Cindy Meyer, MA, LMFT, LADC
When working with clients I often follow a Solution-Focused Therapy approach that is centered around the belief that clients are the experts of their own lives and as a therapist it is my role to support clients in identifying goals they would like to work on in therapy. Since 2005 I have worked with children, adolescents and adults struggling with a variety of challenges such as depression, anxiety, relationship struggles, addiction, family strain, low self-esteem/confidence, parenting, grief/loss, trauma, and life transitions.
I have a passion for teaching Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Skills and often incorporate those skills into my sessions with clients to give them tools they can use right away.
My goal is to provide clients a safe, confidential space where they genuinely feel supported and inspires hope for them as they navigate through challenges they may be experiencing.
As a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) I am able to offer Chemical Health Assessments to those seeking them for personal, professional or legal reasons. My graduate training in addiction studies allows me the opportunity to work well with family members who are seeking a therapist with a greater understanding how addiction can impact the whole family/system.
Additionally, I am trained in other modalities of therapy such as Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and Sand Tray to support clients in areas of trauma work and other areas of mental health.
When I’m not at the office or teaching you will likely find me at a sporting event cheering on my kids or outdoors hiking, camping, fishing, golfing or on the water with my family.
Trying to choose the right therapist can be difficult, please feel free to reach out with any questions to determine if I would be the right fit for you.
“A healer does not heal you. A healer is someone who holds space for you while you awaken your inner healer, so that you may heal yourself.” -Maryam Hasnaa
Cindy can be reached at cindy@northerncitiestherapy.com or 763-438-4971 and sees clients at both the Elk River and St. Francis locations.
In addition, to working with clients Cindy is a LMFT, LADC, LPC/LPCC Board Approved Supervisor and provides supervision throughout the community to new therapists and interns as well as teaches at Metropolitan State University. Cindy has presented at the National NADACC Conference on the importance of therapists/counselors seeking supervision and/or regular consultation to ensure best care of clients and self. Cindy offers supervision individually, in dyads as well as group supervision. Cindy is able to see you at her office, in the community or at your place of employment for supervision.
Jennifer Yates, MA, LGSW
My goal is to provide a safe and empowering environment for clients to share problems and stressors.
Since 2008, I have worked with clients struggling with a variety of challenges such as depression, anxiety, addiction, co-occurring disorders, family strain, low self-esteem/confidence, audism, isolation, and communication barriers.
With a background in the co-occurring disorders, educational system, deaf mental health, and homeless services; I provide a person-centered approach to recovery and self-discovery.
I have worked with the deaf community since 2009 and am fluent in sign language, graduating from Saint Paul College with interpreting and transliterating degree. My additional training as an intervener allows me to better work with DeafBlind individuals. Furthermore, I have worked with individuals experiencing addiction and use a harm-reduction approach to meet clients where they’re at.
I am currently under supervision with Teresa George, MSW, LICSW and Cindy Meyer, MA, LMFT, LADC pursuing my licensure to be a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)
Jennifer (Jen) can be reached at jennifer@northerncitiestherapy.com or
763-244-2978 or (Video Phone) 612-268-5734 to schedule an appointment. She sees clients at St. Francis and Elk River locations.
Stephanie Wilkinson, MS, LAMFT
I am currently under supervision with Cindy Meyer, MA, LMFT, LADC pursuing my licensure to be a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
Stephanie can be reached at stephanie@
Charlotte Smith, MA
As a therapist, my goal is to be an empathetic and passionate listener who provides a safe and reliable space for clients to explore, process, and build their lives.
My work has spanned across different ages and stages of life while my primary focus is on older adolescents (15+) and adults struggling with depression, anxiety, shame, LGBTQIA+ issues, self-esteem, and people-pleasing.
I employ a wide variety of personalized treatment approaches informed by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and person-centered approaches. Essentially, I’m going to tailor my skills to serve your needs rather than trying to fit you into a ‘box.’
In my free time, I enjoy playing video games, sewing/crafting, watching anime, being in musicals, and hanging out at the lake up north with family.
I am currently under supervision with Cindy Meyer, MA, LMFT, LADC pursuing my licensure to be a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC).
Charlotte can be reached at charlotte@
Roberta Svare, BS
My goal in therapy sessions is to provide a safe space that allows clients to show up as their authentic selves. I believe my role in the therapeutic relationship is to provide support and space to navigate life experiences and challenges. Seeking out and participating in therapy is brave work, and I look forward to working collaboratively with you on the journey. I seek to take an integrative and person-centered approach, pulling from a wide variety of evidence-based treatment modalities, to create a personalized approach to therapy for each client.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time outdoors, exploring with my two dogs, and cooking up fun recipes.
I am currently under supervision with Cindy Meyer, MA, LMFT, LADC pursuing my Master’s Degree in Counseling and Psychological services from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota.
Roberta can be reached at roberta@northerncitiestherapy.com or 763-200-1192 to schedule an appointment. She sees clients at the Elk River location.
Ashley Smith, MA, LPCC
Your story is ever changing, and my goal as a therapist is to help build insight into the life you are currently living, while making sustainable changes to create the life you want to live. I specialize in working with adults and adolescents (12+) who are experiencing life adjustments, changes in mood, relationship conflicts, poor school or work performance, and exploring personal development. I really enjoy supporting adults who work in helping professions and are looking for support with their sometimes challenging jobs.
I have been practicing for the last 7+ years in a variety of mental health settings – inpatient hospitalization, school-based supports, and now private practice. I am a board approved supervisor with the BBHT, and have experience and training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I approach therapy from the point-of-view that everyone is capable of growing and healing, and that change can happen if we are willing and open to it. I believe mindfulness, meditation, and art-based strategies can really enhance therapy experiences, and I often balance client led sessions with structured activities. Out of the office, you can usually find me outside exploring, hiking, and camping, or at a local coffee shop with a good book. I know that the search for a therapist can be a daunting task, and I would like to encourage you to reach out to ask any questions you have, to determine if I would be a good fit for you and your needs.
Ashley can be reached at ashley@northerncitiestherapy.com or 763-220-0157 to schedule an appointment. She sees clients at the Elk River location.
Ashley Smith, MA, LPCC PLLC is contracted with Northern Cities Therapy