Range Mental Health Center

06/11/2026

Range Mental Health Center is proud to be a small part of this BIG project in the community!

Kindness blooming across the Iron Range
– a new Kindness Yard Sign Campaign

One yard sign at a time, a campaign of kindness is spreading across the Iron Range. The campaign, coordinated by the St. Louis County Su***de Prevention Coalition, launched in late May as part of National Mental Health month.

It features three yard-sign designs with three messages to choose from including: “Won’t you be my Ranger neighbor,” “You matter,” and “Friendly home nearby.” Each yard sign includes a QR code that links to a website of local resources that promote wellness.

More signs are available. Anyone on the Iron Range who is interested in displaying a sign, in their yard, on a windowsill, or in their business, may request one using this online form: Kindness Campaign Yard Sign Request Form. A coalition member will follow up to coordinate a time and location to pick up the sign. People are also encouraged to share their own yard sign display on social media to continue spreading kindness.

“We all have mental health. Some days are good mental health days, and some days are not,” said Joshua Gorham, Coalition Chair and program planner for St. Louis County Public Health “When we know that other people care about us—even someone who lives down the block—that makes a difference.”

Added Cassie Liubakka, Coalition Co-Chair and director of Family Services Collaborative of St. Louis County “These signs are meant to encourage all of us to reach out and show that we care about each other.”

The Arrowhead Behavioral Health Initiative and Range Mental Health Center contributed funding to support this campaign.

About the St. Louis County Su***de Prevention Coalition
The St. Louis County Su***de Prevention Coalition kicked off in September 2025 with the mission of preventing su***de and promoting mental well-being through community collaboration, evidence-informed strategies, and policy advocacy that creates lasting, systemic change. The coalition is a collaborative of community members, nonprofits, and
-more- local government health organizations.

Two action-orientation subcommittees help carry out the coalition’s mission including the Resources, Awareness, and Education subcommittee, and the Policy and Advocacy subcommittee. To be added to receive email updates, e-mail St. Louis County Public Health at [email protected]. Interested in joining the coalition or a subcommittee? Email [email protected].
- # # #-

Project contacts:
• Joshua Gorham, Coalition Chair, St. Louis County Public Health, [email protected]
• Cassie Liubakka, Coalition Co-Chair, Family Services Collaborative of St. Louis County, [email protected]

06/09/2026

We are excited to have the Beacon Clubhouse in the community!
Please share and support as you are able, this is a great resource!

A cup of coffee. A shared lunch. A place to belong.

Every day at Beacon Clubhouse, adults living with mental health challenges find something many of us take for granted: connection, purpose, and community.

Your donation helps provide:

☕ Morning coffee and conversation
🍽️ Affordable lunches
🎲 Activities and programming
📚 Supplies and resources
💙 A welcoming place where people can build relationships and recovery

Last month alone, members spent more than 200 hours at the Clubhouse, shared over 70 lunches, and welcomed 20 new members into the community.

If you'd like to help us continue growing and serving the Iron Range, we invite you to support Beacon Clubhouse.

Donate here:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-to-the-beacon-clubhouse

Thank you to everyone who has donated, shared our posts, volunteered, or encouraged our mission. Every act of support helps build a stronger community.

06/03/2026

📣 Range Mental Health Center Now Offers Psychiatry Services in Schools!

If your child currently receives psychiatry services—or if you're interested in starting services—now is a great time to get connected.

☀️ Start this summer with telehealth or in-person appointments at our Virginia location. Then, during the school year, students attending participating schools can continue receiving psychiatry services right at school—without missing class time for appointments.

🏫 Convenient school-based psychiatry services
Students can meet with their provider at school while parents and guardians have the option to join virtually or attend in person at the school. Providers will be on-site alongside students, making care more accessible and convenient for families.

Students can be seen at the following schools:

✅ Cherry School (K–12)
✅ Mountain Iron (K–12)
✅ Northeast Range (K–12)
✅ South Ridge (K–12)
✅ Rock Ridge (7–12)
✅ Northland Learning Center (K–12)

Don't attend one of these schools? That's okay! We will continue to offer psychiatry services throughout the school year through telehealth and in-person appointments in our Virginia location, just as we do during the summer.

