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meet the team We Believe the Foundation of Effective Therapy Lies in the Strength of the Therapeutic Relationship
Our team of dedicated professionals is not just highly qualified in their fields; they're passionate about making a difference in the lives of those they work with. Get to know the people behind our practice who are committed to guiding you on your journey to wellness.
Our Values in Practice
Compassion + UnderstandingEvery interaction is grounded in empathy and a deep understanding of the challenges you face.
Commitment to ExcellenceContinuous learning and adherence to evidence-based practices ensure you receive the best care.
Diversity + InclusionWe celebrate and respect the diverse backgrounds and identities of both our clients and our team.
CollaborationHealing is a partnership, and we're here to support you every step of the way.
Halen Bower, MA
she/her Treats
Children, adolescents, and adults
Provides
In-office and telehealth
Specialties
OCD, Anxiety, ADHD, Autism, Phobias, Social Anxiety, Life Transitions, BFRB’s, Play Therapy, Trauma-informed Yoga and Mindfulness, Parent Coaching
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Halen completed her Master’s Degree in Counseling and Psychology at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota and is working under supervision to become a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. Halen approaches therapy from a person-centered and play-based lens, incorporating cognitive-behavioral techniques, mindfulness, yoga, and laughter. Halen is passionate about creating a welcoming space where clients and families can show up authentically and work together towards goals and healing.
Halen has also been teaching yoga and mindfulness for fourteen years. This skill set has given her many therapeutic tools to help guide children, adolescents, and adults in movement, mindfulness, and relaxation to help reduce stress, gain greater body and mind awareness, and support nervous system regulation.
In her free time, Halen enjoys cooking, traveling, yoga, and being out in nature. She also values spending quality time with friends, family, and her little dog, Peaches.
Marie Monson, MA, LPCC
she/her Treats
Adolescents and adults
Provides
In-office, telehealth, and out-of-office sessions
Specialties
Radically Open DBT Program Leader, OCD, Anxiety, Perfectionism, Social Anxiety, Depression
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Marie completed her Master’s Degree in Counseling and Psychology at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. She is passionate about helping others and emphasizes a focus on self-compassion and non-judgmental awareness. She has training in both standard DBT and Radically-Open DBT, which is her passion.
Before starting at OCDMN, where she helped implement an RO-DBT class, which became just the third of its kind in the state.
Prior to pursuing her Master’s, Marie worked as a freelance journalist and as a paralegal in plaintiff law, where she advocated for individuals who are hurting physically and mentally. She has also volunteered with Crisis Text Line to help support those suffering with high distress.
Marie loves to travel and explore the outdoors, and on weekends you can find her hiking or sitting in the grass reading while her cat Mango explores the backyard. In the winter you'll find her re-watching The Gilmore Girls on Netflix.
Haley Petersen, MA
she/her Treats
Adolescents 14+ and adults
Provides
In-office, out-of-office, in-home, and telehealth
Specialties
OCD, Phobias, Social Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Agoraphobia, Body Dysmorphic Disorder
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Haley Petersen completed her MA in Counseling and Psychological Services from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota in 2024 and her BA in English Literature from Macalester College in 2019. Haley is working under supervision to become a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor.
Haley has dedicated several years to specialized training and clinical experience in exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy for OCD and related disorders. She is trained in using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness-based interventions. Haley is passionate about providing collaborative, evidence-based care tailored to each client’s unique lived experience. She values bringing humor, creativity, and authenticity into therapy sessions and works to create a space where clients feel safe, supported, and understood.
In her personal time, Haley enjoys reading, writing, baking, and being outdoors.
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Hannah Ose earned her MSW with a focus in clinical trauma-informed care from Winona State University in 2026.
Hannah is no stranger to providing therapeutic services; as a passionate and empathetic Recreation Therapist, Hannah has used her love of leisure to help clients of all ages reach their goals. She strives to authentically connect with the people she serves and support them in their path to build acceptance and confidence.
Hannah has lived experience with OCD and anxiety, and is driven to provide clients with evidence-based and trauma-informed care that will support her clients in their healing.
In her free time, Hannah loves being in nature, spending time with her partner, snuggling her sweet dog, singing, traveling, dancing, and doing anything creative.
