About Us
Who We Are
CMMHC is a diverse organization committed to a Trauma Informed environment which fosters healing for the people and communities we serve. Open for business in 1959 and formally established as a 501(c)(3) private not-for-profit in 1964, CMMHC was among the initial wave of community mental health centers in Minnesota. Since our modest beginnings 60 years ago, CMMHC has grown to be an organization of nearly 300 staff and 17 service lines. CMMHC’s mission is “Fostering Healthy Lives and Thriving Communities” and we champion the values of Collaboration, Integrity and Inclusion. We provide a robust continuum of behavioral health services for Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, and Wright Counties.
Our Mission
Fostering Healthy Lives and Thriving Communities
Our Vision
Our vision is to be a recognized leader in community health, wellness and recovery services
Our Values
~ Collaboration: We collaborate to provide excellence in care for each other, the people we serve, our partners and communities.
~ Integrity: We act with integrity by treating all whom we encounter with honesty, trust and respect.
~ Inclusion: We assure a culture of inclusion and equity by honoring and respecting the unique diversity and experience of every person and group.
Our Team
Jessica Brandon
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Jessica Brandon
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Jessica graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato, receiving her BS in Psychology and Women’s Studies and a master’s in Community Counseling. She received her MBA from Southern Illinois University. Jessica has more than 20 years of experience leading nonprofit agencies, including domestic violence prevention and advocacy agencies - bringing expertise in financial management, program evaluation, fundraising, and board development to her position. Before joining CMMHC, she spent the previous ten years as the CEO of the Guardian Angel Settlement Association in St. Louis, MO. Jessica joined CMMHC in 2022 as CEO.
Robin Matushin
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Robin Matushin
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Robin has a BS in Biology/Medical Technology, a BS in Finance and Management, and a BS in Accounting. She was a manager and CFO of private medical practice for over 20 years. Robin joined CMMHC in 2012 as an accountant, moving on to Accounting Supervisor and serving as Interim Director of Finance before accepting her current position as COO.
Steven Loos | Psy.D., LP
Chief Clinical Officer (CCO)
Steven Loos
Psy.D, LP | Chief Clinical Officer (CCO)
Steven has a bachelor’s degree from St. John’s University and a master's and doctoral degree in Counseling from the University of St. Thomas. Before joining the CMMHC team in 2011, he worked as a Clinical Supervisor and an Adjunct Professor.
Mark Douvier
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Mark Douvier
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Mark has a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from St. John’s University and an MBA in Management from the University of St. Thomas. Before starting as CFO at CMMHC in 2022, he worked in various industries, including Financial Services, Banking, Commercial Real Estate, and Senior Living. His recent work experiences include senior leadership roles at several local organizations, including Vice President of Lending at St. Cloud Financial Credit Union, the CFO at Mother of Mercy Senior Living, and the CFO for the Good Shepherd Communities.
Joy Shamla | MBA
Director of Compliance
Joy Shamla
MBA | Director of Compliance
Joy received a BS in Risk Management & Insurance from St. Cloud State University and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Minnesota School of Business. She previously served as a Resource Management Analyst at St. Cloud Hospital. Joy is a skilled leader with over 20 years of experience in Compliance, HIPAA Privacy and Security, Risk Management, and various business capacities. Joy joined CMMHC in 2016.
Brieene Frantesl | PHR, SHRM-CP
Director of Human Resources
Brieene Frantesl
PHR, SHRM-CP | Director of Human Resources
Brie has a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration from St. Cloud State University. Her work experience includes several positions in the Human Resources field at Viking Coca-Cola Bottling Company and Regional Diagnostic Radiology before joining CMMHC in 2016.
Nikki Wieberdink
MS, LPCC | Director of Rehab Services
Nikki Wieberdink
MS, LPCC | Director of Rehab Services
Nikki completed her master’s degree in Community Psychology from St. Cloud State University. She is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) and a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). She joined the CMMHC Team in 2004 and is currently the Director of Rehab Services.
Shannon Link | MSW, LICSW
Director of Crisis Services
Shannon Link
MSW, LICSW | Director of Crisis Services
Shannon completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) degree at the University of North Dakota and is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW). Shannon worked in St. Cloud and surrounding communities for nearly 10 years, providing community-based mental health services to individuals with an SPMI diagnosis. She provided ARMHS, ACT, case management, and psychotherapy services, before being selected for her current role as CMMHC’s Director of Crisis Services.
Danielle Brant | MSW, LICSW, LADC
Director of Chemical Health Services
Danielle Brant
MSW, LICSW, LADC | Director of Chemical Health Services
Danielle completed her bachelor’s degrees in Chemical Dependency Counseling and Community Counseling and her master’s degree in Clinical Social Work at the University of St. Thomas. She is a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) and a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW). Danielle is the Director of Chemical Health and a therapist in our Monticello office.
