Pearl Barner II, PhD
Education: University of Minnesota, 1983
Credentials: Licensed Psychologist
Advanced Training & Residency: Internship, Minneapolis Veterans Hospital and Ramsey County Mental Health; Post-Doctoral Training, Psychotherapy Training Institute
About Myself: I have a special interest in individual, couples, and group psychotherapy, and in multicultural issues. I believe that psychoanalytically-oriented models of human development are useful in the conceptualization of more enduring intrapersonal and interpersonal concerns. Cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, and interpersonal psychotherapeutic strategies are employed in my work.

Jennifer Beldon, MD
Education: Medical Degree, University of Minnesota Medical School; Residency Training, University of Minnesota
Credentials: Board-Eligible Psychiatrist through the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
About Myself: I have particular interest in the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders and in the assessment and management (or appropriate referral) of eating disorders. My practice philosophy is based on an understanding that many facets of a student’s life may affect their mental health, and thus I utilize both a pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic approach to achieving wellness. I believe in educating and advising students on treatment options available, so as informed consumers of health care they can make the best decisions for themselves.

Barbara J. Benner, PhD
Education: University of North Dakota, 1979
Credentials: Licensed Psychologist
Advanced Training & Residency: APA-approved graduate program and clinical internship
About Myself: My move from suburban New York to North Dakota for graduate school was my first cross-cultural experience. I've been hooked on travel ever since and try to understand a wide variety of world views. I think these experiences enhance my work with both mainstream and non-mainstream clients.

Diane Brady-Leighton, LICSW
Education: Master of Social Work, University of Minnesota, 1988
Credentials: Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
Advanced Training & Residency: Clinical Hypnosis
About Myself: My basic philosophy is based on respect of clients and their innate wisdom. I see my role as one of facilitator. Facilitating their recovery, healing, and growth by utilizing empathy, problem solving, imagery, journaling, and numerous other "interventions" determined by the clients’ needs. I encourage outside tasks as a way to expand the therapy hour and bring their healing more concretely into their day-to-day lives. I am fortunate to be doing work that I really enjoy.

Kelsey Carignan, MD
Education: Medical Degree, University of Minnesota Medical School; Residency training, University of Minnesota
Credentials: Board-Eligible Psychiatrist through the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
About Myself: I have strong interest in the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders as well as working with survivors of trauma. I prefer to take a collaborative approach with patients, working together to determine which treatments are most appropriate. I believe that self care, mindfulness activities, medications, and therapy all can play important roles in helping people to cope with and recover from mental health issues.

Mary Roske-Groth, LICSW, LADC
Education: Master of Social Work, University of Minnesota, 2000
Credentials: Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
About Myself: I came to Boynton on August 14, 2000 after having completed a field placement in the Mental Health Clinic while in graduate school. I'm excited about being at Boynton and am looking forward to the new challenges it will provide. I have a dual position as a therapist in the Mental Health Clinic and a Chemical Health Consultant for Health Promotion. Areas of interest include working with issues related to chemical health, anxiety, and depression. I enjoy hiking, sitting on the shore of Lake Superior, reading, concerts, theatre, going to our cabin, and playing with our dogs.

Steven A. Hermann, MD
Education: University of Minnesota Medical School, 1986
Credentials: American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
Advanced Training & Residency: Psychiatry, University of Minnesota, 1990
About Myself: I have experience in a wide variety of clinical settings and am particularly interested in the interaction of medical and psychiatric disorders. My primary responsibilities at Boynton include diagnostic assessments and medication management. Dr. Christenson and I work in collaboration with advanced practice nurses and our therapy staff to provide balanced and comprehensive care. Patients are encouraged to take an active role in learning about and managing their mental health issues

Linda Hermanson, APRN, CNS
Education: Bachelor of Science in Nursing, University of Minnesota, Master of Science in Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, University of Minnesota
Advanced Training: Intensive training regarding psychotropic medications sponsored by U of M Medical School, EMDR level I and II
Special Interest: Interested in mood disorders, adjustment disorders, bipolar disorder and stress reactions.
About Myself: 20 year practitioner of Tai Chi Chuan, interested in how nutrition affects mood and health, and regular practice of medication and exercise.

Michelle Krypel, MSW, LICSW
Education: Master of Social Work, University of Michigan School of Social Work, Grand Valley State University, B.S.
Credentials: Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker

Advanced Training: Post-MSW Fellow, Hamm Memorial Psychiatric Clinic
About Myself: Before coming to Boynton Health Service, I worked with students at the University of Michigan and Central Michigan University. College students have so much energy and interest in learning about themselves and I feel fortunate to be a part of their college experience.

I work with a variety of mental health issues in individual and couples therapy. However, I have special interests in grief, mood disorders, stress management, and relationship concerns. I have also worked with many students enrolled in the law school and have an understanding of the unique demands of that program. My approach to counseling emphasizes cognitive behavioral and psychodynamic therapy. However, I select different techniques depending on each student's individual needs. I'm committed to providing a safe and warm atmosphere where students can feel free to express their concerns and be themselves.