Erin Venker, MA, LPCC
she/her Founder and Clinical DirectorTreats
Children, adolescents, and adults
Provides
In-office, out-of-office, in-home, and telehealth
Specialties
OCD, Phobias, Hypochondriasis, GAD, Social Anxiety, Agoraphobia
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Erin Venker earned her master’s degree in Professional Clinical Counseling from St. Thomas University in 2017 and her BA in Studio Art from Saint Olaf College in 2010.
Erin has received extensive training in exposure and response prevention therapy from multiple well-known experts in the field, and has several years of experience treating OCD and related disorders. Having OCD herself, Erin has a unique ability to connect with her clients. She uses creativity and an open sense of humor, while providing highly collaborative and evidenced-based treatment that focuses on clients to help them reach their individual treatment goals.
Outside the clinic, Erin loves unleashing her creativity through art, cozying up with her lovable dogs and mischievous cat, and indulging in British TV marathons.
Javier Osuna Siles, MA
he/him Treats
Children, adolescents, and adults
Provides
In-office, out-of-office, in-home, and telehealth
Specialties
OCD, Health Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Agoraphobia, Emetophobia, Specific Phobias, Depression, Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), Moral Scrupulosity, Relationship OCD (ROCD), Perfectionism
Speaks Spanish / Habla español
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Javier Osuna obtained his Master's degree in General Health Psychology from the International University of Valencia (Spain) in 2020. He has also attended numerous conventions and specialization courses.
He has extensive experience in treating OCD and related disorders using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Exposure with Response Prevention (ERP). In his work, he prioritizes building a connection, understanding and supporting the client.
He is passionate about everything related to Psychology, especially working to improve people's quality of life. His curiosity and eagerness to learn drive him to improve in his work every day.
In his free time, Javier enjoys participating in sports of all kinds, enjoying nature through hiking and camping, and he loves traveling to experience new cultures.
Heidi Lohman, M.Ed, LPC
she/her Treats
Adolescents and adults
Provides
In-office and telehealth
Specialties
OCD, Health Anxiety, Social Anxiety, Generalized Anxiety, Identity Development, LGBTQIA+ Affirmative Care, Eating Disorders, ARFID , Parent Coaching
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Heidi Lohman is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 15 years of experience supporting adolescents and young adults, including extensive work in school mental health settings. She is passionate about creating a warm, affirming therapeutic space where clients feel safe, valued, and empowered to be their authentic selves. Heidi works from a trauma-informed and relational lens, emphasizing the mind-body connection and the importance of collaborative care.
Heidi earned her Bachelor of Science from the Helen Bader School of Social Welfare at the University of Wisconsin and her Master’s in Education with a concentration in School Counseling from Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon. She is currently working under supervision toward licensure as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC).
Heidi specializes in treating OCD—including relationship OCD and health OCD—social anxiety, generalized anxiety, identity development, disordered eating and eating disorders, and ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder). She has expertise in supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals and also offers parent coaching through the lens of the SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) model. Heidi integrates a variety of evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Narrative Therapy, while maintaining a humanistic foundation rooted in empathy and respect.
In addition to her clinical work, Heidi serves on the Board of Trustees for the Washburn Center for Children, where she focuses on expanding diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging within mental health services. Outside of the office, she enjoys exploring the outdoors with her wife and daughter—often hiking, backpacking, camping, creating, and gardening. Heidi is committed to anti-racism and anti-oppression practices, and she actively pursues ongoing learning to support clients of all identities with dignity and care.
Kaitlyn Conner, MS
She/Her Treats
Children, adolescents, and adults
Provides
In-office, telehealth, and out-of-office sessions
Specialties
OCD, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Agoraphobia, Parent Coaching, Trichotillomania (hair-pulling), Excoriation (skin-picking)
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Kaitlyn completed her Master’s Degree in 2022 and is working under supervision to become a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. She is also pursuing her Doctorate in Psychology at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Kaitlyn is passionate about combining evidence-based approaches with genuine, person-centered care. Her focus is on helping clients not only manage symptoms but also reconnect with hope and meaning in their lives.
