A Look at the State of Mental Health
Policy Connecting Cultural Communities host, Anab A. Gulaid, explores the intersection between disparity gaps and mental health in the culturally diverse communities of Minnesota. Thought leaders, practitioners, and policymakers weigh in on what we’re learning from the data points, where our resources are making a difference, and road blocks unique to this community that local organizers can address.
Sue Aberholden, Executive Director, NAMI Minnesota
Sue became NAMI Minnesota’s executive director in October 2001. She provides direction and leadership toward the achievement of the organization’s mission, and leads NAMI’s public policy efforts.
She brings over 30 years of experience in nonprofit and advocacy work having held top management positions at Arc Minnesota, the Minnesota office of Senator Paul D. Wellstone and PACER Center.
Sue received her B.A. from Macalester College and a Master’s degree in Public Health Administration from the University of Minnesota. Her passion for NAMI’s mission stems from having family members who live with depression and anxiety.
Nimo Ali, Founder & Clinical Director, Optimum Behavioral Solutions
Nimo Ali is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and the founder and Clinical Director of Optimum Behavioral Solutions, a leading outpatient mental health clinic providing teletherapy to clients all over the state of MN. With a wealth of experience as an inpatient psychiatric social worker, inpatient child and adolescent psychotherapist, and Emergency Department mental health crisis assessor for major healthcare systems in the Metro Area, Nimo brings a deep expertise to the conversation. As a bilingual therapist, she’s deeply committed to giving back to her community and delivering compassionate, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed care.
Chad Cartier, Director of Psychotherapy, ARIS Clinic
Chad began his career as a clinical intern working with college students at the University of Wisconsin-Stout Counseling Center. Since that time, Chad has worked in private practice, partial hospitalization, inpatient, and has taught introduction to psychology as an adjunct lecturer. Chad has been with Aris Clinic since its first day of operation as the only therapist dedicated to working the IOP. Since 2011, Chad has moved into the Director for Psychotherapy role and has led the development of Aris Clinic’s therapeutic curriculum, which is rooted in Applied Behavior Analysis, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Mindfulness.
In his role as director, Chad provides leadership and oversight of Aris Clinic’s intensive outpatient program therapeutic services, ensuring that treatment services are professional, outcome driven, culturally appropriate, evidence based and in compliance with contracts and applicable regulations. Chad also provides individual, group, and family psychotherapy services to Aris Clinic patients and their families.
Brandon Jones, Executive Director, Minnesota Association for Children’s Mental Health
Brandon has a consulting and therapy background in addressing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), Historical and Intergenerational trauma, Social/Emotional Intelligence (EQ), Leadership, and Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI).
Born and raised in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Brandon holds a B.A. in Sociology from the University of Minnesota, a master’s in Community Psychology from Metropolitan State University, and a master’s in Psychotherapy (MFT) from Adler Graduate School. Brandon is also a 2013 Bush Foundation Leadership Fellow.
He lives by the motto of “Live life with Purpose on Purpose.”
Lisa Wong, Senior Community Health Specialist, Washington County Public Health & Environment
Lisa Wong is a Senior Community Health Specialist with Washington County Public Health and Environment and co-leads efforts related to community level mental health and wellbeing promotion for county residents. She is a child to Chinese immigrants, lives with neurodivergence, and a part of the LGBTQIA+ community which all drive her interest in mental health. Previously, Lisa worked as a Regional Program Coordinator for SNAP-Ed at the University of Minnesota Extension, leading efforts in food justice and supporting policy, systems, and environmental changes. She served in the Peace Corps from 2012-2014 in Yirgacheffe, Ethiopia and holds a Masters in Public Policy and a Masters in Public Health.