Allison ‘Ali’ DeCamillis, MS, ATR-BC, LPCC

(she/her)
Regardless of what brought you to this moment of seeking support, know you are not alone. Ali takes a trauma-informed approach to therapy with a focus on collaboration and empowerment. With authenticity and curiosity, she creates a safe space to explore your truth and unfold your story within an environment of compassion, creativity and playfulness. Together we can work on acknowledging what is, what could be and navigating the space in-between. She welcomes both laughter and tears.

Ali has a dual role at JFCS as therapist and counseling manager. She specializes in grief/loss, cancer support, end-of-life, caregiving, and being an imperfect human. As a board certified art therapist and licensed professional clinical counselor, she has worked with people across the age spectrum in hospital, community and studio-based settings. Ali takes an eclectic approach to therapy, because each person is unique.

As a military brat, Ali grew up with a love for adventuring; she has moved over 27 times and has lived in 9 different states/countries. She can be found enjoying yoga and dance, jumping in lakes, sketching in a hammock, laughing with friends, and exploring with her two awesome kids, creative husband, and their road-tripping cat. 

Specializations include art therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for advanced cancer, Solution-focused brief therapy, and mindfulness
Works with individuals of all genders, including teens (14+), young adults, college students, older adults, parents, helping professionals (healthcare providers & teachers) & military families
Clinical areas of focus are grief/loss, aging, caregiving, end-of-life, chronic illness, cancer support (kids, teens, & adults), disability, memory-related disorders, parenting, & life transitions

Becca Hotchkiss, MSW, LICSW 
(she/her)

All of us are faced with experiences in life that are scary, hard, and that we could use some help with. Using warmth, gentleness, and humor, Becca’s goal as a therapist is to create a safe, healing relationship to join you in exploring the parts of yourself and your journey that might feel scary to do alone. Her approach is grounded in attachment theory and how the family system you grow up in shapes your beliefs about yourself and the world around you. She looks forward to working with you in defining for yourself who you are and reshaping beliefs that no longer serve you. 

Becca has experience working with people across their lifespan - from working with toddlers in early childhood therapy and preschool day treatment, to school-age children and teens impacted by foster care, and supporting adults in navigating the anxiety and challenge that comes with life changes. 

Becca is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in social work. When she is not at work you can find her watching too much TV and doing her best to pet all the cats she can (especially her cat, Zeke). 

Specializations include play therapy, parent/child attachment work, CBT, and mindfulness. 
Works with: Individuals of all genders, kids ages 3+, teens, young adults, college students, parents, members of the LBGTQIA+ community
Clinical areas of focus: Anxiety & depression, adoption/foster care, parenting, life transitions, identity, and trauma

Carole Cera, MSSW, LICSW 
(she/her)

Carole has been providing therapy for over 40 years, with nearly 30 years in the Counseling Department at JFCS. She continues to feel passionate about her work at JFCS, where individuals and families are served holistically, with cultural sensitivity, all within the mission of tikkun olam (healing the world). Her goal for people I see is to stand beside them as they take on the challenges of life. Along the way, she uses humor, mindfulness, play therapy, cognitive, as well as insight-oriented, and evidence-based practices. Carole has experience working with individuals and families throughout the lifespan and through all life changes, from birth to death. 

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Jill Kozberg, LP 
(she/her)

Jill is a Licensed Psychologist and Director of Mental Health and Senior Services at JFCS. She has a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Minnesota, and has been a therapist for over 25 years. Jill works with individuals, couples, and families. Her areas of special interest include anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, relationship and marriage enrichment, communication, and life transitions. She believes that everyone has their own answers, and work collaboratively with my clients to offer support, feedback and perspective. She also facilitates communication and the expression of needs, expectations, and feelings. Many people have experienced traumas and losses from which they are trying to heal, in order to move forward in their lives. Jill believes that the therapeutic relationship provides the foundation upon which the rest of the work will take place. 

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Mark Kaufman,MSW, LICSW                                                                                                                                     (he/him)

Mark has always been interested in how people think, and this ultimately has led him to working with people in therapy. He loves walking with people through problem solving and self-discovery and  believes in the importance of collaboration in finding healing, personal growth, and solving problems. Mark uses this perspective with my clients as they navigate the challenges that led them to therapy. Mark and his clients explore how previous problems were dealt with and how that problem solving process applies to current challenges, how one’s thoughts impact one’s feelings, and examine new and old experiences and the emotions surrounding them, integrating mindfulness and behavioral strategies.