Kaitlyn draws from Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Exposure Response Prevention (ERP). Her style is warm, collaborative, and down-to-earth. She believes that therapy works best when you feeling truly seen, supported, and less alone in what you are going through.
Kaitlyn practices from an affirming and inclusive lens, welcoming clients of all racial, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds as well as members of the LGBTQ+ community. She acknowledges the impact of systemic oppression and strives to create a space that is respectful, feels safe, respectful, and empowering.
Outside of the therapy room, Kaitlyn enjoys tending to her various houseplants, listening to podcasts, spending time with friends and family, and cuddling with her cat.
Shannon Halen, MA
She/Her Treats
Adolescents (13+) and adults
Provides
In-office, telehealth, and out-of-office sessions
Specialties
OCD, Anxiety, Identity Development and Exploration, Life Transitions, Mindfulness, Depression
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Shannon completed her BA in Psychology with a minor in Spanish in 2023. She has recently earned her MA in Counseling Psychology from the University of St. Thomas in 2025 and is currently working under supervision.
She utilizes an approach incorporating person-centered, ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, CBT (Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy) techniques., and ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention). She prides herself on creating a non-judgmental and accepting place for clients to be authentically themselves. She believes therapy is most effective when collaboration and respect are at the forefront of the work; with space for humor too.
Outside of session Shannon enjoys spending time outdoors on a run or a walk, exploring new coffee shops, crocheting, and playing with her dogs.
Ariel DeBardelaben, MA
They/ThemTreats
Ages 12+ and adults
Provides
In-office and telehealth
Specialties
OCD, Eating Disorders, Generalizes Anxiety, LGBTQ2IA+ Affirmative care, Identity Development, Trauma, Life Transitions
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Ariel completed their Master’s Degree from Saint Mary’s in 2026 and is working under supervision to become a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. They are also pursuing a Doctorate in Counseling Psychology at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.
Ariel is passionate about providing therapy to the queer community with a focus on disordered eating and experiences of gender dysphoria. They draw from CBT-E, ERP as well as psychodynamic therapies. Their style is collaborative and focus on helping clients address symptoms while also re-engaging with their relationships. Ariel practices from a liberation lens that acknowledges the systemic oppression while working to empower individuals to live their lives in a way that aligns with their values.
Ariel enjoys spending time with friends and family, watching movies, and reading fiction.
Our Assessment Team
Dr. Melissa Treff
she/her Assessment Specialist, Licensed PsychologistProvides
Autism, ADHD, and OCD assessments for ages 6 and up
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Hi there, I’m Dr. Melissa Treff. I’m deeply passionate about helping people better understand and improve their mental well-being.
Through personalized psychological assessments, I aim to provide clear insights that are both practical and meaningful to you. With years of experience, I take a compassionate, client-centered approach in working with you.
Together, we’ll explore your emotional health, cognitive strengths, and overall mental state. Whether you're looking for guidance on personal growth, want to improve your workplace dynamics, or need recommendations for better performance at school, I’m here to help you gain a deeper understanding of yourself and support your journey toward positive change.
Dr. Sarah Cherwien Hoel
she/her Assessment Specialist, Licensed PsychologistProvides
Autism, ADHD, and OCD assessments for ages 18 and up
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Dr. Sarah Cherwien Hoel graduated with her Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology in 2008 and Doctoral Degree in Counseling Psychology in 2012, both from the University of St. Thomas. She currently teaches as an adjunct professor at the University of St. Thomas and supervises masters and doctoral level students and clinicians.
Dr. Cherwien Hoel believes in the value of a personalized, comprehensive assessment. Her assessment approach is relational and collaborative. She partners with each individual to help foster new insights and identify pathways to success.
Operations & Outreach
We specialize in evidence-based treatments for OCD, tailored to the needs of each individual.
Our compassionate team is dedicated to supporting you through your journey toward recovery.
OCD & Anxiety Center of Minnesota
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OCD & Anxiety Center of Minnesota •
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Recognizing OCD in oneself or a loved one is the first step toward healing.
If you or someone you know is struggling with obsessive-compulsive disorder, know that help is available. Together, we can work towards a life not defined by OCD.
