Mental Health Practitioners:

Andrea Hofstad, Mental Health Practitioner

Andrea has been employed through North Homes, Inc. since September of 2000. Andrea has a Bachelor of Social Work Degree and specializes in chemical dependency issues. Andrea’s expertise is working with male and female youth with a wide range of emotional and behavioral difficulties. Additional areas of competency include; grief and loss, depression, self-esteem building, emotional control, positive decision making skills, family dynamics, teen pregnancies, and conflict resolution. She also provides group work in the North Homes, Inc. Professional Foster Care System. Andreas’s past employment includes Chemical Dependency Case Management through the Hazelden Foundation.

Jennifer Kliewer, Mental Health Practitioner

Jennifer has been employed through North Homes, Inc. since 2004. Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice. She has worked as a Foster Care Case Manager in our Professional Foster Care System, and as a Youth Counselor at the ITASKIN Center. Jennifer works with individuals and families in providing a variety of education, mental health and intervention, support and resources to help youth maintain in their home environment.

Lauri Rupert, Mental Health Practitioner

Lauri has worked in the In Home Family Service Program since 1999. She assists youth and families with development of life skills and activities of daily living. Lauri specializes in working with youth of all ages and their families. Beyond Lauri’s duties through the In Home Services, Lauri runs a parenting support group for parents who have a youth residing at the ITASKIN Center. Lauri has a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Psychology Human Service with an emphasis in Community Health and Family Living. She also maintains a license in Practical Nursing by completing required continuing education.

Jim Stephens, Mental Health Practitioner

Jim has provided In Home Family with North Homes, Inc since 1994. Jim has a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology from the University of Minnesota, Duluth. He assists youth and families with development of life skills. Jim specializes in working with juvenile males who are currently under probation status through Itasca County Juvenile Probation Department. Jim exhibits expertise by providing services to male youth who struggle with chemical dependency issues, youth who are currently in placement or have experienced previous placement at the ITASKIN Center, or assisting them in their transition to Professional Foster Care or reunification with family.

Laurie Youso, Mental Health Practitioner

Laurie Youso has provided In Home Services for North Homes, Inc. since 2006. Laurie has a work history of providing case management for Koochiching County in Minnesota as an intake worker, child welfare worker, child protection investigating specialist and children’s mental health worker. She is currently employed by North Homes, Inc and Independent School District #361 (International Falls, MN) as a school social worker who works with emotionally/behaviorally disordered students. Laurie has a Bachelor of Science degree from Bemidji State University in Social Work. She maintains a license from the Minnesota Department of Human Services and from the Minnesota Department of Education.

Diane Dobson, Mental Health Practioner

Diane has been employed by North Homes, Inc since 2006 as a shift manager at the ITASKIN Center; she has recently joined the In Home Family Services Program as a Mental Health Practitioner and will work with male and female youth with a wide range of mental health issues. Diane has previous experience working with youth with a diverse background including employment at Kids Peace Mesabi Academy and has also worked as a Home Health Care worker. Diane has an AA from Hibbing Community College and a Bachelor of Science from Bemidji State University in Applied Psychology.

Jodi Winkels, Mental Health Practitioner

Jodi is a Mental Health Practitioner working with North Homes, Inc. Jodi comes to North Homes, Inc with a great deal of experience. She graduated from Mankato State with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology and Corrections. She recently worked at Children’s Mental Health for 14 years as a Mental Health Practitioner and for Crisis Response Team for 10 years. Jodi will work with families and individuals with a wide range of mental health issues and family preservation.

Barbara Magnus, Program Coordinator/Supervisor

Barb joined North Homes, Inc in 1993, prior to this she had been providing Family Based Services to Itasca County residents since 1986. Barb is the Program Coordinator/Supervisor of all In-Home services provided through the Grand Rapids office. She also maintains a small caseload in order to stay connected to families being served.