Staff

Tom specializes in psychiatric therapy of children and adults experiencing mental health conditions. In addition to providing psychiatric therapy, Tom also administers medication-assisted treatment programs for clients looking for assistance in their recovery. Tom earned his master’s degree in psychiatric nursing from the University of North Dakota and has been practicing in the mental health field for over 10 years. Prior to Lakeview, Tom worked in inpatient psychiatry for 5 years and was trained as a nurse practitioner at Hennepin County Medical Center. Through this extensive training and experience, Tom is dedicated to help you move forward and improve your circumstances. Tom founded Lakeview Behavioral Health in 2016 to provide an innovative approach to holistic behavioral health care. Outside of Lakeview, Tom enjoys being outdoors with his family including hunting, camping, and fishing.

Ann has an extensive background working with people from all walks of life who struggle with the disease of addiction and mental health disorders. Ann brings a wealth of both clinical and management experience to her role as Director and COO for Lakeview Behavioral Health. She has spent many years on the management side of addiction treatment, all while staying engaged in what she loves the most: working directly with the clients. Ann is a Grand Rapids native and received her Associate in applied science at Itasca Community College and her Bachelor of Science in applied psychology from Bemidji State University.

Dr. Valdez specializes in offering mental health and substance use services to families and individuals of all ages. Dr. Valdez has many years of experience working with families and individuals who suffer from mental health and substance use disorders in various settings, from a private practice in Pasadena, CA to psychiatric hospitals. Affectionately known as “Dr. Phil,” he comes to Lakeview after moving to the Iron Range from Los Angeles, where he was the director of a mental health clinic in South Central. He favors evidence-based practices in treatment, and is a strength-based, person-Centered, humanistic provider.

Blaze has been a therapy pet since 2012. He’s trained and certified with the National Foundation for Pet Provided Therapy (Love on a Leash). Together with his friend Dr. Philip Valdez, Blaze has provided therapy in psychiatric hospitals, group therapy, individual therapy, and on Skid Row in LA. He’s also helped people who have been homeless and suffering with various mental illness in South Central LA alongside Dr. Phil. Blaze has provided his services from southern California to northern Minnesota. He is here to help you.

Andrea Boyadjis commutes from the Twin Ports area. She specializes in creative expression modalities and play with families and children. Andrea has received both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Art Therapy from the University of Wisconsin-Superior and she has been practicing art therapy for the last 8 years. Andrea is currently working towards a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through Capella University and will be obtaining an LPCC licensure after graduation. When she isn’t working or studying, Andrea enjoys watercolor painting, hiking, and reading with her cat.

Antonette Flynn is a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor and is a Hibbing native. She has worked across the Iron Range as a counselor and has experience in family programs and residential and outpatient treatment. Antonette fully believes in substance abuse treatment and recovery. She has many years experience both professionally and personally and looks forward to serving the Hibbing area again.

Bambi is a Grand Rapids native and currently attends Mesabi Range College, planning to graduate with an A.A.S. degree in chemical dependency and social services in May 2018. She plans to continue on to Bemidji State University to finish her bachelor’s degree in psychology and pursue her dream to be an LADC that specializes in both mental health and chemical dependency. Bambi has five years of experience working in the chemical dependency field and has a true passion to help others learn to live a life of recovery.

Collene is a Licensed Graduate Social Worker. She earned her master’s degree in clinical social work at The College of St. Scholastica and is working toward full licensure. Collene has been working in the mental health field since 2017, and a variety of other helping professions prior. Collene’s personal and professional experiences have helped to develop her caring and direct disposition. She provides services for ages 6 and up. She enjoys working with children and people who have disabilities. She is also very passionate about empowering people to meet their individual needs and goals. Collene is an EMDR trained therapist. Collene’s theoretical approach to therapy is based in relational cultural theory. The theory focuses on creating change through the therapeutic relationship and connection. When she is not at work, Collene may be found binging Netflix, in her garden, or at the beach. She enjoys music, being creative and spending time with family.

