Meet Our Team

Kahmiyah is a Twin Cities native who holds a Master’s degree in Psychological Services and Counseling from Saint Mary’s University and is nearing completion of her LPCC licensure. She deeply understands that life can feel overwhelming and challenging to navigate alone, which is why reducing stigma around mental health and increasing access to services within Black and BIPOC communities is central to her work.

Kahmiyah strives to create a safe, inclusive space rooted in belonging for all individuals. She believes that clients are the experts of their own lived experiences and feels honored to walk alongside them on their journey. Recognizing the societal forces that contribute to daily stressors, she approaches her work through a trauma-informed and anti-oppressive lens, encouraging open dialogue about how these systems impact overall well-being. Her therapeutic style is relational, person-centered, and strength-based.

Outside of her professional role, Kahmiyah enjoys spending time in nature, caring for her houseplants, and reading. She is passionate about integrating the healing power of nature, ancestral practices, and radical rest into her clinical approach.

Hablo español, trabajo con niños y adultos. Ileana is a native of Guatemala and fluent in Spanish, with 13 years of experience working with children and adults across all age groups. Her approach is always centered on each person’s unique needs and personal goals. She is trained in Sand Tray Therapy and primarily uses an experiential therapeutic orientation with existential influences.

Ileana has a special passion for supporting immigrant communities worldwide, helping individuals navigate cultural adjustment and understand the vital role mental health plays in their lives. Her work focuses on creating a safe, empathetic space for growth and healing while honoring cultural identity and lived experiences.

Sara has spent her entire life in the Twin Cities area and brings extensive experience working with children and families through relationship-based and cross-cultural approaches. She holds a strong academic foundation in Developmental Psychology and Spanish Studies and recently earned her Master of Social Work degree from Augsburg University.

Judi has lived in Minnesota her entire life and loves spending time outdoors—especially in the fall when the trees burst into color. She is a proud mother of three, along with two cats and one dog. A passionate housing-first advocate, Judi believes that true healing begins only after basic needs are met. She is dedicated to helping clients secure permanent housing and access resources that support both their immediate needs and long-term goals.

Since 2015, Judi has worked in the substance use field, taking on a wide range of roles including CD Tech, Intake Specialist, Withdrawal Assistance Counselor, Harm Reduction Counselor, Lead Counselor, Clinical Supervisor, Admissions Counselor, and now serves as Treatment Director at Roots Wellness Center. She strongly advocates for harm reduction approaches and believes clients are the ultimate experts in their own healing journey.

Judi loves to travel and values the perspective gained from immersing herself in different cultures, which she believes fosters open-mindedness in all areas of life. She is deeply passionate about social justice and is committed to lifelong learning, particularly in decolonizing thought and social systems.

Serenity was born in Marshall, Minnesota, and spent her early years living with her grandmother before moving to the suburbs of St. Paul at age six to live with close relatives. A unique aspect of her childhood is that she spoke only Hmong until starting school—a formative experience that shaped her resilience and perspective. Growing up deeply connected to her cultural roots, Serenity learned the importance of preserving culture, a value that continues to guide her personal and academic journey.

Adjusting to life in the suburbs brought a significant cultural shift, requiring her to navigate between her heritage and a new environment. This experience taught Serenity confidence, adaptability, and empathy—qualities that influence her work today. She will graduate in fall 2025 with a degree in Communications: Leadership and Advocacy and a minor in Ethnic Studies. Her academic path reflects her passion for amplifying underrepresented voices, fostering inclusive dialogue, and driving meaningful social change.

Outside of her studies, Serenity enjoys collecting fun pens, plushies, trinkets, and blind box items—small treasures that reflect her appreciation for life’s little joys.

Meryl is a dedicated Administrative Coordinator with a strong background in customer service, project management, and data research. With her expertise, she supports the smooth operation of Roots Wellness Center by handling administrative tasks, managing client intake and referrals, and helping to promote a trauma-informed and anti-oppressive environment. Meryl is passionate about providing behind-the-scenes support that enables the team to focus on offering the highest quality care for those navigating mental health challenges.

