Anna Barlage, MA, LMFT, PMH-C; PSI-MN Board Chair
director@ppsupportmn.org
Anna is a mom of two who has volunteered with PSI-MN since 2018. She became interested in perinatal mental health after experiencing her own perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, as well as seeing other loved ones suffer without getting the help they needed. She owns a private practice where she offers psychotherapy with a specialization in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, trauma, eating disorders and stress management. Her role on the board has been varied- focusing on volunteer engagement, fundraising and now serving as the interim director. When not working or volunteering you will find her hanging with her 2 dogs, taking or teaching barre classes or spending time as a family.
“I am humbled and honored to be on the PSI-MN board because many do not have the ability to affect change the way I have been able to by being part of an organization like this. PMAD’s are the number one complication of pregnancy yet so many people don’t know what to look for, how to access support and suffer in silence. My dream is that when my kids are grown the reality for them will be much different, and if I can be a part of that change, however small it is, then I can’t think of a better use of my energy!”
Celleste Schnellbach, MS, LMFT, PMH-C; PSI-MN Vice Chair
admin@ppsupportmn.org
Celleste is a licensed marriage and family therapist and certified perinatal mental health specialist located in Duluth, MN. She founded Duluth Perinatal, PLLC and devotes her professional time to working with pregnant and postpartum parents, especially women, navigating perinatal mental health challenges. She also works with individuals, couples, and families navigating reproductive challenges, disconnection in relationship, healing from birth trauma, and trauma-focused birth and postpartum planning. She has personally navigated fertility challenges, pregnancy loss, postpartum OCD, and is a mother to a one-year-old daughter. She and her family live in the Duluth area with their two dogs.
“I am humbled and honored to be on the PSI-MN Board because this organization, for years, has meant so much to me on a personal and professional level. It is heartening to be part of an organization that is devoted to Minnesota families from the start. The collective wisdom, experiences, advocacy, support, and resources shared amongst the Board members helps to serve our communities in essential ways.”
Alise Novak, PsyD, LP; PSI-MN Secretary
Licensed Clinical Psychologist; Reproductive + Perinatal Psychology
dr.novak@vaydamentalhealth.com
Dr. Novak brings professional expertise and personal experience to her work with those impacted by reproductive and perinatal mental health concerns. Her own journey to parenthood was complicated by many years of infertility and its treatment, birth trauma, and (surprise-surprise) a perinatal season marked by anxiety and trauma. This is combined with professional training and specialty including PSI/PMH-C training and active collaboration with the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, Resolve, and the Star Legacy Foundation. She also co-founded a group mental health practice, Vayda Mental Health Collaborative, where she provides psychotherapy, psychological evaluation, consultation + supervision, and teaching in the field of perinatal and reproductive mental health.
Dr. Novak has been connected to PPSM for several years as a professional member and as secretary in 2023.
“I am humbled and honored to be on the PSI-MN Board because the legacy and reputation of PPSM/PSI and its mission is one driven by fierce, trailblazing women, which makes it something special. I am empowered, inspired, and motivated to collaborate with this community to support the perinatal population.”
Mira Cummins, MSW, LICSW, PMH-C; PSI-MN Board Treasurer
Treasurer@ppsupportmn.org
Mira has volunteered with PPS since 2019 serving as a Helpline Volunteer, and joined the PPSM Board of Directors in 2022 as the Treasurer. Outside of PPSM, she is an outpatient mental health therapist serving individuals through their journey into parenthood. Mira is trained in EMDR, AIR Network, and is a Certified Perinatal Mental Health specialist through PSI. Mira uses a trauma-informed lens in her specialty areas of treating PMADs, parent-infant attachment, traumatic birth, navigating NICU and antepartum hospital admissions, complex medical diagnoses, and infant & perinatal loss.
“I am humbled and honored to be on the PSI-MN Board because this organization has a long and beautiful history serving individuals and families in Minnesota during one of life’s most challenging times: the journey to and in pregnancy and parenthood. In our society, this population is overlooked and underserved–PPSM works to combat both of those challenges.”
Joy McAfee, Postpartum Doula; PSI-MN Board member & PSI-MN Outreach Director
outreach@ppsupportmn.org
Joy has volunteered with PSI-MN since 2021. Serving as a Postpartum Doula for the Radhika Lal Snyder Postpartum Doula Program Since February 2021. She stepped into the role of Doula coordinator October 2021 and joined the board of directors in the role of Outreach director In October 2022. Joy is the sole proprietor of Joy the Village Doula LLC. A small business providing sacred postpartum support services and education to the community. Joy McAfee is a loving wife, mother of two vibrant children and survivor of severe postpartum depression. When Joy is not serving the perinatal community, she enjoys listening to music, traveling and spending quality time with her family.
