional currently working as a Mental Health Crisis Assessor in hospital emergency departments for Behavioral Healthcare Providers. Currently practicing as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC).


Tracie completed a Master's degree in Addiction Studies at The Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation Graduate School with an emphasis in the advanced practice and treatment of co-occurring mental health disorders in 2014.


Her experience includes working with adult and adolescent populations in various settings and across levels of care. Tracie is passionate about person centered care, community access to care, supporting families, depression, trauma, suicide prevention and helping individuals utilize inherit strengths to create growth and change. She hopes to have a equine psychotherapy practice in the near future.

Dr. Antwan L. Player, Ed.D., LMHC

Ethics Chair


Position Expires: Oct 31, 2021


Contact @

ethicsmnca@gmail.com


Dr. Antwan Player is a full-time core faculty instructor at Adler Graduate School located in Minnetonka, Minnesota. He currently holds two licenses, one in Minnesota as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) and another in Florida as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). Dr. Player received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and his master’s in mental health counseling from Webster University. He concluded his educational journey by obtaining his doctoral degree in counselor education and supervision from Argosy University in 2018.



From an educational standpoint, Dr. Player's goal is for every student to walk away understanding the impact they will have on their community and society. Students are more than just pupils, but rather the next wave of intellectuals that will contribute to the profession, and society. From a clinical standpoint, Dr. Player's clinical philosophy focuses on helping individuals reach self-actualization. His clinical experience has afforded him the opportunity to work with a range of diverse populations, including, high-risk adolescents, parenting enhancement, and individuals of the LGBTQ community to name a few.

 

As an educator and counselor, Dr. Player believes in using an individual’s strengths to foster an atmosphere full of dialogue to enhance professional and personal development. He plans to bring these qualities to MnCA as he fulfills the obligations of Ethics Chair. 

Christine Herzog, MS, LPCC, NCC

Equity and Inclusion Chair


Position Expires: June 30, 2022


Contact @

equityinclusionmncn@gmail.com


Christine Herzog, MS, LPCC, NCC is the Clinical Director for K Behavioral Health, an agency focused on providing mental health services and community education for underserved populations in Minnesota. She is a MN Board of Behavioral Health certified supervisor for clinicians pursuing their LPC and LPCC licensure. Two of her professional goals include continuing to provide professional supervision to others and program development/ implementation for mental health services with a focus on equity. Her previous professional experiences include providing supervision as an Autism Day treatment program supervisor, being a Clinic manager of two outpatient clinic sites serving childhood through adulthood populations, and working as a mental health professional for an early childhood special education program in a school setting.


Christine Herzog has developed a specialized set of skills in working with young children with a focus on attachment and repairing relationships. She enjoys being able to see the progress children make both behaviorally and emotionally. She finds working as a counselor rewarding due to being able to watch childrens' relationships built with trust grow over time. She is trained in DC:0-5, and she is currently in a Child Parent Psychotherapy training cohort to specialize in working with trauma in children ages 0-5 with their family. In her  career, she has gained professional experience in the following settings: a residential facility for dual diagnosis adult women, an ABA setting for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder that included both in-home and center-based services, outpatient psychotherapy clinics and a school-based setting with  early childhood and elementary aged students. She participates in ongoing equity training and discussions to incorporate the impact of culture and diversity into services. She is excited to serve others in a leadership position that provides the opportunity for her to increase her work in advocacy for fighting inequities at the local and state level through the Minnesota Counseling Association's Equity and Inclusion committee.

Gillian Koch, M.Ed, LPCC

Marketing Co-Chair


Position Expires: Oct 31, 2021


Contact @ marketingcomnca@gmail.com


Gillian is licensed as Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) and works as a therapist at Minnesota Clinic for Health and Wellness (in New Brighton, MN). Her clinical experience includes working with adolescents and adults in outpatient clinics and in a college counseling center. Her clinical interests include working with young adults and working with clients experiencing grief, loss, and/or life transitions. She works to create a warm, welcoming environment in her practice and cares deeply about advocating for clients' needs both inside and outside of the therapy space.


Gillian has a background in marketing and copywriting and is thrilled to serve on the MnCA board as a Marketing Co-Chair! As a Minnesota transplant, she is deeply grateful to MnCA for helping her find her place in the Minnesota counseling community. She encourages you to email her with any ideas, thoughts, or questions, and would love to meet you soon at a MnCA event -- please feel free to say hello (be it virtually or in person)!

Laura Beth Gatzke


Position Expires: June 30, 2022


Contact @ marketingmnca@gmail.com


Laura Beth (she/her/hers) is a clinical trainee and works as a residential therapist in Saint Paul at The Emily Program with adolescents and their families. She loves working with teens as they keep her up to date on music and provide great hope for today’s world. She goes by Laura Beth or LB. 


Her clinical experience includes working in both rural and metro areas, working in co-occurring residential treatment with adults, and working in early childhood interventions. Her therapy interests include life transitions, dual-diagnosis, grief and loss, and mood disorders. She is deeply passionate around social justice and empowerment around mental illness. 


