Our ITFC program designed for youth living in #fostercare and their parents/caregivers is available across the greater twin cities metro area.
Call our intake line at 763-780-3036 for more information.
LEARN MORE ON OUR WEBSITE AT https://leecarlsoncenter.org/programs/intensive-treatment-foster-care/
My journey to working in Public Health began in 10th grade. Yes, 10th grade! There was a woman in my church that offered free step aerobics classes. A friend and I decided to attend. We were on the younger side to be part of this class but, none the less, we went and had a great time. We became regulars in the class and my personal interest in fitness exploded.
My first professional role was in conducting personal training sessions and leading group fitness classes. Working with clients was fulfilling but interactions with them often left me feeling that there was more to health than individual responsibility.
I decided to go a new direction. After a lengthy application process, I was selected to serve as a Community Health Volunteer for the Peace Corps in Fiji. In this role, I was exposed to health programming at the community level. I worked with the children from the school, the village women’s group and a local youth group for teens. With each of these “communities”, the goal was to create programming that addressed their unique needs, was meaningful and made wise use of available resources.
Upon returning home to the States, I wanted to continue my work in Public Health. Now, when I tell people my profession, I am often asked “What actually is Public Health?”
Public Health is a field that seeks to prevent illness and injury from occurring. It works to make the environments in which people live, work, learn and play conducive to good health. Public Health is a broad field and includes public health nurses, health educators, nutritionists, food inspectors, emergency preparedness planners and epidemiologists.
My work falls more under the health education realm. I work on a grant called the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) that strives to “Make the Healthy Choice the Easy Choice.” Within this grant, myself and others implement policy, systems and environment changes through community partners. The best way to explain what this means is to give you some real examples.
First, let’s look at a couple of examples of policy change. Policies surrounding healthy food are often implemented. These policies could include that balanced meals need to be served at employer sponsored events, school vending machines only sell whole foods or hospitals not routinely offering sugar sweetened beverages with meals. Another example of policy change is employers drafting policies for their lactation rooms that are used by mothers to express milk and/or breastfeed.
Next, let’s take a brief look at systems change. This example will be in the health care setting. Healthcare providers often screen for health-related behaviors, like nutrition, exercise and smoking. All too often, patient concerns in these areas go unaddressed. A system change would be for the healthcare provider to refer patients to community resources for nutrition, exercise or tobacco treatment.
Finally, an example of environmental change could be at a food shelf. The food shelf can change their layout to make fresh foods more accessible and put up signs directing shoppers to the healthier items. Another example is an employer putting small exercise equipment in the break room for employees to borrow and use during their workday.
While the opportunities for Public Health programs are endless, priorities are often selected with a focus on health equity. Health equity is working with populations that have historically had poorer health outcomes influenced by factors such as race, income, education, disability and gender. Health equity seeks to level the playing field and allow all people in the community to achieve an optimal level of health.
This brings me full circle. My career began with a focus on individual health behaviors. Now my focus is on health at the community level. Both are important in preventing health issues. Public Health is my passion now as it allows me to focus on health for all people in the community.
-Alyssa Wolf, MS
Health & Well-Being Consultant
The first two years of my nephew Isaac’s life, I noticed the joy he experienced as he observed water pouring out of our bathroom faucets and the spinning of ceiling fans. I also noticed Isaac barely established eye contact with me. Around 60 years ago psychologists would have likely diagnosed my nephew with schizophrenia. Today they diagnose these symptoms under the DSM-5 categorization of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). I can’t think of any other neurodevelopmental disorder that I am more passionate discussing and researching. As my nephew grew up, he would be found taking his father’s math and science books (by happenstance my brother is mathematical statistician for the United States Census Bureau in D.C.). By the time Isaac was in the second grade, he had been placed in the advanced fifth grade mathematics class (he was given this choice) and this is where he began working on mathematical equations. He remains, by all definitions, my hero. Not because of his superior intellectual functioning; but because of his ability to question everyone and everything around him in a complete curious, scientific, and genuine manner as he navigates a life with Autism.