Kerry L. O'Brien, Psychotherapist, LICSW
Education: Master’s in Counseling Psychology, University of California at Santa Barbara; University of Minnesota Counseling and Student Personnel Psychology Program
About Myself: I had a two year internship with an eating disorders program in Santa Barbara, California. I have been a psychotherapist at the University of Minnesota Psychiatry Clinic since 1990. I worked with their eating disorder program and also saw clients with varied other types of concerns. I continue to work there one day per week, although I no longer work with the eating disorder population. I have been a psychotherapist at Boynton Mental Health since 2002. I work predominantly with students that feel depressed or anxious and/or have academic problems. My philosophy is that I believe that everyone has problems and that they are opportunities for personal growth. My goal is to help clients manage their problems by changing the way they think about them and their solutions. I believe that people are smart enough to find answers to their problems, but are often compromised by intense emotions that need to be understood first. Together we work on understanding the emotions, finding the source of problem, and on discovering solutions.

Candice S. Price, LICSW
Education: Masters in Social Work, 1977
Credentials: Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
About Myself: I began my therapy experiences working with adolescents in both a partial day hospital and crisis unit. I have been at Boynton Health Service over 20 years, developing an expertise in eating disorders and crisis intervention. I also enjoy working with clients on an individual basis with the hope of assisting them in moving through difficult parts of their lives. I utilize a variety of approaches with students depending on the issues they present. In crisis or urgent situation I tend to be solution focused. With on-going clients I employ psychodynamics and family systems interventions.

Jan L. Smith, Psychotherapist, LICSW
Education: Master of Social Work, University of Minnesota
Credentials: Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
Advanced Training: Advanced training in psychodynamic and contemporary relational psychotherapy with a focus on interpersonal relationships, family of origin issues and healing from grief, loss and trauma. I have a special interest in how quality of interpersonal and intrapersonal relationship[s] impact clients’ mental health.
About Myself: I provide individual, couple and group psychotherapy. The therapeutic approaches I use are determined in collaboration with clients’ goals and what they hope to change/resolve/understand from their therapy experience. Therapeutic approaches include interpersonal, psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused and stress reduction strategies. I am a member of the Coalition for a Respectful University which is a group of U of M staff, faculty, students, administrations and community members committed to a safe and inclusive campus environment.

Michele Sullivan, Psychotherapist, MSW, LICSW
Education: MA, Saint Mary's University
Credentials: Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Advanced Training: Clinical Hypnosis
About Myself: My special areas of interest include art, painting, and non-western approaches to health and mental health concerns. I believe those experiences enrich my psychotherapy approach. Throughout our lifetimes, every individual struggles with his or her own individual issues and challenges. In my work at the Mental Health Clinic, I strive to bring kindness, respect, and hope into each encounter. I have a special interest in working with students diagnosed with chronic medical conditions. I also work as Medical Social Worker within Boynton. In that role, I assist our clinicians and patients in locating appropriate community resources and psychotherapy referrals.

Dodi Thorman, LICSW
Education: Master of Social Work, University of Minnesota, 1997 
Credentials: Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
About Myself: I came to Boynton in June 1999 after having completed an internship in the Mental Health Center while in graduate school. I feel fortunate to be back at Boynton as a provider and enjoy working in such a stimulating environment. I am a member of the National Association of Social Workers, the Minnesota Society for Clinical Social Work and also a licensed school social worker. I am a therapist in the Mental Health Clinic at Boynton. Areas of interest include working with mood and anxiety disorders, couples therapy, grief and loss issues, gay/lesbian issues, and women's issues. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, biking, golfing, cross country skiing, and travel.

Michelle Trotter-Mathison, Ph.D., LP
Education: B.A., Saint Olaf College
M.A. in Counseling and Student Personnel Psychology, University of Minnesota, Ph.D. in Counseling and Student Personnel Psychology, University of Minnesota Credentials: Licensed Professional Counselor, Predoctoral Internship at Montana State University Counseling and Psychological Services.

About Myself: Prior to coming to Boynton Health Service Mental Health Clinic, I worked with individuals and groups facing a variety of issues in college counseling centers, community mental health clinics, and a state psychiatric hospital. I have a special interest in working with clients exploring issues around identity, depression, stress and coping, self-care, trauma, spirituality, and multicultural issues.

In my work with clients I aim to create a warm and supportive therapy environment in which it feels safe to explore concerns. I believe it is important to work collaboratively in the therapy process and define goals and hopes for the counseling process together. I use an interpersonal, humanistic approach and also weave in cognitive behavioral techniques when appropriate. Additionally, I have an interest in integrating mindfulness-based approaches into therapy based on client interest.

ThanhVan Vu, LADC

Education: Addiction Studies, University of Minnesota
Credentials: Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor
About Myself: I have had a wide variety of experience within chemical health treatment arena ranging from outpatient LGBT specific treatment to methadone maintenance treatment. I have particular interest in chemical health education, harm reduction approach to chemical health care, and integration of care for co-occurring chemical health and mental health disorders. I view my collaboration with clients as a mutual partnership toward achieving greater chemical health. I enjoy watching anime, running, rock climbing, volunteering, hiking, and attending lectures or performances.