Tricia Johnson, MSW, LICSW
Executive Director

Tricia initially began working with the Leo A. Hoffmann agency in 2011 as a youth counselor in the Hoffmann Center residential treatment program. Tricia then began as a therapist in the St. Peter Counseling Center program in 2015, following a brief 6 month break from working at LAHC. Tricia obtained her Bachelor of Social Work degree and she went on to obtain her Master of Social Work degree, both from Minnesota State University- Mankato. Tricia brings a professional background that is diverse and includes working with children and their families with concerns ranging from communication to trauma and child problem sexual behavior. Other areas of experience include: mental health therapy with adults, children, and families, social skills training (CTSS & ARMHS) with children and adults, serving people with intellectual disabilities co-occurring with mental illness, residential and outpatient treatment for adolescent boys, policy and accreditation work, and services for the elderly population. Tricia is licensed as an LICSW and provides clinical supervision to newly licensed clinician and other mental health practitioners. She has formal training in play therapy and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT).

Felicia Kellen, MS, LMFT
Residential Treatment Supervisor

I hold a Master of Science in Psychology with a specialization in Child and Adolescent Development from Capella University and am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. My career in mental health has spanned roles as a Mental Health Behavioral Aide, Mental Health Practitioner, and residential therapist at the Leo A. Hoffmann Center. Since joining Hoffmann Counseling Services in 2019, I now direct outpatient rehabilitative services. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, life transitions, trauma, parenting, and family therapy, with a focus on children birth to age 5 and sexual behavior concerns. I am trained in CPP, TF-CBT, EMDR, DC: 0-5, yoga, mindfulness-based approaches, and Polyvagal theory. I strive to create a relaxed, open, and non-judgmental environment where clients feel respected and understood. Using holistic, evidence-based approaches, I work collaboratively to help clients achieve their goals. I live near Mankato with my family and dog. I enjoy outdoor activities, spending time with family, and watching my child explore the world around her.

Deanna Armstrong, MSW, LGSW
Therapist

Hi! My name is Deanna and I’m so happy to be working at the Hoffmann Center as a mental health therapist! I graduated in August 2023 with my Master’s degree in Social Work with an advanced clinical concentration from Walden University. I also received a graduate certificate with focus on working with children and families. I went to Minnesota State University, Mankato, for my undergraduate degree. I received a Bachelor of Science, doubling majoring in Child Development & Family Studies as well as Applied Leadership.
I have experience working with a wide range of populations. I have experience working in nursing homes, group homes, child protection, residential mental health services for adults and children, mobile crisis response team, and outpatient therapy.
When I started in 2019 working at the Hoffmann Center, I didn’t except myself to become a therapist and continue working here. I have a passion for working with at risk youth that are in need of mental health services. I am trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Family Systems Trauma and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
In my free time I love to travel and spend extra time with my two dogs, Lucy and Maya.

Travis Schmidt
Recreation Coordinator

Travis graduated from Augsburg University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science. Prior to joining the Hoffmann Center team in 2023, he has had experiences working with children and adults with developmental and cognitive disabilities, emotional and behavioral disorders, and co-occurring disorders. Travis has also worked as a Mental Health Practitioner for Hoffmann Counseling Services. Sports and recreation have always been Travis’ passion and he strives to share this passion with others.

Dr. Shane Wernsing
Psychiatrist

Dr. Wernsing graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, Minnesota with a degree in chemistry. He then went on to earn his Medical Degree from the University of Minnesota Medical School. Dr. Wernsing completed his internship and residency in the Twin Cities of Minnesota and his fellowship in Wisconsin.

Anoria Zuehlke, MA, LPCC
Clinical Director

Anoria joined the Hoffmann Center in June of 2021. She is a South Dakota native who sought out her grandmother's journey and received her undergraduate degree from Minnesota State University- Mankato and then ventured on her own to obtain her master's degree from University of Colorado- Colorado Springs. Anoria is licensed as a LPCC and has worked with children, adults, and families for the past 15 years. She is also licensed to provide licensure supervision to individuals who are seeking their licensure as a clinical counselor. Anoria conducts her practice through the strengths based and trauma informed care models. She believes everyone has the ability to be their best selves and by meeting a person where they are at and understand/listen to their story, one can achieve safety, healthy, and meaningful connection. Another passion of Anoria's is finding balance in work/home/self-care. When she's not working, Anoria spends time with her husband, two kids, and three fur babies. They love camping, traveling, boating, fishing, snowshoeing, swimming, yoga, baseball/softball, basketball, and volleyball.

