Co-Responder

As a part of CMMHC’s Crisis Response team, licensed mental health professionals are paired with crisis intervention – trained law enforcement officers to respond to mental health – related 911 calls. They provide on – scene mental health evaluations, problem identification, crisis intervention, and treatment planning. The Co – Responder also consults with police officers when responding to mental health – related calls.

As needed, referrals to services and resources such as primary care, social services, mental health treatment, and chemical use treatment are provided. Co – Responders collaborate not only with law enforcement, but also with emergency services, human services, and other members of the community.

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Meet Our Providers

Our staff members support the individuals we serve with empathy and guidance during challenging times in their lives. As experts in their field with connections to community resources, all clients receive specialized services tailored to meet their specific needs.

Kiersten Atkinson

Kiersten Atkinson

Jake Hawkins – MSW, LGSW

Kiersten Atkinson

Kiersten is a Mental Health Practitioner with the crisis team and the St. Cloud Police Department.

Ashley Gardas

Ashley Gardas

MSW

Jake Hawkins – MSW, LGSW

Ashley Gardas

MSW

Ashley completed her undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice at Metro State and her master’s degree in Social Work at the University of Kentucky. Ashley holds experience working in police departments as well as child protection. Ashley is a Co-Responder with the crisis team and the St. Cloud Police Department.

Jake Hawkins

Jake Hawkins

MSW, LGSW

Jake Hawkins – MSW, LGSW

Jake Hawkins

MSW, LGSW

Jake completed his undergraduate degree in Psychology and his master’s degree in Social Work at St. Cloud State University. His graduate-level internships were through South Junior High in St. Cloud and CMMHC. Before Jake’s current role as a Co-Responder, he worked with adults with disabilities helping to build employment skills. He also provided children’s targeted case management, intensive residential treatment services, and therapeutic crisis intervention. Jake is a Co-Responder with the crisis team and the St. Cloud Police Department.

Nicolette Johnson

Nicolette Johnson

MSW

Jake Hawkins – MSW, LGSW

Nicolette Johnson

MSW

Nicolette received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of North Dakota in 2013. She then completed a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in trauma at the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs in 2016. Additionally, she completed a graduate certification program from the Masters in Counseling Programs at Minnesota State University Moorhead. Nicolette is a Co-Responder with the crisis team and the St. Cloud Police Department.

Roy Neumann

Roy Neumann

MS, LPCC

Roy Neumann – MS, LPCC

Roy Neumann

MS, LPCC

Roy completed his master’s degree in Counseling Psychology and Criminal Justice Studies at St. Cloud State University and holds a license in professional clinical counseling. He served for over 10 years as a clinician and supervisor in two juvenile residential treatment facilities and also worked as a Therapist and Crisis Counselor for 3 years in north - central Minnesota. Roy has a 17-year history of volunteering as a Reserve Deputy in Benton County. Roy’s current role at CMMHC is as a Co-Responder for our crisis team, working with officers at Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office, Elk River PD, Big Lake PD, and Becker PD.