Marie Ridgeway MSW, LICSW
Lead Therapist, Owner
Marie Ridgeway MSW, LICSW, CCTP, RYT is a Master's Level mental health clinician with a specialty in treating stress injuries (PTS) and the secondary challenges that commonly occur (anxiety, depression, panic attacks, substance abuse, relationship challenges). Marie has Advanced training in Accelerated Resolution Thearpy (ART). Marie and her staff of occupationally competent clinicians focus on working with Public Safety personnel.
Marie has worked in the field for over 15 years, she has trained over a thousand law enforcement officers across the state since 2017, and has worked with hundreds of LEOs and first responders in her practice. Marie brings knowledge and skills from her diverse work experience that includes child protection and psychiatric crisis team response. Marie is honored to be providing specialized care and consultation to those in public safety who serve our communities. Outside of work, Marie is active and outdoors as much as possible running, hiking, and traveling with her two children (ages 11 and 14). Marie is assisted in her practice by her German Shepherd, Charlie (a therapy dog in training).
Katy Strub MSW, LICSW
Associate Therapist
Katy is a Master's Level Clinician with experience working with both military and law enforcement. She has a private practice and has Advanced trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy. Katy has a passion for working with First Responders for both check-ins and therapy sessions at the Bloomington office.
Carlie Ross MSW, LGSW
Associate Therapist
Carlie is a Masters Level Graduate Clinician with experience working alongside LE and first responders in her full time job. Carlie also has many personal connections with LE and first responders and has great admiration for the work they do. Carlie has experience working with childhood trauma and mental health disorders as well as working with families. Carlie will be trained in ART in Nov 2020 and is available for check-in’s and therapy at the Shoreview office.
Angie Musich MSW, LICSW
Associate Therapist
Angie is a Master's Level Clinical Social Worker and is ART trained. She has been working with Marie Ridgeway & Associates since August of 2019 and has worked alongside LE in her full time county job for many years. Angie is available for both check-ins and therapy sessions.
Meredith Bilse LMFT
Associate Therapist
Meredith is a Master's Level Clinician with personal and professional experience with military and Law Enforcement. She has advanced training in Accelerated Resolution Therapy. Meredith has an appreciation for the unique stressors that First Responders face and is available for both check-ins and therapy sessions.
Nicole Humble MSW, LICSW
Associate Therapist
Nicole is a Masters Level Clinical Social Worker, and a Marine. She has experienced working in high stress environments to include a tour in Kuwait in 2003 and Fallujah in 2008. She has experience working in the emergency department the past four years dealing with trauma, priority calls as well as behavioral health patients. Her passion and reason why she became a clinician was to help first responders, and veterans. She earned her degree at St. Catherine University/University of St. Thomas and is certified in Accelerated Resolution Therapy. Nicole is available for both check ins and therapy.
Jerry Dieffenbach MSW
Mental Health Practitioner
Jerry is a Masters Level Social Worker, license eligible and is available for mental health check-ins. He holds a Masters Degree in Social Work from Augsburg University. Jerry’s 29 years of experience includes working for Hennepin County Juvenile Probation, and the last two years as a metro county crisis responder. Jerry’s extensive experience has included partnering with Law Enforcement in a number of capacities. In his personal time, he enjoys traveling, biking, cross-country skiing, and spending time with his family, which includes his wife and two college age daughters. Jerry will be available for therapy sessions starting in April 2020.
Kiah Sorensen MSW
Administrative Assistant & Office Manager
Kiah is a Master’s Level Clinician. She has been working with Marie Ridgeway & Associates since February of 2020 as an Administrative Assistant and Office Manager. Kiah assists with the day-to-day operations and enjoys helping out wherever is needed.
Sean Kwiatkowski
Training & Outreach Specialist
Sean grew up in Orange County, CA where he received an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice. He moved to Minnesota in 2007 and received his Skills Certificate from CCJLE in St. Paul. He served as a Reserve Police Officer for the City of Crystal from 2009-2011. He was then hired by Crystal as a full time Police Officer in February, 2011. While employed as a Police Officer, he served in varied assignments including Patrol and Investigations. He was medically retired in December, 2019 after a PTSD diagnosis. Sean lives in the west metro with his wife, 10 year old son, and two King Charles Spaniels. Sean currently works as an instructor leading group fitness classes at a CrossFit gym and assists with Officer Wellness trainings presented by Marie Ridgeway & Associates. Sean would like to help officers recognize the stress symptoms he experienced and access care sooner rather than later.
Sgt Paul Barnes
Training Specialist
Sgt Paul Barnes has an A.A.S. in Law Enforcement from North Hennepin Community College, a B.S. in Law Enforcement from Metropolitan State University, and an M.A. in Police Leadership from the University of St. Thomas; Graduated 2008. Sgt Barnes served from 1994-2004 in the U.S. Army Reserve Military Police. He attended Basic training and Military Police School, he was Deployed to Guatemala, Germany and Iraq, and he attended Primary Leadership Development and Basic Non-commissioned Officer courses. He retired from the military at the rank of Staff Sergeant. Sgt Barnes has worked from 2001-Present at the St. Louis Park Police Department as a police officer. He has worked as a Patrol Officer, a Field Training Officer, Training Coordinator, Investigator, SWAT Operator, Crisis Negotiator/Team Commander, and an Instructor for firearms and use of force.
Sgt Joe Gerhard
Training Specialist
Sgt Gerhard has an Associates of Science Degree in Law Enforcement and started his work as a Police Officer in 2003. He has been with the Blaine Police Department since 2006 and a Patrol Sergeant since 2018. Sgt Gerhard is an Anoka County Public Safety Peer Support board member and a developer of the Police Officer by Enhancing Resiliency (P.O.W.E.R) Program. He has been a field training officer since 2007, a Field Training Coordinator, and a Use of Force and Firearms Instructor.
Sgt Tim Harris - Training and Outreach Specialist
Sergeant Harris has a Bachelor of Science Degree from Winona State University in Criminal Justice and completed his MN P.O.S.T. Skills training through Hibbing Community College. He started his career at the Washington County Sheriff’s Office in 2000. While at Washington County he has worked as a Correctional Officer, Patrol Deputy, Field Training Officer, D.A.R.E. Officer, Detective, Court Security Unit Sergeant, Water Parks & Trails Sergeant, Washington County Security Operations Sergeant and now works as a Sergeant in the Patrol Division. He currently coordinates the Exploring Program, Employee Wellness Program, Peer Support Team and is a Team Leader with the Washington County Mobile Field Force Unit. He has taught multiple law enforcement courses throughout the state with the MN Sheriff’s Association. His hobbies include hunting, fishing, running and spending time with his family and friends.
