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 clients across the lifespan including adults, teens, and young children. Brittnee has a unique way of addressing symptoms by taking a holistic and collaborative approach. Brittnee believes the therapy process can be a way of learning and growing alongside one another.
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 own confidence for making changes in their lives.
Brittnee specializes in working with individuals who have experienced trauma, attachment difficulties, anxiety, depression, and emotional distress related to chronic health conditions. She uses Internal Family Systems-Informed, Trauma-Informed, and Person-Centered Approaches as a lens to help shape therapy goals and guide treatment.
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 spend time laughing with others, soaking in some sunshine and fresh air, or watching Netflix. Anytime is also a good time to sip on some coffee (either ice cold or blazin’ hot ). Also, she has been experiencing a lot of growth in her role as a parent of her two young sons. She looks forward to adventures with her family, which can be as simple as an outing to a local park. Brittnee is an animal lover and needs daily reminders that she has enough pets at home! She loves spending time snuggling with her two cats, Sven and Rosie, and two sassy golden retrievers, Willow and Poppy.
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.
Krystal Bedell, MS, LMFT
If you are looking for a therapy space that feels cozy yet direct, Krystal offers a therapeutic relationship where you are fully embraced exactly as you are, while being empowered to do the hard work of changing what isn't working-- She genuinely loves to show up and step into this work with you. Krystal leads with deep grace, where there is room for you to make mistakes, feel raw emotions, and just be human. At the same time, therapy won't be a place for old patterns to repeat. She brings a gentle assertiveness to challenge you to face the tough stuff, and she will partner with you to do the hard work required for change.
Krystal specifically enjoys walking alongside couples, parents, individuals, and older teenagers as they navigate self-esteem, life changes, and the complexities of relationships. She specializes in working with couples at any stage, whether they are just starting out with premarital counseling, navigating the transition to parenthood, or even facing the uncertainty of whether to stay together. For couples that are experiencing this uncertainty, Krystal offers Discernment Counseling to help partners find clarity and confidence in their decision.
Whether working with an individual, or a couple, Krystal anchors her practice in an understanding of how our closest relationships shape our lives. She has a master's degree from St. Cloud State University in Marriage and Family Therapy. She has completed Level 1 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy and is a certified Prepare/Enrich facilitator.
Jessica O'Boyle, Clinical Trainee (Pursuing LPCC)
Jessica is a Clinical Trainee working toward licensure as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). She earned her Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology and Master of Science in Counseling and Psychological Services from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota.
Jessica is passionate about helping people navigate life's challenges while recognizing and building on their strengths. She believes that therapy works best when clients feel safe, supported, and truly heard. Her goal is to create an inclusive, welcoming, and nonjudgmental space where clients can explore their experiences, develop new skills, and move toward meaningful change.
Jessica takes a trauma-informed, person-centered approach and incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). She enjoys working with adolescents and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, and life transitions.
Outside of the therapy office, Jessica enjoys traveling, spending time at the lake, gardening, thrifting, listening to music, and making memories with family and friends.
Kimberley Brill, Clinical Trainee (Pursuing LPCC)
Kim is a clinical trainee with Imagine Mental Health Counseling, bringing over a decade of experience in the mental health and social work fields. She holds a master's degree in psychology with a specialization in Military and Emergency Responder treatment. As of the 2025-2026 school year, Kim has been the Imagine school-based provider at Wadena Deer Creek Middle/High School. She sees 5th through 12th grade students supporting them in developing healthy coping skills, improving emotional regulation, navigating anxiety and depression, strengthening peer and family relationships, building self-confidence, and successfully managing school and life transitions.
In addition to her clinical work, Kim is an active volunteer in her community, with excitement for supporting children and youth. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors around a bonfire, on a boat or softball field, attending concerts and sporting events, and starting her day with a good cup of coffee.
Anna Kraemer, Clinical Trainee (Pursuing LPCC)
Anna is a Clinical Trainee working toward LPCC licensure. After earning a bachelor’s degree in social work and working in the behavioral health field, she decided to pursue a master’s degree. Anna received an M.A. in Counseling with a focus on Community Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling from the University of North Dakota.
Anna is passionate about working with children, adolescents, and young adults, alongside the parents and caregivers who support them. Her therapeutic approach includes Child-Centered Play Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She has experience supporting clients with concerns such as anxiety, depression, behavioral challenges, and trauma. Anna aims to create a warm, nonjudgmental, and playful space where young individuals feel safe to be themselves, and she uses a strengths-based, culturally responsive lens in her work.
Outside the office, Anna may be reading a book (got to reach that reading goal!), spending time with her dog, channeling her passion for art and baking into a project, and convincing herself that she does not need any more plants or dogs. She also enjoys spending time with friends and family.
Sierra Rach, Client Care Specialist & IMHC 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 shows 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.
Gabie Hoffman, Business Administrator & Wellness Site Coordinator
Gabie joined the Imagine team in 2026, bringing years of experience & knowledge in project management and administration. Although most of her experience has been in the construction industry, her skills in adaptability, collaboration, personability, willingness to learn and drive to help others reach their goals translate perfectly into this+98 atmosphere!
In her free time, you will likely catch Gabie spending time with her friends & family, soaking up the sun, baking, and drawing!