Outside of work, Meryl loves spending time with kids, hiking, and reading books that explore new ideas. Whether it’s making memories with the little ones or enjoying the outdoors, she believes in the power of self-care to nourish both the mind and body.

Jaleia earned her undergraduate degree from St. Catherine University, where she began laying the foundation for her career in social work. Her placement at Hmong College Prep Academy was a pivotal experience, as she deeply enjoyed working with students and engaging in authentic, personal conversations. This opportunity strengthened her commitment to supporting BIPOC communities—a passion she has carried throughout her life.

As a multi-racial individual, Jaleia understands the complexities of navigating multiple identities while confronting systemic barriers. This perspective drives her to build genuine connections, foster resilience, and stand alongside others facing similar challenges. Her placement reaffirmed that her work is rooted in advocacy, equity, and helping communities of color thrive.

Hablo español, trabajo con niños y adultos. Ileana is a native of Guatemala and fluent in Spanish, with 13 years of experience working with children and adults across all age groups. Her approach is always centered on each person’s unique needs and personal goals. She is trained in Sand Tray Therapy and primarily uses an experiential therapeutic orientation with existential influences.

Ileana has a special passion for supporting immigrant communities worldwide, helping individuals navigate cultural adjustment and understand the vital role mental health plays in their lives. Her work focuses on creating a safe, empathetic space for growth and healing while honoring cultural identity and lived experiences.

Eric is a multilingual BIPOC professional with ethno-cultural roots in Europe, West Africa, and Indigenous Brazil. Currently serving as a mental health case manager, he is completing his master’s degree in Counseling Psychology at St. Mary’s University and is trained in EMDR.

Eric has a strong interest in post-modern, decolonial approaches to therapy, including multicultural, narrative, and solution-focused modalities. With a decade of experience as a music teacher and a lifelong passion for music, he hopes to integrate rhythm, movement, and creative expression into his therapeutic practice.

As a late-discovery donor-conceived person (DCP), Eric is actively involved in DCP advocacy and is committed to building solidarity and expanding healing within the growing DNA surprises community.

Bao Lee immigrated to the U.S. as a Hmong refugee in 1995 and draws deeply from her lived experiences of generational trauma and displacement to fuel her commitment to mental health advocacy. Based in Minnesota, Bao is passionate about breaking the stigma surrounding mental health within Hmong and BIPOC communities through therapy and education.

With over seven years of experience as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Bao integrates person-centered and narrative therapy to create a transformative space for healing and growth. Her specialties include inner child healing, reparenting, and attachment theory—helping clients understand their emotions and attachment styles to foster healthier, more secure relationships with themselves and others.

Bao works with individuals, couples, and youth, offering a safe, empathetic environment for personal growth and emotional well-being. She combines her professional expertise with cultural insight to empower clients on their journey toward healing and self-discovery.

Fun fact: Bao loves adventure, soccer, and trying new experiences. She’s also a passionate foodie who enjoys exploring diverse cuisines.

Carrie grew up in North Dakota and spent many years working in childcare before returning to her original passion—helping couples and families. She moved to the Twin Cities in 2011 to pursue her master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, graduating in 2014. Since then, Carrie has provided psychotherapy to individuals and families, with a strong focus on advocacy and supporting families involved in county and state systems to strengthen their foundations.

Carrie’s therapeutic approach is experiential, solution-focused, and trauma-informed. She believes in challenging systemic barriers and creating safe spaces for individuals and families to explore, heal, and grow.

Fatuma Said a Somali American clinical intern and MSW candidate at the University of Minnesota. Growing up in a large immigrant family, she learned early on the value of connection, community care, and supporting one another through life’s challenges—principles that continue to shape her work in mental health.

Fatuma brings experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in school, community, and clinical settings. Her approach centers on building trust and relationships, grounded in the belief that healing thrives when people feel understood, supported, and connected. She is deeply committed to reducing disparities in mental health access and advocating for immigrant and BIPOC families.

Asha is a transracial adoptee from India who earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the College of St. Benedict. She has always valued honoring people’s journeys and stories. After nearly 20 years working in the healthcare field, Asha returned to school to pursue her passion for mental health and recently earned her Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Kentucky.

