Nexus-Gerard Family Healing

10/22/2025

We are so proud of these two! Kretta Menuey, NDS Teacher, is in the second year of her fellowship at Capella University, pursing her doctorate in Adult Education and Wendy Orozco, Mileu Lead, will be starting her fellowship with Capella University in the fall. Wendy will be pursuing her Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, General Clinical MHC. Both Kretta and Wendy were awarded the CU Fellows Scholarship that is designed to support professionals in community- based organizations enhance their education and skills and empower them to deepen their impact in the communities they serve. Kretta and Wendy were eligible to apply for this scholarship because of Nexus Family Healing's partnership with Capella University. Thank you Capella University for this opportunity for our staff!

To learn more about Nexus-Gerard, please visit our website: http://ow.ly/t1ib50D8U6o

10/17/2025

Last Saturday we had the privilege of spending the day with community members at the Austin, MN PRIDE event held at Bandshell Park. It was a day filled with great entertainment, food and unity. We had the opportunity to spread awareness of the resources we have to offer those struggling with their mental health in Austin and the surrounding areas. So glad this event is back and going strong!

To learn more about Nexus-Gerard and the services we offer please visit our website: http://ow.ly/t1ib50D8U6o

10/06/2025

We would like to congratulate Ashley Winkels, Teaching Assistant for being chosen as the Employee of the Month for October! Ashley is a perfect example of our ICARE Values of Innovation, Compassion, Agility, Responsiveness and Excellence. Ashley has been a Teaching Assistant since 2022, bringing creativity and compassion to everything she does. From helping students write newspaper articles to stepping in as a substitute, Ashley is always ready to support her team.
She’s known for her humor, her heart, and her dedication—whether it’s showing up early to ensure safety or offering a smile. Ashley, thank you for all you do!

To learn more about Nexus-Gerard Family Healing or to become part of team please visit our website: http://ow.ly/t1ib50D8U6o

09/19/2025

This morning, two of our clinical supervisors, Amanda Hanson and Priscilla Diggins, are having the pleasure of connecting with 9th–12th grade students from across southeastern Minnesota at Career Quest 2025, hosted by Austin Aspires and Riverland Community College.

Amanda and Priscilla are leading an interactive activity that gives students a glimpse into the world of therapy—what it’s like to support others through mental health challenges and the skills it takes to be a therapist.

The conversations have been thoughtful, engaging, and inspiring. We hope some of these bright young minds will leave feeling excited about the possibility of a future in the mental health field!

Thank you to Austin Aspires and Riverland for inviting us to participate and giving us this chance to connect with our community.

To learn more about Nexus-Gerard Family Healing please visit our website: http://ow.ly/t1ib50D8U6o

09/12/2025

This Su***de Prevention Month, Nexus Family Healing put together another Feel Good Playlist on Spotify—songs that bring hope, comfort, and peace when words aren’t enough.

Give it a listen here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7MXbwbuXeBFIgWcxUn3rgF?si=1nSYzrYfT2KlROmwCao7Bw

09/04/2025

We are thrilled to recognize Amanda Hanson, Clinical Supervisor of the Villa Dorm, as our Employee of the Month for September! Today also marks a very special milestone—Amanda’s 17th anniversary with Gerard!
Amanda’s leadership on the Villa unit is nothing short of inspiring. She’s a consistent and compassionate presence, always putting the needs of both youth and staff first. Whether she’s leading her dorm, organizing campus-wide activities, mentoring therapists, or simply keeping her door open for anyone who needs support, Amanda leads with heart, clarity, and purpose.
Her ability to balance accountability with empathy, and her dedication to trauma-informed care, make her a cornerstone of our program. Amanda’s impact reaches far beyond her dorm—she’s a go-to resource across campus, known for her wisdom, guidance, and unwavering commitment to doing what’s best for the kids.
When asked about her “why,” Amanda simply said:
“I love working with kids.”
And it shows in everything she does.
Please join us in celebrating Amanda’s incredible contributions and congratulating her on 17 amazing years at Gerard!

To learn more about Nexus-Gerard, please visit our website: http://ow.ly/t1ib50D8U6o

09/02/2025

This September, Nexus Family Healing is raising awareness for Su***de Prevention Month. Together, we can reduce stigma, provide resources, and create hope.
Discover tools and resources for families and communities: https://www.nexusfamilyhealing.org/creating-coping-skills

08/29/2025

We would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Mark Asprey, Facilities Technician, on his retirement! Mark has been a devoted member of the Nexus-Gerard team for nearly 20 years. He has always been ready to tackle any task with a smile and a generous spirit. While we will certainly miss you, Mark, we are thrilled for you as you embark on this new chapter of your life! Enjoy your retirement—you truly deserve it!

To learn more about Nexus-Gerard please visit our website: http://ow.ly/t1ib50D8U6o

08/07/2025

We are happy to announce that Marcia Bannister, Mental Health Therapist, has been chosen as the Employee of the Month for August.
Marcia is a cornerstone of our youth and family services team, and her work consistently reflects the ICARE values in deeply meaningful ways:
• Innovation: Marcia has introduced creative therapeutic techniques, including expressive arts and mindfulness-based strategies, that have helped youth open up and engage in their healing journeys. Her ability to tailor interventions to each family’s unique needs is truly inspiring.
• Compassion: Marcia’s empathy is unmatched. She builds trust with even the most hesitant clients, creating a safe space where youth feel seen, heard, and valued. Families often share how her warmth and understanding have made a lasting difference in their lives.
• Agility: Whether navigating crisis situations or adjusting treatment plans on the fly, Marcia remains calm, flexible, and focused. She’s quick to pivot when needed, always keeping the well-being of her clients at the center.
• Responsiveness: Marcia is incredibly reliable and communicative. She follows up promptly, collaborates seamlessly with other providers, and ensures that families feel supported every step of the way.
• Excellence: Her clinical documentation is thorough and insightful, and her outcomes speak volumes. Marcia’s dedication to professional development and her commitment to best practices elevate the standard of care across our team.
Marcia’s impact goes beyond her caseload—she uplifts other staff including the YCP’s, administration staff, and therapist, mentors’ newer staff, and contributes to a culture of compassion and excellence. She is deeply deserving of this recognition.

Congratulations, Marcia!

To learn more about Nexus-Gerard Family Healing, or to join our team, please visit our website: http://ow.ly/t1ib50D8U6o

07/30/2025

Our youngest youth on campus have been working hard in school all summer long on a mini "Golf in a Box" golf course project. Today they were able to celebrate the completion of their project and proudly share it with the rest of campus. They were so excited to show off their creations. Nice work New Dominion School's Elementary 1 students and staff!

If you would like to learn more about Nexus-Gerard Family Healing, please visit our website. http://ow.ly/t1ib50D8U6o

07/18/2025

These "Stories of Hope" are the "Why" to what we do. We are incredibly fortunate to work with the most resilient families and their stories are truly inspiring. Please use this link to read about Chase's journey:

Chase arrived at Nexus-Gerard Family Healing at the age of 11 during an incredibly challenging period in his young life. He struggled with managing his anger and emotions, resulting in numerous incidents of violence and running away from home.

07/17/2025

At Nexus-Gerard, healing happens every day because of people like you. Thank you for being part of our mission and standing with children and families who are working through tough mental health challenges. Your support changes lives!