Our Team

Dr. Walsh previously served as the CEO of NorthStar Regional. He has also held leadership positions with the Minnesota Association of Resources for Recovery and Chemical Health (MARRCH), including serving as co-chair of the Government Affairs Committee His past roles include Senior Vice President of long-term recovery and mental health services at Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge, director of Health and Human Services for Scott County, and director of Juvenile Services for the Minnesota Department of Corrections. As a licensed psychologist, he has also served as an assistant professor at the University of Northwestern and as an adjunct professor at Hamline University.

Ernest Lampe, MD joined Meridian Behavioral Health in October of 2017 as the Medical Director for the Valhalla Methadone Programs after 5 years as Director for New Seasons Methadone Programs. He now serves as the Medical Director for Meridian Behavioral Health’s residential programs which includes Beauterre. He is an Abdominal and Cancer Surgeon and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He received his MD Degree and Surgical Training at the University of Minnesota. He retired from the Operating Room in 2010 and started in the Practice of Addiction Medicine. He is a Member of the American Society of Addiction Medicine.

Corey Thompson is a dedicated Physician Assistant at Beauterre since 2021, holds a master’s degree in health science in Physician Assistant Studies from South College in Knoxville, TN, with a focus on psychiatry and family medicine. He earned his BA in Biology from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter in 2018.

Josh Jensen is a Summa Cum Laude graduate from Purdue University Global with a BS in Psychology focused on Addictions who pursued his MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in trauma and crisis management from Walden University, propelled by his own recovery journey. Committed to holistic healing, Josh believes in uncovering the root causes of addiction to facilitate sustainable change in his patients. He finds inspiration in Neville Chamberlain’s quote, “if at first you don’t succeed, try, try, try again”.

Toby is a dedicated mental health professional who joined Beauterre in May 2022, bringing a diverse background in mental health spanning outpatient, residential, and home-based settings. With expertise in cognitive behavioral therapy, polyvagal theory, and attachment theory, Toby supports his patients on their journey to wellness. Transitioning from a career in restaurant management, he pursued a master’s degree in integrated behavioral health from the University of Minnesota, driven by his own transformative experiences in support groups. Toby cherishes the opportunity to connect with each patient, listening to their stories, and guiding them towards their unique goals.

Billie is a seasoned mental health professional at Beauterre who brings extensive experience from roles as a licensed alcohol and drug counselor at Mayo Clinic/Fountain Centers and Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. With a BA in Psychology from Florida International University and an MA in Addiction Counseling from Hazelden Betty Ford graduate program, Billie’s journey into the mental health and substance use disorder field was inspired by her own battles with addiction.

Mandi Goodwin, originally from Northwest Indiana, arrived at Beauterre to complete her Masters in Mental Health Counseling after juggling multiple jobs in the human services field while studying online at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Skilled in DBT Therapy and person-centered therapy, Mandi excels in helping individuals uncover their best selves by connecting the dots in their lives. A staunch advocate for mental health awareness, Mandi is driven by her passion to positively impact as many lives as possible.

Taylor Stone is a compassionate residential treatment counselor at Beauterre in Owatonna, Minnesota. With over a decade of experience, Taylor graduated with a Psychology degree from Concordia University – Chicago in 2013 and earned her graduate degree in Addictions Counseling: Advanced Practice from the Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School in 2015. Specializing in addiction counseling, Taylor is proficient in working with diverse populations and various levels of care. Currently licensed as a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor in Minnesota, Taylor is actively pursuing licensure as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), demonstrating her commitment to providing comprehensive care to individuals on their journey to recovery.

Jill is a dedicated professional with over 14 years of personal recovery experience, actively involved in mentoring, attending meetings, and engaging in recovery activities. Graduating from South Central College with an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences, she furthered her education at Minnesota State University Mankato, specializing in Alcohol and Drug Studies with a minor in Corrections. With past roles at Community Addiction Recovery Enterprises and Phoenix Adolescent Treatment Program, Jill brings a wealth of experience to her work.

Jessica Moore’s journey into the field of addiction counseling was sparked by her encounters with family members and individuals struggling with addiction during various job experiences. Initially starting as a support staff member in 2017 while pursuing a BS in Corrections, Jessica discovered her true passion for counseling at an all-women’s residential facility. Redirecting her path, she obtained a BS in Alcohol and Drug Studies, and since 2020, Jessica has provided support, motivation, and education to patients as a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor at Beauterre.

Emily Nelson is a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor whose journey began with her decision to embrace sobriety on April 14, 2015. Joining the Beauterre team as a Recovery Specialist in November 2017, Emily’s passion for helping others propelled her back to school, eventually leading to her graduation and transition to a full-time Counselor role in June 2021. Currently pursuing a Master’s degree in counseling at Bethel University, Emily’s dedication to her clients is matched only by her love for adventure and the comfort of family and friends in Owatonna. Her story embodies resilience, growth, and a steadfast commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.

Kacie Hunt is a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) with a Bachelor’s Degree in Alcohol and Drug Studies from Minnesota State University, Mankato.  Kacie joined the team at Beauterre in January of 2018 and her experience includes working as a technician at an all women’s residential treatment program and working as an advocate for a non-profit organization for homeless women and children. Kacie originally came to Beauterre as a student intern and completed her hours of supervision in the summer of 2018. She received her full LADC license in August of 2018 and has been working as a counselor at Beauterre Recovery Institute since then.

Katelyn, a graduate of Minnesota State University – Mankato with a Bachelor’s Degree, Magna cum Laude, in Alcohol and Drug Studies and a minor in psychology, brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her role. She honed her skills during her internship at Christian Family Solutions, where she facilitated the Helping Men Recover Group at the Blue Earth County Jail. In 2023, Katelyn became a Certified Community Trainer through the Steve Rummler HOPE Network, focusing on identifying and reversing opioid overdoses using Naloxone.

