Orka Therapists
Therapist
Alexis Bennett, MSW, LICSW
Life is hard. We live in a complex world that can be stressful and overwhelming. Most of us were never taught the tools to manage emotional and mental challenges, which can lead to anxiety and depression. The good news is that you are not alone! Let Alexis help you uncover what’s keeping you from living your best life.
Alexis has the privilege of working with teens, parents and families in a variety of settings. She enjoys working with teen and young adults who have difficulty managing relationships, school performance decline, increased fighting with parents/siblings, anxiety & depression. Stress can be brought to light in a variety of ways, oftentimes challenging, with confusion as to where it’s coming from and why they feel the way they do. Let Alexis help your teen/young adult uncover what’s bothering them and build a plan for managing the many stressors that come their way in a supportive and productive environment. She also has extensive experience working with young adults with special needs and their family support system.
Alexis has a unique ability to relate to her clients on a personal level. She views therapy as a collaborative process that can lead to growth. Her style includes humor (you often laugh together), warmth, and provides a safe space for her clients to feel welcomed, heard and validated. Alexis wants to help young people find new ways of approaching - and healthier ways of coping with - problems during times of life that are full of ups and downs. Whether it be challenges at home, sibling rivalry, friendship making and keeping, fitting in, or learning how to communicate best, Alexis is a soft spot to land each week. Let her help carry the weight!
Alexis Bennett is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with ten years of experience in the mental health field. She received her Master’s degree in Social Work from St Catherine University in 2012 and her Bachelor of Arts degree from Westmont College in Santa Barbara, CA in Communication Studies.
When not in session, Alexis enjoys spending time with her husband, three kids and golden retriever, Luna. You can find her on a run with friends, in a hockey rink cheering her son and daughter on, or reading a book curled up on the couch.
“I am not afraid of storms for I am learning how to sail my ship”
-Louisa May Alcott
Therapist
Leah Pillsbury, MSW, LICSW
Life throws a lot our way and sometimes it can be hard to know how to handle it all. Talking with someone can provide a supportive environment to learn how to manage emotional and stressful challenges. Leah’s goal for her clients is to help them achieve their goals and live their best life! Leah has a unique ability to relate to her clients on a personal level and views therapy as a collaborative process that leads to growth. Her style includes authenticity, humor, warmth, and provides a safe space for clients to feel welcomed, heard and validated.
Leah has extensive experience and enjoys working with adolescents and young adults who are struggling with life transitions, managing relationships, school concerns, grief and loss, anxiety and depression. She believes in the healing value of being heard and understood. She is here to support you with compassion and expertise.
Leah also has extensive experience working with individuals who have cancer and/or a chronic illness. Common issues for the newly diagnosed patient include feelings of distress, anxiety, fear and grief. Caregivers can experience those as well but are often overlooked in the shadow of the patient’s medical treatment. Your journey is unique, and Leah wants to listen.
Leah is a therapist with over 18 years of experience in the mental health field. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Westmont College and a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California.
When she is not doing therapy, Leah enjoys spending time with her husband and 2 children, extended family and friends.
**Currently not accepting new clients.
“We don’t have to do all of it alone. We were never meant to.” – Brené Brown
Therapist
Anne Weerasinghe, MSW, LICSW
Anne believes in the power of a therapeutic relationship completely free of judgment. Oftentimes, we filter what we say to our friends or family for fear of how it may impact our relationships. Anne strives to create that safe space where you can speak your mind without filter or judgment. Anne utilizes a strengths-based perspective, while meeting clients with compassion, honesty, curiosity, acceptance, and humor. There is nothing you can say that would make Anne think of you as a bad person, or someone unworthy of happiness.
Throughout Anne’s career, she has had the privilege of working in the field of medical social work, working with people of all ages facing life-changing health conditions, and their families. With a medical diagnosis can come new or existing anxiety, depression, and grief and loss. She has walked side by side with families undergoing this unexpected journey to provide comfort, adjustment to illness, psychoeducation, and meaning-making to process the complicated emotions that often accompany a life that was not envisioned for you or your loved one. Anne can provide a safe space to grieve your lost dreams while helping you cope and find meaning in new ones.
