Meet Our Team

Hablo español, trabajo con niños y adultos. Guatemalan native with 13 years of experience working with all ages. My work is always centered on the person’s needs and personal goals, I’m trained in Stand Tray Therapy, and my therapeutic orientation is more experiential with existential influences.

I have a special interest in working with immigrant communities from around the world, helping them with cultural shock adaptation, and understanding the role their mental health plays in their life.

Sara has been living in the Twin Cities area her whole life. She has experience with children and families through relationship-based and cross-cultural work. Her educational background is in Developmental Psychology and Spanish Studies and recently graduated with a Master of Social Work degree from Augsburg University. She is multilingual in Vietnamese and Spanish and passionate about learning new words from different languages and learning about other cultural practices and trying new foods! Sara wants to continue her career to provide culturally responsive care and advocacy work that focuses on social justice and anti-oppressive practices to holistically support others.

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.

Serenity was born in Marshall, Minnesota, living with her grandmother until the age of six and soon after moved to the suburbs of St. Paul to live with close relatives. A fun fact about her early years: because she lived with her grandparents who only spoke Hmong, she didn’t speak English until she started school—an experience that shaped her unique perspective and resilience. Growing up immersed in her cultural roots, Serenity learned the importance of culture and the practice of keeping it alive, a value that continues to guide her personal and academic journey. When she moved to the suburbs of St. Paul, she was met with a significant cultural shift—navigating between her heritage and a new environment. Learning to balance these two worlds brought challenges, but ultimately helped her grow in confidence, adaptability, and empathy. Serenity will be graduating in the fall of 2025 with a degree in Communications: Leadership and Advocacy, along with a minor in Ethnic Studies. Her academic journey has been rooted in a passion for advocating for underrepresented voices, fostering inclusive dialogue, and driving meaningful social change. These days, Serenity finds joy in collecting fun pens, plushies, trinkets, and blind box items—tiny treasures that reflect her love for the little things in life.

Sara has been living in the Twin Cities area her whole life. She has experience with children and families through relationship-based and cross-cultural work. Her educational background is in Developmental Psychology and Spanish Studies and recently graduated with a Master of Social Work degree from Augsburg University. She is multilingual in Vietnamese and Spanish and passionate about learning new words from different languages and learning about other cultural practices and trying new foods! Sara wants to continue her career to provide culturally responsive care and advocacy work that focuses on social justice and anti-oppressive practices to holistically support others.

Eric is a multilingual BIPOC individual with ethno-cultural roots in Europe, W. Africa, and Indigenous Brazil. He is a mental health case manager and is finishing his masters in counseling psychology at St. Mary’s University. He has interest more in post-modern modalities such as multicultural, narrative, and solution focused therapy with ties into a revolutionary anti-capitalist ideology.

Eric arrives with a decade of experience as a music teacher and multiple decades as a musician. He hopes to work music, rhythm, and movement into his practice as well. Eric is a late discovery donor conceived person (DCP) active in DCP advocacy and hopes to build solidarity and expand healing for the increasing demands of the broader DNA Surprises community.

Hello! My name is Bertie. I am Dakota, native of Minnesota. I am pursuing my bachelor’s in social work with a minor in Chemical Dependency Counseling at St. Catherine’s University, and I plan to continue education for my master’s degree. I am currently licensed through the Board of Hypnotherapy, in the Krasner method. I value Social Justice and diversity. I emphasize use of harm-reduction and trauma-informed practice. My career objective is to listen, empathize, and assist in community resources, as well as holistic healing. A fun fact is I love outdoors and golf!

Carrie grew up in North Dakota. Carrie spent many years working in childcare, before following her original passion of wanting to help couples and families. She moved to the twin cities to obtain her master and marriage and family therapy in 2011. She graduated in 2014 and began working with individuals and families doing psyhotherapy since then. Carrie‘s has been working with families involved in county and state systems working to advocate for and help family grow and strengthen their foundation. I work from an experiential, solution focused, and trauma-informed lens. I believe in challenging systems and providing safe spaces for families and individual to explore and grow. 

Bao Lee, a Hmong refugee who immigrated to the U.S. in 1995, draws from her own experiences of generational trauma and displacement to fuel her dedication to mental health advocacy. Now based in Minnesota, Bao is committed to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health in the Hmong and BIPOC community through therapy and education.

With over 7 years of experience as an LPC, Bao combines person-centered and narrative therapy to create a transformative space for healing and growth. She specializes in inner child healing, reparenting, and attachment theory, helping clients understand their emotions and attachment styles to build healthier, more secure relationships with themselves and others.