As a therapist, Asha’s goal is to walk alongside individuals, offering support and honoring their stories as they navigate life’s challenges. She believes every client brings unique experiences to therapy and emphasizes meeting people where they are. Her approach is authentic, client-centered, trauma-informed, and tailored to each person’s needs and goals. Drawing from her personal story, Asha is deeply committed to working with and advocating for underserved BIPOC communities.

Outside of work, Asha enjoys spending time with her husband and cheering on their two sons at soccer games and their daughter at swim meets. In her free time, she volunteers as a board member for their local soccer club, loves reading, and enjoys connecting with friends.

Joanne is a single mother of three, a social worker, and a foster care survivor. Her advocacy in the child welfare system began as a teenager while in foster care, and she has continued to champion change ever since. Joanne recently earned her Master’s degree in Social Work and is committed to using both her education and lived experience to drive meaningful reform.

Her work focuses on family preservation, abolition, and liberation for all—core values that guide her efforts to create a more just and equitable child welfare system.

Clo (They/She) is a Minnesota native originally from rural southeastern Minnesota. Inspired by personal and family experiences with crisis, Clo pursued a career in social work and recently graduated from Winona State University with a Bachelor of Social Work, complemented by studies in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and Child Advocacy.

For the past five years, Clo worked as a childcare provider, primarily supporting infants and their families, while completing their degree. Their experience also includes roles as a Direct Support Provider and a Social Work intern in the White Bear Lake school district. Clo holds an LSW (Licensed Social Worker) credential, which they use to honor, uplift, and advocate for those they serve.

In their role as Family Support Specialist at Roots, Clo aims to joyfully assist families in reaching their goals and strengthening connections with themselves, their loved ones, and their communities.

Hlee is a proud first-generation college graduate and mother of three boys. She grew up on the East Side of Saint Paul, Minnesota, and values the rich diversity of the Twin Cities community. Her family relocated to St. Paul when she was two years old from refugee camps in Thailand following the Vietnam War—a journey that shaped her deep commitment to creating safe spaces and empowering families to achieve the quality of life they deserve.

Hlee earned her Bachelor of Science in Family Social Science from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, and is bilingual in Hmong and English. For more than a decade, she has served the Twin Cities and surrounding areas through her work in social services and education. Her expertise includes person-centered skill building, facilitating intercultural competency dialogues, and helping families navigate county programs such as MFIP (Minnesota Family Investment Program) and waivered services.

Passionate about equity and inclusion, Hlee advocates for marginalized families facing barriers such as financial literacy, mental health support, employment, transportation, housing, and domestic abuse. She is dedicated to fostering intergenerational healing and building inclusive communities. Outside of work, Hlee enjoys rock collecting, listening to music, hiking with her family dog Jewel, creating an urban garden, and photographing nature. Fun fact: She loves transforming her backyard into a vibrant garden oasis.

Betty is a native of St. Paul, Minnesota, and grew up in the Frogtown neighborhood. She earned her bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Minnesota and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in clinical social work at St. Catherine University to better serve her community as a future social worker. Betty hopes to work with families and children, helping them strengthen their social skills and connections within their communities.

Her professional experience includes roles that have shaped her expertise in working with BIPOC and Asian American communities. Betty looks forward to bringing her knowledge and passion to her role as a Family Support Specialist at Roots Wellness Center.

Judi has lived in Minnesota her entire life and loves spending time outdoors—especially in the fall when the trees burst into color. She is a proud mother of three, along with two cats and one dog. A passionate housing-first advocate, Judi believes that true healing begins only after basic needs are met. She is dedicated to helping clients secure permanent housing and access resources that support both their immediate needs and long-term goals.

Since 2015, Judi has worked in the substance use field, taking on a wide range of roles including CD Tech, Intake Specialist, Withdrawal Assistance Counselor, Harm Reduction Counselor, Lead Counselor, Clinical Supervisor, Admissions Counselor, and now serves as Treatment Director at Roots Wellness Center. She strongly advocates for harm reduction approaches and believes clients are the ultimate experts in their own healing journey.

