Meet the Team
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Justin Coates, MA, LPCC, NCC, PhD-Candidate
Owner & Clinical Director of GMNTC, Justin is an LPCC and graduated with a masters degree from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota. Currently, Justin is in his fourth year of his PhD in Clinical Psychology program at Walden University. His dissertation topic focuses on Parental Capacity/Fitness Evaluations and the potential need for standardization, which may result in fairer, more accurate outcomes for vulnerable populations. In addition, Justin has extensive experience in trauma, adolescents, and working with individuals in the Child Welfare systems.
Justin holds certifications as an Addictions-Informed Mental Health Professional (CAIMHP), as well as Family Trauma Professional (CFTP). He is also a vetted therapist with MNAdopt, and is also recognized as a National Certified Counselor (NCC) by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). Justin brings a wealth of knowledge, compassion, and a commitment to innovative, personalized care to the team, ensuring every client receives the best support possible.
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Angie Coates, LPN
Angie is the Business Manager at GMNTC, bringing her extensive experience as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to the role. With a strong background in healthcare administration and patient care, Angie excels in managing the daily operations of the clinic, ensuring a seamless experience for both clients and staff. Her expertise in healthcare management, combined with her compassionate approach, helps maintain GMNTC's high standards of service and care. Angie is dedicated to supporting the clinic's mission of providing exceptional mental health services to the community.
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Christina Butler
Christina brings a wealth of experience and dedication to our team, combining her background in Child Development with her firsthand knowledge as a former foster care provider. Her passion for supporting families and children is at the heart of everything she does, ensuring that parents and caregivers receive the guidance and resources they need to thrive.
In addition to her work with Greater Minnesota Trauma Center (GMNTC), Christina also operates her own health and wellness practice, where she empowers individuals to build healthier, more balanced lives. Her expertise, compassion, and commitment to family well-being make her an invaluable part of our mission to strengthen and support the community.
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Caleb Johnson, DNP, PMHNP-BC
Accepting New Clients
Caleb Johnson, DNP, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who earned his Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from the University of Minnesota. With more than a decade of experience in inpatient psychiatry, residential treatment, community mental health, crisis services, and outpatient care, he provides comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and medication management for adolescents and adults. Caleb works with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma-related disorders, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, ADHD, substance use disorders, and challenges related to stress and life transitions.
Caleb believes the best psychiatric care begins with understanding the whole person—not just their symptoms. He takes a collaborative, evidence-based approach that considers each individual’s physical health, relationships, culture, environment, and life experiences to develop personalized treatment plans that align with their goals and values. Committed to creating a welcoming, affirming, and nonjudgmental space, Caleb strives to help every client feel heard, empowered, and supported on their journey toward improved mental health and lasting well-being.
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Peter Westre, RN, PMHNP-BC
Accepting New Clients
Peter Westre, RN, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based psychiatric care for adolescents and adults ages 17 and older. He believes in partnering with clients to develop individualized treatment plans that promote long-term mental wellness and improved quality of life.
Peter brings a diverse background in psychiatric nursing and mental health care, with experience serving individuals in forensic settings, the Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system, and higher education. His work across these settings has provided him with extensive experience treating a wide range of mental health conditions while working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and life experiences.
In addition to his clinical practice, Peter has served as a faculty member at North Dakota State University, where he helped educate and mentor the next generation of nursing professionals.
Peter is committed to creating a welcoming, respectful environment where clients feel heard, understood, and actively involved in their care. He is currently accepting new clients ages 17 and older for psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and ongoing mental health treatment.
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Jessica Waldron, MS, LMFT, ATR
Jessica is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and a registered art therapist (ATR) at GMNTC. With a Master of Science degree, Jessica brings a unique and creative approach to therapy by integrating art therapy into her work with clients of all ages. Her dual expertise allows her to offer diverse therapeutic techniques, fostering healing and growth through both traditional and artistic methods. Jessica's compassionate and innovative approach makes her an invaluable resource for individuals and families seeking support.
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Sarah Edwards, MSW, LICSW
Sarah is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) . She takes a strength-based approach to help clients recognize and break free from limiting beliefs and self-sabotaging behaviors. By focusing on their inherent strengths, skills, and positive traits, Sarah guides clients in tackling challenges and reaching their goals instead of dwelling on weaknesses. She's trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), which helps rewire how distressing memories are processed in the brain, reducing their emotional and physical impact. With a wealth of experience supporting individuals with severe mental health issues and those involved in the judicial system, Sarah champions inclusivity and equitable access to healthcare. She aims to create a safe environment for everyone, fostering a therapeutic relationship built on trust, openness, collaboration, and respect. Sarah believes in navigating discomfort to achieve acceptance and stability.
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Sarah Hamlin, MSW, LICSW
Sarah is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), and a board approved supervisor for LGSW and LPC/C. Sarah has been working with children and families for over 30 years and has been a play based therapist since 2018. Sarah is currently working to become a Registered Play Therapist. Sarah is a former foster parent and is an adoptive parent. Sarah has extensive training in areas of trauma, attachment, child development, and neurobiology, has certification in Permanency and Adoption, and is a vetted therapist with MNAdopt. She is also a certified trainer for the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE’s) through MN Communities Caring for Children. Sarah believes in helping parents learn the best ways to support and care for their children so she believes parent involvement is very important to the therapeutic experience.