Mark works with adults with anxiety, depression, personality disorders, trauma, severe mental illness, chronic illnesses, and couples. He's done a lot of work with people who have a family member with a severe mental illness and has a Master’s Degree in Social Work from University of St. Thomas and St. Catherine University. Before providing therapy, he worked with adults with Severe and Persistent Mental Illness (SPMI).

Mark loves riding and working on two wheeled machines (with both pedals and engines), hiking, and hanging out with his wife, kids, dogs, and chickens.  

Specializations: Clinical supervision (individuals), grief/loss, Emotionally-focused therapy (EFT) for couples, Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
Works with: Individuals and couples including young adults, college students, older adults, SMPI, LGBTQIA+ and all genders
Clinical areas of focus: grief/loss, anxiety & depression, SMPI, chronic illness, & trauma

Michel Rousseau, MSW, LICSW                                                                                                                                    (he/him)

Mark has always been interested in how people think, and this ultimately has led him to working with people in therapy. He loves walking with people through problem solving and self-discovery and  Michel takes an "informal," conversational approach in order to create a non-judgemental space where clients can discuss experiences and process emotions with the goal of reaching a new level of insight. He respects the experience of his clients and understands the extent to which trauma can complicate how a person sees themselves and their place within the world. Michel leads with compassion, a listening ear, and a respectful dose of humor. He works with adults who are experiencing grief/loss, anxiety, depression, and life transitions (involving the loss of a loved one, troubling medical news, or any life circumstance that requires finding a "new normal").

Michel received my master of social work from the University of St. Thomas / St. Catherine's University. He is also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) from the EMDR Institute.

When not meeting with clients you can find Michel out snowboarding (he’s one of those unique people that love winter), reading comic books, or searching for the next cooking recipe to try out in the kitchen.

Specializations: grief/loss, EMDR, Solution Focused, motivational interviewing, CBT
Works best with: individuals of all genders, college students, older adults, caregivers, LGBTQIA+.
Clinical areas of focus: grief & loss, end of life, anxiety & depression, chronic illness, memory related disorders, aging, cancer, life transitions, sexuality, trauma, identity, holocaust survivors and their families.

Natalie Oleson, MSW, LICSW                                                                                                                                    (she/her)

Natalie is an empathetic, friendly, compassionate, and skilled clinician. She often uses humor in her practice. Clients say they appreciate her laid-back and grounded approach to therapy. Natalie does not believe she has all the answers for you, but rather that her job is to be with you on the journey. She enjoys working with people struggling with anxiety and/or depression, who are trying to set boundaries in their relationships, and/or need a safe space to feel their feelings, and discuss their life. Natalie specializes in working with both children and adults (ages 5+) to help ease suffering and improve overall functioning. She has a master’s degree in social work from St. Thomas. 

Natalie is an avid reader, coffee drinker, podcast listener, and animal lover (cats specifically, but likes dogs too). 

Specializations: Play therapy, Eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR), Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), meditation & mindfulness
Works with: Individuals including kids 5+, teens, parents, young adults, college students, adults, and women
Clinical focus areas: Anxiety & depression, parenting, life transitions, grief, self-harm, suicidality, & trauma

Ruth Paley, MA, LICSW                                                                                                                                      (she/her)

Ruth works with clients dealing with trauma associated with grief and loss.  She also has training and expertise in the area of trauma transmission to the children and grandchildren of Holocaust survivors and provids workshops on this topic in a variety of settings. Ruth values working with those who are ready to engage in a therapeutic relationship to deal with their concerns and issues.

Ruth is a masters level social worker with 40 years of experience in clinical mental health services. She has been on staff at Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minneapolis since 2000. Ruth is a member of the executive leadership team and currently serves as Director of Children and Family Programs.

In her spare time you can find Ruth enjoying yoga, dancing, and theater. She is an avid reader and values spending time with family and friends.

Specializations include clinical supervision (individuals & groups), grief/loss, solution-focused, and working with Holocaust survivors and their children & grandchildren.
Works with individuals, older adults, women, Holocaust survivors & their families
Clinical areas of focus: grief & loss, end-of-life, life transitions & trauma

Samantha Taleff, MSW, LICSW                                                                                                                                      (she/her)

Samantha is a compassionate therapist that supports clients in building on their strengths and recognizing their resiliency. She works to create a warm, open space for folks to show up as they are. During sessions, she enjoys supporting folks in deconstructing unhelpful narratives and creating a life aligned with their values. Along with this, she supports integrating mindfulness and mind-body practices. Many of her clients value the creativity, curiosity, and humor she brings into therapy sessions.

Samantha received her Master of Social Work from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. Prior to that, she received her Bachelor of Music in Piano Pedagogy from the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire.

When not at work, Samantha enjoys being outdoors, trying local coffee shops, and spending time with her partner and their pets.