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.

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”.

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.

Deanna is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with experience in treating individuals struggling with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions.  Committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care that supports each patient’s journey toward recovery. 

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.

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.

Tyler has been in recovery for more than a decade. He is a graduate of Mankato State University with a bachelors in drug and alcohol studies and has worked in the behavioral health field for many years, including the management of a sober house. He looks forward to working with all new patients and is passionate about inspiring hope in everyone. 

Drew Fellenz has been an LADC since November of 2020 and before that, was licensed as an ADCT. Drew has spent most of his career with Beauterre, a part of the EOSIS family of treatment programs. He started as an intern and later became a counselor. Drew has been instrumental in building the curriculum for the Family Topic and Mindfulness curriculum. 

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.

Ava began her professional career as a special education teacher, where she developed a passion for advocating for students and families with unique needs. Her commitment to making a difference led her to work in a hospital setting, helping coordinate care for children and teenagers boarding in the emergency department.  Today, she continues her commitment to helping others by working as an access case manager for Beauterre, helping individuals and families on their journey to recovery.

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.

Carmen supports individuals and families with empathy and care as they begin their recovery journey. A University of Minnesota graduate with a degree in Biochemistry, Carmen brings both a scientific mind and a compassionate heart to her work. With a personal understanding of the challenges of addiction, she’s dedicated to helping others find hope and healing.

Austin joined EOSIS in November 2024 as an Admissions Intake Coordinator, bringing a fresh perspective to the field of behavioral health. While new to the industry, Austin is deeply committed to creating a welcoming, calming, and supportive experience for individuals seeking care. He takes pride in helping clients and families navigate the admissions process with clarity, empathy, and respect, ensuring a smooth transition into treatment at Beauterre.

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.

Ashley has been with EOSIS since 2022. She started at EOSIS Latitudes before taking a job as a patient services coordinator at Beauterre, part of the EOSIS family of recovery services, in 2024. She’s part of the recovery community so she breathes and speaks empowerment to those in need.  “Passion, resilience and empathy to help others is what I live for. I am a warm welcome to those who are taking that first step to a better life. I help newcomers and patients feel more comfortable and give hope to this new way of living that recovery embodies.”