Stephanie Barnes | MSW, LICSW
Director of Outpatient Mental Health Services
Stephanie Barnes
MSW, LICSW | Director of Outpatient Mental Health Services
Stephanie received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology & Criminal Justice and her master’s degree in Social Work from the University of St. Thomas/College of St. Catherine. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and is currently the Director of Outpatient Mental Health. Stephanie helped develop the Wright County Batterer’s Intervention Program in 2010 in collaboration with several county agencies and has continued to coordinate and facilitate groups in this program.
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors is an all-volunteer board committed to CMMHC’s mission, bringing a wide variety of professional and personal experiences to our organization. Because of their diverse knowledge and backgrounds, they can approach the needs and development of CMMHC from unique perspectives. Board members represent each of the four counties we serve (Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, and Wright) to ensure the expression of each county’s issues and concerns.
In partnership with our CEO, the board is responsible for the strategic development of program, organizational and financial planning. They also review essential policies and procedures and approve the annual budget. The board meets quarterly; however, individual members may meet more often for committee meetings.
Lisa Fobbe
Chair
- Board Member since 2017
Board Member since 2017
Lisa Fobbe
Chair
Lisa’s education includes a BA in Social Work from the College of St. Benedict. She spent several years in the social work field and ministry for the Catholic Church. After her election to the Princeton School Board in 1999, Lisa began a journey in public service as an elected official, working hard to affect policy change at the local and state level. She currently holds a position as a Sherburne County Commissioner. In her free time, Lisa loves to hike, travel, play the piano, learn the accordion, relax with family and friends at the lake, and volunteer in her community. Having lost two brothers to mental illness and chemical dependency, she feels it is essential to ensure support is available to all who need it. “The CMMHC Board is truly one of the highest functioning boards that I have had the opportunity to be a part of. All board members are passionate about the work of the center, work hard to support the staff, and are a great support to each other.”
Dave Bentrud
Vice Chair
- Board Member since 2017
Board Member since 2017
Dave Bentrud
Vice Chair
Dave’s undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice from the University of St. Thomas and a master’s degree in Criminal Justice from St. Cloud State University led to working in finance and banking for ten years before beginning a 31-year career in law enforcement. He is now the Chief of Police for Waite Park. Dave and his wife, Beth, have four adult children and live in Sartell, where he enjoys golfing as often as possible. Dave began as a board member after being involved in community discussions regarding developing a collaborative and multi-disciplinary approach to mental health and crisis response in Central Minnesota. “Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to serve on several different boards. The CMMHC Board has been one of the best! This Board represents a group of people committed to helping individuals and communities be as healthy as they can be.”
Corey Pieper
Ph.D., Secretary
- Board Member since 2018
Board Member since 2018
Corey Pieper
Ph.D. | Secretary
Corey has a BA in Psychology and a master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from St. Cloud State University, as well as a Ph.D. from Alliant International University. Serving in the military with deployment in Operation Iraqi Freedom piqued an interest in helping veterans and researching the barriers to mental health care for this underserved group. Corey currently works professionally as a licensed Psychologist and Marriage and Family therapist. He and his wife, Dawn, have two sons, with whom he enjoys traveling and fishing. His other interests include sports, exercising, reading history and classic novels, outdoor activities, and blacksmithing. “The hope is that we support the individuals that make the agency what it is in order to provide the best possible care to those we serve. I am proud to be a small part of the greater organization that is CMMHC.”
Steve Bresnahan
Treasurer
- Board Member since 2018
Board Member since 2018
Steve Bresnahan
Treasurer
Steve graduated from St John’s University in Collegeville, MN, and has a master’s in Healthcare Administration from the University of Minnesota. He held several senior management positions in healthcare and social service non-profits before serving as the Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud from 1994 to 2016. Steve’s extensive volunteer experience in social service includes serving on the Catholic Charities USA Board of Trustees, the board of the United Way of Central MN, the Center for Non-Profit Excellence and Strategic Innovation (CNESI), the Catholic Health Association of Minnesota Housing Study task force, and the St. Cloud Rotary Club. He lives near Watkins, Minnesota, with his wife Marlene, a retired special education teacher, and near their two sons and five grandchildren. Steve enjoys performing in musical settings, including musical theater, solo, and group events, with an emphasis on singing and jazz guitar - including active involvement in the concert series offered by the St. Cloud Rotary Club to the community every summer.