Judi loves to travel and values the perspective gained from immersing herself in different cultures, which she believes fosters open-mindedness in all areas of life. She is deeply passionate about social justice and is committed to lifelong learning, particularly in decolonizing thought and social systems.

Danielle was born and raised in St. Paul and has worked in the healthcare industry for over 15 years, specializing in Certified Peer Recovery Support, intake coordination, and financial coordination. Her work has provided ongoing opportunities for both personal and professional growth.

Outside of work, Danielle enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, relaxing on the beach, hiking, walking, and searching for agates.

Lauren grew up in a small town in Georgia and later moved to Minneapolis to attend the University of Minnesota, where she earned her undergraduate degree in Child Psychology. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Integrative Behavioral Health at the University of Minnesota, with a focus on harm reduction. Lauren’s professional experience includes early childhood education, community and youth programming in Minneapolis, and social services, before becoming a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC).

As an LADC, Lauren prioritizes the voices of her clients by providing holistic, trauma-informed care for addiction and honoring their lived experiences. She embraces a strengths-based approach, walking alongside individuals as they build skills and celebrate emotional growth. Growing up in an underserved community fuels her commitment to increasing accessibility to services and creating a more equitable environment for all.

Outside of her work at Roots and her studies at the University, Lauren enjoys hiking up north, crocheting, and planning her next camping adventure.

Selena is a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) with nearly three years of experience in the field. She is deeply dedicated to helping individuals navigate addiction and recovery with compassion and authenticity. Having lived in communities surrounding the Twin Cities, Selena understands the diverse needs of the population and is committed to providing person-centered care.

As a proud Filipino-American, Selena incorporates a culturally sensitive approach into her counseling, drawing on her heritage and personal experiences to create a holistic and supportive environment. Her interest in holistic care began with her Filipino grandmother, who introduced her to the healing properties of coconut oil for stomach pain. This early exposure to traditional remedies sparked Selena’s passion for wellness practices that nurture the mind, body, and spirit.

Driven by a desire to empower others, Selena strives to support her clients on their healing journeys with empathy, respect, and unwavering commitment.

Cindy began her spiritual yoga journey seven years ago, though her path to healing started much earlier with her mother. Inspired by her mother and ancestors—who were deeply rooted in holistic healing and the natural energy of the earth—Cindy is passionate about reclaiming and sharing ancestral knowledge that has guided healing for thousands of years. Through yoga, she has created a space for personal healing and strives to offer that same space to others.

Cindy is a certified RYT-200 yoga instructor and will complete her RYT-500 certification by the end of June. She holds specialized certifications in yoga for anxiety, depression, eating disorders, body image, trauma, and chemical dependency. Currently, Cindy is pursuing a graduate degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at the University of Wisconsin–Stout. In her personal life, she enjoys yoga, meditation, biking, swimming, paddleboarding, and connecting with nature.

A fun fact about Cindy: she has been biking year-round for nine years!

Jen Cabot is a Korean adoptee who was raised in Minneapolis and spent several years living in Boston before returning to Minnesota. She is a proud mother of three amazing children and two beloved black cats, and currently resides in St. Paul.

Jen believes that every soul has a purpose and unique gifts to offer in service to others, contributing to the collective healing of humanity. She views healing as a courageous act that creates a ripple effect, touching lives beyond our own. Guided by compassion and connection, Jen feels honored to walk alongside individuals on their unique healing journeys—whether they are navigating grief, anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, illness, or end-of-life transitions.

As an End-of-Life Doula, Reiki Practitioner, and Intuitive Healer, Jen has dedicated over a decade to offering empathy and holistic healing. Her work integrates pre-colonialist, trauma-informed, and somatic approaches, helping clients reconnect with their inner selves through energy work, intuition, breathwork, meditation, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and gentle guidance practices. She is trained in Jikiden Reiki Level II, end-of-life doula care, and various therapeutic modalities.

