763-444-5567 (Main Office)
763-200-8380 (Text)
763-444-4991 (Fax)
711 6th Ave NE - Isanti, MN 55040 - Located Inside of the Security Bank Building
Aly McGee
MSW, LICSW
Owner
Founder of River Counseling
Aly has been honored to serve as the founder and owner of River Counseling since 2008. Although she had the privilege to serve as a therapist to thousands of men and women in this community and served as a clinical supervisor to many, she cannot continue those practices. Aly survived a motorcycle accident in 2020 and, by the grace of God, is living a life worthy of revealing God’s goodness. River Counseling is in good hands and continues to serve the mental health needs of thousands more in our community. It also offers clinical supervision to practitioners seeking licensure in the mental health field. For this, Aly is grateful to be alive and able to pray for River Counseling and all who cross its thresholds.
Aly maintains her unrestricted license as an independent clinical social worker. She achieved her master’s degree in 1994 from the University of Minnesota Duluth’s Advanced Generalist program. Before that, she completed her bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 1992 from St Cloud State University in Minnesota after graduating from a nationally acclaimed high school in Aurora, Colorado, in 1988.
Aly has become an advocate for brain injury and trauma, volunteering when she can. She is privileged to share the knowledge she learned before her motorcycle accident with the 5 County Region Mental Health Support Group in North Branch, MN. She submits articles and support to the Hands of Hope Prison Ministry. She answers questions with the wisdom granted to her by God through her website, Dear Aly.
Aly is available to speak and consult with anyone interested in her perspective on childhood and adult trauma, brain injury correlation to mental illness, and destructive relationships, to help others live their best life. She has a special interest and passion for helping survivors of childhood sexual abuse through ministries like Renew Hope and Stories Foundation, which fights human trafficking by educating communities, preventing exploitation, and empowering survivors through safe communities and supportive resources.
Aly has shared her story on several podcasts. In 2025, she went to the Amen Clinic, where she underwent brain scans to learn about her brain injury and mental illness via SPECT imaging as she embraces her recovery journey. She spends time with her service dog Ryley and honors God by sharing the gospel of grace with anyone who needs to hear that they are loved and worthy simply because of Jesus.
Melinda Hix-Demulling, LPCC
Melinda Hix-Demulling is Licensed through the state of Minnesota as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). She has greatly enjoyed working with adults, couples and families with a variety of concerns and mental health diagnoses. Specializations include trauma/abuse and severe and persistent mental illness. She has also worked with individuals with dual disorder presentations. She is experienced in the use of Internal Family Systems (IFS), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and teaching skills from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Melinda is a board approved supervisor and enjoys teaching the next generation of therapists. Melinda strives to provide a source of support to the wonderful and diverse individuals she works with and hopes to help improve each individual's quality of life.
Melinda is an Independent Contractor at River Counseling. She accepts Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Medical Assistance, Preferred One, Medica/Optum, Health Partners, and Ucare insurances; as well as self pay (cash, check)
Cicely Matz
MA, LPCC
Mental Health Professional
Ms. Matz is a licensed clinician who specializes in treating trauma, combat exposure, and intellectual disabilities. Throughout her career, she has worked with a broad range of advocacy groups that focus on mental health care, including agencies serving the homeless, youth programs, refugee/immigrant services, and adults with severe and persistent mental illness. She received her B.A. with a double major in History and Political Science from Humboldt State University in California and her M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Goddard College in Vermont. Ms. Matz utilizes the principles of dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in her work to help clients live their lives without constantly reliving their worst moments. "There are many powerful tools to help people overcome negative emotions and destructive thought patterns. My goal is to help everyone understand that they are not powerless and that recovery is within reach." Her work with clients places special focus on the complex relationship between physical and mental health. This holistic approach is about building the best possible mind/body relationship so that the person can live their daily experiences feeling refreshed and prepared for weathering adversity. In her spare time, Ms. Matz enjoys her dog, her family, hiking, and painting. She is currently accepting new clients.
Appointment Via Telehealth Only
Cicely is an Independent Contractor at River Counseling. She accepts Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Medical Assistance, Preferred One, Medica/Optum, Health Partners, and Ucare insurances; as well as self-pay (cash, check).
Erik JohnsonMA, LMFT
Mental Health Professional
Erik Johnson is a Mental Health Professional who received his Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Bethel University as well as a Master's Degree in Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Seminary. Erik also has a Bachelor's Degree in Biblical and Theological Studies from Bethel University. Erik is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who enjoys working with individuals, couples, and families.
Erik's therapy technique is informed by Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Family Systems Theory. He is also trained in Managing and Adapting Practices (MAP). Erik's training is specifically oriented to work with families and relational systems in order to alleviate mental health symptoms.
