We are building a team of professionals who share our desire to help intense, sensitive gifted children and adults and their families.
Mary L. Wandrei, PhD, LP
My specialization in the field of gifted and talented individuals began after I became a parent in 2003, developed through extensive reading and continuing education, and continues to be enriched by regular, formal consultation with other GT specialists in a variety of fields. I also find it essential to continue my learning through discussions with parents, educators, health professionals, and gifted children and adults when I participate in and speak at local, state, and national conferences.
Rebecca Blaede, MA, LMFT
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with experience counseling a diverse range of clients: adults, adolescents, families, and couples in residential treatment, home-based treatment, and outpatient therapy. I received my Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Bethel University. I have been licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist by the State of Minnesota since 2015. I have a passion for getting to know people and learning the stories that make each individual unique. If you need help finding new ways to cope, want to process through life events, improve relationships, increase your self-awareness, or hope to find some healing, I would love to work with you to determine the best way for you to reach your goals.
Abby Olson, RD, LD, CLT
I specialize in the support of adult (18 years old+) clients working through recovery of eating disorders and disordered eating. I focus on taking care of and restoring gut function for better overall physical and mental health, building a balanced relationship with food, reconnecting with the body’s nutritional needs, and nourishing the body to its fullest. I believe that nutrition encompasses all areas of health. What we eat and how we approach food can provide our bodies, minds, and spirits with a balanced way of life. Food is nourishing and purposeful, but also enjoyable and fun. When our relationships with food become emotional, disconnected, or physically challenging, we need to find our way back to balancing the power of food and its role in our lives.
Tina Van Erp, MEd
I am a Gifted Learner Coach, Learning Specialist and Teacher Trainer with 20 years of experience supporting gifted learners and their families. As The River® Coach, I empower gifted learners through knowledge of themselves as learners, a positive relationship with learning and developing their own style of self-advocacy.
Andrew Hoistad, MA
I am grounded, mindful, great at listening, compassionate, and a hands-on learner. I have been inspired to work with the neurodiverse and gifted community after working for years in the mental health field. This work also inspired me to further my education and pursue my degree in counseling. I value exploration, being in the moment, forming connections, existentialism, empathy, and compassion. I enjoy connecting with nature, being active, woodworking, trivia, playing with our foster animals, and any new experiences. I completed an MA in Counseling and Psychological Services from Saint Mary’s University in May 2024 and am currently working under the supervision of Mary Wandrei, PhD, LP.
To request services with Andrew, please email CottonwoodCenter@proton.me or call 651-755-7875.
Cascia Berman, MA
As the parent of two teenagers with ADHD, I understand the unique challenges that families face when navigating systems not designed to accommodate the neurodivergent. I chose to pursue a career as a therapist, in part, to help guide children and parents through these challenges. My goal is to assist clients (both youth and adults) with whatever makes life feel difficult and to hold a healing space for understanding and self-discovery. I am an avid reader and music enthusiast, and I love relaxing with my family on Minnesota’s beautiful north shore. I obtained my MA in Counseling and Psychological Services from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota in May 2024 and am currently working under the supervision of Mary Wandrei, PhD, LP.
To request services with Cascia, please email CottonwoodCenter@proton.me or call 651-755-7875.
Melody Olson, MA
I am a musician, community builder, empath, and restorative thinker. I highly value “in the moment” experiences with people where deep connections are made and new insights are formed. I am a highly sensitive person (HSP) with deep appreciation for the HSP community and the gifts we bring to the world. I believe in therapy so deeply that I decided to uproot my career as a Music & Arts Director at 40 and dive into a vocation where I create spaces for welcome, belonging, and healing through the beauty of a therapeutic relationship. I love having fun, laughing, singing, playing, creating, and feeling all my deep feelings. As a therapist, I hope to help people integrate deeply with their truest selves by learning to love their minds, bodies, and souls, just as they are. I am also a humanist/existentialist who believes everyone is inherently good and that finding meaning in your life will help you live your best life. I completed an MA in Counseling and Psychological Services from Saint Mary’s University in December 2023 and am currently working under the supervision of Mary Wandrei, PhD, LP.
To request services with Melody, please email CottonwoodCenter@proton.me or call 651-755-7875.
Mike Smith, BA
I’m transitioning into the mental health field after 20 years of experience working in the theater industry. Most of that time was spent behind the scenes helping performing artists tell their stories on stage. In 2017, I moved back to Minnesota to manage auditoriums and theater programs for school districts. Working directly with adolescents over the past few years inspired me to change careers, as I saw firsthand the need for more therapists who work with kids. I draw on my theatrical experience to deliver therapy focused on one’s own self-narrative and how we can be empowered to write our own stories. I am currently a graduate student at Saint Mary’s University working under the supervision of Dr. Mary Wandrei, and I am scheduled to graduate with my MA in Counseling and Psychological Services in May of 2025.
To request services with Mike, please email CottonwoodCenter@proton.me or call 651-755-7875.
Sam Lorang, MA
I am a creative at heart with experience as both an illustrator and a chef. The birth of my son prompted me to look inward and assess where my skills and passion really lie, and it is with people. I love people- their histories, and their stories, and especially how they relate to themselves and others. This has led me to a career as a counselor. I completed my Master's degree in counseling at St. Mary's University of Minnesota in 2023. I am now working towards my licensure under Dr. Mary Wandrei, PhD, LP. I am very excited to be working with gifted and neurodivergent young people and their families. I look forward to meeting and working alongside you. I view the therapeutic relationship as a sacred time where we are able to share ourselves and learn from each other.
To request services with Sam, please email CottonwoodCenter@proton.me or call 651-755-7875.