“I am humbled and honored to be on the PSI-MN Board because I value removing barriers to receiving in-home Postpartum support services. My life work of building a sacred holistic approach to postpartum support is what drew me into collaboration with PSI-MN. I continue this partnership because of PSI-MN’s social justice centered dignity- based approach to community service.”
Taylor Garmaker, CPD, CLS; Board Member
garmakertaylor@gmail.com
Taylor is a certified lactation specialist and certified postpartum doula based in Minneapolis, MN. Although most of her time is spent in raising her daughter and working full-time in the Postpartum Unit of a Family Birth Center, she is passionate about making a difference by supporting and empowering new mothers. She specializes in perinatal mental health, and holds deep value in allyship within the BIPOC community and each person’s individual journey to parenthood. She uses her own experience with postpartum anxiety, OCD, and depression, and her journey through breastfeeding her daughter as fuel to continue to support her community and shine light, lift up, and encourage other mothers experiencing PMADS.
“I am humbled and honored to be on the PSI-MN Board because I have seen first hand the positive impact we are having in our community, and have been given the opportunity to give back in ways we may never know the gravity of. This is such precious, impactful work, and I am so proud to be a part of a community of cohorts who are just as passionate about making a difference in the lives of so many.”
MacKenzie Kampa, DNP, APRN; Board Member
mackenzie.kampa@reveriemh.com
MacKenzie works as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in the Twin Cities metro where her areas of interest include reproductive and emergency psychiatry. After her own experience with postpartum OCD, she felt moved to support other women at risk of or suffering from PMADs. MacKenzie operates a private practice specializing in perinatal mental health and holistic treatment for mental health conditions. Outside of work MacKenzie likes to spend time walking her dogs, enjoying time with family, and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.
“I am humbled and honored to be on the PSI-MN Board because the education, advocacy, and support PSI-MN offers to parents in Minnesota is essential to the short- and long-term health of our communities. Walking alongside those transitioning into pregnancy and postpartum life phases is sacred work, and I am grateful to be able to support Minnesota families with such a dynamic organization.”
Kristine Lynam, LICSW, PMH-C; Board Member (she/her)
kristine@nurturing-roots.com
Kristine is a licensed clinical social worker in the south metro of Minnesota at Nurturing Roots Mental Health. Kristine began working with birthing parents in 2002 as a medical social worker. At her first PSI conference she felt inspired by the work being done in this community and worked with a Perinatal Psychiatrist to bring therapy services to outpatient clinics so that parents could get everything they needed to be well in one place. Mostly recently, she worked at Seattle Children’s NICU as a perinatal therapist She practices psychotherapy in both Minnesota and Washington specializing in women’s mental health issues, grief and loss, parenting, birth trauma, NICU and antepartum admissions and complex medical diagnosis and is an approved clinical social work supervisor in both states. Kristine values the diversity of people’s unique life experience and is passionate about providing inclusive, anti-oppressive and welcoming care to all. Kristine enjoys gardening, home improvement and spending time with her husband and dog.
“I am humbled and honored to be on the PSI-MN Board because of the value it has been connecting our community to support resources for pregnant and parenting folx. While working in the medical setting, PSI-MN was integral in connecting providers with more information and support for their patients as well. My hope is to contribute to connecting every family to the support and community they deserve and make the journey into parenthood a little less isolating. ”
Lindsey Hanka, BFA, MN, PHN, RN; Board Member
Lindsey is a registered nurse in the Twin Cities of Minnesota, where she specializes in behavioral health. She is energized in her work supporting individuals through a crisis, especially during the perinatal period. She approaches her work from a trauma informed, evidence based, collaborative lens. Prior to nursing, she worked as a birth and postpartum doula where she applied the same values to her work. Lindsey has personal experience with postpartum anxiety and OCD, which she credits has enriched her ability to care for those experiencing a PMAD.
“I am humbled and honored to be on the PSI-MN Board because fostering community, especially for those with a PMAD is invaluable in recovery. It is an honor to be entrusted with supporting my local community with resources and care to help them heal, while working alongside other chapters and countries who are committed to the same goal. There is a gap in perinatal mental health and I fundamentally believe that when passionate, collaborative, and open minded people come together we can bridge that gap and then some.”
Kelcee Kociemba, MA, LMFT; Board Member
Kelcee is a licensed marriage and family therapist currently working within a Primary Care Clinic setting providing Integrated Behavioral Health Services through a dyadic lens. Kelcee is passionate about her role in providing support in the pediatric setting as this is often the first place caregivers are seen. These first few visits with the dyad give staff opportunities to provide resources and support to those with and at risk of PMAD’s prior to their own 6 week appointment. Kelcee has a passion for serving rural communities and provides services in Central Minnesota and surrounding areas. She became interested in perinatal mental health after experiencing her own perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and pregnancy loss. As well as seeing others and loved ones struggle to find support after their deliveries or the loss of a child She is a mother to two sons and lives in Central Minnesota with her family.
“I am humbled and honored to be on the PSI-MB Board.”
