Meet Our Therapists
Shari Phillips, MS, LPCC Owner of IMHC
Shari has worked in the mental health field for over twenty years, integrating a passion for healing, client-centered approaches, and creating fundamental changes within the therapeutic process. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Community Psychology from SCSU and a Master’s Degree in Community Mental Health Counseling from Capella, Shari specializes in treating trauma (PTSD), anxiety, challenges with mood, and empowering clients in navigating the vast number of challenges that life brings. She loves to work with adults and older adolescents.
Shari is also the owner of Imagine Mental Health Counseling, enjoying the opportunity to work with phenomenal clinicians, developing a unique atmosphere and approach to mental health for our community, and integrating cutting-edge resources to redefine how we approach mental health.
Shari’s approach is based deeply in a Person-Centered perspective, while being trained in Integrated Family Systems, DBT, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Trauma Informed), and Reality Therapy. Additionally, the use of sensory-centered techniques, mindfulness, breathwork, functional medicine integration, and a more holistic approach is provided.
Shari is also in the process of developing a unique, on-line based, program built exclusively for women who find themselves chronically overwhelmed, exhausted, burnt out, frustrated, anxious, ‘worrying all the time,’ and struggling to ‘balance’ it all. Stay tuned - this is going to be pretty epic!!
When not working, you will find Shari spending time with her family, lying on a beach, reading a book, digging in the dirt, and most likely watching the WILD, Twins, or Vikings. She will also most likely have a Caribou coffee in her hand.
Brittnee Monson, MS, LPCC
Brittnee is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) with a background in serving young children, adolescents, and adults. Brittnee has a unique way of addressing symptoms by taking a holistic and collaborative approach (learning and growing together) with clients.
Brittnee is skilled at helping clients feel comfortable, understood, and supported. She often finds a way to connect with clients using humor and personal experience. Brittnee enjoys sharing resources and tools with clients to increase their confidence for growth.
Brittnee specializes in treating conditions related to trauma, attachment difficulties, anxiety, depression, and emotional distress related to chronic health conditions. She uses insight-based, Trauma-Informed and Person-Centered Approaches to incorporate clients’ strengths into their treatment goals.
Brittnee received her Master of Science Degree from Moorhead State University Moorhead in 2017 with an emphasis in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Brittnee is trained in conducting birth-five assessments, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing modalities. She has worked in non-profit, residential, and private practice settings.
In her free time, Brittnee likes to be outdoors, watch Netflix, sip a fresh-brewed cup of coffee, or go on adventures with her two golden retrievers, husband, and son. Brittnee is an animal lover and needs daily reminders that she has enough pets at home!
Jordan Salwei, MS, LPCC
Jordan is a compassionate and empathetic Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) dedicated to supporting individuals through their mental health journeys. She earned her Master of Education degree from North Dakota State University in 2019, focusing on Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
Jordan's clinical interests span a wide range, including trauma, anxiety, childhood and family issues, grief, sexual health, and intimacy issues. She particularly enjoys working with older adolescents, adults, and individuals in later adulthood.
In her practice, Jordan provides a warm, open-minded, and welcoming environment for clients to explore their stressors and concerns. She uses Person-Centered and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) strategies, along with trauma-informed care, to tailor her approach to each client's unique needs. She uses her expertise to offer non-judgmental support and guidance.
Outside of her counseling practice, Jordan finds joy in spending time with her three dogs, immersing herself in nature, playing hockey, rollerblading, and cherishing moments with family and friends. Her genuine personality, and commitment to helping others, make her a valuable asset to the mental health community.
Alexandria Kahl, Clinical Trainee (Pursuing LPCC)
Alexandria (Alex) might be a familiar face to the area, as she grew up right here in Wadena. After receiving her bachelor’s degree in psychology as well as her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from St. Cloud State University, she has returned to the Wadena area to work towards earning her LPCC licensure (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor).
Her theoretical approach incorporates Person-Centered techniques while being grounded in Narrative Therapy. She is passionate about listening to each client’s story – filled with their own unique strengths and interests – and helping clients rewrite some previous chapters while making changes to achieve the next great one. Alex primarily works with clients ages 13 and up, with an interest in helping teens. She also has an interest in working with clients who are open to self-exploration and defining (or re-defining) who their authentic self is as well as those experiencing issues related to gender and sexual diversity, anxiety, depression, and grief.
Some of the things that Alex enjoys (which also influence her work as a therapist) include reading novels, writing, traveling, painting, playing with her puppy, spending time with friends and family, playing video games, and occasionally joining a DnD campaign with friends.
Sierra Rach, Office Manager
Sierra joined Imagine in 2024, bringing her experience in caring for clients in the health care field, working within the complexities of the health care system, and navigating the nuances of keeping all the systems flowing effectively! Sierra is often the first voice you hear at Imagine, where she offers a warm welcome and walks you through the process of working with us. Her calm, sincere, and authentic approach show just how much she cares about you, the work we do, and the services we provide. Sierra has a passion for photography and loves spending time with her family.