Tricia Johnson, MSW, LICSW
Executive Director
Tricia initially began working with the Leo A. Hoffmann agency in 2011 as a youth counselor in the Hoffmann Center residential treatment program. Tricia then began as a therapist in the St. Peter Counseling Center program in 2015, following a brief 6 month break from working at LAHC. Tricia obtained her Bachelor of Social Work degree and she went on to obtain her Master of Social Work degree, both from Minnesota State University- Mankato. Tricia brings a professional background that is diverse and includes working with children and their families with concerns ranging from communication to trauma and child problem sexual behavior. Other areas of experience include: mental health therapy with adults, children, and families, social skills training (CTSS & ARMHS) with children and adults, serving people with intellectual disabilities co-occurring with mental illness, residential and outpatient treatment for adolescent boys, policy and accreditation work, and services for the elderly population. Tricia is licensed as an LICSW and provides clinical supervision to newly licensed clinician and other mental health practitioners. She has formal training in play therapy and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT).
Lindsay Boettger, MA, LPCC
Program Director
Lindsay Boettger is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) and Program Director of Clinical Services. Lindsay has expertise in ages birth through 5, trauma, attachment, and neurodevelopmental concerns. She has a passion for working with birth to 5 clients and their families to improve their well being.
Felicia Kellen, MS, LMFT
Program Director
Felicia Kellen is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Program Director. Felicia has worked at various levels and settings in the mental health field. She has experience in areas such as transition to adulthood, trauma, parenting, and birth through 5. Felicia is trained in Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and DC 0-5.
Peggy Brekke
Office Manager/AR Billing Specialist
Peggy has been with the Hoffmann Center for 4 years. She has done a variety of roles here! Currently she is our residential billing specialist. In her free time, Peggy enjoys running, reading and spending time with her family.
Taylor Johnson, MSW, LICSW
Clinical Supervisor
Taylor Johnson is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and Clinical Supervisor for our rehabilitative services. She has experience working with youth, adolescents, older adults, and families with anxiety, depression and PTSD. Taylor has formal training in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART).
Katie Dorschner, MSW, LICSW
Therapist
Katie Dorschner is a License Independent Social Worker (LICSW). She has experience working with individuals of a variety of ages and has a special interest in working with children and trauma. She has additional training in DC 0-5.
Deanna Armstrong, MSW, LGSW
Therapist
Hi! My name is Deanna and I’m so happy to be working at the Hoffmann Center as a mental health therapist! I graduated in August 2023 with my Master’s degree in Social Work with an advanced clinical concentration from Walden University. I also received a graduate certificate with focus on working with children and families. I went to Minnesota State University, Mankato, for my undergraduate degree. I received a Bachelor of Science, doubling majoring in Child Development & Family Studies as well as Applied Leadership.
I have experience working with a wide range of populations. I have experience working in nursing homes, group homes, child protection, residential mental health services for adults and children, mobile crisis response team, and outpatient therapy.
When I started in 2019 working at the Hoffmann Center, I didn’t except myself to become a therapist and continue working here. I have a passion for working with at risk youth that are in need of mental health services. I am trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Family Systems Trauma and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
In my free time I love to travel and spend extra time with my two dogs, Lucy and Maya.
Travis Schmidt
Recreation Coordinator
Travis graduated from Augsburg University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science. Prior to joining the Hoffmann Center team in 2023, he has had experiences working with children and adults with developmental and cognitive disabilities, emotional and behavioral disorders, and co-occurring disorders. Travis has also worked as a Mental Health Practitioner for Hoffmann Counseling Services. Sports and recreation have always been Travis’ passion and he strives to share this passion with others.
Grant Diedrich
Residential Program Coordinator
Grant has work in our PRFT program since 2021, starting as a youth counselor on the units, then being promoted to Unit Supervisor of our Falcons Unit, and now finally in the role of Program Coordinator of our PRTF program. Grant has a history that is rich in working with people and the service industry. Grant says that his favorite part of working at LAHC is spending time with the kids and staff on the units and watching the progress the kids and families make as they work through our program.
