Lindsay Boettger, MA, LPCC
Program Director Clinical Services
I received a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology in 2012 from Argosy University with a dual focus on treating co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and a board approved supervisor.
I worked as an outpatient therapist at Hoffmann Counseling Services (previously St. Peter Counseling) after receiving my degree and returned in 2018 as a clinical supervisor. I now direct the outpatient clinical services. I have additional experience in private and community mental health clinics.
I have experience treating a variety of concerns for all ages including anxiety, depression, and phase of life problems, with areas of expertise including birth through age 5, trauma, attachment, neurodevelopmental concerns including ADHD and Autism, parenting and family therapy, and problem behaviors related to sex and sexuality.
I am a registered provider of Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), have completed in depth training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and DC 0-5, with additional training to provide play therapy, and play therapy based on the principles of Theraplay©
I have a passion for early intervention, preventative care, and development, which include the development of future therapists. I value helping children return to a healthy trajectory with the help of their primary caregivers. It is fulfilling to supervise clinical trainees and get a chance to share their journey toward independent licensure and practice.
I live in New Ulm, with my husband, three kids, and pets. I enjoy anything related to being outdoors and spending time with family. I especially enjoy visiting state parks and rock hunting.
Taylor Johnson, MS, LICSW
Clinical Supervisor
I received my undergraduate degree in Social Work from St. Cloud State University in 2018 before going on to receive my Master's in Social Work. I received my Master of Social Work in 2020 from Minnesota State University Mankato. I am a Licensed Clinical Independent Social Worker (LICSW).
I have worked as an outpatient therapist at Hoffmann Counseling Services (HCS) since receiving my degree. My role with HCS has evolved throughout my years, as I am now a Clinical Supervisor.
I have a passion for helping others find their inner strengths and empowering them to make positive changes in their lives. I approach clients with empathy and a deep understanding of their unique needs and challenges. I have experience working with youth, adolescents, older adults, and families.
I have experience treating a variety of concerns for all ages including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress. I received formal training in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), a cutting-edge and highly effective approach to trauma resolution and emotional healing.
I live in Mankato with my husband. I enjoy spending time with my family, skiing, camping, going to the lake, and playing pickle ball.
Katie Dorschner, MSW, LICSW
Therapist
I obtained a Bachelors of Social Work degree from Minnesota State University Moorhead and a Master of Social Work degree from the University of North Dakota. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
My previous experience has allowed me to work with people in many stages of their lives. I have a special interest in working with children and treating trauma. I have completed training for DC 0-5 (birth to 5-year-olds) and Parent and Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). I have obtained additional training in the treatment of trauma and play therapy. I have experience working with concerns related to depression, anxiety, trauma, mood, disruptive behaviors, and parenting.
I enjoy utilizing art, movement, play, imagery, and creativity within therapy. I believe all people have strengths that they can draw from to better their lives. I value regular self-care as vital to mental health. I primarily borrow approaches from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical and Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Narrative Therapy.
I live in New Ulm, with my family of 6. I love spending my spare time reading, running with my dog, doing something crafty, or practicing yoga. I enjoy traveling and hope to "touch grass" in many more places throughout my lifetime.
Leah Preisinger, BA
Mental Health Practitioner
I graduated from St. Cloud State University May of 2023 and received a Bachelor of Arts in psychology. I am currently attending the University of North Dakota to receive my Master of Arts in Counseling.
I have experience working with various groups of children at a local daycare, park and recreation department, and as a dance coach. Last year, I completed an internship with Brown County Human Services. I have been able to work with children from many different backgrounds including anxiety, depression, trauma, autism, ADHD, and other various developmental and neurological disorders.
I live in New Ulm and am the New Ulm High School Volunteer Dance Coach. In my spare time, I love to travel and spend time with my friends and family.
Hayli Littlehead, MS
Therapist
I received a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2021 from Minnesota State University of Mankato. I am currently a Master Trainee receiving supervision on track to receive a License in Professional Clinical Counseling (LPCC).
I worked as an outpatient therapist at a private mental health clinic after receiving my degree. I now work as an outpatient therapist at Hoffmann Counseling Services of Waseca.
I have experience treating a variety of concerns for all ages including anxiety, depression, grief recovery, trauma, substance abuse and misuse, and couple's therapy. I also have additional experience with CTSS and skills work with children and adolescents.
I enjoy helping individuals reach their full potential and believe that each client has the tools they need to be successful within themselves. I have a passion for assisting individuals through their unresolved grief and trauma using many different techniques. I value being able to create a safe and comfortable space for each individual and ensuring that individuals feel heard and important.
I live in Mankato with my husband and two cats. I enjoy sewing, baking, playing musical instruments, and spending time with friends and family.
