Kayla received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Minnesota and completed the LADC certificate program at Century College. Kayla completed her internships at RRC and Park Avenue Center. She joined the team in 2016 as an Intake Counselor before moving to her current position. Kayla enjoys helping clients and seeing the progress they make in their lives.
Natalie graduated from the University of St Thomas and attained her LSW in 2017. Natalie had the pleasure of both interning at Park Avenue and working as staff for 2.5 years in the men’s program before exploring another area of the social work practice at Youthlink- an agency for homeless youth. Now, having returned to Park Avenue, Natalie is working and gaining further experience in the women’s program. Natalie has been grateful for the opportunity to try new things and explore the social work practice. She is passionate about empowering clients to access resources and advocating for affordable housing, criminal justice reform, and accessible health care for those in need of services. While currently working in micro level practice, Natalie believes in supporting macro level changes to create a more equitable system. Outside of work, Natalie enjoys playing piano, reading, and spending time with friends and family.
Amy has worked in the field since 2012 and joined Park Avenue Center in 2015 in the Men’s Program before recently making the move to the Women’s Program. She received her Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Moorhead State University and a certificate in Massage Therapy from Northwestern School of Healing Arts. Prior to Park Avenue Center Amy worked at Prairie Care. Amy volunteers at Tubman offering trauma informed bodywork and would like to further integrate bodywork into the social services field. In her free time, Amy enjoys photography and a variety of physical activities, including windsurfing and swing dancing.
Ashley obtained her Associates of Science in Addiction Counseling from MCTC and her BA from Metro State University. She began working at Park Avenue Center in 2015 as an intern where she transitioned to a Group Facilitator prior to her most recent role as a Counselor. Ashley was inspired to work in the field after being in recovery herself. She has compassion towards clients and displays this in her client first mentality helping others change their lives.
Leah received her Bachelor of Arts in Human Development and Chemical Dependency from Metro State University. She began her career at Park Avenue Center in 2010 in the billing department, then moved to Intake Counselor before assuming her current role. Leah has worked in both the men’s and women’s co-occurring disorder programs. Leah likes to help people overcome their addiction and improve their quality of life for themselves and their families
Melissa obtained her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy at Argosy University. Prior to her current role, Melissa was an intern at Park Avenue Center, a member of the Marriage and Family Therapy Team, a Float Counselor, and a Co-occurring Counselor. Melissa is inspired to work in this field because she recognizes how important relationships matter and their influence on the individual in recovery. In her free time, Melissa enjoys spending time with her German Shepherds and figure skating. In 2007, she won the title of International Competitive Figure Skating Champion, with Team USA.
Danielle earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Communication Disorders from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. She began her career in 2012 interning at the men’s and women’s programming buildings before accepting her role as a counselor in 2013. Danielle is currently a Counselor in the Women’s Program and leads multiple aftercare groups for clients.
Katie obtained her Masters in Psychotherapy and Co-occurring Disorders from Adler Graduate School. Katie worked as a Mental Health Counselor at South Metro Human Services for two years prior to joining Park Avenue Center in 2015. She began as an intern, moved into the role of an Intake Counselor, then worked as a counselor in the Women’s program, before assuming her position as Lead Co-occurring Counselor. She is rewarded by seeing clients make changes and reach their goals. Katie is passionate about the work she does and enjoys helping others by setting a positive example and exploring the client’s strengths. In her free time, Katie enjoys traveling, spending time with her family, and off roading with her Jeep
Pure is currently pursuing her degree in Alcohol and Drug Counseling from Minneapolis Community and Technical College. She began her career in 2005 serving clients affected by addiction in home and group home settings. Prior to joining Park Avenue Center in 2017, Pure contracted as a Recovery Coach with Minnesota Recovery Connection, working with participants in Hennepin County Drug Court. Pure plans on furthering her education in social work to become a Clinical Licensed Social Worker with an emphasis on drug addiction studies. Pure chooses to work at Park Avenue Center because of its practices that address clients’ needs and for its support of college students who join the team as interns.
Helen obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Alcohol and Drug Counseling from Metro State University. She began her career at Park Avenue Center in 2014 as an Intake Counselor. Helen plans to continue her education and pursue a master’s degree in alcohol and drug counseling. She attends church regularly and in her spare time, she enjoys volunteering at People Serving People. Helen loves being an Intake Counselor and is dedicated to helping people live successful lives.