Merra Young, LICSW,LMFT
Merra has over thirty years of experience in meditation practice and psychotherapy. She integrates meditation, Buddhist Psychology, compassion practices, body-centered and other integrative approaches into her work. She is the founder and has her private practice at Rivers’ Way Meditation Center. Merra primarily practices in the Vipassana/Mindfulness tradition with background in yoga and qigong practice. She’s received training as a Community Dharma leader at Spirit Rock Meditation Center. Merra is on faculty at the University of Minnesota, Center for Spirituality and Healing teaching (MBSR) Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction and Emotional Healing and Happiness. She is also on faculty at the University of St. Thomas /St. Catherine University, Graduate School of Social Work teaching Integrative Psychotherapy and in their Spirituality Institute and teaches mediation at the University of St. Catherine, Holistic Health Studies Program. www.riverswaymeditation.net or rivwaymed@aol.com 612-253-5133
Stacy M. Husebo, MSW, LICSW
Stacy is a graduate field faculty at St. Catherine University and the University of St. Thomas School of Social Work. She has worked in street outreach, case management and as a mental health therapist with homeless youth, young adults and elders. She is active in social and environmental justice issues, mindfulness practices and diverse aspects of spirituality. She works as a social work educator, spiritual director and integrative therapist. She is interested in exploring ways that we are wholehearted in our work and living. And, she has travelled the realms of Catholic/Christian mysticism, earth-based spirituality, the Universe story and Eastern/Buddhist meditation practices for over 25 years. stacyhusebo@hotmail.com 612-702-2955
Jil Leverone, Ph.D., LP
Jil is an educator, clinician and mindfulness practitioner. Currently, Jil is a full time faculty member with the Clinical Psychology PsyD. Program at the Minnesota School of Professional Psychology in the Twin Cities. In addition, she continues to serve as an adjunct faculty member with St. Mary’s University and she maintains a part time private practice in St. Paul. Jil’s mindfulness practice has informed her work as a clinician and educator for more than 15 years. jil@jileverone.com
Patty Hlava: MA, LMFT, Ph.D.
Patty is a licensed marriage and family therapist in private practice at Healthwise Behavioral Health and Wellness Center, Maple Grove, MN. She works with individuals and couples from an integrated mind-body-spirit approach centered in mindfulness meditation and gratitude practices. She is the author of Living Gratitude, and Cultivating Gratitude and continues to be involved in research in the area of gratitude and relationships. Patty also serves as adjunct faculty in the Master’s in Transpersonal Psychology program at Sofia University and the Graduate School of Professional Psychology at St. Thomas University. patty.hlava@gmail.com
David Benson, MA, LMFT
David Benson’s practice is in Plymouth. He has taken the Zen precepts in Jukai at the Minnesota Zen Meditation Center. Inhabiting Buddhism throughout his adult life, it is reflected in his way of being in his role as a psychotherapist and in his consultation work. He has taught right speech, meditation for non Buddhists, meditation integrated with mindful movement, and meditation and depression. Email David 612-237-7723