Dr. Shane Wernsing
Psychiatrist
Dr. Wernsing graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, Minnesota with a degree in chemistry. He then went on to earn his Medical Degree from the University of Minnesota Medical School. Dr. Wernsing completed his internship and residency in the Twin Cities of Minnesota and his fellowship in Wisconsin.
Karla Elmore
Business Manager
Karla has her AAS degree in accounting and has worked in the field for almost 30 years. She also has several years of HR experience. Most recently, Karla worked at an A/V company as their Project Accountant. Having worked as the Business Service Coordinator at a Home Health facility and also getting to work hands on with the clients, she had the desire to be a part of a company that provides a service and makes a difference in individuals lives. She has an adult son and enjoys outside activities in the summer, such as walking, camping, and riding her Harley. In the winter, she likes to attend Maverick Hockey games.
Molly Taylor
HR/Payroll Specialist
Molly has been working in the HR/Payroll field for 4 years. She is originally from St. Louis Missouri where she got her Bachelor’s Degree in Education and minor in Non-Profit Administration. Molly started with Hoffmann Center in August of 2023. In her free time, Molly enjoys spending time with her husband and 11 year old chocolate lab, Dutch. She loves good coffee and cozying up on the couch with a Harry Potter book! Molly is excited to work at the Hoffmann Center and believes in the work being done here.
Sierra Johnson
Knights Unit Supervisor
Sierra moved to southern Minnesota from Kansas in 2022. She comes to the Hoffmann Center with 4 years of experience in the mental health field. Sierra started here as a youth counselor and was promoted to unit supervisor for her strong determination in helping our clients receive the care they need! Sierra enjoys spending time in nature, attending concerts with her friends, watching a good movie and a cold glass of Pepsi!
Anoria Zuehlke, MA, LPCC
Clinical Director
Anoria joined the Hoffmann Center in June of 2021. She is a South Dakota native who sought out her grandmother's journey and received her undergraduate degree from Minnesota State University- Mankato and then ventured on her own to obtain her master's degree from University of Colorado- Colorado Springs. Anoria is licensed as a LPCC and has worked with children, adults, and families for the past 15 years. She is also licensed to provide licensure supervision to individuals who are seeking their licensure as a clinical counselor. Anoria conducts her practice through the strengths based and trauma informed care models. She believes everyone has the ability to be their best selves and by meeting a person where they are at and understand/listen to their story, one can achieve safety, healthy, and meaningful connection. Another passion of Anoria's is finding balance in work/home/self-care. When she's not working, Anoria spends time with her husband, two kids, and three fur babies. They love camping, traveling, boating, fishing, snowshoeing, swimming, yoga, baseball/softball, basketball, and volleyball.
Ben Copeland
Training Specialist
Ben studied psychology at Gustavus Adolphus College, graduating in 2010. Ben has been with the Hoffmann Center since 2011, working as a youth counselor and then a unit supervisor of the Falcons unit. In 2022 Ben moved into the training specialist role.
Greg Rueff
Phoenixes Unit Supervisor
Greg brings over 20 years of business, civic, and therapeutic experience to The Hoffmann Center. Greg is a summa cum laude graduate of Capella University. He has worked for The Hoffmann Center for seven years as a counselor and unit supervisor. Greg’s deepest source of professional satisfaction is helping clients attain healthy relationships, personal happiness, and the ability to realize their unique potential.
Tessa Friday
Accreditation Coordinator
Tessa joined the Hoffmann Center in March of 1999 after graduating from St. Mary’s University. Tessa worked as a Youth Counselor and Unit Coordinator before moving into her current role as the Accreditation Coordinator. Tessa enjoys spending time with her family, friends and pets. Tessa’s hobbies include spending time outside whether it be gardening, camping, going to the lake or ice fishing.
Mary Manriquez
Therapist
Mary Manriquez is a therapist working toward independent licensure. Mary has experience working with children 6 and up with experience in a variety of areas including LGBTQIA+ stressors/challenges, gender dysphoria, and trauma.
Beth Thoms
Office Assistant
Beth began working at the Hoffmann Center in October of 2022. She has experience in office support and enjoys helping people. She is excited to work somewhere that helps youth. In her spare time she enjoys playing the viola and piano and hiking.
