Dana Miller, LADC
Dana Miller holds an Associate’s Degree in Addiction Counseling and is currently working towards a Bachelor’s degree in Community Recovery Initiatives. With the credential ADC-T, Dana has developed a deep commitment to supporting underserved populations through volunteer work in food justice, food insecurity, and community gardening. These efforts have strengthened their belief in the healing power of nature and community engagement, particularly in using gardens as therapeutic spaces. Their work has been instrumental in addressing food access and promoting holistic recovery methods. Looking ahead, Dana plans to further their impact by pursuing a Master’s degree in Non-profit Management, aiming to integrate nature-based recovery approaches into broader community development projects.
Heather Ricci, AS, RN
Heather is a Registered Nurse at Park Avenue Center. She previously attended Inver Hills Community College, where she earned her Associate of Science degree in Nursing. Before joining Park Avenue, Heather also worked in various roles, serving a wide range of individuals and their needs. She spent seven and a half years working as a RN case manager and assistant supervisor. Additionally, she has experience working as an RN with people who have had dementia, drug and alcohol addictions, disabilities, and the elderly population. Heather is passionate about assisting individuals reach their full potential and strives to ensure they can maintain as much independence as possible. During her time here at Park Avenue, her professional goals include earning certification in treatment nursing and possibly obtaining her BSN and NPSN board certification. She values the work she has done and is committed to serving her community and colleges in the field. Heather chose to work at Park Avenue because she is dedicated to healing the soul, mind, and body. In her free time, she enjoys spending time at her family cabin, being with her children and gardening.
Talia Thompson, MPS, LADC
Talia Thompson is a Client Access Counselor at Park Avenue Center working with our Assessment team. Prior to working at Park, Talia attended the University of Minnesota where she earned her MPS in Integrated Health and Behavioral Science. Talia came to Park Avenue with previous experience working for Integrative Health and Radius Health as a Therapist and a Case Manager. Talia is passionate about working with Co-Occuring clients and helping them find the right treatment programs by having an Analytical, Creative and empathetic approach to our clients. Outside of Park Avenue, Talia enjoys spending time with her friends and family, and her pet cat.
Ava Gondeck, MPS, LADC
Ava Gondeck is an Co-Occurring Counselor at the Women’s program. Ava Attended the University of Minnesota where she achieved her Master’s in Integrative Behavioral Health. Previously Ava was an MICD Intern with Park Avenue and was hired in current role after completing her internship. Ava enjoys being able to help our clients through treatment and working towards helping clients achieve their goals. Ava is excited to work as an LADC and gain more experience in the field and enjoys working with our other counselors every day. Outside of Park Avenue Center Ava enjoys traveling, and visiting friends and family.
Rita Stephenson, BA, MPH, RD, LD
Rita Stephenson is a Registered Dietitian at Park Avenue Center. Rita achieved her Master’s degree in Public Health from the University of Minnesota and recently became a registered dietitian after previous roles working in public health. Rita’s goals are to gain experience in working with people in recovery and learning more about skills in nutrition and counseling. At Park Avenue Rita enjoys working with our clients and helping them achieve their goals and making a difference in someone else’s life. Outside of Park Avenue Center Rita enjoys gardening,hiking,spending time with her two cats and trying new recipes.
Julie Madsen, MPS
Julie Madsen is a Mental Health Float Counselor in the Women’s Program. Julie received her Master’s degree in Integrated Behavioral Health at the University of Minnesota, and she completed an internship for chemical dependency counseling before interning at Park Avenue Center for mental health counseling. In her previous job she assisted with neuroscience research, and she carries this curiosity and passion for science, as well as the personal aspects of addiction and mental health, into her work as a therapist. At Park Avenue Center Julie enjoys listening to the diverse experiences of clients and working with each person’s unique challenges. In her free time she enjoys travel, nature, music, movies, and reading. Julie is currently pursuing her LPCC.
Cathryn Lovley, MPS, LADC
Cat earned her Master of Professional Studies in Integrative Behavioral Health from the University of Minnesota. Cat is continuing her education to receive a second Master of Professional Studies in Sexual Health with a focus on Sex Therapy. Cat began as a Mental Health Intern at Park Avenue Center before continuing to become a float Co-occurring Counselor at both the Men’s and Women’s Programs. Cat enjoys working with clients of varying backgrounds and being a part of their journey. Cat spends her free time reading a good book, trying out a new recipe, or cuddling with her dogs.
Jason Smith, MA, LADC, LPCC
Jason Smith is a Mental Health Float at Park Avenue Center. Jason attended Adler Graduate School where he received his Masters in Counseling, Co-Occurring Disorders and Addiction Counseling. While in graduate school, Jason completed his practicum and internship at Park Avenue Center. Jason began his career in the mental health and chemical dependency field as a chemical dependency technician and has filled various other recovery related roles such as: Sober Companion and Certified Peer Recovery Specialist. In addition, Jason also served in the United States Navy and has served various roles in the defense, intelligence, and business sectors before finding a passion for mental health and recovery. Jason is passionate about working with underserved clients and believes that everybody deserves dignity and respect. In his free time, Jason enjoys cycling, working out, and spending time with his friends and family.
Maria Acevedo-Davila, ADC-T
Maria attended Minneapolis College where she obtained her ADC-T license. Maria completed her internship at Park Avenue Center and was offered a position with our Intake Team upon graduation. Prior to her position at Park Avenue Center, Maria worked at CLUES assisting with Behavior Health Intake and MNSure navigation. She also worked with the Whittier Alliance as a Community Coordinator and Spanish Language Contractor. She was inspired to work in the substance abuse field when she saw the difficulty and barriers individuals in her community face in finding help for their addiction issues. She wants to be part of the solution.