Dr. Tami DeCoteau
Licensed Psychologist
Dr. DeCoteau obtained a doctorate in Clinical Psychology in 2003 from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a specialization in the cognitive-behavioral treatment of anxiety disorders for adults, adolescents, and children.
Dr. DeCoteau is a Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) practitioner. TBRI is a therapeutic model that trains caregivers to provide effective support for at-risk children. She is also trained in various other trauma treatment modalities including EMDR, EFT, somatic processing, attachment intervention, NMT (neurosequential model of therapeutics), and TF-CBT. Dr. De Coteau has extensive experience working with patients who suffer from complex trauma, neurodevelopmental disorders, grief, anxiety, depression, and suicidal thinking.
Dr. DeCoteau has worked in a variety of outpatient settings and with a diverse patient population, including Veterans and Native Americans. She received the Indian Health Service 2009 Health Professional of the Year Award for outstanding service and the American Psychological Foundation 2010 Early Career Award for providing culturally competent practice techniques for Native Americans and for developing training programs in rural, underserved areas. Dr. DeCoteau was appointed by a member of the U.S. Congress to serve the Commission on Native Children to help address the challenges faced by Native children.
Aside from clinical work, Dr. DeCoteau has given numerous lectures on how trauma impacts attachment and brain development, in-school strategies for working with traumatized children, and historical trauma. She is an enrolled member of the Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara Nation and a descendant of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa.
Dr. Alana Semchenko
Licensed Psychologist
​Dr. Semchenko obtained a doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology in 2009 from the Minnesota School of Professional Psychology, Argosy University. She provides outpatient therapy services as well as psychological testing. She specializes in treating adults, adolescents and children with trauma and attachment symptoms, anxiety, and mood disorders.
Dr. Semchenko has worked in a variety of settings with a diverse client population, including young children, foster/adoptive families, Native Americans, and people with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. She provides both directive and non-directive play therapy services and utilizes a variety of interventions including Trust Based Relationship Interventions, cognitive behavioral approaches, and EMDR therapy.
Shelley Buffington
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
Licensed Master Addiction Counselor
Shelley (Klein) Buffington has worked as a licensed addiction counselor for the past 30 years, primarily serving patient's and families in treatment programs. Shelley obtained her Masters Degree is Mental Health Counseling in 2015 and became trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) to assist her patient's with life distressing events and/or past trauma. She is also trained in Internal Family Systems which helps us explore conflicted parts and how they function with one another to heal the wounded part and restore balance with the core self.
Specialties include addiction, trauma, anxiety, depression, divorce, relationships stress and military issues.
Monica Melchior
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Monica Melchior, LCSW, is an experienced mental health provider with over 20 years in the field of social work. She holds a Master of Social Work from Walla Walla University and offers a person-centered therapeutic approach, informed by Internal Family Systems (IFS) and enhanced by the use of humor to foster a supportive and comfortable environment for healing and growth.
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Monica works with clients 15 and older, offering individual and couples therapy. She’s trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), and she focuses on helping people navigate trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and personal development. She also specializes in working with law enforcement officers and first responders, understanding the unique challenges they face.
Brandi Schmidt
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
Licensed Master Addiction Counselor
Brandi Schmidt holds a Master of Science in counseling from the University of Mary. She is licensed to treat addiction and mental health in the state of North Dakota. She specializes in co-occurring disorders of addiction and mental health, military & veterans, complex trauma, anxiety, depression, LGBTQ+ issues, suicidal ideation, and grief. Brandi is a veteran and currently serves in the North Dakota Army National Guard. Brandi is a 500-hour registered yoga teacher and offers services that collaborate with trauma-informed yoga as well as somatic processing. Brandi is trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), ART (Accelerated Resolution Therapy), DBT (Dialectic Behavior Therapy), CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), IFS (Internal Family Systems), Prolonged Exposure (PE), and other evidence-based techniques.
Courtney Govig
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
Courtney Govig obtained her master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Mary in 2019. She specializes in treating children, adolescents, and young adults. She provides nondirective and directive play/art therapy services while incorporating Trust-Based Relational interventions. She also utilizes CBT, IFS techniques, DBT, and somatic interventions throughout her practice, while focusing on mind-body connection. She is trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for both kids and adults.
