Our Providers
Therapist Profiles
President
Katie deregnier, M.Ed., LPCC
Katie has been working in the private practice setting since 2013. Her professional experience includes treating a variety of mental health issues including depression, anxiety, life transitions, parenting, family struggles, and relationship conflict. Katie believes that establishing a good foundation and rapport allows her clients to share a bond of trust and acceptance. She incorporates skills which help her clients to understand themselves better, and gives them coping strategies for relief along the way. Her goal is to create awareness, hope, and change so that clients feel more equipped to enjoy a happy and fulfilling life. Katie has her Master of Education in Counselor Education from The Pennsylvania State University and her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Wisconsin – Steven’s Point.
Katie’s specialities include:
- Individual counseling
- Family counseling
- Couples counseling
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Sport Performance
- Peer Relationships
- Self-Esteem
- Parenting
- LGBTQ
Other Past Experiences include:
- Premarital Counseling
- Adult Rehabilitative Mental Health Services
- Contracted Counseling in Lakeville Area Schools
- Long Term Substitute School Counselor at Rosemount Middle School
- School Counselor Internship at Meadow View Elementary School in Farmington.
Mary Anderson, MA., LMFT
Mary completed her Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy at Saint Mary’s University and her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from St. Catherine University. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the State of Minnesota and has worked with individuals and families for more than 10 years. Mary enjoys working with individuals, children, and families who may be struggling with inattention, poor emotional regulation, impulsivity, anxiety, depression, communication, and conflict. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Mary looks at the whole family system, understanding each member is affected by the system and affected by the other members. Mary utilizes a strengths based approach, solutions focused, and cognitive behavior therapy in her work. Mary engages children through a variety of activities including games, books, play, and art. Mary’s strengths include creativity, a sense of humor, building trusting and caring relationships, understanding each one of us is “a work in progress” and always being amazed at the uniqueness of each person.
Mary’s specialities include:
- ADHD
- Anxiety
- Children Experiencing Parental Divorce/separation
- Communication and Conflict Resolution
- Depression
- Developmentally disabled children and young adults struggling with social skills
- Emotional Regulation
- Grief and Loss
- Life Transitions
- Marriage/Couples Counseling
Sydney Peters, MSW., LICSW
Sydney obtained her Bachelor’s degree from Concordia College – Moorhead in 2017 with a major in Psychology and minor in Norwegian Language. She completed her Master of Social Work program in 2020 with a concentration in mental health and trauma and has been working in the field of social work for the past four years. Sydney has experience working in community mental health, crisis stabilization, psychiatric hospital settings, hospital/transplant settings, as well as her more recent roles as an individual and group therapist. Sydney has experience and enjoys working with individuals, couples, and families who experience difficulty with emotional regulation, managing symptoms mental illness, phase of life changes, addictions, communication, boundary setting and interpersonal relationship conflict/abuse. Sydney works with clients with a trauma-informed and strengths-based approach. She hopes to create an environment where clients can be their most authentic selves and navigate treatment in a way that is best for them.
Sydney’s specialities include:
- PTSD/C-PTSD
- Serious and Persistent Mental Illness
- ADHD
- Personality Disorders
- LGBTQIA+
- Co-occurring Disorders
- Sex Offender Treatment
- Communication/Conflict Resolution
- Suicidal Ideation/Self-Harm
- Dissociative Disorders
Gabby Fox, MSW., LGSW
Gabby received her Master’s Degree in clinical social work from St. Thomas University in 2022.
Gabby has experience working with adults and adolescents but enjoys working with people of all ages! She has worked as an ARMHS worker as well as mental health therapist in an adolescent day treatment setting. Gabby has a special interest in working with adolescents as well as individuals struggling with anxiety, depression and who have experienced trauma.
Gabby believes in developing a strong therapeutic relationship and believes that the client is the expert. Gabby works towards creating a space that is welcoming, free of judgment and full warmth. She also has experience in working with various therapeutic approaches including, cognitive behavioral therapy, strengths-based therapy and motivational interviewing.
In her free time, Gabby enjoys spending time with her family and spending time outside. Gabby also enjoys reading and listening to music.
Chris Simmins, M.S.Ed, Mental Health Therapist
Chris received his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and his Master of Education in Mental Health Counseling from Alfred University. He is dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s most challenging moments with compassion, clarity and care. He has extensive experience with all age groups, and working with clients struggling with substance abuse issues, personality disorders, relationships difficulties, depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Chris uses cognitive behavioral, trauma informed, and solution focused techniques. He believes that lasting change begins with a trusting therapeutic relationship and a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can explore your thoughts and emotions freely and uncover patterns, develop healthy coping strategies and empower you to make meaningful, positive changes in your life.
Chris’ specialities include:
- Substance Abuse
- Personality Disorders
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Relationship Difficulties
Julie Beckmann MSW, LICSW
Julie has been working in the field of Mental Health for the past 20+ years. After graduating with her BA in Psychology from the University of St.Thomas, Julie worked in a residential treatment center for justice-involved youth. She spent many years as a program manager at a workforce center for adults with intellectual functioning difficulties. She expanded her skills and experience by moving to a community mental health center and working as the program manager for ARMHS and a specialized board and lodge, while being part of a mobile crisis team. While in graduate school for her masters degree in social work at the University of New England, she helped underemployed and unemployed individuals develop employability skills. Julie’s graduate school internships consisted of working with children’s mental health services at the county level and facilitating outpatient therapy in a private practice setting.
Julie is passionate about empowering women in their perimenopause and menopause journeys. She has training in women’s mental health. Julie specializes in depression, anxiety, SPMI, intellectually functioning difficulties, substance use, and trauma. She uses a variety of approaches, guided by the preference and strengths of the client including narrative therapy, strengths-based therapy, CBT, ACT and motivational interviewing as some of her favorite approaches. Julie is also certified in DBT. Julie works primarily with individual adolescents and adults. In her free time, Julie loves spending time with her family and friends, going on walks in nature, listening to music, and reading.
Julie’s specialities include:
- Substance Abuse
- Personality Disorders
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Relationship Difficulties