Dewey was born and raised in Grand Rapids, MN. Shortly after obtaining his license from the University of Minnesota, Fergus Falls regional treatment center counselor training program he relocated to California where he first worked in a 15 bed social model treatment program in Lake Tahoe for two years. Then, upon moving to the San Francisco Bay Area, Dewey was employment by several medical model hospital-based psychiatric – C/D programs and over the next ten years Dewey worked as a substance use disorder counselor, a case manager, a clinical supervisor, and as director of an area continuing care program.  Upon returning to Minnesota, Dewey has spent the last nine years working at a local substance use disorder treatment program as a front line counselor, a clinical director, then as program director.

Jackie is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specializing in the treatment of children and adolescents. She graduated from the University of North Dakota with a Master of Science degree and is licensed to diagnose, treat, and prescribe medication. Jackie has worked in various settings within the mental health field for 10+ years. During her nursing experience in the child and adolescent psychiatry department at Mayo Clinic, Jackie found her passion of working with children/adolescents and their families. In Jackie’s free time, she enjoys muskie fishing, visiting local flea markets, and repurposing furniture.

Jessica Eastman is student intern currently working towards her Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner degree and will graduate the spring of 2020. Jessica has over 10 years of experience caring for geriatric patients as well as experience in acute hospitalization care as a float pool RN in a rural MN hospital. Jessica is excited to expand her nursing care as a mental health professional and is dedicated to caring for patients throughout the lifespan. Jessica enjoys spending time with family and friends, training for distance running, and learning new skills.

Jonathan is a clinical counselor and board-certified EEG biofeedback therapist (psychophysiologist). He has more than 20 years of mental health experience and has developed numerous health and wellness programs for companies and hospitals including 3M and Fairview. Jonathan utilizes REBT/CBT, which is specialized training through the Adler Institute in working with families, children, adolescents, and adults working through social and personal challenges related to ADHD and Aspergers Syndrome (ASD). Jonathan also practices biofeedback/psychophysiology at United Pain Center/Allina Health. He received his BA in Psychology from the University of Minnesota and Master Degree in Clinical Counseling through St. Mary’s University, Minneapolis. He grew up in central Minnesota and likes to bike, hike and camp. And would like to do more kayaking with his wife, sons, and their dog.

Kasey Brown is a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor and is a native of Mountain Iron. She has worked in the Grand Rapids area and has experience with family programming, adolescent treatment, and residential and outpatient treatment. Kasey has her degree in communication and human services with Native American emphasis and is also currently working on a degree in social work degree at the University of Wisconsin in Superior. Kasey is excited to give back to her community by working at the Hibbing office. Her personal and professional experience with mental health and chemical health make her compassion show in working with her clients.

Kelly is a veteran of the medical billing field and comes to Lakeview Behavioral Health with more than 19 years of various medical billing experience. She serves as the client account manager and acts as a personal liaison for all insurance-related matters. She is the key contact person at Lakeview Behavioral Health for obtaining the maximum benefits from insurance carriers and any other billing questions.

Linda received her Master of Arts in psychotherapy with a focus on co-occurring disorders from Adler Graduate School in Richfield, Minnesota. She earned her B.A. in alcohol and drug counseling from Metropolitan State College in Saint Paul, Minnesota. She is trained in aboriginal focusing-oriented therapy and complex trauma certificate uses focusing-oriented therapy as a safe and effective method of working with clients who experience complex trauma through the Justice Department of British Columbia. She holds Permanency and Adoption Competency Certificate (PACC), which serves the unique and complex clinical and practice needs for adopted individuals and their families through U of M Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare. She is trained in the Wellbriety Red Road to Recovery 12 Steps for Women and Mending Broken Hearts. She has several years’ experience in the Native American community and recently was employed at a woman’s inpatient facility in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

Linda is a licensed therapist with over 16 years of experience working with adults in a wide variety of settings, from community mental health to inpatient hospitalization. She has worked with a diverse cliental, from victims of domestic violence to those who suffer with alcohol and drug problems. Linda earned her master’s degree in clinical social work from The College of St. Scholastica and holds a bachelor’s degree from Albion College. Linda sees adults for a variety of reasons including divorce, relationship problems, grief, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and life changes, among others. She has a passion for working with victims of trauma. Whether it is a single traumatic event or the long-lasting effects of childhood abuse, she works with victims to promote healing. Linda’s theoretical approach is grounded in attachment and family systems theory to trauma theory.