Her specialties include complex trauma, depression, anxiety, parent coaching, attachment symptoms, behavioral issues, suicidal ideation, autism, mood disorders, and other unique complexities.
Courtney will see ages 3-35.
Krista Barnes
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Krista Berg has worked for the past 25 years as a social worker in the southwest region of North Dakota, primarily serving those with severe mental health illness. Krista graduated from University of North Dakota with her master's in social work in 2012 and began doing clinical work in 2014. She has provided individual, family and group therapy through outpatient treatment. Krista has provided 10 plus years of crisis intervention services, offering after hours crisis intervention with individuals in their homes, ER, jail, etc. She utilizes Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TFCBT).
Krista works in the Dickinson office and works with ages 8 years old through life span and specializes in treating trauma, anxiety, depression, relationships, mood disorders.
Nick Cimarosti
Licensed Master Social Worker
Nick has lived in North Dakota his entire adult life. He lives in Bismarck with his wife (Tomi), son (Vincenzo), Vizsla (Midas), snake (Elmer), and two goldfish (Goldie and Spike). It is important to know these things about Nick…because relationships matter.
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Nick has been a licensed social worker since 2011. His clinical graduate training was focused on working somatically with people while trying to understand their situations from a trauma-based perspective. After he graduates, he hopes to move into a role as a clinician.
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Nick has worked with youth for the last 20 years both in the group care and foster care settings. He has a passion for working with the Standing Rock Nation as that is the tribe from which his wife hails. He has a simple goal he keeps in mind when working with people: approach each relationship with fervent curiosity. All else will fall into place.
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When not working or interning, you can find Nick running. He views running as a way to disconnect the mind and heal spiritually. He’s been known to run 50 miles at a time. If the letters R2R2R make sense to you, go find him to chat! He cherishes his time with his family, loves going to concerts and music in general, and looks forward to summer for cross-country motorcycle trips.
Jesus Payan
Licensed Professional Counselor
Jesus is a native of Chihuahua, Mexico, and aims to utilize his native language, Spanish, to impact and assist Hispanic communities. Jesus has a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and strongly believes in utilizing a holistic approach to care. As a former collegiate athlete and coach, he has the passion and experience to support and assist student-athletes, college students, and international students.
Jesus obtained his Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Mary in 2024. He has experience working with multiple disorders, including trauma, utilizing modalities like Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. He works with a wide variety of clients ranging from ages 7 and up, providing services in our Bismarck and Garrison clinics.
Bethanie Krieg
Licensed Master Social Worker
Bethanie Krieg has worked for the last 15 years as a Social Worker in southwest North Dakota, primarily working in school and home setting with children ages 0-12 and their families. Bethanie graduated from the University of North Dakota with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish in 2008. She completed her Master in Social Work at the University of Puerto Rico in 2010. While just beginning her clinical path, she has had experience with crisis intervention, skill building, and problem solving. She utilizes Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness. Bethanie works in the Dickinson office and works with ages birth through adulthood.
Leslee Webb
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Leslee Webb, LCSW has provided mental health support and crisis intervention as a social worker for over 25 years. She believes that we are not created to carry burdens alone and warmly creates a safe setting ot walk the healing journey together. Leslee has served diverse populations, working with issues including complex trauma, life transitions (adulthood, jobs, parenthood, relationships, housing changes) shame, grief and various mental health struggles. Leslee's past positions included working in group home care, the foster care system, and working to keep families together who were at risk of being seperated. Her most recent previous position was as a school social worker at an alternative high school for 12 years. She was part of building a trauma-informed school that effectively served students and their families. Leslee has been an educational consultant, as well as national presenter.
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Leslee obtained her Bachelor's degree from the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota and her Master's degree in social work from Florida State University. She uses a trauma-informed, person-centered approach, which includes Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Motivational Interviewing.
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Leslee is a member of the Red River Metis, an Indigenous group in Canada. She is a dual citizen of Canada and the United States. She is a Metis artisan who beads, as her ancestors the Flower Beadwork People have been doing for generations. Leslee is a woman of faith, has a natural curiosity about people's stories, and believes each person has value and worth. She is a wife and proud mother to two children.
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Leslee will be seeing clients 18 years old and above.