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Zacharias Laughlin, MA, LPCC
Zach is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). He earned his Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Bethany Lutheran College. Zach believes that lasting change comes from understanding the root causes of mental health concerns and developing the skills needed for personal growth and freedom. He has experience incorporating Christian faith into therapy for those who desire it, though it is entirely optional.
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Ashlyn Rakos, MS
Ashlyn is a pre-licensed clinician working toward licensure as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). A Minnesota native, she earned both a Master of Science in Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology and a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Minnesota State University, Mankato. She enjoys working with individuals across the lifespan and is passionate about helping clients navigate challenges, build resilience, and move toward meaningful change.
Ashlyn believes that growth begins with understanding the patterns, experiences, and relationships that shape our lives. Her collaborative approach to counseling focuses on creating a supportive space where clients can explore their experiences, gain insight, and work together toward practical solutions while also processing deeper emotions and concerns. She strives to help clients identify their strengths, develop new perspectives, and create lasting change aligned with their values and goals.
In addition to providing mental health counseling, Ashlyn has specialized training in performance psychology and offers mental performance coaching for athletes, professionals, performers, and individuals seeking to enhance confidence, focus, motivation, and overall performance in important areas of life.
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Brittany Sinclair, MSW
Accepting New Clients
Brittany holds a Master of Social Work degree and is actively working towards licensure as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW). Brittany’s work spans all ages- from young children navigating emotional experiences to teenagers finding their footing in a complex world and is committed to the families and caregivers who surround them. Believing that when you invest in young people, you can shape the trajectory of entire families and communities. What sets Brittany apart is the rare combination of passion and approachability she brings to her work. She is deeply driven by a desire to make a difference- not just in individual sessions, but in the broader trajectory of a child’s life.
Brittany’s clinical work in child and family therapy has equipped her with a strong foundation in understanding how early experiences shape development, how family systems influence individual wellbeing, and how thoughtful, relationship-centered intervention can create lasting change. She approaches each family as a unique system with its own strengths, history, and goals- and she meets them there. Brittany practices through a strengths-based lens, grounding every interaction in the belief that the people she serves, already carry within them the capacity for growth and resilience.
Outside of work, Brittany enjoys sports, new adventures, traveling, and family time. Brittany is excited to become part of the team and is looking forward to working with children and families.
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Ellie Guimond, B.S.
Ellie Guimond holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and provides Children’s Therapeutic Services and Supports (CTSS) to children and families. She is passionate about supporting youth through skill-building, emotional regulation, and strengths-based interventions that help them thrive in their daily lives.
Ellie plans to pursue her Master’s in Social Work, with the long-term goal of becoming a licensed mental health clinician. Her work is grounded in curiosity, compassion, and a hands-on approach to helping children build confidence and resilience.
Outside of work, Ellie enjoys home renovation projects, DIYs, watching films, and cooking—interests that reflect her creativity, problem-solving skills, and love of learning.
Ellie is excited to be part of our team and looks forward to supporting the children and families we serve.
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Victoria Garcia-Amador - MSW Intern
Victoria Garcia-Amador is a proud bilingual Latina and first-generation American who speaks fluent Spanish and English. She is currently pursuing her MSW in Latine and immigrant mental health at Loyola University, Chicago. Victoria holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Minnesota State University, Mankato. During her undergraduate studies, she had the honor of being part of the Title IV-E program, a federal program designed to educate highly skilled, dedicated social workers in local communities to support families and children. Victoria looks forward to combining this background to support individuals, children, and families of all backgrounds through life's challenges.
In her practice, Victoria approaches care through a holistic and culturally grounded lens. She believes real healing addresses the whole person, including mind, body, spirit, and community, by honoring the power of traditional healing practices and spiritual beliefs alongside Western therapeutic models. By considering each person within their unique environment and history, she works collaboratively with clients to navigate life’s challenges. Victoria is deeply passionate about walking alongside immigrant individuals and families, celebrating their strength, and creating a safe, welcoming space for growth.
Victoria García-Amador es una latina bilingüe y estadounidense de primera generación que habla español e inglés. Actualmente cursa una maestría en Trabajo Social (MSW) especializada en salud mental de la comunidad latine y de los inmigrantes en la Universidad Loyola de Chicago. Victoria cuenta con una licenciatura en Trabajo Social de la Universidad Estatal de Minnesota, Mankato. Durante sus estudios de pregrado, tuvo el honor de formar parte del programa Título IV-E, un programa federal diseñado para formar a trabajadores sociales altamente calificados y comprometidos en las comunidades locales con el fin de apoyar a las familias y a los niños. Victoria espera poder combinar esta experiencia para apoyar a personas, niños y familias de todos los orígenes a superar los desafíos de la vida.
En su práctica, Victoria aborda la atención desde una perspectiva holística y con arraigo cultural. Ella cree que la verdadera sanación aborda a la persona en su totalidad —incluyendo la mente, el cuerpo, el espíritu y la comunidad— al valorar el poder de las prácticas curativas tradicionales y las creencias espirituales junto con los modelos terapéuticos occidentales. Al considerar a cada persona dentro de su entorno y su historia únicos, trabaja en colaboración con sus clientes para superar los desafíos de la vida. A Victoria le apasiona profundamente acompañar a las personas y familias inmigrantes, celebrar su fortaleza y crear un espacio seguro y acogedor para el crecimiento.
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Heather Gordon - LMHC/LPCC Intern
Heather returns to GMNTC for her second and final internship of her program at Leslie University.