Behavioral Health Team

Amber Bruns is the Clinical Director of Behavioral Health Services and Director of The READY Clinic at SWWC. She holds a Doctorate in Interdisciplinary Leadership (EdD) from Creighton University, where her dissertation, “A Phenomenological Study on Principal Behaviors During Staffing Shortages in Rural Public Schools,” explored the intersection of leadership and workforce challenges in rural education. She has a MS in Applied Behavior Analysis from St. Cloud State and completed a graduate certificate in Organizational Behavior Management (OBM) through the Florida Institute of Technology. 

Amber brings over two decades of experience working with children and adults with autism and related developmental disabilities, including individuals who engage in severe problem behavior. Her expertise lies in behavioral assessment, the design of individualized interventions, and systems-level consultation. Amber oversees strategic planning, clinical operations, and service delivery across Behavioral Health Services at SWWC. She is responsible for program development, staff supervision, compliance, and cross-sector collaboration to expand access to high-quality behavioral health services throughout the region. Her work is grounded in data-driven decision-making, sustainable systems change, and a commitment to equity and inclusion in behavioral healthcare and education.

Melissa has a degree in Elementary Education and Special Education from Winona State University and a master’s degree in the Foundations in Behavior Analysis from the University of Cincinnati. Melissa has worked with children with autism and related developmental disabilities for the over 16 years. Melissa’s professional interests include staff and caregiver coaching, developing individualized programs and support for individuals with autism, and fostering inclusive and collaborative organizational cultures. 

Hazel has a BS from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in Psychology with a Human Services emphasis and an MS in Applied Behavior Analysis. She has worked in a center-based setting with children with autism, as well as in home settings with adolescents with developmental disabilities.

Amy has a BA in Religion and Philosophy as well as Theatre/Communication from Dakota Wesleyan University. She has a Master of Divinity from Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, IL. After serving as an ordained pastor for seven years, she has worked in public education for seven years. During this time, she earned a MS in SpEd with a focus in ABA from the University of North Dakota. Throughout her career her passions have continued to be supporting skill development for children and adults across environments, implementing trauma informed practices, and staff development.

Rachel has undergraduate and graduate degrees in Social Work from Minnesota State University, Mankato. She maintains dual licensure with the MN Department of Education as a School Social Worker and with the MN Board of Social Work as a Licensed Graduate Social Worker. She has experience in children’s mental health, child welfare, child protection, chemical health services, drug court and school social work. Her areas of interest include clinical case consultations, applying evidence-based best practice standards across multiple populations and settings, program development and evaluation, workplace culture, trauma stewardship, advocacy and social justice.

Alison “Ali” has an undergraduate degree in Geography from the University of Northern Iowa. She is currently enrolled in the Master of Education program in Special Education with an Applied Behavior Analysis concentration at Texas Tech University. Ali has worked with children and adults with a wide variety of disabilities in residential, clinical, and educational settings for over 5 years.

Nichole earned her undergraduate degree in Corrections and Sociology from Minnesota State University Mankato. She has experience working within the MN Civil Commitment court process and spent nine years providing case management services to seriously and persistently mentally ill adults, including in-home mental health services and community resources, with a goal of symptom reduction and overall stability. 

Ana has a BA in Youth and Family Ministry and Psychology with a minor in Applied Behavior Analysis from Midland University in Fremont, NE and an MS in Applied Behavior Analysis from St. Cloud State. She has worked with individuals with disabilities at respite camps and in home, school, and center-based settings.

Sarah received her BS in Foundations in Early Education at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. She completed her BCaBA coursework at Florida Institute of Technology. Sarah has experience in home-based early intervention setting working with children with the autism and various developmental delays. She has a passion for parent training and staff training.

Emily has a degree in Elementary Education and K-12 Special Education from the University of South Dakota and has a MN teaching license in K-12 Developmental Disabilities. She has a MA in Special Education: Applied Behavior Analysis from Arizona State University. Emily has worked with children and adults with various disabilities and support needs in residential, educational, and clinical settings.

Sara has an undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Iowa and her master's degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from St. Cloud State. She has experience working in the home, school, and clinical setting with children with developmental disabilities and EBD.

Nicole has a BA in Sociology from the College of St. Benedict. She completed her BCaBA coursework at the University of West Florida. Nicole has experience in home-based and clinic-based early intervention, as well as experience in an educational setting working with students with a variety of disabilities. 

Julie has a master's degree from Grand Canyon University in the field of Education with an emphasis in Special Education. Prior to completing her master's degree, Julie studied and received a degree in Fine Arts at Northern State University. She completed her BCBA course work through Florida Institute of Technology. Julie has worked in the educational setting with learners with various disabilities along with challenging behaviors for the past six years. 

Amy has undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Family Social Science from University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. She earned her graduate degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from St. Cloud State. Amy has worked with children with autism and related developmental disabilities for over 15 years. Amy’s professional interests include parent training, behavioral assessment, and the systematic evaluation of program outcomes. 

Kari has an undergraduate degree in Psychology, with a minor in Community Psychology from St. Cloud State. She has an MS in Applied Behavioral Analysis from Kaplan University.