Lending Hands Community Services Staff

Danielle was born and raised in Sauk Centre, Minnesota. Being raised in a family-based childcare, Danielle found a passion for working with children and families. She was often drawn to children who are spirited or determined, much like herself! As a young child, Danielle always wanted to teach early childhood. Although her dream to become an educator changed, Danielle carries out her passion for working with children and families today. 

Danielle graduated from Sauk Centre High School in 2002 and continued her education career at the University of Minnesota, Morris. Just prior to being accepted into the Education Department, Danielle discovered a new passion of psychology. In 2005, Danielle graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. As part of her education, Danielle interned as Youth Counselor with the St. Cloud Children's Home. After interning, Danielle accepted a position as a Youth Counselor, working with children ages 8-18 in both secure and non-secure units.

In 2006, Danielle was accepted into the Marriage and Family Therapy Program at St. Cloud State University. She graduated in May 2008 with a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy. Shortly after graduation, Danielle accepted a position with Stellher Human Services in Bemidji as a Mental Health Practitioner in the Cass Lake/Bena School District. Although she loved the job, Danielle relocated in December to start her family closer to home. Danielle accepted a position as a Mental Health Practitioner with Northern Pines Mental Health Center in January 2009. Working as a school-based practitioner in the Staples/Motley School District, Danielle was able to gain valuable knowledge and skills working with children, families, and schools. She continued to work towards independent licensure through clinical supervision and experience. 

In February 2013, Danielle was approved by the Minnesota Board of Marriage and Family Therapy as an independently licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Danielle accepted the position of Todd County Coordinator in February 2013. As part of the coordination services, Danielle supervised the Children's Therapeutic Support Services staff including school based and in-home mental health. In addition, Danielle supervised the Children's Mental Health Case Management Team. As part of coordination, Danielle was able to build relationships with local resources including county and school staff. 

Once independently licensed, Danielle was presented with an amazing opportunity to start a private practice. The opportunity allowed Danielle to provide psychotherapy services alongside professionals at Psychological Associates of Alexandria. In June 2014, Danielle transitioned to Alexandria, Minnesota to begin her practice.  While there, Danielle provided individual and family psychotherapy to local families. Danielle utilized continuing education to complete the requirements to become a Clinical Supervisor for Marriage and Family Therapists (MFT) and Professional Counselor licensure candidates. In addition, Danielle began providing supervision for Todd County Health and Human Services Mental Health Case Managers. 

Although the opportunities in Alexandria were great, Danielle's heart has always belonged to the Todd County area. In June of 2018, Danielle returned to Todd County opening an office just south of Long Prairie. At the beginning, Danielle offered individual and family therapy to individuals and families in the community. In February 2020, Danielle was able to purchase the building and update to allow for additional services. Despite Coronavirus, Danielle was able to open the office for Supervised Parenting Time. 

Like above, Danielle's childhood dream was to become an educator. Through experience, Danielle found a passion for working with children and families. After being asked to speak for a local Early Childhood Family Education program, Danielle recognized her passion for working with parents as well. Danielle accepted a position at the Osakis Public School as a Parent Educator. In addition to teaching in Osakis, Danielle found herself working in two additional schools, Sauk Centre Elementary and Long Prairie/Grey Eagle Elementary (with Freshwater Education District). Danielle soon found herself enrolled in the University of Minnesota's Parent and Family Education Program. Danielle graduated in May 2020 with a Master of Education.

Danielle not only has a passion for working with others, but she also has a desire to learn. Through her career, Danielle witnessed a great deal of family and parental conflict, often impacting children. In 2020, Danielle began to explore the options to help high conflict families and came upon Alternative Dispute Resolution training. After completing the trainings, Danielle was able to register as a Qualified Neutral for the State of Minnesota. With this, Danielle is able to provide additional services of Parenting Consulting, Parenting Time Expediting, Family Mediation, Custody Evaluations, and Parental Capacity Evaluations.