Andrew J. Larson, MA, LMFT
Owner, Clinical Director
Education: Andrew is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who holds an Undergraduate degree in Psychology from Union College in Lincoln, NE and a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Argosy University in Eagan, MN. He is a Minnesota Board Approved Supervisor for the Board of Marriage and Family Therapy and the Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy. Andrew is also trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART).
Clinical Experience: Andrew believes that healthy relationships create health within the client. Andrew works with a variety of clients, but most frequently with couples, adolescents, adults, families going through the relationship challenges, divorced parents creating a co-parenting strategy, blended families, individuals who have experienced trauma and those experiencing loss/grief. He also has experience working with individuals experiencing anxiety, low self-esteem, and depression.
Amber Gustafson, MA, LMFT
Education: Amber is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who holds a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Argosy University in Eagan, MN, and a B.S. degree in Family Consumer Science with a focus on Family Life and Child Development from Minnesota State University, Mankato. Amber is also trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART).
Clinical Experience: Amber has experience providing services to individuals, couples and children with a variety of mental health issues. Amber has worked intensively with foster and adopted youth with histories of early childhood trauma and challenges with anxiety, depression, defiance, impulsivity, and social skills. Amber believes in working collaboratively with families to facilitate growth and positive change in children, adults and couples.
ambergustafson@northstarcc-mn.com
Danielle Nelson, MA, LMFT, RPT
Assistant Clinical Director
Education: Danielle is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Registered Play Therapist (RPT). Danielle holds a Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Argosy University in Eagan, MN and B.S. degrees in Psychology and Family Consumer Science with a focus on Family Life and Child Development from Minnesota State University, Mankato. She is a Minnesota Board Approved Supervisor for the Board of Marriage and Family Therapy and the Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy. Danielle is also trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and a Certified in Infant & Toddler Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-up intervention (ABC).
Clinical Experience: Danielle has experience providing individual therapy for adults, adolescents, and children including use of DC:0-5 for children age five and under. She provides a wide range of psychotherapy for families, couples, and individuals.
Danielle emphasizes a strengths based and family systems approach with clients while incorporating experiential and playful techniques. She also utilizes Solution-Focused and Cognitive Behavioral Therapies. Her background includes helping clients with depression, attachment, anxiety, trauma, relational difficulties, social emotional development, grief, new mothers and couples entering into parenthood, co-parenting and life stage stressors so that they can improve their quality of life. Danielle specializes in working with children and families. She has received extensive training in providing therapy to those who have experienced early childhood trauma.
daniellenelson@northstarcc-mn.com
Sharon K. Slye MA, LMFT
Education: Sharon is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a Master of Arts degree from the Seminary at Bethel University in St. Paul, MN. She is certified in both EMDR and Advanced Dissociation Training: Adaptive Internal Relational (AIR) Network Model of Complex Neuro-dissociative States Therapy.
Clinical Experience: Sharon has extensive experience with: ADHD, anger, anxiety, conflict resolution, PTSD, dissociation, depression, grief and loss, life stage transitions, complex trauma, and couples’ communication and marital issues. Her work has included outpatient, as well as in-home skills and therapy that served students, adults, couples, and families. She has also worked in schools with children, parents and staff, both in individual and group settings. Sharon is passionate about joining with individuals, couples and families as they work to identify and make changes that will help them live peaceful lives.
sharonslye@northstarcc-mn.com
Mike Kieke, MSW, LICSW
Education: Mike is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker who holds a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Minnesota and a BS in Social Work from Saint Cloud State University.
Clinical Experience: Mike frequently works with individuals with anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, ASD, anger issues and trauma. He has experience with several populations including children, adolescents, adults, couples, and family. Mike has a work history in areas that include gerontology, school settings, residential treatment, foster homes and day treatment. His approach uses a person’s supports, strengths and environment to promote change. Mike uses a combination of therapy methods including CBT, DBT, role play, solution focused and narrative treatment.
Katie D'Amour, B.S., Master's Intern
Education: Katie holds a B.S. Degree in Psychology from Crown College in St. Bonifacius, MN and is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis on Marriage, Couples and Family Therapy from Adler Graduate School in Minnetonka, MN.
Katie believes that we were created for community and connection. She sees the importance of knowing one’s identity and worth and sees the whole person when considering each individual’s unique needs. Katie embraces a person-centered approach valuing empathy and authenticity. She looks forward to helping clients discover new perspectives that restore purpose, confidence, and connection.
katiedamour@northstarcc-mn.com
Lisa Klehr, B.S., Master's Intern
Education: Lisa holds a B.S. degree in Elementary Education K-6 and Pre-Primary ages 3-Pre-K from Crown College in St. Bonifacius, MN. Lisa also holds her ABS License (Learning Disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Emotional/Behavior Disability, Delayed Development and Other Health Disabilities) from the University of St. Thomas in Minneapolis, MN. She has been in the field of education for the past seventeen years and is now pursuing a Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Capella University in St. Paul, MN.
Lisa loved teaching and is eagerly anticipating using her classroom experience in the clinical therapeutic setting. Her excellent interpersonal skills, dedication to students and passion for education will seamlessly integrate into the field of Marriage and Family Therapy. Lisa's unique combination of educational background and practical experience positions her to make a meaningful impact in supporting individuals and families through the therapeutic process.
Brianna Harguth, MA, LAMFT
Education: Brianna is a Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who holds a B.S. Degree in Psychology and a B.A. in Spanish from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, SD and a Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from St. Cloud State University.
Clinical Experience: Brianna has experience in providing services to individuals, couples, and families affected by anxiety, depression, and PTSD. She uses a family systems and person-centered approach and utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness, and narrative therapy. Brianna sees the best in people and understands and appreciates how difficult it can be to ask for therapeutic help. Brianna also believes in continual learning and growth as a therapist in order to best serve her clients.
Sydney Mandelkow, MSW, LGSW
Education: Sydney holds a B.S. Degree in Psychology with a Minor in Sociology from the University of Minnesota-Duluth and a Master's of Social Work Degree with a Clinical Mental Health focus also from the University of Minnesota-Duluth. Sydney has passed her exam and will be officially licensed as a Graduate Social Worker in May/June 2024.
Clinical Experience: Sydney has experience working with clients diagnosed with severe persistent mental illness and suicidal ideation as well as those with other life struggles such as anxiety, depression and homelessness. Some of her work history includes doing crisis therapy and street outreach in Duluth, Minnesota. She has also worked with Dialectical Behavioral Therapy skills groups. Sydney likes to utilize person-centered, strength-based and cognitive behavioral approaches with her clients. She focuses on creating a warm and welcoming environment that is free of judgement to meet clients where they are and allow them to express themselves feely.