Board & Leadership

"I have always been interested in, and passionate about, mental health. With a degree in psychology, I can't help but notice how much mental health and mental illness affect my life.

Awareness of mental health issues is critically important to my law practice; whether I'm working with a family after the loss of a loved one, helping clients develop an estate plan, or working with parents of a child with special needs.

My goal is to be understanding and compassionate when it comes to mental illness. I want to eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness and open-up the conversation regarding mental illnes in our community."

Julie has thirty years’ experience in Human Resources as a leader, practitioner, educator, and consultant. Currently Julie serves as Learning and Organization Development Consultant at Metropolitan Council, designing and implement leadership development curriculum and coaching leaders. Julie previously owned and operated a consulting business, Right4Your Business, specializing in providing HR solutions for small to mid-sized businesses. In an previous HR Leadership role at Land O’Lakes, Inc., she led the Corporate HR function and aspects of a $341 million merger, successfully integrating two businesses and achieving objectives and provided executive, manager, and individual coaching and designed and delivered leadership development curriculum.

Julie was full-time faculty for five years and has taught in the Human Resources Management Program at Concordia St. Paul for the past 12 years. Julie holds a Doctor of Management Degree from the University of Phoenix, a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from the University of St. Catherine’s, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources Management from Metropolitan State University.

Rob joined the Lee Carlson Center board in 2022. With over 25 years of experience, Rob has served in leadership roles with health care providers, managed Medicare and Medicaid health plans and pharmacy benefit managers developing and executing strategic initiatives improve the health of the communities that they serve.

“Through professional, and personal, experiences I have come to appreciate the important role mental health services play in a truly ‘whole-person’ focused health care model – especially for underserved populations. As such, it is a privilege for me to join the board and support the dedicated staff and leaders of the Lee Carlson Center in their mission to bring high quality, affordable mental health services to families, children, youth and adults in the community.”

Sue joined our Board in October 2018.  She has over 30 years of experience as Director of Special Education in the Anoka Hennepin School District, the largest school district in MN.

Sue worked closely with agency founder, Lee Carlson for many years and was inspired by her compassion for underserved families from Anoka County.

Sue believes there is hope and healing for all who experience emotional health issues and is passionate and energized by her role as a Board Member.

Captain Johnston has been in law enforcement for 20 years, all of those with the Columbia Heights Police Department. He has worked in several roles to include school resource officer, investigator and sergeant.

Captain Johnston holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Metropolitan State University, St. Paul, and a Master’s Degree in Police Leadership from the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul. He currently teaches undergraduate students in Criminal Justice at Metropolitan State University

Captain Johnston has played an important role in the community partnership and success of the Columbia Heights Police Department. The Columbia Heights Police Department has been recognized for its Community Policing initiatives to include the 2012 IACP Community Policing Award, 2015 IACP Community Policing Award Finalist, the DOJ COPS Office L. Anthony Sutin Award for Community Engagement, and others.

Captain Johnston believes in the importance of, and easy access to, quality mental health services and is excited to support the work of the Lee Carlson Center.

Taz joined the board in 2022 and has 20 years of experience in the “Medical Device” industry. In her career she has worked with Medtronic and now Boston Scientific before her current role with Abbott in Software Engineering Management. Taz has a MS degree in Software Engineering and an undergrad in Computer Science.  Her extensive experience in medical device, regulatory requirements and hands on implementation experience enables her to service software needs for the company while staying compliant with regulations. Taz considers herself a servant-leader with a team building strategy that focuses around building a highly accountable self-motivated team. At home, her growing boys keep her busy with their busy school and extra-curricular schedules. Her favorite pass times include travelling, exercise, volunteering at non-profit organizations and watching movies.  She is passionate about children especially the ones in need and also has experience working with battered women and children. Taz believes everyone deserves to get support when it comes to mental illness and personal wellbeing. Taz feels that volunteering for non-profit organizations gives her a tremendous sense of achievement and self-worth.

Taz feels it's an honor to be a part of the board of directors at Lee Carlson Center where her goals meet reality to help people in need.

Alan coaches youth and high school wrestling in the Osseo school district and serves as an ambassador for the I-94West Chamber of Commerce.

"We all could use better tools in our mental health toolbox. I love the Lee Carlson Center's mission, especially when it comes to providing accessible mental health services in the schools. I am honored for the opportunity to serve on the board for this amazing team of professionals."

Alan lives in Dayton with his wife Jen and their son Summit.

Susan provides operations and clinical oversight for all agency programs at Lee Carlson Center. She is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). Susan brings to her work a 30+ year background in program innovation, project management, School linked mental health, In-home therapeutic services, Play therapy, and crisis care treatment. She is currently a member of the American Counselors Association, the Association of Play Therapy, and is active with the child and family services association AspireMN of which Lee Carlson Center is a member.

Alyssa is Chief Clinical Officer for Lee Carlson Center. She believes in the uniqueness of each individual and is passionate about working with teenagers and their families. Pulling from their strengths and values, she enjoys helping individuals realize their full potentials. Alyssa has worked at Columbia Heights High School for three years as well as partnered with other schools in Anoka County. Alyssa has experience supporting teenagers through anxiety, depression, grief and loss, trauma, adjustment difficulties, and post-traumatic stress disorder. She also has experience working with adults with Serious and Persistent Mental Illness and is trained in DBT.

Katie is Chief Operating Officer. Katie’s therapy style is relationship oriented and insight focused. She enjoys group work and believes group therapy can be a highly effective change agent. Katie specializes in working with adolescents who are in need of a high level services. She is a member of the Association for Specialists in Group Work and has experience working with people who struggle with depression, anxiety, social skills, trauma, self-harm, and suicidal ideation.