Samantha Schendzielos, Counselor, MS
Email: samantha.schendzielos@nhcc.edu
Phone: 763-424-0798
Counseling Philosophy
Counseling is a journey of self-exploration by the student, meant to increase his/her level of self-understanding and self-awareness. As a counselor I act as the guide or facilitator of this journey to help enable change. I do not act as the expert on the student's life. My goal is to create a safe place in which students can explore what is getting in the way of their success and/or happiness. I approach each student with respect, authenticity, genuineness, empathy, acceptance, and unconditional positive regard.
Education
St Cloud State University, BS-Business; St Cloud State University, MS- College Counseling & Student Development
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Carley Saravia, Counselor, M.S. Counseling
Email: carley.saravia@nhcc.edu
Phone: 763-424-0912
Counseling Philosophy
I have always been drawn to working with students who are attending college, because I know personally how hard it can be to navigate the bumps that sometimes show up along the way. My work is grounded in building relationships and empowering students as they explore their personal, career and academic goals. I strive to provide a safe, welcoming space where students can process their situation, reflect on how it is affecting them and learn new behaviors and ways of thinking they can use in order to cope with life’s stressors more effectively. Some of my areas of interest are career and major exploration, expanding equity in access to mental health support, increasing community awareness of issues surrounding mental health and utilizing mindfulness to improve mental well-being. I look forward to partnering with NHCC students as we explore their internal strengths, identify where they want to be and devise a plan to get there.
Education
Normandale Community College, Associate of Arts; University of Minnesota, B.A. English; Northern Arizona Graduate Certification, Education; University of Wisconsin River Falls, M.S. Counseling
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Johanna Gangl, Mental Health Therapist, MA, LPCC
Email: johanna.gangl@nhcc.edu
Phone: 763-488-0409
Counseling Philosophy
I consider counseling to be a rare, invaluable opportunity. It is a space designed for building self-awareness by exploring values, feelings, behavior patterns, and thoughts without judgement, typical relationship expectations, or trust violations. I identify myself as a trauma-informed, strengths-based practitioner. I partner with my clients to achieve their academic, personal, and professional goals by providing empathy, psycho-education, and guidance. Throughout our lives, we are presented with the idea that success means not needing anyone, but I believe wholeheartedly that growth begins with being seen, heard, and valued in moments of human connection.
Education
Randolph-Macon College, BA-Psychology; University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, MA-Counseling & Student Personnel Psychology; Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
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Julia Salinas, Social Worker, LSW
Email: Julia.Salinas@nhcc.edu
Phone: 763-424-0883
Social Work Philosophy
My role as a Social Worker is to advocate for individuals, insure that their basic needs are met, and connect them to community resources, ultimately empowering them to flourish in life. I will accomplish this by working closely with each person to identify his/her needs, by providing guidance throughout the process, and by collaborating with internal and external partners. As a Social Worker, I have the unique opportunity to work with people holistically, treating the person as a whole and considering all social aspects of the person’s life. Throughout our work together, I hope individuals can identify their strengths and potential to live a successful life. My goal is to provide a supportive, trustworthy, and culturally sensitive environment where people from all walks of life can be heard and feel welcomed.
Education
Augsburg University, BSW- Social Work, Licensed Social Worker
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Elton Dahn, Director of Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution, Title IX Coordinator
Email: elton.dahn@nhcc.edu
Phone: 763-488-0229
Student Mediation Philosophy
In all of my roles, I seek to be flexible with students, staff, and faculty to create a positive and welcoming environment, and I strive to approach situations with empathy, concern, and fairness. I strive to provide understanding and openness to all cultures and experiences.
Education
North Hennepin Community College, AS - Criminal Justice; Metropolitan State University, BS – Criminal Justice