Autism is known to impede communication skills and many misinterpret the verbal and nonverbal impairment as indicative of a cognitive disability. While some with ASD do have lower intelligence, others do not. This is why it is referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorder—the problems with communication, intelligence, and behavior are highly variable. In fact, many individuals with ASD will dramatically improve with proper therapy and treatment. Too often, however, it is believed that persons with ASD will never get far in life. And, sometimes meeting an autistic child in person only serves to reaffirm this stereotype. Some of the behaviors my nephew displays could be perceived as insulting; and others who know him understand that he has no intention of offending someone. He is simply trying to make thoughtful remarks—which, due to his difficulty with perceiving social cues, makes it hard for him to carry on a social conversation. Through my experiences with him and others like him, I have come to believe that autistic children are hardly permanently disabled. Rather, they are just missing a few neurological pathways and behavioral skills common to most other people. Furthermore, I’ve come to understand that they are capable of making new neural connections and learning new functional skills. I’ve also seen how they take great pride in their growing accomplishments!
My experiences working with children on the autism spectrum come at a time when rates are rising dramatically. As of 2014, ASD is diagnosed in approximately 1 in 68 children, a 30% increase from 2012, when it was 1 in 88 (per the CDC). This compares to about 1 in 200 in the year 2000. Scientists predict that by the year 2030, 1 in every 15 children will be autistic: approximately 1 in 10 boys, and 1 in 21 girls. Recently, there has been speculation about the causes of ASD and why its occurrence is growing at such an astounding rate. Some theories posit that chemicals in food, commonplace drugs, and other environmental influences may have led to these increased rates. My My work with people on the spectrum has led me to believe that we, as a society, need to develop a deeper understanding of autism, as well as empathize better with those living with the disorder. After all, we need to learn to accept differences in all people, helping others without judgment or uninformed bias. Given the rising rates of ASD, I also believe it’s crucial that we devote ourselves to finding the cause(s) and, in turn, a cure. Better yet, we may find what it takes to prevent ASD in the first place.
-Dr. Andy Fink, Psy.D., L.P.
Supervising Manager
Ms. Shari Barmash is a Group Facilitator and Peer Support Specialist for Lee Carlson Center (LCC). In this role, Shari works with students in peer group settings at school.
On July 18th, Shari celebrated her 30th anniversary with LCC, and was kind enough to take the time to let us ask her some questions about her impactful time with us!
Question (Q): What first made you want to do mental health work?
Answer (A): I majored in psychology at the University of Minnesota and had prior work experience with Juvenile Probation Surveillance and Child Protection in Hennepin County. I wanted to be involved with skill building and early intervention. I’ve always enjoyed working with children and was told early on I had the gift of being able to make a difference in the lives of others.
Q: What drew you to Lee Carlson Center?
A: The collaboration of group support in the schools was what attracted me the most. At the time, there was no other program like it. LCC was a leader with this type of programming and we were able to shape the groups around the needs of the kids. It was a one of a kind opportunity.
Q: You were able to know and work with Lee Carlson, the founder of LCC, correct? What was she like?
A: Yes! She was family to all that worked for her. Her door was always open and hugs were part of every day. She was passionate about building her dream and her excitement was contagious to all that spent time with her. She looked to the community to support her ideas and had a very large circle of support. Her family meant the world to her and she was so excited when she and Gary built their lake home so they could all gather together. To say she cared was an understatement. She was involved in all aspects of the clinic and used her voice for good when it came to mental health. I think of her often during the school year when success stories take shape, and know how proud she would be of the clinic today.
Q: In the time that you have been at Lee Carlson Center, a lot has changed! What has been the most exciting change to see over the years you have been here?
A: The expansion and growth has been very exciting for all of us. To have our services available in more than 40 schools and many districts is incredible. This ability to reach so many families who may not otherwise receive the mental health services without this collaboration has my heart full. The success and growth of Bridgeview is heartwarming as this program continues to grow and expand. The current team building and support at Lee Carlson Center is top in the field. Filled with enrichment, excitement and implementation of ideas.
Q: Has there been any specific child/individual and their story that has stuck with you all of these years?
A: For me it isn’t possible to single out one story over the years. Every year whether it be large or small gains are reached among the kids. For some kids, they formed friendships for the first time ever. Kids are learning to manage their anger and bringing these skills home to help parents and siblings do the same. Students that had planned to drop out at 16 are staying in school and graduating high school. I have had hundreds of kids over the years failing 4-5 classes bring every grade up to passing by end of the quarter with the support and encouragement of the group and a concrete work plan in place. Kids have shared in the safety of the group times of being bullied and immediate action was taken to put an end to it. Often group is the only place kids open up about difficult times or circumstances at home. They don’t feel comfortable doing so in a large classroom setting. Group gives them this safe space.
