School Linked
School-Linked Mental Health (SLMH)
School-Linked Mental Health (SLMH) services are provided to students through 12th grade who attend partnering school districts across Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, and Wright Counties. SLMH services are shown to increase access to children and youth and improve functional outcomes in those with mental health concerns. SLMH services are funded, in part, by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Human Services.
Referrals can be made for SLMH services by contacting a partnering school or through the schools’ designated referral process.
Available Services provided by SLMH Therapists:
~ Diagnostic Assessments~ Individual and Family Therapy~ Group Psychotherapy
~ Psycho-Education Services~ Mental Health Crisis Intervention Services~ Safety Risk Assessments and Safety Planning
~ Parent, Teacher, and Administration Consultations~ Staff Training and Development
~ Attendance at school meetings and Individualized Education Program (IEP)/Special Education planning meetings~Clinical Care Coordination with teachers, parents and other providers
For more information, contact:
Phone: 612.219.6384
Fax: 763.682.1353
Involved with the school system and looking for mental health resources? Fill out THIS form and email the completed copy to Sheri Tesch at stesch@cmmhc.com
Meet Our Providers
Sheri Tesch – MS, LMFT
Sheri completed her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Minnesota Duluth, her master’s degree in child and family studies from St. Cloud State University, and her post-graduate degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from St. Cloud State University. She has been working for the Buffalo Hanover Montrose School District since 2001 and as a School Linked Mental Health (SLMH) Therapist since 2009. Sheri is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and has been the Program Manager for our School Linked Mental Health program since 2017. Her areas of expertise are attachment disorders, trauma, ADHD, anxiety, depression, Autism Spectrum Disorder and behavioral disorders.
Jamie Peterson – MA, LP
Jamie completed her master’s degree in social work from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. She is currently working toward a license to be an Independent Clinical Social Worker and is a Licensed Graduate Social Worker. Prior to joining the CMMHC team in 2019, Jamie was a case manager and a school social worker. She is currently a School Linked Mental Health Therapist in the Buffalo- Hanover- Montrose schools. Her expertise include providing trauma informed, evidence based intervention to work with those that have experienced depression, anxiety, ODD, ADHD, trauma, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and adjustment disorders. She is also a Certified Yoga Calm instructor.
Mackenzie Athman – MSW
Wendy completed her Bachelors and Masters of Social Work at St. Cloud State University with an emphasis in Early Childhood. Before joining CMMHC, Mackenzie has held multiple internships with school social workers in Central Minnesota. She has a passion for working with children and wants to make a positive impact on their lives. Mackenzie’s current role with CMMHC is a School-Linked Mental Health Trainee in the Maple Lake and Delano schools. Her expertise includes working with CBT, Anxiety, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder and mindfulness based stress reduction and cognitive behavioral therapy. In her free time, Mackenzie enjoys being active outdoors, lake days, waterskiing, hiking and spending time with family and friends.
Wendy Forbregd – MS, LMFT
Wendy completed her Master of Science degrees in Marriage and Family Therapy and Community Counseling through St. Cloud State University and is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Before joining CMMHC, Wendy worked with students (grades k-12) and their families/guardians at two area day treatment programs for 8 years. She also provided mental health and risk assessment services for county jail inmates for 6 years. She is currently a School Linked Mental Health Provider. Wendy’s expertise is in psychoeducation, systemic approach, individua, group, and family therapy, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, behavioral issues (ODD, ADHD), adjustment disorders and interpersonal/relationship issues. In her personal time Wendy enjoys reading, doing puzzles, and listening to music.
Michelle Johnson – MSW, LGSW
Michelle completed her bachelor’s degree in social work from the College of St. Scholastica and her master’s degree in social work from the University of North Dakota. She is currently working toward her licensure for an Independent Clinical Social Worker. Prior to joining CMMHC, Michelle has held internships working with victims/survivors of sex trafficking as well as a mental health agency providing assessments, DBT skills groups, and individual therapy. Michelle is joining CMMHC as a School Linked Mental Health (SLMH) Clinical Trainee. Her areas of expertise are DBT, CBT, anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, mindfulness practice, and autism spectrum disorder. In her free-time, Michelle enjoys kayaking, nature walks, and is an avid learner with many interests and loves spending time with family and friends.
Sarah Maurer – MS, LADC, NCC
Sarah completed her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Minnesota State University, Mankato. Prior to joining the CMMHC team, Sarah has worked as a chemical health counselor, mental health practitioner and as an in-home therapist. Sarah is currently a School Linked Mental Health (SLMH) Therapist. Her expertise include attachment theory, interactive psychotherapy using play-based interventions, chemical health, trauma informed care, cognitive behavioral therapy and strengths-based techniques. She is also trained to work with the birth to 5 population and is a Managing and Adapting Practices (MAP) certified Therapist.
Gina Theisz – MSW, LICSW
Gina completed her master’s degree in social work from the University of Minnesota. She is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. Prior to joining the CMMHC team in 2010, Gina worked in school and community based settings to provide mental health therapy to children, adults and families. She is currently a School Linked Mental Health Therapist in the Monticello schools. She uses a trauma informed, integrative approach to work with those experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, loss and domestic violence. She uses a strength based and collaborative approach with mindfulness based stress reduction and cognitive behavioral therapy to help people make positive changes and reach their goals. She is also a Managing and Adapting Practices (MAP) certified Therapist.