In addition to her medical social work experience, Anne has spent the last two years working in elementary education, possibly the two most stressful years for students in decades. Anne provided counseling for children who experienced anxiety and depression as they were forced to adjust to the ever changing expectations, learning environments, and social isolation that proved more challenging than many of us could have imagined.
Anne utilizes a variety of evidence-based therapeutic techniques to meet the individual needs of her clients and has additional training in Exposure and Response Prevention (EX/RP) for those struggling with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
Anne is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with 12+ years of experience. She received her Masters Degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of St. Thomas/St. Catherine’s University in 2009 and her Bachelors of Science Degree in Family Social Science from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.
In her free time, Anne loves traveling and spending time with her husband, two daughters, and a house full of pets.
Therapist
Melissa Seidel MSW, LICSW
Melissa Seidel is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker who has over 10 years of experience providing mental health services for children, adolescents and families in a variety of settings, including: in-home, inpatient, partial-hospitalization, outpatient clinics and schools. Melissa received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from The University of Northwestern - St. Paul and her Master’s degree in Social Work from St. Catherine University/University of St. Thomas.
Melissa comes from a strengths-based perspective and uses compassion, authenticity, creativity, and humor in her work. In your session, you can expect Melissa to hold space for whatever you are needing in that moment. Her goal is to create a safe, supportive environment in which her client can use to heal and grow.
Melissa uses a variety of therapeutic techniques depending on what works best with the client she is working with. Her therapeutic approach integrates cognitive-behavioral techniques, psycho-education, psychodynamic and solution-focused strategies. She also utilizes Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Mindfulness.
Melissa is in the process of becoming certified in Perinatal Mental Health through Postpartum Support International (PSI). She has a passion for working with pregnant and postpartum clients and is honored to walk through this life change with clients.
Melissa also commonly works with adolescents, teenagers and adults who are experiencing depression, anxiety, ADHD, trauma-related issues, transitions and life changes, gender and sexuality identity issues, grief and loss, communication difficulties, relationship concerns and more. The awkward middle school age to young adulthood is her jam!
When not working, Melissa enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, cheering on the Minnesota Wild, traveling and listening to music.
“Trust: In these wild and new unknowns, your story is still taking shape.” - Morgan Harper Nichols
Therapist
Heidi Carsello, MSW, LICSW
As your therapist Heidi will be there to listen and help you explore your feelings. She will build upon your strengths in helping you to identify options. She will assist you in discovering what is within your control and provide support as you take steps forward, as well as when/if there is a backward slide. Heidi will help in determining how you got here, however, your focus will be on where you go from here.
It is her belief that the key to success in therapy is found within the relationship between the therapist and client. One of her best qualities is her ability to connect with people. Heidi seems to make friends wherever she goes. People describe her as warm, approachable, and non-judgmental, with a unique ability to make people feel special, valued, and heard.
Heidi holds a Bachelor’s in Social Work from the College of St. Benedict/St. John’s University and a Master’s in Social Work from University of St. Thomas/College of St. Catherine. Heidi has extensive experience as a school social worker in Minneapolis Public Schools, which comes with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in mental health intervention, human growth and behavior, family dynamics, and community resources that she will bring into her therapeutic practice. She has worked with students with a vast range of needs and ability levels, diverse backgrounds, and socioeconomic classes. Heidi’s areas of strength include working with anxiety, depression, LGBTQ+, trauma, ADHD, intellectual disabilities, and teacher burnout.
Heidi strives to find a work-life balance. She enjoys spending time with family and friends. She soaks up as much sunshine as possible by running, gardening, being at the lake, or throwing the ball to her dog. She is a crafter and a hobby interior designer-always looking for ways to make their spaces welcoming, homey, and having her house full of loved ones. She meditates daily and makes every effort to live in each moment. She has an attitude of gratitude and knows it isn’t happy people who are grateful, it’s grateful people who are happy.
