Tricia Johnson, MSW, LICSW
Executive Director

Tricia initially began working with the Leo A. Hoffmann agency in 2011 as a youth counselor in the Hoffmann Center residential treatment program. Tricia then began as a therapist in the St. Peter Counseling Center program in 2015, following a brief 6 month break from working at LAHC. Tricia obtained her Bachelor of Social Work degree and she went on to obtain her Master of Social Work degree, both from Minnesota State University- Mankato. Tricia brings a professional background that is diverse and includes working with children and their families with concerns ranging from communication to trauma and child problem sexual behavior. Other areas of experience include: mental health therapy with adults, children, and families, social skills training (CTSS & ARMHS) with children and adults, serving people with intellectual disabilities co-occurring with mental illness, residential and outpatient treatment for adolescent boys, policy and accreditation work, and services for the elderly population. Tricia is licensed as an LICSW and provides clinical supervision to newly licensed clinician and other mental health practitioners. She has formal training in play therapy and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT).

Kara Kocmick MSW, CTRS, LICSW
Clinical Supervisor

As a therapist, I engage in a therapeutic relationship to help support people throughout their journey with mental wellness and self-discovery. Throughout this journey I support with compassion, empathy, and active listening. As we embark on this journey I help guide to build insight into current patterns to explore how they are currently impacting our overall well-being and support throughout the discovery of positive changes. I work with adolescents and adults that have difficulty managing relationships, emotions, and life transitions. Additionally, I also focus on sex-specific programming assisting in the exploration of healthy boundaries, relationships, and sexuality. Throughout my practice, I support clients in understanding how their environment impacts their mental wellness and general well-being.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. I have experience serving individuals that have difficulties with anxiety, depression, effects of past trauma, and challenges with relational boundaries. My model for change is increasing the insight of the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and pulling from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. This integrative approach allows me to support my clients in the best way that serves them.

Peggy Brekke
Office Manager/AR Billing Specialist

Kelliann Kutschke, MSW, LGSW
Therapist

I have a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Corrections and Law Enforcement and a Master’s in Social Work both obtained from Minnesota State University, Mankato. I have experience with youth and adolescents in the area of social skills (CTSS), past trauma, sexualized behaviors, and youth and adolescents who have been involved with the criminal justice system. I enjoy helping clients find their strengths and empowering them to make positive changes in their lives. I believe in providing a safe environment for my clients to thrive and develop the appropriate skills and tools to make these positive changes. I enjoy being outdoors, learning, and spending time with my family during my free time. I believe incorporating self-care and being intentional with it is important to everyone’s mental health.

Ben Heeringa
Recreation Coordinator

Ben Heeringa graduated from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse with a degree in Therapeutic Recreation in December of 2020 and began working at the Leo A. Hoffmann Center in April 2021. Before being employed by Leo A. Hoffmann Center, Ben spent time interning at an inpatient behavioral health unit where he used recreation to enhance the mental and physical health of clients. Currently, Ben coordinates and facilitates the recreation activities here at the Hoffmann Center.

"What I enjoy about my position is being able to impact the lives of our clients in a positive way through recreation. It is rewarding seeing the clients smile, laugh, and having fun while having a positive influence on their mental and physical health.”

Brad Walsh
Residential Program Coordinator

Brad attended Minnesota State, Mankato and graduated in 2011 with a degree in Recreation with an emphasis on Program Planning and Facility Management. Brad worked his first 6 years at the Hoffmann Center as the Recreation Coordinator and has spent the past 4 years as the Residential Program Coordinator. In his free time Brad enjoys athletics, the outdoors, and spending time with family and friends.

Dr. Shane Wernsing
Psychiatrist

Dr. Wernsing graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, Minnesota with a degree in chemistry. He then went on to earn his Medical Degree from the University of Minnesota Medical School. Dr. Wernsing completed his internship and residency in the Twin Cities of Minnesota and his fellowship in Wisconsin.

Karla Elmore
Business Manager

Karla has her AAS degree in accounting and has worked in the field for almost 30 years. She also has several years of HR experience. Most recently, Karla worked at an A/V company as their Project Accountant. Having worked as the Business Service Coordinator at a Home Health facility and also getting to work hands on with the clients, she had the desire to be a part of a company that provides a service and makes a difference in individuals lives. She has an adult son and enjoys outside activities in the summer, such as walking, camping, and riding her Harley. In the winter, she likes to attend Maverick Hockey games.

Ana Stubbs
HR/Payroll Specialist

Amber Reed
Knights Unit Supervisor

Anoria Zuehlke, MA, LPCC
Clinical Director

Anoria joined the Hoffmann Center in June of 2021. She is a South Dakota native who sought out her grandmother's journey and received her undergraduate degree from Minnesota State University- Mankato and then ventured on her own to obtain her master's degree from University of Colorado- Colorado Springs. Anoria is licensed as a LPCC and has worked with children, adults, and families for the past 15 years. She is also licensed to provide licensure supervision to individuals who are seeking their licensure as a clinical counselor. Anoria conducts her practice through the strengths based and trauma informed care models. She believes everyone has the ability to be their best selves and by meeting a person where they are at and understand/listen to their story, one can achieve safety, healthy, and meaningful connection. Another passion of Anoria's is finding balance in work/home/self-care. When she's not working, Anoria spends time with her husband, two kids, and three fur babies. They love camping, traveling, boating, fishing, snowshoeing, swimming, yoga, baseball/softball, basketball, and volleyball.

Ben Copeland
Training Specialist

Greg Rueff
Phoenixes Unit Supervisor

Tyler Dillingham, MS
Therapist

Tessa Friday
Accreditation Coordinator

Beth Thoms
Office Assistant

Grant Diedrich
Unit Supervisor

Casey Dingle
Unit Supervisor