Our Mental Health Team

I live in Baxter, Minnesota with my two kids and enjoy drawing and painting, spending time with loved ones, traveling and going on adventures, learning and exploring, good food and naps! 

Who am I as a therapist? If you were to speak with my clients, you would notice that therapy looks different for each one of them.  Everyone is different, what clients need, and their readiness for change will be different too. Because of this, each session is tailored to the individual need of each person I see. I hope to be personable, relatable, open, empathetic, understanding and truly invested in doing everything in my power to enable people to leave my office feeling better than when they walked in. All while having the understanding that some of our struggles cannot be “fixed”, but, there is always an opportunity to heal and grow. I honor the vulnerability that client’s experience when walking through the door and work to make sure they feel safe and comfortable. I use check ins and open communication to see if my client is responding well to the type of therapy that is being provided. Lastly, I understand that it is not always comfortable for someone to open up, and that peeling the layers can be a tough process. I do not follow a passive approach and am proactive (unless you are only looking for a listening ear) You will not experience long uncomfortable silences (however I do honor thoughtful pauses). I work to gently guide you into addressing the issues you need to address to live the life you want. I believe this work has been a life time in the making. Life experience has offered me valuable insight, And I truly care for my clients and their wellness.

In the end, I know theoretical approaches and empirical evidence only means so much to my clients. However, on my end I do use a variety of different approaches based on client need, and make my decisions based on best practice. I am a researcher by nature and I spend a lot of time researching and looking for the very best treatment options. I have an enthusiasm to learn and grow in my work, which I share with clients to help them gain a deeper understanding about how the brain works, and how to better understand their behaviors and choices.  

Favorite quote: “Let your actions be your voice” …as far as I know, I think that quote may be mine

 Shana Crouse has a Master’s in social work (MSW) and is a Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW). She received her master’s and bachelor’s degree in Social Work from The College of St. Scholastica. She has been working in the field for close to ten years and has experience working with families, couples, adolescents, and children. 

Her experience includes work with various mental health issues, parenting concerns, grief and trauma, and children with disabilities. Her approach is client centered and strengths driven. She works with her clients to achieve their desired outcome from therapy by frequently checking in on goals and progress, as well as leaving space to address new concerns. 

She enjoys spending much of her time outdoors with her family and on her Harley. She is available for in-person as well as telehealth sessions.   

Amy has a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from St. Cloud State University and a license in Marriage and Family Therapy (LMFT). She works with children, adults, couples, and families. 

She has experience working with parenting techniques, special education, foster care, visitation, and adoptive families. Some of the her focus includes, individuals with differing abilities, anxiety, and depression. 

Amy is a person-centered, strengths-based therapist who utilizes a narrative view to encourage clients to embrace their stories and trauma healing. Amy enjoys collaborating with clients to  create goals through play therapy, art, writing, mindfulness, communication, regulation, and connection. 

Amy works within many approaches, a few of which include Solution-Focused and Cognitive Behavioral therapy. As a family therapist, Amy utilizes a systemic lens to better understand client transitions and difficulties. 

Amy is scheduling sessions via telehealth at this time.

Jennifer is a mental health therapist and an instructor at CLC. Jennifer is passionate about connection, the importance of human relationships, and honoring the dignity and worth of all people. She enjoys spending time with friends, singing, reading, and doing life with her spouse and family. 

Jennifer utilizes education, training, and practice experiences to provide a holistic and humanistic approach in the therapy session. She balances the art and skill of therapy by utilizing evidence based research with compassion and empathy. Her specialties and areas of interest include: depression, anxiety, trauma, attachment patters, poverty understanding guilt and shame, systemic barriers, self-esteem, self-harm, and suicidal ideation.

Jennifer is person centered and practices a relational approach, integrating various modalities in the therapy experience, including: EMDR, CBT, and DBT skills. 

She strongly believes in the NASW (National Association of Social Workers) code of ethics that guides her profession, and in particular she devotes her style and practice to honoring the dignity and worth of each and every person.

Jennifer celebrates diversity and marvels at the resilience and perseverance of the client's she serves. It is her goal to provide a safe and secure place to unpack all of life's worries and struggles so she can walk with individuals on their paths to hope and healing.  

Teddy graduated from Saint Thomas University with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota with a Master of Arts in Counseling and Psychological Services. He completed clinical internship at Mount Olivet Counseling Center in Minneapolis focusing on adult one-on-one psychotherapy and group counseling. 

Teddy previously worked for Crisis Connection in Richfield, MN and for Canvas Health as a Crisis Worker and Volunteer Supervisor managing the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for the state of Minnesota and dispatching Mobile Crisis Teams across the state.

Teddy moved to the BLA in October 2017 and began clinical practice with Birchwood Therapy Services in Baxter. 

He has completed Trauma-Focused training specializing  in EMDR and other trauma focused psychotherapy interventions. 

Teddy is a Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy approved LPC/LPCC supervisor in 2021 to assist post-graduate practitioners to develop their skills in the mental health field. 