Bao works with individuals, couples, and youth, providing a safe and empathetic space for growth and healing. She is committed to using her knowledge, experience, and cultural perspective to support clients in their journey toward emotional well-being and self-empowerment.

A fun fact about Bao: She loves adventure, soccer, enjoys trying new experiences, and is a die-hard foodie with a passion for exploring diverse cuisines.

Hablo español, trabajo con niños y adultos. Guatemalan native with 13 years of experience working with all ages. My work is always centered on the person’s needs and personal goals, I’m trained in Stand Tray Therapy, and my therapeutic orientation is more experiential with existential influences.

I have a special interest in working with immigrant communities from around the world, helping them with cultural shock adaptation, and understanding the role their mental health plays in their life.

Maria is a longtime resident of East Saint Paul, originally from Jalisco, Mexico, and part of the 1.5 generation of Mexican Nahuatl descent. She has served her community for over five years through her work in social services at Fairview Health Services, where she leads and coordinates initiatives focused on health equity and the social determinants of health. Maria brings experience in community organizing, program development, and collaborative partnerships with grassroots organizations and cultural leaders. She is currently pursuing her MSW with a clinical focus to deepen her practice and stay grounded in direct service work. Maria is committed to integrating culturally rooted healing practices into mental health care and continues to challenge western models by centering Indigenous knowledge and community strengths. She is passionate about reclaiming ancestral medicine, ceremonies, and rituals, and is on a personal journey to reconnect with her lineage through the guidance of elders, curanderas, and cultural bearers. 

Originally from Nairobi, Kenya, Mureithi has been living in Minnesota since 2002. He has worked for more than 15 years in social services and education. He is accomplished in areas of research, program design and evaluation. Mureithi takes a person-centered approach- trying to understand clients within their family, community, and cultural contexts- with a particular interest on how intersectional identities influence a person’s self-identity.

Mureithi has a Master’s degree in Community Psychology from Metropolitan State University, and an MA in Counseling Psychology from the University of Saint Thomas. He is licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in Minnesota. 

Originally from Nairobi, Kenya, Mureithi has been living in Minnesota since 2002. He has worked for more than 15 years in social services and education. He is accomplished in areas of research, program design and evaluation. Mureithi takes a person-centered approach- trying to understand clients within their family, community, and cultural contexts- with a particular interest on how intersectional identities influence a person’s self-identity.

Mureithi has a Master’s degree in Community Psychology from Metropolitan State University, and an MA in Counseling Psychology from the University of Saint Thomas. He is licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in Minnesota. 

Betty is a native of St. Paul, Minnesota, and grew up in Frogtown. She completed her Bachelor’s degree at the University of Minnesota, majoring in sociology. She is pursuing her Master’s degree in clinical social work at St. Kate’s to serve her community more efficiently as a future social worker. She hopes to work with families and children and help them improve their social skills in their community. Betty has had various jobs that helped mold her and her expertise around working with the BIPOC and Asian American community. She hopes to bring her experiences to better use as a Family Support Specialist at Roots Wellness Center.

Asha is a trans-racial adoptee from India who received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the College of St. Benedict. She has always held a value for honoring people’s journeys and stories. After working in the healthcare field for almost 20 years, she decided to go back to school to become a therapist. She recently earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Kentucky. As a therapist, her desire is to walk alongside people, offer support and honor their stories as they navigate life’s challenges. She believes that each client comes to therapy with unique experiences and recognizes the importance of meeting clients where they are at. Asha works to build an authentic therapeutic relationship and utilizes a multifaceted and individualized, client-centered, trauma-informed approach designed to fit each client’s unique needs and goals. Because of her personal story, she is passionate about working with and advocating for underserved BIPOC communities. When she is not working, she and her husband can be found watching their two boys play soccer or their daughter swim. In the rest of her free time, she enjoys volunteering as a Board member for their soccer club, reading and hanging out with friends.

Joanne Hodgeman is a single mother of three, a social worker, and a foster care survivor. Joanne has been advocating in the child welfare arena since she was a teenager in foster care. Joanne recently completed grad school and obtained a masters in social work. Joanne intends to use her education and lived experiences to continue to advocate in child welfare with primary focus areas that include; family preservation, abolition, and liberation for all.