Leland has been a licensed marriage and family therapist since 2002 with a master’s in counseling from the Adler Graduate School (1996). His professional time has been in adolescent and adult substance use and mental health treatment. This includes inpatient, outpatient and long-term recovery programs. His approach is inclusive and welcoming, looking at the entire person in the therapeutic process. He is also a trained supervisor for LMFT and LPC/C licensees and interns.

Shaina comes to us as a graduate from Minnesota State University, Mankato. Shaina graduated with a bachelor’s degree, Magna Cum Laude. Shaina majored in Alcohol and Drug Studies and minored in Health Science. Shaina brings with her the passion and drive to help others. Shaina completed her internship with Midwest Recovery in December 2023 and became a fully licensed LADC in March 2024.

Marissa is a seasoned Registered Nurse at Beauterre. She brings over 15 years of diverse nursing experience, specializing in Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Wound Care, and Labor and Delivery. With a deep-rooted passion for supporting individuals facing mental illness and addiction, Marissa strives to guide patients through their toughest days, empowering them to be the best versions of themselves.

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Finding her way to Owatonna, MN in 1991, Mary Jo started working in a local nursing home as a CNA. In 1996, she went back to school at Riverland Technical College in Faribault, MN to get her LPN license. In 2000 Mary Jo decided to shift gears, from nursing to family, and her first son was born. Blending two of her biggest passions a short five years later, Mary Jo opened an in-home daycare, which she continued to run and operate until 2014. After nine successful years running that business, Mary Jo decided to shift gears again, and returned to working in nursing at a local assisted living facility. While she enjoyed working with the geriatric population, she ultimately was still on the lookout to find her true calling. She learned about the opening of Beauterre, was intrigued with the services being offered, and wanted to be a part of it. She joined the team in 2015 as an LPN and later was elevated into the role of Lead LPN. Mary Jo hasn’t looked back and truly loves being a part of each patient’s support system and journey at Beauterre.

Megan Hedberg is a devoted wife and mother of four who finds joy in sports, particularly football, hockey, and volleyball. Alongside her family, she enjoys the tranquility of riding and driving Clydesdale horses as a cherished hobby. Megan’s dedication extends professionally to Beauterre, where she has played a pivotal role since its inception. Her life embodies the harmonious balance between family, passion for sports, and commitment to excellence.

Staci’s journey from Owatonna to Minnesota State Mankato in 1992 paved the way for her diverse career path, including roles in banking, housing coordination, and child advocacy at the Center for Family Unity, where she spent 15 years fighting against child abuse. With a background in education, including teaching preschool with Head Start, Staci transitioned to Beauterre Recovery Institute in May 2015 as a RS before becoming the Resource Coordinator in September of the same year. She finds fulfillment in assisting individuals on their recovery journeys post-discharge.

Katie Benson, a proud native of Minnesota, serves as an Intake Coordinator at Beauterre, extending compassion and guidance to individuals and families seeking healing since March 2023. Katie’s life reflects the transformative power of empathy and connection, embodying hope and resilience in her commitment to facilitating the journey to wellness.

Born and raised in Minnesota, Lauren Williams works as a recovery access coordinator on the Beauterre admissions team where she helps potential patients and families navigate the journey of coming to treatment. Lauren joined the Beauterre family in 2021 and has been a mainstay on the team ever since.

Lauren is very active in the recovery community and has a passion for helping people on their recovery journey.

Andy Muhlenburg comes to Beauterre with over 10 years of sales experience and has been in the behavioral health field the last few years. She has a strong passion for working with other professionals and getting help for those struggling with substance use disorders and other mental health conditions. She is currently working towards becoming a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor.

A lifelong denizen of Southern Minnesota, Karissa Hunt is the Program Coordinator at Beauterre where her primary role is daily management of the nearly twenty Recovery Specialists on staff. Karissa got her start in addiction treatment when she was looking to use the customer service skills that she learned working in the salon industry to help people heal. Beauterre’s unique treatment model and beautiful setting spoke to her, making it the perfect place to get started in the treatment field. Over three years later, Karissa found herself herself not only leading the Recovery Specialist team, but also working directly with patients to ensure that they have an enjoyable and productive stay. Patient service comes naturally to Karissa, and she is able to use her position to ensure that patients have a smooth experience and take advantage of Beauterre’s full suite of programs and services.

Shannon Provencher epitomizes resilience and compassion in the journey of recovery. Originating from rural Minnesota, Shannon found solace at Beauterre in 2016 and later moved to Owatonna in 2019. Drawn to Beauterre’s mission, she became a Recovery Specialist in July 2019, driven by her passion for helping others. Transitioning to Patient Services Coordinator in 2022, Shannon embraces newcomers with warmth and assurance, understanding the courage it takes to seek help. Currently pursuing a degree in alcohol and drug studies at Mankato State University, Shannon aspires to become a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor, aiming to continue her impactful work at Beauterre, merging her personal journey of recovery with her commitment to guiding others towards wellness and fulfillment.

Marcy Busho is the Administrative Assistant at Beauterre. Born and raised right here in Owatonna, she is very familiar with the area and recovery community. She brings over 15 years of administrative experience to the table with an expertise in customer service and communication. With Marcy’s background, the day’s tasks like answering an abundance of calls, greeting visitors, directing vendors, meeting staff requests, and most importantly fulfilling the needs of our patients, are handled with the utmost professionalism and allow the day to run smoothly.