Lisa earned her B.S. in psychology from Iowa State University, and then moved to Alaska, where she gained extensive experience working at a community mental health agency as a clinical associate and, most enjoyably, working in a maximum-security prison as a bachelor’s level psychological counselor. From Alaska, Lisa moved to Michigan to work toward earning her Master of Arts degree in clinical mental health counseling from Western Michigan University. She has been working in the mental health field since 2008 and has experience working with children and adults, including working in the foster care system. Her approach to counseling weighs heavily on trust in the professional relationship and trust in the counseling process through her cognitive behavioral approach. Lisa is looking forward to being back in her hometown of Grand Rapids and serving her community.

Lisa is a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner who has worked in a wide variety of settings in the mental health field for the last twenty years. Lisa graduated from New Mexico State University with a masters degree in psychiatric nursing with an emphasis on adult mental health and the treatment of substance use disorders. In order to pursue her passion of travel, Lisa closed her private practice in Grand Rapids in the summer of 2018 and joins Lakeview Behavioral Health as a telehealth provider beginning October 2018. Lisa provides medication management, supportive psychotherapy, health maintenance monitoring and education and medication assisted treatment to individuals ages 13 and up.

Liz earned her B.S. in health education from Northern Arizona University, and obtained her A.A.S. for chemical dependency specialist from Mesabi Range Community College. She became a licensed alcohol and drug counselor with the State of Minnesota in 2013. Liz began her counseling experience at an intensive outpatient with lodging facility, and then made a career change to work in outpatient treatment in April 2016 with Lakeview Behavioral Health. Along with providing direct client care, she also serves as a member of the Itasca County Wellness Court Team, providing professional input in a program intended to reduce the criminalization of addiction. Liz is passionate about her work and is committed to making a difference.

Lynne is a registered 200 hour yoga teacher and is active in the recovery community, with 10 years of continuous sobriety. Her love for yoga began 7 years ago with a yearning for more growth in her spiritual life. After taking her first yoga class as a student, she fell in love. Not long after, her yoga teacher suggested Lynne begin training to become a yoga teacher and to incorporate her recovery experience to bring yoga into the recovery community. Lynne has since completed training from Yoga North International in Duluth, MN and has also completed training for holding space for yoga 12 step recovery (Y12SR), which is a relapse prevention meeting and yoga practice using the 12 steps.

Maria earned her Doctor of Education (EdD) from the University of Arizona and worked as an educator for 20 years. She obtained her license in alcohol and drug counseling (LADC) from Mesabi Range Community College in 2018. She began her counseling internship in 2017 and has since been gratefully mentored by the Lakeview Behavioral Health staff and counselors. Maria is committed to working with the individual needs of her clients in the group and one-on-one counseling settings. She greatly enjoys learning about life and recovery with her clients.

Megan has worked in the mental health field for over 10 years, predominantly providing services and helping individuals who have mental illness and substance use disorders. Megan earned her bachelor’s degree in social work from Bemidji State University and her masters degree in social work (MSW) from The College of St. Scholastica. Megan holds a Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW) license with the state of Minnesota and is working towards a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Work (LICSW) license. Megan is currently being trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and looks forward to providing clients with this therapy option. Megan’s special interests is working with individuals who experience trauma, grief and loss, attachment concerns, depression, anxiety, and mood disorders.

Meghan is a Hibbing native. She received a bachelor’s degree in psychology and cell and molecular biology in December of 2018 from the University of Minnesota Duluth. Meghan comes to us with experience working in the mental health and substance use field. She is excited to work and give back to a community that has done so much for her over the years, while forming new, professional relationships with people from other communities.  She will be working with clients from both Hibbing and Grand Rapids.

Melissa has her BSN and is a student intern acquiring her Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner degree specializing in children’s mental health and will graduate in December 2019. Melissa comes to us with over 18 years of healthcare experience in a wide range of medical specialties, several which have been spent in mental health prior to working for Lakeview Behavioral Health. Melissa is passionate about the youth in our community. She is dedicated to helping them develop and identify tools to deal with the everyday challenges they face along with any mental illnesses they may have. Melissa is a proud wife and mother of two children. She enjoys spending her spare time at her daughters sporting events and family functions. She enjoys the outdoors and activities involved with the outdoors.