Susan Scott
Licensed Professional Counselor
Susan (Schaner) Scott, has worked in mental health for over 20 years in a variety of settings. Sue obtained her Master's Degree from Argosy University in 2004 and since that time has worked with a wide variety of populations. Sue has experience working with children, teens and adults. Sue utilizes a wide array of techniques and specializes in anxiety, depression, trauma, and helping support individuals (children and adults) navigate divorce.
Tara Helfrich
Licensed Master Social Worker
Tara Helfrich, LMSW, holds a Master of Social Work from Western New Mexico University. She has certifications in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF- CBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Tara has training in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Sand Tray Therapy. She is also able to incorporate Christian-based therapeutic interventions upon request. Tara has over 7 years of experience working with youth and young adults experiencing anxiety, depression, behavioral concerns, and trauma. She believes a key part of therapy for children specifically is the caregivers and strives to include them in the work done with their kids. She is inspired by the resilience of the kids, adults, and families she works with and is dedicated to helping them heal, grow, and achieve their goals. In her free time, Tara enjoys traveling, being outdoors, and spending time with her dog, Hamish, as well as her family and friends.
Amy Boyd
Licensed Master Social Worker
Amy Boyd is a licensed social worker with sixteen years of experience working with runaway, homeless, trafficked, and street youth at a non-profit organization. She specializes in adolescents and their families, as well as survivors of human trafficking and other violent crimes. Amy holds an undergraduate degree from Minot State University and a graduate degree from Florida State University. She offers therapy to clients aged 15 and older, with a particular focus on enhancing effective family communication. Her therapeutic approaches include TF-CBT, Person-Centered Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Structural Family Therapy, delivered with an informal and down-to-earth style.
Melanie Heitkamp
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Melanie Heitkamp is an experienced mental health provider with over 40 years in the field of Social Work. She received her Master of Social Work degree from the University of North Dakota in 1999 and her Bachelor of Social Work degree from the same institution in 1980. She has extensive experience working with youth in the juvenile justice and child welfare systems, providing services to prevent further conflict and out-of-home placements. She has taught and provided anger management skills to youth and families in the Bismarck community for over 30 years. She understands the unique dynamics of parenting in blended families.
Melanie works with clients 12 and older, offering individual, family, and couples therapy.
Melanie is trained in CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), Mindfulness, and Brief Strategic Family Therapy (BSFT). She was certified through the State of North Dakota to provide Structural Family Therapy under the Philadelphia Child Guidance Institute and, most recently, BSFT.
Jen Delzer
Medical Billing Specialist
Jen has been with Decoteau Trauma Informed-Care & Practice since 2017. Her duties consist of credentialing providers with insurance companies, medical terminology, insurance company navigation, submitting insurance claims for payment and review and managing all billable contracts. She is also a notary public for the state of North Dakota. In addition to these work duties Jen has 5 children and a grandson, spends many hours doing crafts and sewing, coaches sports for her children and stays active in many community issues.
Marie Perkerewicz
Staff Development Specialist
Marie is the Staff Development Specialist at DeCoteau Trauma-Informed Care and Practice. She has been with the clinic since October 2021. She is responsible for handling our contracts, cultivating relationships with our communities and business partners, and performing outreach duties. She also handles all of our administrative needs for the Garrison Branch.
In her spare time, you'll find Marie reading, crafting, and enjoying the outdoors with her family. She likes to hunt, fish, and go on hikes with her husband.
Amber Martin
Office Assistant
Amber is the office assistant in the Dickinson location. Amber enjoys crafts, sewing, reading, kayaking, camping, and spending time with family. She is a new resident to the Dickinson area and has chosen to live closer to family. She has 2 grown children and 1 granddaughter.
A quote she likes to share is: "Whenever there is a negative in life there is a positive that comes along."
Michelle Trusty
Practice Manager
Michelle has more than 25 years of office management experience and holds a Master's Degree in Management from the University of Mary. She particularly loves the healthcare field and is excited to be at DeCoteau Trauma-Informed Care. She is very passionate about overall well-being and happiness for everyone.
She is a North Dakota native recently back in the area and close to her family in the far western part of the state. She is the mother of 4 daughters and 1 son and is now an empty nester. She has 6 beautiful grandchildren to spoil. Outside of work, she enjoys time with family and friends, biking, walking, binge-watching mini-series on Netflix, crime shows, and football (which usually includes a nap).