 Lindsay's specialty is treating those who need guidance and support in managing co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. She is a licensed alcohol and drug counselor (supervisor-level), licensed professional clinical counselor, and certified trauma professional. She has undergraduate degrees in the visual arts (BA), community psychology (BS) from St. Cloud State University, and a Master's degree (MA) in Integrated Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders from Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School of Addiction Studies. 

Lindsay has worked in the treatment field since 2009, serving both adult and adolescent populations. She has experience with individual and group counseling, assessment, education/prevention, supervision, various leadership roles, and design and implementation of new programs. 

Outside of work, Lindsay's passions are travel and the visual/performing arts. 

I became interested in becoming a therapist when my son was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, which is a form of high functioning Autism. He was diagnosed at a very late age which led to a lot of frustration, confusion, and hard work on both of our parts. This drove my passion to want to help others on their mental health journeys.
I believe that humor and laughing are good for the soul, so I try to bring that to the therapy room when appropriate. I am a laid-back, down-to-earth, open-minded person and tend to not focus on being structured. I try not to assign homework as life is busy enough already for most. I am blunt as I feel that people come to therapy to find answers and results, they cannot find themselves to promote change. While bluntness does not mean unempathetic or without compassion, it may mean discomfort in the moment and difficult to hear, initially. However, I am there to sit with my clients through the uncomfortable feelings of change.
My models/theories of interest are Cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and integrative behavioral couples. I work with individuals, couples, and families. I hope to start a DBT skills group for girls and women in the future at Acquire as well as obtaining specialty certifications. I have a bachelor's in psychology and anticipate graduating with my Masters's in February of 2022.  
My favorite saying is “ To thine own self be true."

  I was interested in helping people well before my degree. For over 10 years, I have helped people make lifelong changes as a public speaker. I have had a private hypnosis therapy practice since 2011. As I begin this next chapter, I am looking forward to working with clients both consciously and subconsciously to help make long term change. I enjoy family, music and I find a lot of peace on the lake and in the forest. I have a soft spot for animals and children. I was born, raised and am raising my family in the Brainerd lakes area. I love my hometown and love Acquire's want to help and be present in this community. 

Therapeutically, I tend to take a holistic, solution focused approach. However, I realize situations, personalities, and diagnoses can effect therapy so I select a theoretical view based on my client. I am person centered and I offer a non-judgmental view as I understand that everyone goes through different experiences. I take a collaborative perspective to help the client make the changes that they feel are necessary. I feel the client is an important part of creating a treatment plan—it is done together.  

I hold many national certifications in hypnosis including pediatric hypnosis.  I have my MS in clinical mental health counseling. My specialties include hypnosis, forensic psychology, children and adolescents. I work with all ages, providing individual, family, and couples therapy. I am currently working on certifications in trauma, ADHD and grief counseling, and I work with a variety of diagnoses. I provide sessions via telehealth and out of the Brainerd office.

Favorite quote: "Positive Suggestions Promote Positive Perspectives." 

As a counselor, I enjoy helping others find their truth and spark changes for a better and more satisfying life. I am a huge fan of humor and I believe laughter can remind us of the simple joys of life. My approach is forward with grace and a few Big Bang Theory or Schitts Creek quotes. I provide individual counseling for teens 16+ through adulthood and seniors by using multiple therapeutic approaches to help clients reach their personal goals. I recently started working with couples as well. 

Throughout my career, I have been learning many modalities to help people understand that they are not alone in this journey of life and that there is hope for a better tomorrow. I believe that helping individuals and couples is through exploring their history and undercover hidden patterns that they may not even be aware of so that they can begin to have more control over their emotions and be excited about what life has to offer. 

If you are ready to explore what is getting in the way and figure out what to do next, I'd love to support you in that journey. 

"If you don't like the road you're walking, start paving another one." – Dolly Parton 

  Mallori was born and raised in the Brainerd Lakes Area and continues to appreciate the outdoor activities that our community is known for. 

Mallori earned her Master’s degree and Doctorate Degree at the University of St Thomas. Her time is filled with family, work, and school, but she makes room for rest and play as she believes in the importance of self-care and connection.  

Mallori practices with a holistic and person-centered approach which means that she understands that each person is unique and that both internal and external factors impact their quality of life. She is open-minded and nonjudgmental, creating a safe and comfortable space for her clients. Mallori shared that her life experiences shaped her decision to become a therapist and she is both excited and grateful to be here! 

Evolving areas of practice include Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 1 (e.g., Asperger’s, PDD-NOS, or Autism without language delay), elder caregiver support, couples, families, teenagers, and grief, and loss.    

Kenzie has a master's degree in social work and is a Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW). Kenzie received her master's degree from Aurora University and her bachelor's in social work from Minnesota State University, Mankato. Kenzie has been in the field for about 5 years and has experience working in a correctional setting, as well as with adolescents and adults. 

Kenzie's experience includes working with various mental health issues and substance use disorder. Kenzie works within various approaches, including Narrative therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Solution-Focused therapy.

Kenzie enjoys spending time with her friends and family. She also enjoys spending time with her dog, Ivy. She enjoys reading and spending time outside, going for walks and tending to her flowers and garden.