Brenda Tollefson, BS
Mental Health Practitioner
I received an Associate of Arts in Education, and a Bachelor's of Science in Psychology from Bemidji State University.
I worked as a paraprofessional in the Therapeutic and DCD (Developmental Cognitive Disability) classrooms in Waseca Public Schools, as well as NRHEG for 5 years. I started with Hoffmann Counseling Services in outpatient as a Mental Health Practitioner in March 2022. I have worked with children and adults of all ages and abilities.
I live in Waseca, with my two school age kids, 3 cats, and 4 ducks. I enjoy engaging in activities outdoors and often have sessions outside when possible. My favorite hobbies include kayaking, rock climbing, and anything involving arts and crafts.
Alex Van Thuyne, BA
Mental Health Practitioner
I received a Bachelor’s of Art in Psychology in 2021 from Minnesota State University,Mankato. Before this, I was the People Department Manager at Mcdonald’s in Mankato.
I have not had much previous experience / jobs within the mental health community prior to becoming a Mental Health Practitioner at Hoffmann Counseling Services in 2022, however; I am well trained in managing and assisting multiple individuals in high-stress environments.
I am passionate about helping people to start their healing journeys and to achieve their goals! Working to help children in general, but also when it comes to interacting with their caregivers /family / friends, is one of my favorite things to do! I typically work better with children, but I am open to working with older populations as well!
I am currently living by myself in the downtown Mankato area, but I will soon be living with one kitty. I love cats, video games, movies, going for hikes, and practicing self-care!
Johnathan Harris, MS, LPCC
Therapist
I graduated from St. Cloud State University in 2021 with a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor.
I have worked as a therapist at the Hoffmann Counseling Services office in Mankato since November 2021. I have also worked as a part-time therapist at the Leo Hoffmann Center residential treatment program from March 2022 to August 2022. Prior to working for Hoffmann, I interned as a group and individual therapist for the Safety Center in Bloomington.
I currently work with clients of varying ages and backgrounds. I have worked with clients with varying difficulties including depression, anxiety, trauma, bipolar, borderline personality disorder, and sexual behaviors.
I have lived in Minnesota all of my life. I enjoy traveling with my wife, playing fetch with my dog, and camping with my family.
Michele Biehn-Recker, BS
Mental Health Practitioner
I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Juvenile Justice, which I received in 2008.
I have experience working with juvenile sex offenders in a residential setting, adults, and children with many different backgrounds including anxiety, depression, trauma, autism, ADHD, and other various developmental and neurological disorders.
I live in North Mankato with my husband of 20 years, 17-year-old daughter, and Australian Shepherd, Cooper. I enjoy spending time with my grandchildren, fishing, reading, the MN Vikings, and downhill skiing.
Jake Johnson, BA
Clinical Trainee
I received my Bachelor of Social Work from Mankato State University in 2020 and am finishing my Master of Social Work from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.
I am currently completing my clinical internship and have previously worked as a Mental Health Practitioner at Hoffmann Counseling Services since October 2022. I have also previously worked as a Behavioral Therapist at Minnesota Autism Center. I have worked with a wide variety of clients during my time at Hoffmann Counseling Services but I specialize in working with children or adolescents who have been diagnosed with Autism and ADHD.
I strive to help my clients achieve stability in their day-to-day life.
I live in Mankato with my partner and two cats. I enjoy golfing, hiking, video games, and exercising. I am currently obsessing over my fantasy football team.
Georgia Illa, MS
Therapist
I received my Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling in 2024 from Minnesota State University, Mankato. I am working towards becoming a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). I received my Bachelor of Arts from Central College in Pella, IA with a major in Psychology and minor in Sociology in 2021.
I believe in the uniqueness of each individual and use this as a strength in my therapeutic approach. I am person-centered, value the relationships I create, and find trust and respect go a long way in therapy. I meet my clients where they are at, while also challenging them to grow, evolve, and lean into the discomfort of change. I am honored to be part of your process and lifelong development!
Prior to Hoffmann Counseling Services, I had my internship experience at Adult, Child, and Family Services in Mankato, MN. Additionally, I have two years of experience working with children ages 2-10 years old with autism, providing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). I have training in DC: 0-5, SAF-T, and Psychological First Aid (PFA).
I have experience working with clients with concerns related to anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, PTSD, autism, and life changes and adjustments.
A little bit about me: I love traveling and studied abroad in Wales during college! In my free time I enjoy spending time with family and friends.
Margie "Liz" Coopman, BA
Mental Health Practitioner
I graduated from Concordia University, St. Paul May 2023 and received my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.
I have experience working with children at Leo A Hoffmann Center's residential program. I also have experience working with adults in residential and outpatient settings and job coaching experiences. I have experience working with individuals with various mental health concerns.