Accessible, convenient psychiatric care helps students stay connected to both their education and their treatment.

📞 To get started, call 218-749-2881

Mobile Crisis: 844-772-4742
Website: www.rangementalhealth.org

05/27/2026

Range Mental Health Center is pleased to announce that Gwendolyn Geisdorf has joined its School-Linked Behavioral Health (SLBH) team as a School-Based Therapist. Geisdorf will provide services at the Cherry School, supporting students through RMHC’s school-based mental health programming.

Geisdorf is a Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW) and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) with specialized training and coursework in trauma-informed care, family systems, and couples and family therapy. She brings professional experience supporting adolescents and adults in behavioral health and substance use treatment settings, as well as experience collaborating with child welfare and mental health court systems and working within foster care services.

In her current role, Geisdorf supports children ages 4 through adulthood in mental health services. She is also scheduled to attend Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) certification training in August 2026 to further expand her clinical skills.

Geisdorf earned her Master of Social Work degree from The College of St. Scholastica and her Bachelor of Social Work degree from University of Wisconsin-Superior. She also holds an Associate of Applied Science degree in Addiction Studies from Minnesota North College and an Associate of Applied Science degree in Human Services from Mesabi Range Community College.

Geisdorf joined RMHC on September 6, 2022, and says she values the organization’s commitment to client-centered care and collaboration.

“I value the organization’s commitment to client-centered care, teamwork, and supporting the whole person,” said Geisdorf. “I appreciate the opportunity to work directly with children and families in the school setting while collaborating with a dedicated team focused on making a positive impact in the community.”

Outside of work, Geisdorf enjoys spending time with her family and being outdoors. Some of her favorite activities include horseback riding, camping, and exploring new places.

“Gwen brings a strong clinical background, compassion, and dedication to supporting children and families,” said Sara Rohr, Director of Early Childhood and School Linked Services at RMHC. “Her experience working across behavioral health, substance use treatment, and community systems makes her an excellent addition to our School-Linked Behavioral Health team. We are excited to continue growing our services with professionals who are deeply committed to the well-being of our communities.”

Range Mental Health Center’s School-Linked Behavioral Health Program is certified to provide Children’s Therapeutic Services and Supports (CTSS). The program helps children address social, emotional, and behavioral challenges that impact school performance and overall functioning at home and within the community. RMHC currently provides services across eight school districts and 17 schools and communities throughout Northern St. Louis County.

RMHC’s prevention and intervention efforts focus on early childhood, elementary, and secondary school-aged youth, with year-round services provided in collaboration with schools, families, and community agencies.

Appointments are made in collaboration with school staff, parents, and RMHC providers.

For more information about Range Mental Health Center’s services, www.rangementalhealth.org.

About Range Mental Health Center:
Established in 1961, Range Mental Health Center (RMHC) was the first rural community mental health center in the United States and the first in Minnesota to provide services developed specifically for persons with serious and persistent mental illness.

RMHC earned Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) status in May 2023. We provide mental health services to more than 2,500 adults, children, and families annually. The service area of RMHC covers northern St. Louis County and expands for more than 6,800 square miles.

With a workforce of about 150 people, RMHC continues its 60+ years as a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing comprehensive integrated behavioral health care services to the citizens of northern Minnesota thereby helping people reach and maintain productive and dignified lives.

05/25/2026

Range Mental Health Center will be closed today in observance of the Memorial Day holiday.

Mobile Crisis Services remains available 24/7 at 844-772-4724.

Today, we honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. We also extend our gratitude to all veterans for their service and sacrifice.

Wishing everyone a safe Memorial Day. 🇺🇸

05/21/2026

Range Mental Health Center (RMHC) is pleased to welcome Mattison Foley, MSW, TG LGSW, to its growing School-Linked Behavioral Health (SLBH) team. Mattison will provide services at Rock Ridge High School, supporting students through RMHC’s school-based mental health programming.