Jen is deeply committed to social justice and provides services to underrepresented and marginalized communities. She is a proud parent of two LGBTQIA+ children and serves as a board member for Q-munity, a nonprofit organization that creates safer spaces and resources for LGBTQIA+ individuals.

Outside of her professional work, nature is Jen’s sanctuary—she feels most at peace near water and enjoys hiking, longboarding, paddleboarding, and biking. Her adventurous spirit draws her to travel, music, concerts, yoga, and exploring new foods. She also loves dancing and spending meaningful time with loved ones.

Ta Porar is a dedicated social worker with a strong personal and professional commitment to supporting vulnerable and underserved communities. Born and raised in a refugee camp in Thailand, Ta immigrated to the United States at the age of nine. Her lived experience has given her a deep understanding of the challenges newcomers face and inspired her to serve those navigating similar journeys.

Ta earned her Bachelor of Social Work degree from Metropolitan State University in 2022 and brings over five years of experience working directly with refugees and immigrants. She began her career as a case aide, supporting newly arrived families through the resettlement process, and later served as an Intensive Health Case Manager for ORR-eligible clients, coordinating complex care and support services for two years.

In addition to her professional expertise, Ta speaks four languages. Outside of work, she enjoys staying active and believes exercise is essential for both physical and mental well-being.

Mo Turner is originally from Chicago, Illinois, and is currently in the final year of undergraduate studies, pursuing a degree in Pre-Law with a concentration in Criminal Justice. Throughout Mo’s academic journey, they have remained committed to both professional and personal growth, striving to create positive change within their community.

Mo’s leadership and dedication to service have been recognized through the prestigious Martin Luther King Jr. Student Leadership Award. In addition, Mo has organized and hosted holiday toy drives aimed at supporting those in need while fostering stronger connections within their newly found community in Minnesota.

As a Pretrial Navigator, Mo is excited to bring a passion for service and advocacy to the team. They consider it an honor to help individuals navigate the pretrial process and are eager to address community needs through this role.

Mo’s personal philosophy centers on empowering others to find their voice, especially when they feel unseen or unheard. Believing that every individual deserves the opportunity to be heard and supported during challenging times, Mo looks forward to applying this mindset at Roots and collaborating with colleagues to make a meaningful difference.

I was born in Guadalajara Mexico and immigrated to the US in the 90s and have lived in Minneapolis since 1997. My Professional background is in technology sales and project management.

I really enjoy making new relationships and working towards closing gaps in everyday life with the technology we have available.

I was born in Portugal, grew up in Brazil, and moved to the twin cities in ’98. Professionally I’ve worked in childcare, cosmetology, teaching, mentoring, and volunteering in my community. My greatest challenge and accomplishment has been raising my son.

Nicole is a native of Minnesota. Nicole has been working in the mental health field for over 15 years.

Nicole works with adults and provides supportive services focused on increasing independence and self-confidence for all.

Courtney has been a valued member of Roots Wellness Center for six years, serving as a Mental Health Practitioner and providing home- and community-based services to individuals living with mental illness. In addition to her work at RWC, Courtney brings extensive experience as a Direct Support Professional in home health and group home settings, where she delivered quality care to clients with a wide range of mental and physical health needs.

Courtney finds great fulfillment in supporting her clients and remains committed to expanding her knowledge in the mental health field. She continues to provide professional services throughout the north metro and greater Twin Cities area.

Kailah grew up in Vermont and New Hampshire before moving to San Diego after earning her undergraduate degree in Sociology. Four years ago, she relocated to Minnesota, where she discovered her passion for creating safe, supportive spaces for healing and growth. Kailah is especially drawn to work that emphasizes diversity, connection, and honoring each person’s unique journey.

She holds a master’s degree in Sociology with an educational emphasis, providing her with a deep understanding of how social and systemic factors influence mental health. Her professional background spans hospitality, residential care, and community engagement, equipping her with strong skills in cross-cultural understanding, empathy, and trauma-informed support. Kailah is passionate about harm reduction, equity, and helping individuals feel seen, heard, and valued.