Erik is an Independent Contractor at River Counseling. He accepts Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Medical Assistance, Preferred One, Medica/Optum, Health Partners, and Ucare insurances; as well as self-pay (cash, check).
Katie Keran
MA, LPCC
Mental Health Professional
.jpg)
Katie Keran is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) who received a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Bethel University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of St. Thomas. Katie has spent years walking alongside adolescents, families, and adults as they navigate life’s trickiest chapters. She’s provided individual and group therapy in outpatient, school-based, and day treatment programs — always to meet people exactly where they are.
Katie takes an integrative, client-centered approach to therapy, drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Solution-Focused Therapy. She is passionate about supporting individuals navigating trauma, depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, and life transitions. Katie is also trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and is passionate about weaving trauma-informed care into homes and communities so that people feel understood, seen, and supported.
Katie is dedicated to meeting each client’s unique needs. She strives to build therapeutic relationships where people feel safe to think and feel without judgment; spaces where we can explore the messy, beautiful parts of being fully human and where vulnerability and meaningful change can naturally unfold. She believes that when people feel safe enough to be vulnerable and authentic, real growth happens, and that being able to support this process is the best part of her job.
Katie is an Independent Contractor at River Counseling. She accepts Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Medical Assistance, Preferred One, Medica/Optum, Health Partners, and Ucare insurances; as well as self-pay (cash, check).
Janice LaRayne Olson
MA, LPCC
Mental Health Professional
Can negative life experiences be turned around...healed...and hope found for the future...? Absolutely...
Janice Olson is a Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in sexual abuse, PTSD, aging transitions across the life span, depression, anxiety and spiritual growth. She enjoys working with pre-marital couples as well as long-time married couples using Prepare and Enrich Inventories. She has EMDR training for treating PTSD and uses various other therapeutic techniques tailored to individual needs.
Through encouragement, compassion, and nonjudgmental acceptance Jan will walk alongside each individual as you explore core beliefs and maladaptive behaviors. Each person can choose to make changes toward hope and healing.
Jan is an Independent Contractor at River Counseling. She accepts Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Medical Assistance, Preferred One, Medica/Optum, Health Partners, and Ucare insurances; as well as self pay (cash, check).
Jenna Pulkrabek
MSW, LICSW
Mental Health ProfessionalClinical Director
Jenna Pulkrabek is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) who received her Bachelor of Science in Social Work and Psychology from Bemidji State University and her Master of Social Work from the University of North Dakota. Jenna enjoys and specializes in adult and youth individual counseling, as well as couples work.
Jenna has spent the majority of her career working in Setting IV educational programs, serving students with significant Emotional and Behavioral Disorders. Her time in school settings also allows her to support the families of her students in learning about children’s mental health and more specifically, the effects of trauma on individuals and family systems.
Jenna is trained in a variety of therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), but specializes in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
Jenna’s goal as a therapist is to provide effective and appropriate treatment for her clients, and join them in their healing and growth journey. She enjoys integrating psychoeducation in her sessions, and encouraging her clients to be the captain of their therapeutic ship.
In her free time, Jenna enjoys the usual things: reading, cooking, playing with her cats Luna and Joe Meower, but also enjoys attending Twins baseball games, participating in improv and comedy theater in the Twin Cities, and playing cribbage.
Kara Eastlund
MSW, LGSW
Mental Health Practitioner
Kara Eastlund is a Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW) in the state of Minnesota. Kara graduated with her Bachelor’s degree from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, and then received her Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of North Dakota.
Over the course of her career, Kara has worked with infants, teens, and adults in various settings and has supported many in navigating difficult situations. Kara has experience working with a variety of mental health disorders including anxiety, depression, and attachment, and has a strong understanding and passion for work in trauma. Kara has several years of experience working with youth and families in the foster care system and supporting family units through adoption and post-permanency.
Kara’s goal is to support clients in a supportive, compassionate, and safe environment to help them move towards self-growth and healing. Kara is passionate about walking alongside clients and supporting them to become the best version of themselves.
In order to support families and individuals with busy schedules, Kara is available in evening hours.
Darcy Winsor
MSW, LICSW
Mental Health Professional
Darcy graduated from the College of St. Catherine with her Social Work Degree, and she received her Graduate Degree from St. Thomas University.
Darcy's approach to therapy is collaborative and strengths-based. Her work is informed in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), solution-focused, and strengths-based approaches. Clinical interests include depression, anxiety, trauma, mood disorders, suicidal thoughts, transition of life issues, occupational distress, interpersonal difficulties (including couples therapy), substance abuse, and crisis intervention. Darcy believes in mind-body awareness and promotes general wellness. She strives to create a safe and supportive therapeutic environment to help each individual and family work towards change, growth, and understanding of themselves so that they may live a healthy and fulfilling life.
In her spare time, she enjoys making greeting cards, scrapbooking, and playing games.