Board Members
Jolene Foss
- Board Member since 2020
Board Member since 2020
Jolene Foss
Board Member
In 2014, Jolene received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from St. Cloud State University in Planning and Community Development with an emphasis on economic development. Before entering her field, she operated a licensed childcare facility in Stearns County, installed tile for Local Union #1-Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, and worked as a special education paraprofessional with students with emotional/behavioral disorders in the St. Cloud School District. Previous career opportunities included being Executive Director of the St. Cloud Downtown Council, City Planner and Economic Development Director for the City of Princeton, and transportation planning, marketing, and community outreach with St. Cloud Metro Bus. Jolene began her position as the Executive Director of the Wright County Economic Development Partnership in 2020. As a central MN native, she resides in St. Cloud and works in Buffalo. She has a deep love for people and chose a career in economic development and planning because she believes that when people come together for the greater good, they can improve the quality of life for the people around them.
Troy Heck
- Board Member since 2019
Board Member since 2019
Troy Heck
Board Member
Troy attended Normandale Community College, where he earned a degree in Law Enforcement that eventually led to a career in Benton County. Beginning as a patrol deputy, Troy held several positions in patrol, investigations, and administration before landing in his current position as Benton County Sheriff. He and his wife, Bonnie, have three adult children and two grandchildren. His interests include fishing, hunting, and playing hockey when not working. “Being part of CMMHC’s board that improves systems and impacts people's lives in a positive manner has been something that brings me great satisfaction. I am happy to have been part of the efforts to initiate and expand the co-responder program and the transition to a CCBHC.”
Rachel Leonard
- Board Member since 2022
Board Member since 2022
Rachel Leonard
Board Member
Rachel received a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire, and a master’s in Rhetoric & Writing from St. Cloud University. Her career included several roles within the city of Monticello before her current position as City Administrator. She loves working in local government because of the proximity to the public and the opportunity to work with organizations across the region, working hard to make a difference in central MN. Married to her husband for 15 years with two children in middle school, Rachel spends much of her time as a spectator for her kid’s sports and activities. She enjoys reading, exploring local coffee shops, and hiking around the state in her free time. She joined the board to offer her talents and skills in service to an organization providing people with the support and resources they need. “I’m quite new to the board, but I’ve really enjoyed learning about CMMHC from people who are very passionate and committed to their work. I’m looking forward to continuing to get to know the people here and find ways to contribute to sustaining a strong organization.”
Hamdia Mohamed
- Board Member since 2021
Board Member since 2021
Hamdia Mohamed
Board Member
Hamida’s experience with homelessness as a child and as an immigrant from Ethiopia provides her with valuable insights into her board membership at CMMHC. She and her husband, Youssouf Omar, run Victory Plus Housing, an organization in St. Cloud supporting individuals on the path to sobriety and financial stability. Hamida resides in St. Cloud with her husband and three kids. In her free time, she likes to go for walks, spend time with her family, and watch movies. “Although I have just joined the board, I like the way the board is working hard to make CMMHC a better community partner.”
Mary Pfohl
Ph.D.
- Board Member since 2018
Board Member since 2018
Mary Pfohl
Ph.D. | Board Member
Mary has a BA from Concordia Teachers College, a Master’s in Social Work (MSW) from the University of Washington, and a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota. Her professional background is in social work, emphasizing child welfare practice. Following over 20 years of direct practice, Mary found her current vocation as a Professor of Social Work at St. Cloud University. In her personal life, she enjoys moments and laughter with her husband, their children, their many siblings, and dear friends. Mary’s interests are varied and include hiking & walking, reading books (mysteries and historical fiction), visiting museums and historical sites, golfing, singing with the community & church choirs, trying new recipes, playing board games, and traveling near and far from home. She joined the board when she was looking to support and contribute to human services in the central Minnesota community. “The best part of serving on the CCMHC Board is being in a position to positively impact and support individuals and families who face mental health challenges. Another enjoyable aspect of being on the Board is learning from fellow Board members and staff about successes, challenges, and creative approaches to mental health prevention and treatment.”
Joshua Seezs
- Board Member since 2021
Board Member since 2021
Joshua Seezs
Board Member
After completing an undergraduate degree at South Dakota State University, Joshua went to graduate school at the George Warren Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis. He is a Certified Social Worker, Private Independent Practice (CSW-PIP) who currently works as the Social Work Executive at St. Cloud VA Healthcare System and as an adjunct professor at Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School of Addiction Studies. He and his wife and three children live in Sartell, where in his free time, he enjoys music, camping, gardening, and spending time with his family. “I strongly believe that all members of our beautiful communities deserve universal access to quality, affordable mental health care. All individuals should be able to recover within an atmosphere of acceptance and compassion. I believe in the mission of CMMHC and would like to be a part of their future and assist them in delivering this type of care.”