Clo (They/She) is a Minnesota native originally from rural, south-eastern Minnesota. After living through family and self-experiences of crisis, they pursued a degree in Social Work. Recently graduating from Winona State University with a Bachelor of Social Work, focusing in Women Gender and Sexuality Studies as well as Child Advocacy. For the last 5 years while completing their degree Clo worked as a childcare provider, primarily working with infants and their families. Their past experiences serving others also includes Direct Support Provider, and Social Work intern in the White Bear Lake school district. Clo holds the professional licensure of LSW which they use to honor, uplift, and advocate for those they work with and for. Through their role as Family Support Specialist here at Roots Clo aims to joyfully assist families and their members reach their goals and strengthen their connections with themselves, their families, and their communities.

Hlee is a proud first generational college graduate and mom of three boys. She grew up in the east side of Saint Paul, MN and appreciates the diverse community in the Twin Cities. Hlee’s family relocated to St. Paul, MN when she was 2 years old from the Thailand refugee camps after the Vietnam War. Hlee finds gratitude in holding a safe space for families and empowering individuals to achieve the quality of lifestyle they desire. Hlee finds joy in rock collecting, listening to music, hiking with her family dog (Jewel), creating an urban garden in her backyard, and taking photos of nature. Hlee earned her Bachelor of Science in Family Social Sciences at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities and is bilingual in Hmong and English. She has served the Twin Cities and surrounding areas for more than 10 years through her work in social services and education. She is accomplished in person-centered skill building, tough dialogues around intercultural competency, and helping families navigate county services such as the MFIP (Minnesota Family Investment Program) and waivered programs. Hlee is passionate about creating an inclusive community through intergenerational healing and advocacy for marginalized families who may be experiencing barriers such as financial literacy, mental health support, employment, transportation, housing, and domestic abuse. Hlee looks forward to expanding her knowledge and skills to continue supporting individuals achieve self-sufficiency and the least restrictive life.

I started my spiritual Yoga path seven years ago, but my healing journey began with my mother. My mother, like my ancestors, was rooted in holistic healing and energy from the earth and its most natural form. I want to share and reclaim ancestral knowledge and remember the way of healing that has existed for thousands of years. Through Yoga, I created a space to heal and with it, I want to provide others with that space to heal.

I have certification for RYT-200 and will be receiving my RYT-500 certification at the end of June. I have Yoga certification specialties in anxiety, depression, eating disorders, body image, trauma, and chemical dependency. Currently, I’m in my graduate program for Marriage and Family Therapy at UW-Stout. In creating balance in my life, I enjoy doing yoga, meditation, biking, swimming, paddle boarding, and walking with nature.

A fun fact about me, I’ve been biking year-round for nine years now!

Hello! My name is Bertie. I am Dakota, native of Minnesota. I am pursuing my bachelor’s in social work with a minor in Chemical Dependency Counseling at St. Catherine’s University, and I plan to continue education for my master’s degree. I am currently licensed through the Board of Hypnotherapy, in the Krasner method. I value Social Justice and diversity. I emphasize use of harm-reduction and trauma-informed practice. My career objective is to listen, empathize, and assist in community resources, as well as holistic healing. A fun fact is I love outdoors and golf!

I am born and raised in St. Paul. I have worked in the healthcare industry for over 15 years. Primarily focused on Certified Peer Recovery Support, Intake and Financial Coordinator.
This continues to provide me the opportunity to grow personally and professionally. When not working I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, on the beach, out hiking, walking and looking for agates.

Judi has lived in Minnesota all her life and loves to be outdoors especially in the fall when the trees are changing colors. Judi is a mother of three children, two cats and one dog. She is a housing first advocate and believes that clients cannot begin their healing journey before their basic day to day needs are met. She is committed to helping her clients seek permanent housing and access to any resources that will help them to meet their needs as well as pursue their dreams. She has worked in the Substance use field since 2015 and has taking on many roles including CD Tech, Intake specialist, Withdrawal assistance counselor, Harm reduction counselor, Lead counselor, Clinical Supervisor, Admissions counselor and now Treatment Director at Roots Wellness Center! She is an advocate of harm reduction approaches to recovery and believes that clients are the ultimate experts in what they need to heal and build the lives they want. Judi loves to travel and believes that immersing in different cultural surroundings can bring about a more open-minded approach to all areas of life. Judi is passionate about social justice and she is a lifelong learner of how to decolonize our thinking and social systems.