Kal Osman
Falcons Unit Supervisor
Kal has been working at the Hoffmann Center for two years, he started here as a Youth Counselor then was promoted to unit supervisor for his fantastic work ethic and ability to form therapeutic relationships with clients. He is passionate about helping people in the community. In his free time, Kal enjoys playing sports such as basketball, football and golf. Kal also loves spending time with his 2 year old cat, 3 year old mini Australian shepherd and friends and family.
Casey Knisley-Dingle
Wolves Unit Supervisor
Casey has been working at the Hoffmann Center for almost 3 years! Casey started his journey here as a Youth Counselor and received a promotion to Unit Supervisor for his dedication and desire to help others. Casey studied psychology and sociology at the University of North Dakota. He enjoys spending time with his wife and three black cats. Casey loves playing games and enjoying many outdoor activities.
Meghan Gleisner, MS
Therapist
Meghan has been with LAHC since Jan. 2017 and started as a wolves youth counselor. She continued working as a youth counselor as she pursued her master’s degree in mental health counseling at MSU in Mankato and graduated in 2021. She has completed her supervision hours and will be independently licensed as an LPCC in the near future. Meghan transitioned from the outpatient program at Hoffmann back to the residential program in August 2023. Meghan enjoys working with the kids in the PRTF program and having the ability to see them on a daily basis. She feels the treatment can be more intentional in working to stabilize the client’s mental health symptoms. Meghan is a local resident of this area and she loves to spend time outside with her family and her dogs in her free time.
Sara Swan
Therapist
Sara Swan is a therapist working toward independent licensure. She has experience working with individuals of a variety of ages and concerns. She has a special interest in working with children and adolescents.
Leah Preisinger
Mental Health Practitioner
Leah Preisinger is a Mental Health Practitioner who has her Bachelor’s degree in psychology and is currently working towards her Master’s degree in Counseling. Leah has experience working with various groups of children through her internship and community settings. She has been able to work with children from many different backgrounds including anxiety, depression, trauma, autism, ADHD, and other various developmental and neurological disorders.
Crystal Kessler
Mental Health Practitioner
Crystal Kessler is a Mental Health Practitioner who has an Associate degree in Social Work and is currently working towards her Bachelor's in Social Work. Crystal has experience working at the Committee Against Domestic Abuse (CADA) as an advocate. She works with individuals using a trauma-informed lens to assist them in meeting their personal goals.
Hayli Littlehead
Therapist
Hayli Littlehead is therapist working toward independent licensure. Hayli has experience working with individuals of all ages and diagnoses including anxiety, depression, grief recovery, trauma, substance use, and couples. Hayli will be our first provider trained to participate in Collaborative Intensive Bridging Services!
Brenda Tollefson
Mental Health Practitioner
Brenda Tollefson is a Mental Health Practitioner who has her Associate degree in education and a Bachelor’s in psychology. Brenda has a history of working as a paraprofessional in therapeutic and DCD classrooms in the Waseca area. She has skills working with individuals of all ages and backgrounds.
Alex Van Thuyne
Mental Health Practitioner
Alex Van Thuyne is a Mental Health Practitioner who received her Bachelor’s in psychology from MSU and has a long history working in the customer service field. Alex takes a relationship base approach and is well trained in managing and assisting various individuals in high stress situations.
John Harris, MS, LPCC
Therapist
John Harris is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). John has experience working with individuals of varying ages, backgrounds and diagnoses including depression, anxiety, trauma, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, and problematic sexual behaviors.
Michele Biehn-Recker
Mental Health Practitioner
Michele Biehn-Recker is a Mental Health Practitioner in our Mankato and St. Peter Locations. Michele has a variety of mental health experiences working with individuals in residential and outpatient settings. She has worked with individuals ages 5 through adult with a variety of mental health concerns.
Jake Johnson
Clinical Intern
Jake Johnson is a clinical intern in our St. Peter Location. Jake has experience working with adults and children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, behavioral concerns, and mood disorders.
Chelsea Sherman, LICSW
Clinical Supervisor
Chelsea Sherman is a Licensed Independent Social Worker and board approved supervisor. She has experience working with a variety of mental health conditions and developmental disabilities. She specializes in trauma specific disorders.