Ben Copeland
Training Specialist

Ben earned his degree in psychology from Gustavus Adolphus College, graduating in 2010. He joined the Hoffmann Center in 2011, starting as a Youth Counselor and later serving as the Unit Supervisor for the Falcons Unit. In 2022, Ben transitioned into his current role as Training Specialist.

Greg Rueff
Phoenixes Unit Supervisor

Greg brings over 20 years of experience in business, civic engagement, and therapeutic practice to the Hoffmann Center. A summa cum laude graduate of Capella University, Greg has spent the past several years at the Hoffmann Center serving as a youth counselor and unit supervisor. His greatest professional fulfillment comes from helping clients build healthy relationships, achieve personal happiness, and unlock their unique potential.

Tessa Friday
Accreditation Coordinator

Tessa joined the Hoffmann Center in March 1999 after graduating from St. Mary’s University. She began her journey as a Youth Counselor and Unit Coordinator before transitioning into her current role as Accreditation Coordinator. Tessa enjoys spending quality time with her family, friends, and pets. Her favorite hobbies include outdoor activities such as gardening, camping, visiting the lake, and ice fishing.

Kal Osman
Falcons Unit Supervisor

Kal has been with the Hoffmann Center since 2021, starting as a Youth Counselor and later promoted to Unit Supervisor for his exceptional work ethic and ability to build therapeutic relationships with clients. He is deeply passionate about community service and helping others. In his spare time, Kal enjoys playing basketball, football, and golf, as well as spending quality time with his 2-year-old cat, 3-year-old mini Australian Shepherd, friends, and family.

Meghan Gleisner, MS
Therapist

Meghan has been with LAHC since Jan. 2017 and started as a wolves youth counselor. She continued working as a youth counselor as she pursued her master’s degree in mental health counseling at MSU in Mankato and graduated in 2021. She has completed her supervision hours and will be independently licensed as an LPCC in the near future. Meghan transitioned from the outpatient program at Hoffmann back to the residential program in August 2023. Meghan enjoys working with the kids in the PRTF program and having the ability to see them on a daily basis. She feels the treatment can be more intentional in working to stabilize the client’s mental health symptoms. Meghan is a local resident of this area and she loves to spend time outside with her family and her dogs in her free time.

Meghan Lutz, MSW, LGSW
Therapist

Meghan joined the Hoffmann Center in January of 2024 as a clinical intern, then transferred into the role of therapist in August of 2024. Meghan received her undergraduate degree in Social Work at the University of Minnesota Duluth and came to Mankato State University to obtain her Masters of Social Work Degree. She has always enjoyed working with youth, and the Hoffmann Center offers a consistent environment in which she can help meet their needs daily. In her free time, Meghan enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, and being outside!

Kelly Knaeble, MSW, LICSW
Residential Treatment Supervisor

Kelly earned her social work degree from St. Cloud State University in 2003, followed by a Master’s with a clinical focus from St. Catherine’s/University of St. Thomas in 2011, and became a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in 2016. Her career spans youth and adult mental health, including roles in day treatment, in-home services, school-linked therapy, and an Assertive Community Treatment Team. Passionate about adolescent mental health and clinician development, Kelly joined Leo A Hoffmann Center in 2024. Outside work, she enjoys dog sports with her therapy dog, fishing, camping, nature, and spending time with family and friends.

Monica Ranweiler, MSW, LGSW
Therapist

Monica earned her undergraduate degree from Mankato State University and her graduate degree from Capella University. With a deep commitment to improving mental health, she works alongside a dedicated and supportive team that shares her passion for making a positive difference in the lives of others. Her role allows her to collaborate, innovate, and contribute to meaningful projects aimed at helping those in need. Outside of work, Monica embraces all that life has to offer. She loves seeking out new adventures, whether through travel, trying new activities, or simply exploring the world around her. In her downtime, she enjoys reading, and spending quality time with her family.

Alexis Schermann
Wolves Unit Supervisor

Coming coon...

Kyle Gronewold
Knights Unit Supervisor

Coming soon...

Tiffani DeWitte
Clinical Intern

Tiffani worked as a staff member here at Hoffmann Center for 2 years. She earned her undergraduate degree in psychology from Gustavus and is currently pursuing a master's in mental health counseling at MSU. She chose this field to meet the growing need for mental health care and to be a supportive resource for others. In her free time, she enjoys walking her dog and spending quality time with friends and family.