Richard “Chi” Johnson has been teaching TaiChi and Yoga around the TwinCities for the past 18 years, drawing upon the wisdom of both traditions as well as a first-principles mindset which allows a strong interdisciplinary approach to wellness. These pillars of his personal practice took hold in 2004 while pursuing a B.A. in Philosophy from the University of Minnesota, and proved to be a profound sounding-board for the other studies undertaken during this time as well. An ongoing interest in physics, psychology, athletics, music, and political science (among other subjects) continues to infuse his work with new ideas and avenues of outreach. Despite ample classical training, he is a classic non-conformist and enjoys upending misconceptions and preconceived notions about Yoga and TaiChi.

Selena has been a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) with working in the field for almost three years. Selena has a strong dedication to helping individuals through addiction and recovery. Having lived in the surrounding areas near the cities in Minnesota, she understands the diverse needs of the community and is committed to providing compassionate, person-centered care. As a proud Filipino-American, Selena integrates a culturally sensitive approach to counseling, utilizing her mixed heritage and personal experiences to offer a holistic, supportive environment. Her interest in holistic care was sparked by her Filipino grandmother, who first introduced her to the healing properties of coconut oil for treating stomach pain. This early exposure to alternative medicine ignited her interest in exploring wellness practices that supports the mind, body, and spirit. Driven by a desire to empower others, Selena is committed to supporting her clients with authenticity and compassion to their healing journey.

Lauren grew up in a small town in Georgia and moved to Minneapolis to attend the University of Minnesota for her undergraduate degree in Child Psychology. She is currently pursuing her Masters in Integrative Behavioral Health at the University of Minnesota, focusing on harm reduction. Lauren has worked in early childhood education, community and youth programming in Minneapolis, and social services, before becoming an LADC.

As an LADC, Lauren centers the voice of her clients by focusing on holistic, trauma-informed care for addiction and honoring their lived experiences. She believes in a strengths-based approach and walking alongside individuals as they build their skills and celebrating emotional growth. Growing up in an underserved community drives her to want to increase accessibility to services for all individuals, and work to create a more equitable environment. When she isn’t at Roots or the U, she is often hiking up north, crocheting, or planning her next camping trip.

Hello! My name is Jen Cabot. I am a Korean adoptee, raised in Minneapolis and lived in Boston for several years before returning to Minnesota. I am a mother to three unique and amazing humans and two of the sweetest black cats and we currently reside in St Paul. 

I believe our all of our souls have a purpose and gifts to offer in service to others, which helps the overall collective. When one soul does the courageous work of healing, there’s an energetic shift, a ripple effect, that is carried from soul to soul to soul. We were not meant to do this work of life on our own, it’s only through compassion and connection that we can learn how to come home to ourselves. It’s an honor for me to walk alongside others on their own unique healing paths, whether it’s making peace with their lives in order to surrender to the process of death or grief, anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, illnesses, injuries, etc.

As an End-of-Life Doula, Reiki Practitioner and Intuitive Healer, I have been deeply committed to offering compassion, empathy and the healing arts for over a decade. My work involves pre-colonialist, trauma-informed and somatic therapies to help clients learn skills to heal their inner worlds and bodies by using energy, intuition, breath work, meditation, IFS (Internal Family Systems) and gentle guidance practices. I am trained in Jikiden Reiki Level II, end-of-life doula training and various other therapeutic trainings and workshops. 

I am committed to social justice work in the community, offering services to underrepresented, discriminated and marginalized  communities. I am a proud parent of two LGBTQIA+ kids and board member of Q-munity, a non-profit organization, offering safer spaces and resources for LGBTQIA+ folx. 

Nature is my sanctuary and I’m always being called to the water, whether I’m just being present with it or being active on a hike, on my longboard, paddleboard, or bike. I have an adventurous spirit and enjoy travel, dancing, music, concerts, yoga, yummy foods and time spent with loved ones.

My name is Desiree Smith. My role at “Roots Wellness Center” is the Adult Targeted Case Manager. I was raised in St. Paul, Minnesota until 12 years of age. I lived on the West Coast, between Northern California and Southern Oregon, for the rest of my adolescent years and adulthood. I migrated back to Minnesota in “2018”, to join my family on their journey to open a group home for adults with psychiatric disabilities. I extended my services to the state of Minnesota, where I served as a Behavior Specialist. I provided several rehabilitation techniques to individuals experiencing crisis. I see a clear path here at “Roots Wellness Center”, with room for growth as I continue to serve with passion. I find my work rewarding as I get to witness direct results from all my efforts. I am passionate about creating a positive impact on society and the environment, as I continue to navigate through life with an adult child, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia at the age of 16.

