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.
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 psychotherpay 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.
Melissa Oltman– MSW, LGSW
Melissa completed her bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of St. Thomas and her master’s degree in social work from St. Cloud State University. She is a Licensed Graduate Social Worker and is working towards her licensure in Independent Clinical Social Work. Prior to joining the CMMHC team, Melissa worked at PraireCare Psychiatric Hospital. She is currently a School Linked Mental Health (SLMH) Therapist in the Delano and Maple Lake School District. Her expertise include mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, ODD, ADHD, ASD, adjustment disorders and interpersonal relationship issues.
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.
Paul Thinesen – MA, LP
Paul completed his bachelor’s degree in psychology from St. Cloud State University and his master’s degree from University of the Pacific. He has been a Licensed Psychologist since 1986 during which he has held many therapeutic positions. He joined the CMMHC team in 2003 where he is currently a School Linked Mental Health Therapist in the Big Lake school district. His expertise include cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, applied behavioral analysis, caregiver and parent training, trauma focused therapy, diagnostic and psychological evaluations.