Outside of work, Kailah finds grounding through yoga, meditation, and art—creative outlets she believes can be deeply therapeutic. Fun fact: She runs a small art business that focuses on upcycling and transforming reclaimed materials into one-of-a-kind pieces that celebrate creativity and sustainability.

Patrick is originally from Fargo, North Dakota, where he was raised and attended high school. He later earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota. With over four years of experience in the mental health field, Patrick has worked as a Direct Support Professional (DSP), providing care to clients across various age groups. His background includes roles in group homes and crisis/IRTS facilities, where he gained extensive experience working with adults and some exposure to children. Patrick is eager to expand his hands-on experience with children through this position.

Committed to advancing his education, Patrick aspires to become a school counselor or therapist. He views this role as an opportunity to deepen his expertise and align his work with his long-term career goals. Outside of his professional life, Patrick enjoys cooking and baking, finding joy in mixing ingredients to create delicious, flavorful dishes. 

Mo Turner is originally from Chicago, Illinois, and is currently in the final year of undergraduate studies, pursuing a degree in Pre-Law with a concentration in Criminal Justice. Throughout Mo’s academic journey, they have remained committed to both professional and personal growth, striving to create positive change within their community.

Mo’s leadership and dedication to service have been recognized through the prestigious Martin Luther King Jr. Student Leadership Award. In addition, Mo has organized and hosted holiday toy drives aimed at supporting those in need while fostering stronger connections within their newly found community in Minnesota.

As a Pretrial Navigator, Mo is excited to bring a passion for service and advocacy to the team. They consider it an honor to help individuals navigate the pretrial process and are eager to address community needs through this role.

Mo’s personal philosophy centers on empowering others to find their voice, especially when they feel unseen or unheard. Believing that every individual deserves the opportunity to be heard and supported during challenging times, Mo looks forward to applying this mindset at Roots and collaborating with colleagues to make a meaningful difference.

Sara has spent her entire life in the Twin Cities area and brings extensive experience working with children and families through relationship-based and cross-cultural approaches. She holds a strong academic foundation in Developmental Psychology and Spanish Studies and recently earned her Master of Social Work degree from Augsburg University.

Patrick is originally from Fargo, North Dakota, where he was raised and attended high school. He later earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota. With over four years of experience in the mental health field, Patrick has worked as a Direct Support Professional (DSP), providing care to clients across various age groups. His background includes roles in group homes and crisis/IRTS facilities, where he gained extensive experience working with adults and some exposure to children. Patrick is eager to expand his hands-on experience with children through this position.

Committed to advancing his education, Patrick aspires to become a school counselor or therapist. He views this role as an opportunity to deepen his expertise and align his work with his long-term career goals. Outside of his professional life, Patrick enjoys cooking and baking, finding joy in mixing ingredients to create delicious, flavorful dishes. 

Katy began her social work career by working in post-adoption services, reuniting birth parents and their adopted children. This work was personal and incredibly rewarding due to her own separation from her birth mother and trans-racial adoption.

Katy obtained her B.A. in Sociology at Northern Illinois University in 2006 and completed her MSW as a Title IV-E Child Welfare Scholar from the University of Minnesota in 2009. Her professional experience has been in ARMHS services, Case Management, therapist in private practice, Program Director of CTSS and ARMHS, and later as founder and CEO of Minnesota CarePartner in 2013.

Her life commitment is centered around advocacy for racial justice and the liberation of Black and Brown people, and actively working to dismantle systems of oppression through collective protest.

I was born in Guadalajara Mexico and immigrated to the US in the 90s and have lived in Minneapolis since 1997. My Professional background is in technology sales and project management.

I really enjoy making new relationships and working towards closing gaps in everyday life with the technology we have available.

Nevaeh is a dedicated community advocate based in St. Paul, Minnesota, committed to advancing social justice and empowering youth whose voices are often marginalized. She has extensive experience working with vulnerable communities, including organizing seasonal hygiene and harm-reduction kits that required specialized training. Nevaeh values creating safe, inclusive spaces for meaningful conversations about community needs and support systems. In addition to her advocacy work, she expresses her passion through poetry, performing pieces that capture both the pain and joy within the Black experience.