Tubman Clinical Staff

I believe that humans tend towards healing when in a space of safety, trust, and curiosity. Together, we can access the space where we are already whole and walk together to a fuller embodiment of healing and joy. 

I practice person-centered therapy, DBT, motivation interviewing, clinical hypnotherapy, mindfulness practices, and art experiential therapeutic activities. 

My degree is in Transpersonal Psychotherapy. I have three years of experience, and had special training in clinical hypnosis, DBT, group psychotherapy, yoga, and complex trauma. 

I work with adult clients of all identities. I love my work as a psychotherapist and am passionate about Tubman's mission and team. Fit is important; let's see if we fit! If we don't, I will help match you with someone on our team who does! 

Alayna Hartmann (she/her)
Clinical Mental Health Intern

Supervisor: Laura Olivera

My personal philosophy about therapy and my role as a therapist:

Areas of interest and specialties:

I am open to working with individuals from all backgrounds and identities. I value the unique experiences, perspectives, and strengths that each person brings to therapy, and I strive to create an inclusive space for everyone. 

A few ways I enjoy spending my free time:

• Spending time outdoors 
• Hammocking
• Going for walks
• Reading
• Exercise
• Crochet
• Lounging at home with my two cats

Bee Howerton (they/them)
Clinical Mental Health Intern

Supervisor: Birgit Kelly

My personal philosophy about therapy and my role as a therapist:

I believe therapy is a collaborative process that helps us identify and examine the patterns that aren't working for us and gives us the tools to tap into our inner strength to transform those patterns. I practice from an anti-oppressive, person-centered lens. I will deeply listen to you, believe you, and be honest with you.

Previous clients and clients would describe me as:

Warm, curious, thoughtful, authentic, and dependable.

Areas of interest and specialties:

• Navigating life
• Relationship changes
• Childhood and systemic trauma
• Anxiety

I enjoy working with adults of all ages, queer individuals, and am interested in couples work.

A few ways I enjoy spending my free time:

• Spending time with my wife, three dogs, and cat
• Trying (and being bas at) new things
• Cooking and baking

Kenedi Mullings
Clinical Mental Health Intern

Supervisor: Laura Olivera

My personal philosophy about therapy and my role as a therapist:

I am passionate about exploring how clients’ sense of meaning, achievement, purpose, and identity come together to create their unique life experiences and will work alongside you to facilitate meaningful change and healing. In this space, we will embrace strengths and conquer challenges together.

Previous clients and colleagues would describe me as:

Open, committed, respectful, communicative, attentive, calm

Areas of interest and specialties:

• Life transitions
• Relation and attachment trauma
• Perfectionism
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Identity development and self-esteem

I am open to working with all older adolescents and young adults from diverse backgrounds, alongside interest in couples’ work.

Specialized Training:

My specialized training includes an adapted version of the Theodore Millon model of personality profiling and the Prepare and Enrich assessment tool for pre-marital and marriage counselling.

A few ways I enjoy spending my free time:

• Swimming
• Spending time with my family
• Experimenting with baking recipes
• Writing abstract poetry
• Greek mythology

I look forward to meeting you all and starting or continuing the journey into a fulfilling life!

“Every moment, we have a chance at something new... to glow, to grow.”

Laura Olivera (she/her)
Clinical Supervisor & Mental Health Therapist

Degrees or licenses: MA, LPCC
Years of experience: 10 years

I believe that in therapy we can cultivate vulnerability, collaboration, trust, honesty, and true presence, and these are the catalysts for change and healing.

I often work with young adult women and individuals within the queer community. Much of my experience and training has been focused on treating trauma and attachment wounds. I am trained in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (a body-oriented approach to treating trauma) and DBT (an evidence based therapy which increases coping skills and interpersonal effectiveness). 

I think it’s important to laugh in therapy. I give honest and authentic feedback even when it might be difficult to hear, but I do so in a way that is kind, gentle, and compassionate.

Birgit Olsen Kelly (she/her)
Director of Clinical Services

Degrees or licenses: MSW, LICSW
Years of experience: 30+ years

I have worked in mental health for more than 30 years in a variety of settings and roles: community work, teaching, therapy, group home settings, private and group practice, hospital level of care, administrative and direct practice. I believe therapy is collaboration and work to help the client access and harness their inherent wisdom in order to move forward with the process of growth and change. 

I specialize in complex trauma, dissociative disorders, Borderline Personality Disorder, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), couples (including LGBTQ), vicarious trauma, anxiety, and depression. I have completed level II of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Training in working with trauma, Dialectical Behavior Therapy training, and working with providers experiencing secondary traumatic stress. 

I work with both adult individuals and couples of all genders and orientations. 

I hold a Masters in Social Work, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, and a PhD.

Erica Schemper (she/her)
Clinical Mental Health Intern

Supervisor: Birgit Kelly

My personal philosophy about therapy and my role as a therapist:

My hope for therapy is to work with clients to create a space together where it’s safe for you to bring your whole self and your whole story. I want you to feel heard and seen and known. I believe that in knowing and accepting ourselves, we create a space of strength from which you can thrive and grow and cultivate the strengths you already possess.

Previous clients and clients would describe me as:

Warm, thoughtful, curious

Areas of interest and specialties:

• Family systems
• Recovery and reconstruction from religious trauma

I’m open to work with adult and adolescent clients of any identity or gender.

Specialized training:

I have previous professional background in religious work.

A few ways I enjoy spending my free time:

• Any outdoor activity that gets me near a body of water
• Long walks or skiing with friends, family, or my dog
• Knitting
• Reading

Jessie Kawlewski (she/her)
Clinical Mental Health Intern

Supervisor: Laura Olivera

My personal philosophy about therapy and my role as a therapist:

Welcome! I approach our work together with warmth, curiosity, and respect, meeting you where you are and creating a collaborative space grounded in safety and acceptance. I believe therapy invites us to explore the relationships, histories, identities, and experiences that have shaped your story, while considering how culture and broader systems influence how you experience yourself and the world around you. Using a person-centered and integrative approach, I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness-based practices to build on your strengths and support meaningful growth. Together, we will work to cultivate a sense of wellness that reflects who you are and what matters most to you. 

Previous clients and clients would describe me as:

Grounded, compassionate, curious, humorous

Areas of interest and specialties:

• Trauma
• Anxiety
• Identity
• Relationships
• Sexuality and gender
• Life transitions

I especially enjoy working with adults, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, and individuals navigating recovery from substance use.

A few ways I enjoy spending my free time:

• Exploring my Minneapolis community (parks, libraries, community spaces)
• Walking and biking