Jennifer Schillinger, MS, EMBA

“He drew a circle that shut me out- Heretic, rebel, a thing to flout. But love and I had the wit to win: We drew a circle and took him in!” - Edwin Markham

Biography

Jennifer is passionate about community, experiential learning, and mentorship. She believes in creating honoring spaces where people can authentically meet and embrace themselves while working towards health and wholeness.

Following an undergraduate degree in Education, Communication Studies and Psychology, she received her Master’s in Counseling in 2012 from Minnesota State University Moorhead, and later received an Executive Masters in Business Administration from Quantic University in 2022, and a Masters in Global Theology from Trinity Bible College in 2023. With 12+ years of teaching and facilitation experience, Jennifer has worked as an Academic and Career Counselor, and current serves as the Executive Director of Scripture Circles, owner of Strengths Advantage, a training and strategic facilitation consulting company, and Executive Pastor of Heartland Community Church in West Fargo. She is currently completing the Clinical Mental Health Counseling certificate at Minnesota State University Moorhead.

Counseling Approach and Clinical Focus:

Jennifer utilizes a few theoretical frameworks to guide her counseling including Person-centered and client-centered therapy, Jungian including the Myers Briggs personality assessment, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and faith integration therapeutic model. All of these are connected with an integrative and holistic therapeutic approach. This fall Jennifer has plans to complete a certificate in Somatic Therapy, a therapeutic approach that places importance on what we experience in the mind and body as well as the connections between the two. She will be offering this therapeutic technique starting in November of 2023, particularly with clients who are processing trauma.

Jennifer loves working with individuals who are seeking to uncover meaning and purpose, and clients working through significant career, family, and life transitions. She also works with couples, specializing in conflict resolution, navigating change, and strengthening communication.

A message from Jennifer:

Beginning the journey towards wholeness takes courage. Thank you for taking the first bold step in believing healing and growth is possible! I look forward to holding honoring, non-judgmental space, where you can wrestle with big questions, and find your strength and authentic voice.

Education:

Master of Science in Counseling, Minnesota State University Moorhead, Moorhead, MN

Executive Master in Business Administration, Quantic University, Washington, ND

Master of Arts in Global Theology, Trinity Bible College, Ellendale, ND

Pursuing a Clinical Mental Health Certificate, Minnesota State University Moorhead, Moorhead, MN

Associations/Membership:

ACA: American Counseling Association

NCDA: National Career Development Association

IAMFC: International Association of Marriage and Families Counseling

ASERVIC: Association of Spiritual, Ethical, and Religious Values in Counseling

Other Team Members

Pamela Thompson, LICSW

She loves reading, landscaping, family time and taking classes to improve her ability to help her clients.

Ashley Thompson, M.Ed., LPCC – SUP

Ashley believes we all have a story but that does not have to define who we become.

Kallie Marsh, M.Ed., LPCC

Kallie believes in using an empathetic and holistic approach that empowers individuals and families to find solutions to their problems and reach their self-determined goals.

Allie Skjonsberg, LICSW

I believe that everyone can benefit from therapy as life throws a lot at every single person and it’s nice to have a neutral person to talk to and process life with.

Marissa Perry, M.Ed., LPC

I am passionate about connection and client empowerment. I use individualized tools, techniques, and an integrative therapy approach to meet your individual needs and to help you find self-worth and balance within your daily life.

Sheyenne Hokit, LPC

I have a passion for helping my clients become the best they can be and empower them to go above that.

Jamie Newberger, M.Ed., LPC (ND & MN)

I am passionate about working with individuals who are healing from painful situations in life, and who feel stuck in old patterns that just aren’t working anymore. Whether you are having difficulty communicating your needs or emotions, facing hard choices, or lacking direction, change is possible. You don’t have to continue feeling stuck or overwhelmed, and you don’t have to do it alone.

Stephanie Schafer, M.Ed., LPCC-SUP, NCC

I take an inviting approach to counseling, and collaborate with my clients in their healing. I believe people to be resilient, and know that we all get “stuck” sometimes. I work with my clients to identify their strengths and resources to get “unstuck” and move toward thriving in their lives.

Heidi Leckner, LPCC

It is an admirable and courageous thing to go to therapy. I am honored to join you in learning about yourself and taking ownership of your life and your relationships.

Cheyanne Hart, LCSW

I strive to empower youth in finding their strengths and utilizing them with the help of their caregivers. I also enjoy working with families and individuals to improve overall functioning through a strengths based, client centered practice.

Nicky Besette, LGSW

I know therapy can be scary or intimidating but I will be here to help you in finding a healthier, happier you! Building a healthy and trusting relationship with my clients is important to me. I look forward to meeting you and I am excited you are here!

Austen McFarren, MS, LPCC

Austen’s clients describe him as gentle, patient, genuine, non-judgmental, warm, flexible, sarcastic, and witty. Austen’s clinical foundation is in humanistic approaches, while also utilizing tools from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Narrative Therapy.

Reid Segal, M.S., LAPC, NCC

Reid decided she wanted to be a counselor at 12 years old when she met with her own counselor for the first time. She has seen the benefits of therapy from both sides of the couch and is passionate about offering a welcoming and unintimidating therapy environment where she collaborates with her clients as an equal.

Denise Hellekson, LPCC, LISW

Denise believes one of the greatest investments we can make in life is the investment in ourselves, and one of the wisest choices we can make is reaching out for assistance when we need support along the way.

DeNae Haagenson, M.Ed., LPCC

A Minnesota native, DeNae has raised her family here and is active in her community.

Amanda Weston, LPC (MN), LAPC (ND), NCC

Counseling provides a safe space for hope to grow. I believe that every person is the author of their own story and healing can happen as we navigate the writing and rewriting of our story. It is a privilege for me to support you along your journey.

Amy McIntosh, M.S., M.Ed., LPC (MN), LAPC (ND)

It is my firm belief that there is nothing wrong with you, instead I'd ask you: what has happened to you? Many of our struggles in this life are due to circumstances out of our control. In our work together, I hope to support you in seeing how many gifts you have, and how you can wake up feeling joy, peace, and genuine appreciation for yourself and those around you. I look forward to meeting you!

Bridget Forst, LGSW

I believe we all have internal strengths and resiliency we can build upon. Sometimes this involves taking a deeper dive within ourselves to cultivate those strengths. Therapy can be a powerful way to help organize, make sense of, and reshape those certain thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that can often make life feel difficult.

Kaitlin Hetland, LPC (MN), LAPC (ND)

I work with people to help them highlight and build on their strengths and focus on what is truly important to them. I can work with you to help when you are dealing with overwhelm, difficult change, worry, sadness, past hurts, family and relationship problems, and other hard things.

Kyle Sundberg, LAPC

In my counseling, I use an Acceptance and Commitment based approach (ACT). ACT incorporates traditional therapies with mindfulness-based skills, while acknowledging that your existing strengths and values are important in moving towards your goals. I also believe that the therapeutic relationship that develops in counseling is an important part of the healing process. I look forward to providing you with an environment in which you feel safe to grow.