Message from
Dr. Ashley Kjos, CEO
As we move into 2023, it is important to reflect on everything Woodland Centers has achieved in the past year:
- Woodland Centers and the Bonynge family partner to provide a $1000 scholarship to a graduate student in the behavioral sciences. The 2023 scholarship winner is Courtney Shrestha who is completing a Master of Social Work Degree at Saint Mary’s University.
- Minnesota officially reentered the federal CCBHC demonstration as of July 1, 2023 with the original six demo sites. The next step is for the Department of Human Services (DHS) to determine the process for additional CCBHC’s in Minnesota (including Woodland Centers) to enter the federal demonstration. More information about Minnesota’s CCBHC model can be found on the DHS website.
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Our new Our Urgent Care program has completed 86 assessments between January to June 2023. Twenty-eight percent (28%) of all assessments were with youth. Urgent Care is available Monday through Friday 8am to 4pm at Woodland Centers Willmar, Litchfield, Benson, Olivia, and Montevideo office locations; Monday to Tuesday 8am to 4pm at our Dawson office and Wednesday to Friday 8am to 4pm at our Ortonville office.
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Woodland Centers is thrilled to announce a partnership with Viewpoint with Dennis Quaid, a thought-provoking program dedicated to exploring critical issues. An empowering new episode titled "Improving Communities through Care & Compassion" will be produced in 2023 featuring Woodland Centers. This collaborative endeavor aims to educate viewers on mental illness treatment and the destigmatization of seeking help.
None of this would be possible without the hard work and dedication of our staff! Woodland Centers employees have worked through and managed change at all levels of the organization and continue to provide high quality, client centered care across our communities through all these changes.
Become A WC "Impact" Partner!
The “WC IMPACT Partner” Program raises dollars to help WC continue to grow and create a center of excellence in Mental Health and Mental Illness programming, therapy, and residential opportunities for kids, adults, seniors, and families in West Central Minnesota.
The tax-deductible donation levels are:
Support {Up to $199} Bridge Builder {$200-$499}
Providing Hope {$500-$999} Inspiring Change {$1,000+}
Please contact Kim Madsen, Director of Community Impact at 320-235-4613 or [email protected]
or
Angie Richardson, Social Media/Marketing Coordinator at 320-235-4613 or [email protected]
Community Impact
Woodland Centers in partnership with local Veterans and the VSO of Kandiyohi County continue to host a veteran support group. The location changed to the VFW in Willmar. There is now an afternoon and evening session to make this more accessible for Veterans. The 1st and 3rd Wed. at 1:30 and the 4th Wed. at 5:30. All Veterans are welcome. Please inform any clients, friends, family members of this opportunity to connect and find support.
Woodland Centers had a booth at the Chippewa County Fair from July 26th to July 30th. It was great being out in the community making connections. WC will also be at the Meeker County fair from Aug. 3rd - 6th and the Kandiyohi County fair from Aug. 9th - 12th. Stop out and say hi to our WC staff and get some WC merch!
Woodland Centers is now an Naloxone Access Point. Someone in need of a naloxone kit can come in and ask for one with no questions asked and can remain anonymous. We will also start having kits available in our other locations they do not have a close access point available.
Meet Some Woodland Centers Team Members
Brianne Wolters
I grew up in Montevideo, MN. I have a 17-year-old son named Cam, a dog named Reggie and a cat named Simone. I currently live in Dassel, MN. I am more of an introvert but love humor and can be competitive at times. I identify as a white female who uses she/her pronouns. I believe in Trinity.
I like to decorate and love to shop (a little too much). I love the holidays and get excited when the “ber” months come. I try and start my day with something that will make me belly laugh (due to not being a morning person). I am a bit loud and sometimes hard to read, but you can ask me anything. I am very loyal and have integrity. I tend to be a leader and independent, but I am working on lighting that up. I like the cold and could leave the hot. My language is physical touch ( yes, I am a hugger) and gift giving (I do ask my family to start thinking about their Christmas list around January 2nd for the next Christmas), my least favorite language is quality time This is me.
Mackenzie Westermeyer
Hello, I'm Mackenzie Westermeyer and I'm a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. I have been providing outpatient therapy at Woodland Centers since 2017. I was born and raised in Big Stone County, and continue to live there with my husband, Jesse and our daughter, Ellie. We also have a dog named Roxy, and a cat named Theo. When I'm not working, you can usually find me camping, floating in our pool, or going to concerts. I really enjoy being part of the wonderful team at Woodland Centers.
Join Our Team
Woodland Centers offers 37 paid days off the first year; 7% in a 401K and excellent health insurance!
Woodland Centers is recruiting for the following positions:
- Registered Nurse - Assertive Community Treatment
- Casual Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse - Detox/Crisis
- Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS)
- Co-Occurring Disorder Specialist - Assertive Community Treatment
- On Call Mobile Crisis Responder
- Mobile Crisis Responder/Mental Health Practitioner
- Qualified Mental Health Professional - Assertive Community Treatment
- Mental Health Practitioner or Rehabilitation Worker
- Licensed Alcohol & Drug Counselor (LADC) or Alcohol & Drug Counselor
- Licensed Alcohol & Drug Counselor or Alcohol & Drug Counselor - Area Schools
- Qualified Mental Health Professional - Team Lead - ACT
- Qualified Mental Health Professional/Trainee - School Linked Mental Health Rehabilitation Worker - Crisis
- Mental Health Practitioner - School Linked
- Mobile Crisis Responder - On Call
- Qualified Mental Health Professional/Trainee - Outpatient
- Mental Health Practitioner - Crisis - On Call
WC is committed to community involvement and encourage staff to use volunteer time!
Lindsay A. used some volunteer hours assisting with a ninja warrior course at BBE.
Tia R. volunteered for her son's pre-school class trip to the Brookings, SD. Science Museum.
Angie and Jennifer at the Chippewa County Fair. They were all set up to answer any questions and make connections in the community!
“What is the essence of life?
To serve others and to do good.”
— Aristotle
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