Rhea graduated college with a bachelor’s degree in nursing and is currently a board-certified registered nurse specializing in psychiatry. She has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse in various settings. She started working at a nursing home for subacute rehab and long-term care, then went on to inpatient psychiatric facilities in both New Jersey and North Dakota that helped adolescents, adults, and geriatrics with acute psychiatric problems. She also has experience as a float nurse and worked in medical floors for a couple of years. She is currently finishing up her clinical rotation at Lakeview Behavioral Health and plans to finish graduate school this year with Walden University. Upon receiving her master’s degree and certification this year, she will become a Psychiatric Mental Health Advanced Nurse Practitioner.

Sherrie is an LADC who received her certificate for licensed alcohol and drug counseling through Bemidji State University. Sherrie received her Bachelor of Arts in psychology and Bachelor of Science in applied psychology at Bemidji State University. Sherrie worked for 3 years in the mental health field as a Mental Health Practitioner in a hospital acute and long-term care unit before deciding that her personal calling was to work in the field of substance use disorder treatment. Sherrie has 10 years of experience working as an LADC and has worked in a variety of treatment program settings including outpatient, residential, and medication-assisted treatment. Sherrie’s work includes facilitation of a family program as an educator for clients and their family members. This program was designed to help family members gain an understanding of what addiction is, explore what they may expect as a result of the treatment and recovery process, to learn how to set healthy boundaries with their loved ones and to practice much needed self-care. Sherrie understands the importance of treating the whole family, not just the person who enters treatment.

Teresa is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with practice interests and advanced training in the following areas: co-occurring disorders/MICD treatment, crisis, trauma, grief and bereavement, forensic counseling, neurocognitive and developmental disorders, SPMI, personality disorders, stress, anxiety, and depression disorders. Teresa obtained additional certifications for advanced practice in Autism Spectrum Disorders, Moral Reconation Therapy, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Neuroscience for Clinical Practice. Her approach includes the application of neuroscience in the treatment of trauma, anxiety, and stress related disorders with a focus to connect the mind and body for improved treatment outcomes. She serves both adolescent and adult populations with a person-centered and strengths-based approach.

Tierney is pursuing her degree in Social Work as well as Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counseling through Bemidji State University. Tierney has a passion for helping others and has a specific interest in helping those who struggle with addiction and mental health disorders. She is eager to begin working in this field. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her son.

Todd specializes in the psychiatric treatment of adolescents and adults with mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorders. He obtained his Doctor of Nursing Practice from Walden University. He is board certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) with over 25 years of experience. In his role as PMHNP, he offers clients psychiatric medication evaluations and treatment in addition to ongoing therapeutic evaluation and support. Todd’s practice style is relational and goal-oriented, with emphasis on individualization of evidence-based practices, symptom reduction, functional improvement, and active involvement of clients and their supports in services. Todd grew up on the Iron Range and is dedicated to the wellbeing of the community.

Cherub is a lifelong resident of Chisholm. She provides leadership to the office administrative staff at all Lakeview locations. Cherub’s previous healthcare experience includes 16 years of providing quality, direct care and supervisory services to individuals with physical, mental, and behavioral challenges.

Jorina grew up in San Diego and graduated high school from Castle Park. She then volunteered at St. Rose hospital in Henderson, Nevada, before acquiring an office coordinator position in San Diego. She was soon promoted to district administrator, which gave her the experience and skills to keep an office running smoothly. She recently relocated to the Grand Rapids area to be with her family and is looking forward to serving clients in the Grand Rapids Office.

Megan as a Hibbing native, and now located in Chisholm, is invested in the community. She loves spending time with her family and friends and being outdoors as much as possible. Megan has worked in the healthcare field for 10 years and is very kind and compassionate for the people she helps.

Tara is a life long native of the Iron Range. She earned her AA in administration from Mesabi Range College. She has 20+ years of experience in the medical field with a emphasis in chemical dependency and mental health for the past 12 years. Tara’s previous experience included supervision, office administration, chemical dependency coordination along with insurance billing and medical record release.