I believe in not sweating the small stuff. As Michel J Fox says, “There’s no point in worrying because if something [bad] does happen, then you have lived it twice.”
Therapist
Christy Greene, MA, LPCC
So many factors in our outer world can impact how we see ourselves and consequently feel about ourselves in our inner world. I see it a privilege to show you how to easily feel right and whole being your authentic self. For some, this is the first time knowing and loving exactly who you are and for others it’s an overdue return home. Sometimes, this looks like uncovering and letting go of some personality and behavior patterns, leaning into your strengths, and identifying useful coping skills. Or, possibly working through emotional pain, trauma, or barriers that prevent you from being aligned with your essential self.
Since 2018, Christy has earned the opportunity to assist individuals in their journey in inpatient, intensive outpatient, psychiatric, and outpatient clinic settings. Receiving her undergrad from St Mary’s in Psychology and grad degree in Counseling Psychology for Co-occurring Disorders from Adler Graduate School, understanding “the why” has always been of interest. Taking consideration of one’s spiritual and cultural beliefs/identities, Christy is often honored to guide those with goals involving relationships, addiction/recovery, gender/sex, self-worth/love, honing intuition, trauma, symptoms of neurodivergence and motivation without perfectionism.
Christy employs a Humanistic and biopsychosocial approach to work in tandem with the client’s comfort level and desired outcomes, inclusive of, but not limited to; CBT/DBT/ACT, mindfulness/meditation, Polyvagal Theory, Brainspotting, somatic experiencing, strengths-driven, client-centered, compassion-focused, neurolinguistic programming and Ego State. Christy’s ideal clients are open to the therapy process and that it includes dedication and priority. She knows her clients possess all they need to thrive and continues to be honored to hold the map while they navigate getting there and finding their way back.
Christy enjoys traveling with friends and family, plant-based cooking and baking, playing golf, hiking, going to shows, living in gratitude and being in the company of animals.
"When we create peace and harmony and balance in our minds, we will find it in our lives." Louise Hay
Therapist
Audrey Wolfgramm MA, LPCC
Audrey is a big believer in the power of the therapeutic relationship. She creates an environment free of judgment where clients can speak their mind without criticism. Audrey utilizes a strengths-based perspective, while meeting clients with genuine compassion, honesty, acceptance, and humor. Audrey's goal is to create a supportive environment where her clients can heal and flourish.
Audrey obtained her Masters degree in Counseling Psychology from Adler Graduate School in Minnetonka Minnesota and her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Ethnic Studies from Metropolitan State University in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
Audrey works with a wide range of adults who are experiencing stress, depression, anxiety, life changes, communication difficulties, relationship concerns and more.
When not in session, Audrey enjoys spending time with her wonderful husband, two fantastic kids and handsome German Shepherd, Yoshi. You can find her on a walk with friends at the lake, on a trip with her family or reading a great book.
Audrey is a pre-licensed professional counselor being supervised by Orka Therapist and Owner Leah Pillsbury.
Psychologist
Marla Martin, PsyD, LP
Dr. Martin earned her M.A. in counseling psychology from Northwest University in Kirkland, WA and her PsyD in counseling psychology from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. She completed training at the University of Minnesota Medical School Pediatric Psychology Department and completed her clinical internship and post-doctoral fellowship at Allina Health where she trained in the Child & Adolescent department providing individual therapy and psychological testing.
She enjoys working with clients with a wide range of presenting issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, adoption concerns, and ADHD. Dr. Martin takes a nurturing and strength-based approach to evaluating and treating developmental, emotional, and psychological disorders. Dr. Martin values incorporating evidence-based practices and cultural considerations when developing recommendations for client-specific ongoing care.
Email — LinkedIn
Therapist
Bailey Alston, MSW, LGSW
Bailey believes in the power of connection and collaboration to help clients build resilience and overcome obstacles. She practices through a strength based, solution focused, and holistic lens which encompasses an individual's emotional, physical, social, and spiritual well-being. Her mission is to help clients navigate life’s challenges with confidence and hope. As a firm believer in the strength of the therapeutic relationship, she strives to create a warm, genuine, non-judgemental, safe, and honest environment for clients.
