Meet Our Team
Ashley Johnson, MA, LMFT
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families build healthier, more fulfilling futures. I work with clients ages 6 and older and provide both in-person and virtual counseling services.
My approach focuses on identifying unhelpful patterns of thinking and behavior while helping clients recognize and build upon their personal strengths. I believe therapy is a collaborative process and work with each client to develop practical skills and meaningful goals that support positive, lasting change. I am also passionate about Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), particularly for individuals experiencing challenges with emotion regulation. I also incorporate principles of Adlerian Theory into my work and provide Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) to help clients address sleep difficulties and develop healthier sleep habits.
I strive to create a supportive, respectful, and welcoming environment where clients feel heard and empowered. Whether working with children, adolescents, or adults, I meets clients where they are and supports them as they move toward greater emotional well-being, improved sleep, and healthier relationships.
Melissa Truax, MA, LMFT
I'm an integrative, trauma-informed therapist with a holistic, mind-body approach to healing and resilience. I specialize in helping individuals navigate trauma, stress, and life transitions by addressing the interconnected mental, emotional, physical, social, and spiritual dimensions of well-being.
My work blends evidence-based clinical practices with complementary healing modalities to support lasting change. Central to my approach is the therapeutic relationship, nervous system regulation, and strengthening the mind-body connection to help clients access their own insight, capacity, and resilience. In addition to direct clinical work, I bring experience in trauma- and resilience-based training, clinical supervision, and consultation. I am passionate about supporting both individuals and organizations in creating environments that foster healing, growth, and sustainable wellness.
My areas of focus include working with dual diagnosis, mood disorders, anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist and board approved supervisor. I am trained in EMDR and somatic modalities. I hold certification as a clinical trauma specialist (CCTS-II).
Brittany Matos, MA, LPCC
I’m a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor who’s passionate about walking alongside people as they navigate life’s hardest, and most meaningful moments. I believe that healing happens when people feel genuinely seen, heard, and respected, and I’m committed to creating that kind of space for every person I work with.
I have a deep respect for the diversity of human experience and pride myself on working effectively with individuals from all walks of life, regardless of background, identity, or story. No matter what you're currently facing I will bring a warm, nonjudgmental, and down-to-earth approach that meets you where you are.
No two people are the same, and I don’t believe therapy should be one-size-fits-all. My style is collaborative and honest, rooted in curiosity and care. It’s not about “fixing” you, it’s about helping you reconnect with your own strength, insight, and direction.
Liam Norfleet, MA, Clinical Trainee
As a therapist, my mission is to create a space where your full humanity is welcomed; messy moments and all. I approach therapy as a collaborative process where we slow down, unpack emotional patterns, and explore the deeper stories that shape your experience. Whether you're navigating relationship stress, life transitions, identity questions, or inner conflict, I strive to meet you with compassion, curiosity, and nonjudgment.
What drives me most in this work is the transformative power of emotional honesty. I know what it’s like to silence your voice to keep the peace or question your worth after being hurt. These lived experiences, alongside my professional training, have fueled a deep passion for helping others feel seen, heard, and deeply understood.
I specialize in working with individuals and couples. In session, I blend Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Narrative Therapy, and somatic grounding techniques.
Liam Norfleet is a Marriage and Family Therapy Graduate Intern currently completing his Master’s degree at Capella University. His graduate training focuses on systemic approaches to healing across the lifespan, with specialized study in couples and family dynamics, trauma-informed care, and culturally responsive therapy.
Liam holds a Bachelor’s degree in Pre-Counselor Psychology and previously worked as a health coach. Liam has currently completing his clinical internship under supervision as part of his graduate training.
Samantha Evans, MS, LPCC
I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in the state of Minnesota. I received my Bachelors of Science degree at Bemidji State University. After graduating in 2012, I began my work in the mental health field by working at and managing group homes and adult foster care facilities for individuals with behavioral and developmental disabilities. I then went to Graduate School at St. Cloud State University for Rehabilitation Counseling. I graduated from SCSU in 2016, and began working as a school-based CTSS Practitioner. I then transitioned to being an ARMHS worker, and eventually became a Mental Health Professional/Clinical Trainee in 2018.
My therapeutic style is very laid back, and strengths based. I like to focus on helping individuals identify their strengths and then practice and apply those strengths to overcome obstacles in everyday life.
Samantha specializes in Court Ordered Diagnostic Assessments and working with clients through their EAP program.
Julie Paulson, MSW, LICSW
I am Licensed Clinical mental health therapist with over 20 years of experience providing compassionate, culturally responsive therapy. I specialize in helping individuals and couples navigate anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges.
I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), solution-focused therapy, and trauma-informed care to support clients in building practical skills, resilience, and lasting progress.
I have worked extensively with Native American communities through my work on four different Native American Reservations. This experience has shaped my commitment to culturally sensitive and trauma-informed care. In addition to clinical work, I also serve as a clinical supervisor for therapists pursuing licensure.
Alexa Just, LICSW
Helping individuals navigate life’s most difficult transitions has been the cornerstone of my 15-year career in social services. Through years of providing therapeutic support across the most profound chapters of life—including crisis intervention, end-of-life care, and outpatient therapy—I have learned that true healing begins with recognizing the sanctity and distinctiveness of every individual’s story. My background also includes specialized experience working with children who have autism spectrum disorder or a related diagnosis. I am deeply committed to providing empathetic, evidence-based care to clients of all ages.
I specialize in trauma recovery and am an EMDR-certified practitioner, which serves as a central pillar of my clinical approach. I am currently welcoming new clients ages 13 and up for sessions via telehealth.
Beyond the therapy room, I am devoted to the simple, vibrant rhythms of family life. Whether I am challenging myself with a new fitness goal or savoring quality time with my husband and children, I find that these connections ground me. I am a strong believer in the restorative power of movement and laughter, and I strive to bring that same sense of balance and authentic presence to the work I do with you.
Melissa Fairchild, APRN, CNP
Melissa works with children as young as 4 and supports patients through age 55. She has a special interest in caring for children and families navigating autism, ADHD, non-speaking communication, foster care, adoption, and behavioral concerns. Melissa aims to provide consistent support as patients encounter the challenges and changes of life.
Melissa’s approach is compassionate and nonjudgmental. She works to help each patient feel heard, supported, and understood, while focusing on safety and individual needs. As someone with lived experience of ADHD and autism, she brings personal perspective to understanding how patients may experience the world.
Outside of her work, Melissa enjoys the outdoors, concerts, and spending time with family and friends. After 20 years in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, she now lives in the metro area and looks forward to exploring everything it has to offer.