Cheryl Schmidt
CFO/Business Management & Administration
Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist
Cheryl received her Associates in Science degree in Business Administration and her AAS degree in Business Technologies. She received her Peer Recovery Support Specialist Certification in 2022. She has been working in the Substance Use field since 2006. Cheryl has a true passion for helping people and is always willing to go above and beyond to do so.
Kelly Andersen
MS, LPCC, LADC - CEO/Mental Health Professional
Kelly is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor who received her Masters of Science degree in Clinical Psychology in 2013. She is a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor who received her Associates of Science degree in Chemical Dependency Counseling in 2008. Kelly has a passion for helping women and men who have experienced trauma, and have coped with their trauma through chemical addiction. Kelly is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
Alecia Mitthun
Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist
Alecia is an alumni of Empower Recovery Services. Alecia has been employed as a Peer Recovery Support Specialist since 2018. Alecia has a passion to help recovering addicts get back what was lost by helping them rebuild their lives. Alecia loves to create new, healthy recipes and healthy living. She teaches our clients the importance of healthy eating and physical activity in recovery. Alecia stays busy with her young daughter and enjoys the outdoors, like, camping, fishing and hanging out with family.
Kim Stephan
BS, LADC/Counselor Supervisor
Kim has been with Empower Recovery Services since 2017 completing her internship and then receiving her Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Dependency Counseling and LADC in 2018. Prior to working in this field Kim has switched careers multiple times; Computer Operations with the MN State Lottery, working for the City of Centerville and being an EMT/Firefighter with Centennial Fire Department. Kim brings with her many years of recovery with strong 12 Step and AA experience. Kim is passionate about traveling across the country on her motorcycle, snowmobiling in the winter and her gardens in the summer.
Rebecca Caballero
MS, LPC
Becky received her Masters of Science in Counseling Psychology in 1994 and has worked as an in-home family counselor, individual therapist, and school counselor. In 1999, she completed her Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) training and has specialized in helping those with trauma and PTSD. Becky has also taught college-level psychology and lifespan development, and high school leadership classes. After moving “home,” she started the process of obtaining licensure in both addictions and professional counseling in Minnesota.
Billi White
LADC
Billi is a graduate of Metropolitan State University where she earned a BS in Law Enforcement and a minor in Criminal Justice in 2015. Billi is re-careering and relocating after working for the Minneapolis Police Department for 7 years and living in North Minneapolis 20 yrs. Billi is in her master's degree pursuing a Co-Occurring Disorders degree, allowing her to work with those affected by substance use disorder and mental health. Billi is a Licensed Alcohol Drug Counselor with the future goal of getting her LPCC (Licensed Professional Clinical Counseling). Billi has a passion for those dealing with co-occurring disorders due to her own battle with PTSD and substance use. Billi uses different approaches to treat both disorders at the same time, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, trauma informed strategies while providing education to the clients and their families. In her off-time Billi enjoys spending time kayaking, hiking, and biking with her two teenage daughters and husband of 18yrs, along with snuggling her three French bulldogs.
Jason Siems
Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist
Jason is a Certified Equine Specialist and a Peer Recovery Support Specialist. Jason has the opportunity to work with our sober house clients and anyone looking to heal through equine therapy. He has been blessed to be sober since 2009 by working the 12 steps and the help of his late sponsor, Mike Walsh. Jason puts his recovery first in everything he does in his life. He is a PTSD Survivor-life and death situation while working at a Minnesota Prison. Jason is extremely grateful for his beautiful bride-Sarah, his two boys-Jansen and Jayden. Loves to Fish and Hunt on his free time.
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Amanda LaChapelle
ADC-T
Amanda started at Empower Recovery Services as an intern in August of 2022. Amanda received her AA degree in 2022 and AS degree in 2023. She is currently attending St Cloud State to finish her bachelor's degree pursuing licensure as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor, with plans to become a certified compulsive gambling counselor. Her goal is to help addicts who struggle with multiple addictions and to support whoever is at Empower Recovery Services. With 8 years in recovery Amanda can see addiction in a unique way and understand those who are struggling. Sobriety is important, but just as important to her is her family. She has a loving husband and four kids who are her world. Amanda enjoys crocheting, working in the garden, and agate picking.
Jodie Evenson
LADC
Jodie is a graduate of Metropolitan State University where she earned her BA in Psychology. She is currently pursuing licensure as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Jodie is certified as a Screamfree Parent and Marriage educator. Jodie is passionate about meeting people where they are at with respect and acceptance while helping them learn to rise up and each day to create meaningful change.
Katrina Lussier - Erickson
Dr. Katrina Lussier-Erickson
DMFT, LMFT, LADC
Program Director/Mental Health Professional
Katrina is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor. She received her Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy and is a MN Board Approved MFT Supervisor. She has attended Bethel University, Argosy University, Metropolitan State University, and the U of MN. Katrina’s assets include her humor and patience and she enjoys working with adults, adolescents, children, couples, and families on recognizing and increasing their personal strengths. Katrina is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
Peggy Bixby
Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist
Peggy joined the Empower Recovery Services team in May 2023. As an Alumni of Empower Recovery Services, Peggy has the unique opportunity to work with clients in recovery, showing them life after addiction. Peggy completed her training as a CPRS in May 2023. She continues to support and work with clients, meeting them where they are at in their own recovery journey. Peggy’s experience and knowledge with medications and medical conditions have made her a valuable asset to the team. Peggy’s family is really important to her, especially her baby grandson Owen, whom she loves to spend time with. Peggy also enjoys outdoor activities such as fishing and agate picking.
Katharine Miller
BS, LADC
Katharine joined Empower Recovery Services in August of 2023. Katharine is a 2017 Graduate from Bemidji State University with a Degree in Criminal Justice with a Corrections emphasis. Katharine has enjoyed 6 years as an LADC, and 15 years in recovery from multiple addictions. Katharine’s philosophy is “the experiences I have been given by my higher power are to benefit others”. When Katharine is not working with clients, she is attending AA meetings and functions, and doing service work through the District and Area. Katharine believes that connection to a higher power and others, is the core of recovery. Katharine enjoys fishing and art in her free time.