River Valley supports Pride, diversity, inclusion, and equality for all. Pride month gives us the opportunity to learn more about its origin, popular LGBTQ+ people in history, and ways we can encourage and support equality and justice for everyone within our own community. Our support for the LGBTQ+ community extends beyond June, but we would like to take this time to recognize and educate our community as a whole, the best we can. Please take the time to think about our individual freedoms and that everyone deserves to be treated with respect. Here are some links to extend that invitation.

 

 

We would like to officially announce that River Valley will be recognizing and incorporating Juneteenth (June 19th) as a clinic holiday. Starting this year, employees will have this day off as we honor, celebrate, and educate to bring equality to all. Juneteenth falls on a Saturday this year, so we will be observing it on Friday, June 18th. Some of you may not be familiar with this Holiday or the history and significance behind it. We have attached a great article that gives some background on Juneteenth.  
 

 

We are excited to announce that our clinic will be fully open starting June 21, 2021. This is in conjunction with the CDC's recent recommendations and Governor Walz lifting the mask mandate for fully vaccinated individuals.

 

The pandemic has taught us many things about adaptability, flexibility and creativity thus, we are happy to announce that clinicians and clients have a choice of the format that best suits their wellness needs. We will continue to utilize teletherapy and telemedicine as an option to serve our clients going forward. Please check with your provider to determine what format for therapy they have chosen and/or what is right for you.

 

For the safety and comfortability of all our clients, River Valley chooses to still require masks to be worn by all individuals including clients, staff, and contractors, while in the common areas of the building (front desk area, main waiting room, fireplace areas, kitchen area). Please collaborate with your provider regarding mask preference in sessions.

 

We are so excited to see everyone in person as we are confident that the pandemic is close to being more behind us than in front.

 

 

We appreciate everyone's patience with our switch over to the new electronic health records system. As we know, we all go through changes and some can be difficult. We are happy to say that we have almost everyone's account updated and urge you to setup your "Kareo Portal" if you haven't already. This will be the easiest way to manage your care at our clinic.

 

 

 

We are excited to announce a unique opportunity for adolescents. Dr. Heidi Carlson and Stacey Johnson, MA will be offering a group designed to empower young people as they navigate the world of adolescence and young adulthood. This group will incorporate paddleboards and the beach to create a cohesive, fun, and supportive environment. Heidi and Stacey will utilize the wellness power of nature, movement, connection and rest while using concepts from neuroscience psychology and narrative therapy to support growth and balance.

First group session will start June 23, at 9:00 - 10:30 AM. This group is a private pay, one time fee, and covers paddleboard rental in collaboration with Minnesota Mermaid Paddleboard. Space is limited please call the front desk staff at 952-746-7664 for further information.

 

 

 

Katie Davis is a graduate of  CenterPoint School of Massage and Shiatsu as of February of 2021, earning her degree in Eastern Bodywork. She is specially trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine and has experience practicing Shiatsu and Swedish modalities of massage along with extensive knowledge of other holistic modalities such as herbal medicine, yoga, meditation and essential oils...find out more

 

Kalyn graduated from the University of St. Thomas with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Sociology. Kalyn then went on to graduate with her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Augsburg College in 2010. She obtained her Clinical Social Work (LICSW) licensure in 2012. Kalyn has worked in a variety of settings including adolescent partial hospital and day treatment programs, child protection, crisis response and coordinated response...find out more

 

Stacey (She/Her) is currently entering the final year of her doctoral Psy.D. program at the University of St. Thomas where she received her M.A. in Counseling Psychology in 2018. She has trained in settings ranging from college counseling to community mental health and considers herself a generalist practitioner, though she specializes in working with young adults...find out more

 

Michael Omomo is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner that is passionate about mental health. He is trained and qualified to diagnose and treat various psychiatric disorders across the lifespan. Michael’s focus is on providing quality, empathetic, and comprehensive mental health services to individuals across the lifespan. He believes in an integrated approach to care of individuals with mental health...find out more

 

Lauren received her Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of St. Thomas and is working towards licensure as a professional clinical counselor. Lauren previously worked in a partial hospitalization setting treating adults with OCD and anxiety. She received extensive training in Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP). In addition, she also worked in a university counseling setting providing individual therapy to students ranging in concerns from mood and anxiety disorders, life adjustments, relationships, attachment, grief and loss, identity exploration, perfectionism, stress management, low self-esteem and family dynamics...find out more

 

 

Dr. Leslie Korn's book "Eat Right, Feel Right" is a fantastic resource for improving mood, sleep, attention, and focus. This smoothie is a great example of reducing anxiety while staying alert and focused. It contains the anxiolytic amino acid, theanine, which reduces the buzz you get from caffeine. Enjoy!

 

INGREDIENTS
½ c. almond or hemp milk or whole milk yogurt (cow or goat)
¼ c. frozen blueberries or raspberries
1 tsp. matcha, green tea powder, or ½ c. concentrated green tea
3 drops liquid Stevia or a tsp. raw honey to taste
Optional: half a banana

 

DIRECTIONS:

Blend until smooth.

TIP: Use stevia liquid; the powder can leave a bitter aftertaste.
TIP: Use honey sparingly but when you do, buy raw honey that is local to your neighborhood or region. Raw, local honey can also help reduce allergies and is anti-bacterial.
NOTE: If you use the green tea bags, steep 6 in a quart of hot water for 20 minutes. After you use the bags, save them in the fridge and apply them to your eyes while you rest to reduce inflammation or tired eyes. Benefits all around!

 

**Recipe is excerpted from Dr. Leslie Korn's "Eat Right, Feel Right". Visit the link to her recipe here: Green Tea Smoothie