Meet our expert group of Brooklyn Center and Edina Therapists. Our dedicated professionals are prepared to work with clients to improve their mental health and wellness. Whether you or a loved one is struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, or sexual behavior problems, our therapists have years of experience working with a variety of mental health diagnoses.
We take a team approach to every case in helping those who are struggling to transform for the better. Our masters-level clinicians are seasoned and passionate about creating change in the lives of others. Steps For Change is filled with empowering individuals ready to help their community in Edina and Brooklyn Center, MN. See for yourself!
“When a pebble of harm hits the pond, the ripples spread far. It is my passion to prevent that pebble
from hitting the pond again.”
Janae Sullivan found her passion in helping youth move forward from sexual harming behaviors when
she was an undergraduate at Southern Oregon University. After earning bachelor’s degrees in both
Criminology and Psychology, she went on to the Chicago School of Professional Psychology where she
earned her master’s degree in Forensic Psychology with a concentration in the treatment of sexual offenders. While working in both residential and outpatient programming, she has dedicated the last 12 years of her career to the treatment of sexual abusers.
As a newcomer to the Midwest from the West Coast, Tracy has found a new love for the simple life here in Minnesota. With her Master’s Degree in Health Care Management and Administration from Colorado State University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Colorado, her passion for healthcare has led her down many different paths but has ultimately guided her back into the mental health field. In her free time, you’ll find her enjoying outdoor activities (sun or snow) with her husband and 2 boys.
Born and raised in Minnesota, Ashley enjoys the great outdoors and being out on the water. She graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato with a Bachelors degree in Community Health Education and Psychology. Ashley has always been drawn to the healthcare field, particularly mental health, and loves helping others. When she’s not working, you can usually find her at a Twins game or playing with her pug, Rocco.
Toni obtained her Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of St. Thomas. She has experience working with adults who have engaged in sexually harming behaviors and has decided to shift her focus to working with adolescents. Toni enjoys teaching clients about healthy dating and relationship skills, healthy sexuality, and promoting gender equality. In her free time she loves to camp, hike, fish, and travel.
Todd graduated with his Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota. He has extensive clinical experience working with juveniles in outpatient clinical, community based and inpatient residential setting serving at-risk youth and their families. He has specializing in his career in working with at-risk/high-risk violent juvenile offender and repeat juvenile offender populations, violent juveniles who have been convicted of sexual harming behaviors and juveniles who are actively involved in the juvenile correction system.
Born and raised in California, Andrew is happy to have called Minnesota home since 2008. Andrew obtained his master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from St. Cloud State University in 2018. Before joining Steps for Change, Andrew worked for more than three years with adults and juveniles struggling with sexually harmful and addictive behaviors. He strongly believes that our past informs our present and our future. Understanding how we act based on our past and being able to choose different ways of responding is a huge part of effective change. He also believes in the power of learning how to understand and express what our emotions are telling us. In his free time, Andrew enjoys learning new recipes to cook and playing guitar and drums.
Emily graduated with a Master of Science Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from St. Cloud State University. She has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults from various walks of life, in both individual and family settings. Emily applies a systemic approach in her practice and believes that examining larger systems surrounding an individual is key for understanding an individual’s beliefs, thoughts, and behaviors. In session, she strives to foster a safe environment where clients are free to be their most authentic selves and begin their personal growth journey. When not working, Emily enjoys spending time with family, going to the cabin up north, and binge-watching Netflix.
Alexa holds a master of social work from the University of Minnesota twin cities. Alexa has experience working with adults with sexually harming behavior in both correctional and community-based programs. Alexa has also worked with individuals living with addiction and serious and persistent mental illness, along with those experiencing homelessness. She believes that strong therapeutic work is found at the intersection of empathy and accountability. When not working, Alexa enjoys watching TLC reality shows and playing covers of Bruce Springsteen and Johnny Cash on her guitar.
Laura is a former elementary school teacher with 23 years of experience working with children and families. She approaches her work with clients from a family systems perspective, integrating cognitive behavioral, narrative, experiential, and strengths-based thinking into her therapeutic interactions with clients. Laura enjoys helping young couples build a solid foundation for a lasting relationship and more seasoned couples rebuild and renew their love for one another. She is honored to help young people, families, and adults heal from the challenges and wounds that life often brings, in particular those related to anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, family conflict and/or change, and life transitions.
Stephanie received her master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from St. Cloud State University in 2020. Stephanie has worked with children, adolescents, couples, and families. Stephanie uses a person-centered approach that focuses on strength and resources– and being direct as needed. Stephanie believes a community-based approach is essential towards change and support. She likes to go on walks with her two dogs and try new recipes in her free time.
Justine attended Concordia College, where she majored in Psychology and obtained minors in both Women’s Studies and Music. She graduated with a Master of Arts Degree in Counseling from the University of Missouri—Kansas City. Justine is trained in Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, which uses the brains natural propensity for healing to reprocess events in a more adaptive way.
Ashley received her Master of Social Work degree in Clinical Mental Health from the University of
Minnesota-Twin Cities. She has experience working with adolescents and adults in correctional and
community-based settings. Ashley approaches therapy with a biopsychosocial lens, helping each person understand how mind, body, and systems interact to impact how we exist in the world. She enjoys incorporating art and creativity in addressing sexuality, identity, violence, boundaries, depression,
anxiety, and trauma. Ashley provides services in English and Spanish. She spends her free time kayaking, gardening, and seeing local music.
Abby (she/her) graduated with her Masters in Social Work and Bachelors in Early Childhood Education from the University of Minnesota. She has experience working with children on the autism spectrum and with families experiencing domestic violence. Abby has worked with juveniles and adults involved in the criminal legal system and is passionate about providing a healing space for each of her clients. She believes that a strong, trusting relationship between the therapist and the client is key to growth and lasting change.
Antonesha was born and raised in Minnesota. She enjoys the Minnesota weather both Sun and Snow! Antonesha has a love for learning and passion for helping others. She has experience working with children and experience working in the healthcare field. She holds her Associates of Applied Science Degree in Early Childhood Education and is currently pursuing her Diploma in Medical Administrative Assisting, both at Rasmussen University. During her free time, she loves to spend time with family, and travel.
Born and raised in North Minneapolis, I attended Minneapolis North High School and attended the University of Minnesota. Prior to college, I had enlisted in the army and thoroughly enjoyed my time as the General’s driver. When my enlistment was up, I went back to school, and eventually went in as a partner and opened up The Nurse Connection, a temporary staffing agency. After 14 years, I sold this business and began a career with HCSO Water Patrol and have since retired. I very much enjoy working with people and the children at Steps For Change.
Brooklyn Center Office
6040 Earle Brown Dr. Suite 420
Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