Bailey is a Licensed Graduate Social Worker who received her Master’s of Social Work degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato and her Undergraduate degree in Interpersonal Communication and Sociology from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. She has spent nine years in school social work which continues to provide her with a wide range of experience working with mental health intervention, human behavior, connection to community resources, anxiety, depression, familial changes, trauma, and a strong commitment to creating an all-inclusive environment.
Bailey’s ideal clients are young adults, adults, and couples working through life transitions, anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, managing relationships, teacher burnout, and more. As a former collegiate athlete, Bailey also has a passion for mental health within sports and helping athletes work through any mental health barriers they may encounter in and outside of their sport(s).
When not in session, Bailey enjoys spending time with her son, two dogs, cooking, adding plants to her plant collection, gardening, and traveling. She finds peace in meditation, being in nature, and spending time with friends and family.
"When the storm is done, may you realize that you have always been the sun"- Quianna Perez
Email
Therapist
Jennifer Huber, MSW, LISW
Jenny is a Licensed Independent Social Worker who has over 16 years of experience working with children, young adults, and families, 13 of those years as a School Social Worker. In addition to school social work, she also has experience providing support services to youth experiencing homelessness as well as providing mental health treatment to youth in a residential treatment setting.
Jenny’s treatment approach is rooted in a strengths-based perspective and a desire to work with clients toward their goals. She has extensive experience working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, executive functioning challenges, life transitions, trauma, managing peer relationships, and difficulty with family dynamics as well as extensive experience working with students with special needs and their families and support systems. Jenny seeks to build upon clients’ strengths while helping individuals identify options and problem-solve. Life is full of ups and downs and Jenny’s goal is to create a warm, supportive, non-judgmental space and to work together with clients to create positive, sustainable strategies for navigating and managing life’s challenges.
Jenny has a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Minnesota. She is a pre-licensed clinical social worker being supervised by Orka owners.
In her free time, Jenny enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, reading, and enjoying the great outdoors.
Therapist
Kevin King, MAFT
Kevin King is a Licensed Associate of Marriage and Family Therapy and a graduate of Adler Graduate School and has his undergraduate degree from Bethel University. Kevin has experience working with addiction, anxiety, depression, divorce, family therapy and couples therapy. He is passionate about working with couples and adolescents in high conflict family systems. He considers it his life’s work to help clients regain their lives and be free from codependency and shame as they work on relationship issues such as communication and intimacy.
Therapist
Laura Chapeau MSW, LISW
Laura is a Licensed Independent Social Worker with over twelve years of experience working with families and children in a variety of settings. Laura has a strengths-based perspective and a desire to support clients in reaching their goals and being their best selves. Laura believes in the ability of clients to grow through the therapeutic process, and to come away feeling confident and empowered. We all experience challenges that we may not feel equipped to face. However, in a safe and supportive environment, we can learn and practice new ways to manage these situations.
Laura’s style includes warmth, authenticity and providing a safe place for clients to feel heard and validated. She has experience working with individuals in the adoption triad, those considering or in the midst of the adoption process, and following placement transition. Throughout adoption transition, it is common for families to experience increased stress, grief, and challenges related to trauma and attachment. Laura desires to support you through the process, pre-and-post placement.
Laura also has experience supporting families parenting children with special needs, as well as families facing a range of other parenting challenges. She desires to support you as you seek growth in your parenting journey.
Laura also enjoys working with adolescents and young adults who are struggling with life transitions, managing relationships, school concerns, anxiety, and depression. She believes in the healing value of being heard and understood, and is here to support you with compassion.
Laura has a Master's degree in Social Work from Augsburg College. She has a Permanency and Adoption Competency Certification from the University of Minnesota and a Parent Coaching Certification. She is currently completing training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
When she is not doing therapy, Laura enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, reading, traveling, and exploring nature together.
Laura is a pre-licensed clinical social worker being supervised by Orka Therapist and Owner, Leah Pillsbury.