Ta Porar is a dedicated social worker with a strong personal and professional commitment to supporting vulnerable and underserved community. Born and raised in a refugee camp in Thailand, Ta immigrated to the United States at the age of nine. Her lived experience has shaped her 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. She brings over five years of experience working directly with refugees and immigrants, beginning as a case aide supporting newly arrived families through their resettlement process. She then 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 skills, Ta speaks four languages. Outside of work, she enjoys staying active and believes that exercise is key to both physical and mental well-being.

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.

Jennifer, a proud La Crosse, Wisconsin native (Go Packers!), took a bold step across state lines to Minnesota, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Minnesota. Her professional path has been anything but conventional, driven by her passion to make a difference. From California back to the Twin Cities in 2009 (Home), Jennifer’s career has spanned a wide range of roles, from Guardian ad Litem and Case Management to a Counselor at a Group Home for Boys to even Cognitive Skills Training.

With over 25 years of experience supporting families, especially children and youth, Jennifer is deeply committed to respecting and uplifting the dignity of everyone she works with, always meeting individuals where they are with integrity and compassion.

When she’s not working, Jennifer can be found binge-watching her favorite TV shows and movies, reading, playing with her pets, or spending quality time with her family.

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.

Benjamin is a native of Brooklyn Park, MN. He currently resides in rural Pine City where he provides both individual/family CTSS services to surrounding communities within a 50-mile radius for the last 12yrs.

During this time he’s established himself within the tri County area (Isanti, Chisago, Kanabec ) as the preferred Practitioner. Benjamin also contributes his time, resources, and energy to developing social skills groups within the communities he serves.

Courtney has been working with Roots Wellness Center for six years as a Mental Health Practitioner providing home- and community-based services to clients with mental illness. Along with this experience, she has an extensive background in delivering quality care to clients in the home health/group home setting as a Direct Support Professional. The types of clientele that would receive her care had a wide variety of health issues which include both mental and physical needs.

Courtney continues to find reward in assisting her clients at RWC. She will continue to gain knowledge in the field of mental health and offer her professional services throughout the north metro/metro areas. Language or Cultural Specialty: English

My names Patrick, I’m originally from Fargo, North Dakota. Up North is where I was raised and attend high school and also attended a near by college called Concordia college in Moorhead, Minnesota. I graduated Concordia with a BA in psychology and have been working in the mental health field for about 4+ plus years. I’ve worked as a DSP giving support to variety of age range of clients, working in the group homes, and working in crisis/irts facilities. I gained immense experience in working with adults, I’ve gotten some children experience but look forward to more hands on experience with this position. With my bachelor’s degree I do want to continue my education and strive to be a school counselor/therapist. I feel with this position I can further gaining experience and connect it closely to my further endeavors. A fun fact about me is that I enjoy cooking/baking, I much enjoy baking mixing ingredients and making a delicious tasteful final product. I look forward to working with Root Wellness Center.

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.

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.

Sara has been living in the Twin Cities area her whole life. She has experience with children and families through relationship-based and cross-cultural work. Her educational background is in Developmental Psychology and Spanish Studies and recently graduated with a Master of Social Work degree from Augsburg University. She is multilingual in Vietnamese and Spanish and passionate about learning new words from different languages and learning about other cultural practices and trying new foods! Sara wants to continue her career to provide culturally responsive care and advocacy work that focuses on social justice and anti-oppressive practices to holistically support others.

Maria is a longtime resident of East Saint Paul, originally from Jalisco, Mexico, and part of the 1.5 generation of Mexican Nahuatl descent. She has served her community for over five years through her work in social services at Fairview Health Services, where she leads and coordinates initiatives focused on health equity and the social determinants of health. Maria brings experience in community organizing, program development, and collaborative partnerships with grassroots organizations and cultural leaders. She is currently pursuing her MSW with a clinical focus to deepen her practice and stay grounded in direct service work. Maria is committed to integrating culturally rooted healing practices into mental health care and continues to challenge western models by centering Indigenous knowledge and community strengths. She is passionate about reclaiming ancestral medicine, ceremonies, and rituals, and is on a personal journey to reconnect with her lineage through the guidance of elders, curanderas, and cultural bearers. 

Hello! My name is Bertie. I am Dakota, native of Minnesota. I am pursuing my bachelor’s in social work with a minor in Chemical Dependency Counseling at St. Catherine’s University, and I plan to continue education for my master’s degree. I am currently licensed through the Board of Hypnotherapy, in the Krasner method. I value Social Justice and diversity. I emphasize use of harm-reduction and trauma-informed practice. My career objective is to listen, empathize, and assist in community resources, as well as holistic healing. A fun fact is I love outdoors and golf!