One very touching example of this is a boy I had in group who was experiencing abuse at home. He opened up to me and the others in group about this and we took the next step with county involvement. He was placed in a wonderful foster home, who permanently adopted him a few years ago. He is thriving in school and has never been happier.
Q: Do you feel that kids have changed over your years working with them?
A: Kids are more resilient than ever. They are facing many more obstacles then we had 30 years ago. Homelessness and deportation/separation of families is much higher than years ago. Kids are having to navigate homework at times without help at home due to language barriers and inability to do the work. Kids have many more responsibilities today often having to watch younger siblings while parents are away at work.
Q: In the next 30 years, what do you hope to see happen in the Mental Health world?
A: I hope to see the labels and stigma around mental health disappear. That all will see it’s not only okay to ask for help, but it makes for a healthier lifestyle. I hope continued importance of self-care is realized and is a part of daily living for all. It is so important to take yourself and make it a priority. I hope classrooms continue to work hard on inclusion for all students and are truly a welcoming place of acceptance for all. With that, I hope that teachers will continue training and workshops to be better equipped to handle students with unique needs and challenges.
Q: Thank you so much for taking time to tell us more about your time with LCC! Is there anything you would like to say to conclude our interview?
A: I love what I do as much today as I did 30 years ago. I’m so inspired by the team around me and the difference we continue to make one student at a time day after day. Shaping a beautiful future of today’s youth where mental health matters and kids feel free to speak up about their feelings. Working with vulnerable kids and teens who have no idea of the potential they hold and helping them find their way to success isn’t a feeling I can even put into words. Seeing them reach these goals and tear up with pride is the feeling I will always carry closest to my heart. I am looking forward to many more years.
Shari, thank you for all your compassion and dedication for improving the mental health services in our community!
-Grace Allen, M. Ed
Development Associate
On Tuesday July 31st, Lee Carlson Center (LCC) and North Metro Pediatrics (NMP) celebrated almost a year a partnership and the opening of our Coon Rapids location with an Open House and Ribbon Cutting!
Our partnership, which officially launched in November 2017, allows easy access to mental health service providers without the need for children and their families to go to an entirely different location.
LCC therapists are now actively working with North Metro Pediatrics (NMP) to help bridge the divide between physical and emotional health. With our Coon Rapids satellite clinic across the side walk from NMP, our therapists are able to provide services within their clinic, or at the LCC office. This connection ensures a warm hand-off between the primary care and mental health providers.
We had a great time at our Coon Rapids Open House and feel so lucky to have a community partner like NMP!
A big LCC thank you to all who attended, especially to Twin Cities North Chamber of Commerce and Metro North Chamber of Commerce for your support and commemorating the day with ribbon cutting.
As well as, Sun Focus for this great news article and Coon Rapids Community Television Network (CTN) for the featured news clip!
Community is at the core of what we do at LCC, and we wouldn’t be able to do it with out the irreplaceable support given to us.
-Grace Allen, M. Ed
Development Associate
In the beginning of May we first shared the exciting news about Lee Carlson Center’s (LCC) new partnership with the Coon Rapids Police Department putting increased focus on community mental wellness.
Partnerships such as ours are beginning all across the state of Minnesota and the country to assist law enforcement in addressing community mental health needs in conjunction with law enforcement.
In our current model, an LCC staff member will ride along with a plain clothed officer to assist with 911 calls where crisis intervention, or mental health expertise, is needed.
Many individuals welcome the warm and engaging outreach and have begun to access various service opportunities with Lee Carlson Center.
We are honored to partner with law enforcement. We take great pride in joining other organizations and police departments in collective effort to help those who need services get the help they need; while also improving the safety of the community and officers.
Click the links below to learn more about our partnership with the Coon Rapids Police Department, and why these collaborations are so important!
Coon Rapids PD partners to help with mental health issues
Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Programs
For more information on our services or our work with law enforcement please contact: redwards@leecarlsoncenter.org
-Grace Allen, M. Ed
Development Associate