Mattison earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work from the University of Minnesota Duluth, where the MSW program emphasizes American Indian communities and culturally responsive coursework. Her education and professional experience have prepared her to support adolescents, especially those affected by trauma and other life stressors.

“During school, I took special interest in understanding how trauma affects emotional regulation, behavior, and relationships,” said Foley. “I am passionate about continuing to grow my knowledge and skills to better support youth and families in meaningful ways.”

Mattison shared that joining RMHC was a natural fit because of her passion for working directly with students in the school setting.

“Schools provide an important environment for growth, learning, and connection,” Foley said. “I wanted to be part of helping students build confidence, emotional awareness, and healthy coping skills where they spend much of their time. The opportunity to support youth in a familiar and accessible setting is something that is truly meaningful to me.”

Outside of work, Mattison enjoys life on her small hobby farm, spending quality time with her family, and horseback riding with her husband. She says country life has taught her the importance of balance, patience, and staying grounded — values she brings into her work with students and families.

“RMHC has quickly become like a second family to me,” Foley said. “From the beginning, I felt welcomed into an environment that is supportive, compassionate, and genuinely dedicated to helping both clients and staff succeed. Working at RMHC has allowed me to grow both personally and professionally while doing meaningful work that I truly enjoy.”

Range Mental Health Center’s School-Linked Behavioral Health Program is certified to provide Children’s Therapeutic Services and Supports (CTSS). The program helps children address social, emotional, and behavioral challenges that impact school performance and overall functioning at home and within the community. RMHC currently provides services across eight school districts and 17 schools and communities throughout Northern St. Louis County.

“Our therapeutic and rehabilitation interventions are designed to teach self-regulation, socialization, communication, and organizational skills that contribute to improved functioning and positive interactions,” said Sara Rohr, Director of Early Childhood and School Linked Services. “We are excited to continue expanding and growing our team of school-based therapists to support students throughout the communities we serve.”

RMHC’s prevention and intervention efforts focus on early childhood, elementary, and secondary school-aged youth, with year-round services provided in collaboration with schools, families, and community agencies.

Appointments are made in collaboration with school staff, parents, and RMHC providers.

For more information about Range Mental Health Center’s services, www.rangementalhealth.org.

About Range Mental Health Center:
Established in 1961, Range Mental Health Center (RMHC) was the first rural community mental health center in the United States and the first in Minnesota to provide services developed specifically for persons with serious and persistent mental illness.
RMHC earned Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) status in May 2023. We provide mental health services to more than 2,500 adults, children, and families annually. The service area of RMHC covers northern St. Louis County and expands for more than 6,800 square miles.

With a workforce of about 150 people, RMHC continues its 60+ years as a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing comprehensive integrated behavioral health care services to the citizens of northern Minnesota thereby helping people reach and maintain productive and dignified lives.
For more information, visit rangementalhealth.org or follow us on Facebook.

05/16/2026

Range Mental Health Center loves being a part of our community, and we were proud to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month at two events in Cherry with our School-Based Linked Services team! 💚

We absolutely loved connecting with the youth, families, and community members who joined us. Thank you for helping us spread awareness, support mental wellness, and strengthen community connections together!

05/10/2026

💐 Happy Mother’s Day from Range Mental Health Center 💐

Today we celebrate all moms, grandmothers, caregivers, and mother figures in our community — especially our clients and staff. Your strength, compassion, resilience, and love make a difference every single day.

Thank you for all the care you give to others while continuing to care for yourselves and your families. We see you, appreciate you, and honor you today and every day.

Wishing you a Mother’s Day filled with love, peace, and joy. 💕

05/02/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month 💚
At Range Mental Health Center, we believe that mental health is just as important as physical health. This month, we’re taking time to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and remind our community that support is always within reach.

Whether you’re navigating stress, anxiety, depression, or just need someone to talk to—you are not alone. Reaching out is a sign of strength, and every step toward caring for your mental well-being matters.
Let’s use this month to check in with ourselves and each other, practice compassion, and continue building a community where everyone feels seen, heard, and supported.

