Meet our NDMHCA Board
Past President
Lory Hellman
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City: Bismarck
Title/workplace: Owner and Partner/Beacon Counseling Services PLLC
License: LPCC
Specialties: Grief, Trauma, Adults
Degree and School: MA Community Agency Counseling, University of SD Vermillion
Interests/Hobbies: Reading, swimming, traveling to the ocean, cheering kids on in their activities
What I like about NDMHCA? It provides a great way to grow as a professional while getting to know other mental health counselors and advocating for our field.
Past President and Membership Chair
Tori McConnachie, M.S.; LPCC
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City: Bismarck, ND
Title/workplace: Partner and Mental Health Therapist at Beacon Counseling Services
License: LPC, LPCC
Specialties: Trauma-informed therapy, Play Therapy
Degree and School: MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling/ University of Mary
Interests/Hobbies: Going to movies, playing with my dog, reading, kickboxing, traveling, napping, and spending time with loved ones.
What I like about NDMHCA? Being provided the opportunity to make connections in the field as well as the focus on advocacy and education.
President 2024-2026
Kelsie Carter, M.Ed.; LPCC
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City: Valley City, ND
Title/Workplace: Clinical Mental Health Counselor at Valley City State University
License: LPCC
Specialties: Trauma-Focused CBT; CBT; DBT; Play Therapy; Creative Therapy Techniques
Degree and School: M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at North Dakota State University
Interests/Hobbies: gardening, camping, kayaking, reading, creating art and crafts, spending time with family and friends.
What I like about NDMHCA? I enjoy the professional opportunities is professional development, meeting other professionals in the field, advocating for better mental health support during legislative terms, and providing an opportunity to work on leadership skills.
Secretary
Sara Schmuhl, M.S.; LPC
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City: Valley City, ND
Title/workplace: Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor at Valley City State University
License: LPC
Specialties: Trained in CBT, TF-CBT, DBT,
Degree and School: M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Mary
What I like about NDMHCA? Making connections with other professionals in the field and being an advocate for healthy mental health practices in North Dakota.
Treasurer
Becky McConnachie, MA; LPCC-S
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City: Bismarck, ND
Title/workplace: Owner and Mental Health Therapist at Beacon Counseling Services
License: LPC, LPCC-S
Specialties: Depression, Anxiety, Grief, Couples/Families, & Individuals with cognitive abilities
Degree and School: MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from University of North Dakota
Interests/Hobbies: I enjoy spending time with my husband, children, grandchildren, and mom. I enjoy reading and doing puzzles, gardening, and relaxing on my porch (when warm enough.)
What I like about NDMHCA? I have been a part of NDMHCA for 32 years. I enjoy having time to network with professionals across the state, sharing concepts, views, and experiences within the profession, as well as ideas about the future of the counseling profession. I have been involved in legislative advocacy through NDCA/NDMHCA. I worked for 20 years to get Medicare reimbursement for counselors, so it was gratifying to see this happen last year. I was pleased to be involved with state legislation passed last session which includes North Dakota counselors in the national Counseling Compact.
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Media Chair
Jennifer Gatzke, M.S.; LPCC; LMAC​
City: Bismarck, ND
Title/workplace: Owner/Therapist @ Beacon Counseling Services
License: LPCC-S/LMAC
Specialties: Trauma & addiction
Degree and School: Ph.D. Candidate, Capella University; Master of Science in Counseling, University of Mary
Interests/Hobbies: I love to read! & I enjoy anything outdoors- biking, hiking, walking the dogs, gardening!
What I like about NDMHCA? I have a heart for advocacy—so, I enjoy being a part of group of like-minded individuals advocating for the behavioral health field!
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Legislative Chair
Andrew Rohrich LAC; LAPC
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City: Bismarck, ND
Title/workplace:
License: LAC; LAPC
Specialties:
Degree and School:
Interests/Hobbies:
What I like about NDMHCA?
Ethics Chair
Erin Klingenberg, Ph.D.; LPCC; NCC-BC
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City: Valley City
Title/Workplace: Director of Counseling Services and VP of Student Affairs at Valley City State University
License: LPCC
Specialties:
Interests/Hobbies:
What I like about NDMHCA?
Awards Chair
Tori Ngatia, M.S.; LPC​
City: Bismarck, ND
Title/ Workplace: Mental Health Therapist, Pediatric Therapy Partners.
License: LPC
Specialties: PCIT, TF-CBT, DBT, EMDR, AF-CBT
Degree and School: M.S. with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. University of Mary
Interests/Hobbies: Reading, jogging, spending time with my family, relaxing at home, handicrafts and painting.
What I like about NDMHCA: NDMHCA serves as a platform that fosters connections among Mental Health professionals who share similar passion and possess diverse backgrounds and expertise. Moreover, NDMHCA provides professionals with an opportunity to expand their understanding of the Mental Health community by exploring various challenges and barriers, gaining new perspectives, and increasing their knowledge.