She is excited to work on marketing because it’s all about getting the word out  and making sure all people are invited and included. Having done her schooling in South Dakota, she felt very welcomed at her first MnCA conference and can’t wait to give back what she was given. Please feel free to contact her and be in touch! 



OPEN POSITIONS FOR NOVEMBER 1, 2021:

To apply complete the follow form no later than September 30th: MnCA Fall 2021 Ballot
If you have any questions, please email presidentmnca@gmail.com


Executive Chairs

  • President
    • Term: Nov 1, 2021- October 31, 2022 (1 year term)
    • Position Description: The President shall be the chief elected officer of the Association, Chair of the Executive Board, preside at all general meetings, and receive annual reports from State Divisions and Chapters. The president is required by ACA Bylaws to attend the National Conference of the American Counseling Association, and disseminate relevant information learned to the members at large. 
  • Treasurer Co-Chair:
    • Term:  November 1, 2021-October 31, 2023 (2 year term)
    • Position Description: The Treasurer co-chair will work closely with Jen Holloway and shall collect and disburse funds of MnCA (subject to approval of the President and one other designated board member). They shall provide financial updates at each Board Meeting and are responsible for providing a financial report to the Board of Directors at the end of each fiscal year. The Treasurer is responsible for the filing of all federal and state tax forms and reports by the legally mandated deadlines of applicable state and federal legislation. 
  • Secretary Co-Chair:
    • Term: November 1, 2021-October 31, 2023
    • Position Description: The Secretary co-chair will work closely with current Chair Kjirsten Lipa and shall keep all records of the current activities of the Association and the Executive Board and shall submit minutes of these proceedings to the appropriate persons. Such items include board meeting agenda/minutes; creation and implementation of board structural procedures; and coordinating the annual member meeting.

Committee Chairs:

  • Membership Co-Chair:
    • Term:  Nov 1, 2021- October 31, 2022 (1 year term)
    • Position Description: The Membership Chair will work closely with current chair Tracie Houle to head the membership commit to assist with member recruitment and retention activities; and provides a presence at the Fall Conference. This chair is responsible for assisting members with any issues or concerns that arise and being able to direct them to the appropriate resource.
  • Marketing Co-Chair:
    • Term:  Nov 1, 2021- October 31, 2023 (2 year term)
    • Position Description: The Marketing Chair will work closely with current chair Laura Beth Gatzke to head the marketing committee to coordinate and disseminate vital information of interest to the MnCA membership at large. This involves timely distribution of the email blasts, event announcements, website updates, social media presence, etc. This position monitors the public face of MnCA and acts quickly to respond to problems that arise. 
  • Professional Development Co-Chair: 
    • Term:  Nov 1, 2021- October 31, 2023 (2 year term)
    • Position Description: The Professional Development Co-Chair will work closely with current chair Rashida Fischer, PD co-chair and the PD committee on their positions chief responsibility, planning and coordination of MnCA-sponsored events, CEU trainings, and Annual Fall Conference. This position requires coordination and planning throughout the year and close work with the executive branch and marketing committee.
  • Equity and Inclusion Co-Chair:
    • Term:  Nov 1, 2021- October 31, 2022 (1 year term)
    • Position Description: The Equity and Inclusion chair will work closely with current chair Christine Herzog to head the E&I committee in order to create opportunities for MN counselors to access education, growth, and support in the areas of equity and inclusion. This includes taking such topics as: race, ethnicity, culture, gender, ability, age, sexuality, language, etc. This position requires the ability to disseminate scientific, inclusive, and relevant information to the membership at large via education opportunities, resources, and discussion forums. This chair will work closely with the PD, legislative, and marketing committees.
  • Legislative Co-Chair:
    • Term: Nov 1, 2021- October 31, 2022 (1 year term)
    • Position Description: The Legislative Co-chair will work closely with current chair Amanda Richards to head the legislative committee to perform research and coordinate information for the upcoming or current legislative session. MnCA Legislative work includes collaboration with BBHT, MN lobbyists, and other stakeholders to identify and address legislative needs, and will inform the full membership of any action/activity that needs attention. Legislative board chairs work to build and maintain coalitions with local and community support systems to increase availability and access of therapeutic services for Minnesotans, collaboration with similar committees with Social Workers, Psychologists, Marriage and Family therapists, and other mental health professions.
  • Ethics Co-Chair: 
    • Term: Nov 1, 2021- October 31, 2022 (1 year term)
    • Position Description: The Ethics chair heads the ethics committee to provide background information and input into any structural/administrative or ethical changes in the profession and the Association, and works with the marketing committee to disseminate the information as needed.

 




MnCA: A Part of the American Counseling Association

The mission of the Minnesota Counseling Association is “to provide information and resources about the counseling profession; and to provide networking, education, legislative and other support for Minnesota’s professional counselors.”