If you or someone you know could use support, we’re here for you.

☎️ 218.749.2881
Mobile Crisis: 844-772-4742
www.rangementalhealth.org

As we kick off Mental Health Awareness Month this May, come together by sharing your story. When you do, you join others nationwide in the belief that healing begins in community.

Join us in taking action to break the stigma of silence: nami.org/mham

04/29/2026

After 30 years of dedicated service to Range Mental Health Center—including nearly three decades on its Board of Directors—Tom Krause is stepping down, leaving behind a legacy of steadfast leadership, compassion, and deep community commitment.

Krause officially joined the RMHC Board in 2008, later serving as Board President, but his connection to the organization began long before that. As a police officer for the City of Virginia, he frequently worked alongside Range Mental Health staff and became familiar with the agency’s vital role in supporting individuals experiencing mental health challenges. His path to board service began when the late William F. Sauve invited him to help create a skateboarding park for local youth. That collaboration led to another invitation—to join the RMHC Board of Directors—and, as Krause says, “the rest was history.”

Over the years, Krause has witnessed remarkable growth and transformation at RMHC. Reflecting on his tenure, he points not to a single achievement, but to the steady evolution of the organization as a whole.

“I’ve seen so many good things in my time with RMHC,” Krause said. “I used to have coffee with the detox staff on the night shifts and really enjoyed visiting with them over the years. I spent a lot of time on the Mental Health Unit at the hospital in my work as a police officer and got to know many staff there too. I’ve loved watching how the programs have increased, how the number of clients being served continues to grow, and I’m especially excited now to see the facility upgrades happening in our buildings.”

Among the milestones he holds most meaningful is the development of Crisis Intervention Programs, which he describes as one of the most impactful advances in community care during his years of service.

“Crisis Intervention work is probably one of the best programs I’ve seen over the years enhance care in the community,” he said. “And becoming a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic was a huge initiative. I’m proud of the agency for successfully achieving that milestone.”

For Krause, the most rewarding part of serving as Board President has been the relationships built along the way. RMHC has been woven into the fabric of his life since he first moved to Virginia for an internship that eventually led to his full-time career with the Virginia Police Department. Long before he joined the board, he recalls playing touch football in the yard with friends at RMHC—an early sign of the lifelong connection that would follow.
CEO Annmarie Florest praised Krause’s enduring impact on the organization and community.

“Tom Krause has been an extraordinary leader and advocate for Range Mental Health Center,” said Florest. “His decades of service reflect not only his dedication to our mission, but also his unwavering belief in the importance of accessible, compassionate mental health care for our region. Tom’s leadership, wisdom, and heart have helped shape RMHC into the strong organization it is today, and we are deeply grateful for the legacy he leaves behind.”

As he steps away from board leadership, Krause remains optimistic about RMHC’s future.

“My hope is that RMHC continues to grow,” he said. “I’d love to see a new building someday—with more room for more programming to serve even more people.”

Though his formal board service is ending, Krause says the friendships he has made through RMHC will endure.

“Through the years, I’ve made so many good friends,” he said. “I’ve met so many wonderful people through my years with RMHC, and I plan to stay in the community, so I look forward to still seeing many of these friends.”

Range Mental Health Center extends its deepest gratitude to Tom Krause for his remarkable 30 years of service, leadership, and friendship. Tom’s unwavering dedication has helped guide the organization through decades of growth, innovation, and expanded care for the communities we serve. His compassion, vision, and belief in RMHC’s mission have left a lasting imprint on our staff, board, clients, and partners alike. While his presence on the Board of Directors will be greatly missed, his legacy will continue to inspire our work for years to come.

On behalf of everyone at Range Mental Health Center, thank you, Tom, for your extraordinary commitment and for the countless ways you have strengthened mental health care across the Iron Range.

(pictured Tom Krause and Annmarie Florest, CEO- RMCH)