Districts 6 & 7 Candidate Forum

Come meet the candidates for the State Senate and House of Representatives in Districts 6 & 7 (Iron Range) as NAMI Minnesota and the Mental Health Legislative Network host a forum on mental health. This nonpartisan event will give you an opportunity to get to know the candidates on the ballot in November and hear a discussion on mental health policy at the state level.

Date: Thursday, October 29, 2026
Time: 5:30-7:00 PM
Location: Blandin Foundation, 100 North Pokegama Avenue, Grand Rapids, MN 55744

Register here for the Iron Range forum.

District 4 Candidate Forum: Moorhead

Come meet the candidates for the State Senate and House of Representatives in District 4 (Moorhead) as NAMI Minnesota and the Mental Health Legislative Network host a forum on mental health. This nonpartisan event will give you an opportunity to get to know the candidates on the ballot in November and hear a discussion on mental health policy at the state level.

Date: Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Time: 5:30-7:00 PM
Location: Minnesota State Community and Technical College (M State), 1900 28th Avenue South, Moorhead, MN 56560

Register here for the Moorhead forum.

Come meet the candidates for the State Senate and House of Representatives in District 18 (Mankato) as NAMI Minnesota and the Mental Health Legislative Network host a forum on mental health. This nonpartisan event will give you an opportunity to get to know the candidates on the ballot in November and hear a discussion on mental health policy at the state level.

Date: Thursday, October 22, 2026
Time: 5:30-7:00 PM
Location: Minnesota State Mankato, 620 West S. Rd., Mankato, MN 56001
Register here for the Mankato forum.

Generational Workforce and Communication with Susan Williams, The Village Family Service Center
Wed. Oct. 14th at 9:00 am

Generational workforce training to strengthen communication, awareness, and collaboration across diverse ages and perspectives. Learn more and register HERE

Explore how mergers and acquisitions help sustain child, youth, and family services—real examples, expert insight, and peer stories.

Description:

This workshop will present research on effective methods to give and receive feedback in the workplace that will result in greater job satisfaction, increased retention and more positive workplace culture. Specific consideration will be given to working cross culturally and building relationships and community. Participants will have the opportunity to practice giving and receiving feedback.

Jody Nelson, Ph.D, LMFT
Jody Nelson holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership and is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She is the Senior Advisor at Change Inc – a community-based non-profit agency providing education, mentoring/coaching, case management, community solutions, and therapeutic services, including an outpatient clinic in NE Minneapolis and School-Based Mental Health efforts in six metro area school districts. She provides supervision of supervision and is part of an ensemble teaching a 30-hour course in Clinical Supervision twice/year where giving and receiving critical feedback is a topic.

Learn more and register HERE

This training is part of the 2026 AspireMN Leadership Academy.
It is open and free of charge to all AspireMN members.
Participation in the 2026 Leadership Academy cohort is not required to attend.

2026 April Day Treatment Site Visits
Catholic Charities Twin Cities & Youable Emotional Health
Monday, April 20th
10:00 am to 3:30 pm

RSVP HERE

These visits are open to all AspireMN Day Treatment providers.

Creating a Culture of Feedback
(Giving and Receiving)

More information coming soon…

This training is part of the 2026 AspireMN Leadership Academy.

You are not required to register for the AspireMN Leadership Academy to participate in this training. It is open to all AspireMN members. 

Rural Health Transformation Program Overview with Laura Sutter
Friday, March 27th
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

‍The Rural Health Transformation Program is a one-time, five-year initiative designed to support rural health priorities across Minnesota. This effort was created in response to amendments to Section 2105 of the Social Security Act in H.R.1, which introduced major changes to public assistance programs such as Medicaid and SNAP. These changes are anticipated to result in significant funding reductions and loss of coverage for Minnesotans who depend on these programs.

To help offset these impacts, the Rural Health Transformation Program invests in innovative, community-driven solutions.
During this webinar, Laura will share how Minnesota’s implementation plan is being carried out through community partners across the state.

Register HERE for the webinar

‍ Laura Sutter
Supervisor, Office of Rural Health and Primary Care, Minnesota Department of Health

Announcing the 2026 AspireMN Day on the Hill on Thursday, March 26, 2026!

Participate in democracy in action - join the Mental Health Legislative Network (MHLN) rally in the Rotunda.
Learn about AspireMN Legislative priorities and how to advocate for your top priorities.
Share your expertise with your legislators.
Socialize with your colleagues at a late afternoon social gathering.

The 2026 Day on the Hill includes the opportunity to participate with the Mental Health Legislative Network (MHLN) in addition to training, meetings and socializing with AspireMN colleagues.

Learn More and Register HERE

What Makes a One-to-One “Meaningful”?

Effective one‑to‑one meetings are one of the most powerful tools a manager has—but only when they are intentional, consistent, and grounded in trust. Through a blend of discussion, practical tools, and real‑world scenarios, participants will learn how to design and facilitate one‑to‑one meetings that go beyond task updates.

By the end of this workshop, managers will walk away with a clear, repeatable structure for high‑quality one‑to‑ones; a set of powerful coaching questions; and practices that help employees feel seen, supported, and motivated. Whether you’re a new leader or looking to deepen your supervisory skills, this workshop provides practical guidance for building strong, trust‑based relationships and driving meaningful engagement across your team.

Stacey Trushenski-Carlson is currently the Director of Talent Development and Training at Nexus Family Healing. She has been with Nexus for over ten years, and prior to Nexus, was a College Professor of Sociology and Criminal Justice. She is very passionate about creating a welcoming and engaging work environment, building trusting relationships, and firmly believes that meaningful one-to-ones are the key to staff retention!

Register HERE for What Makes a One-to-One “Meaningful”? - March 11th at 9:00 am.

This training is part of the 2026 AspireMN Leadership Academy.

You are not required to register for the AspireMN Leadership Academy to participate in this training. It is open to all AspireMN members. 

Trust Is the Foundation of It All

During this session, we are diving into one of the most essential drivers of effective teams and strong relationships: trust. In Franklin Covey’s framework, trust isn’t a vague feeling or something we simply hope to earn—it’s a set of intentional behaviors that anyone can learn, practice, and strengthen.

The 13 Elements of Trust give us a clear, practical roadmap for building credibility, communicating with transparency, and creating an environment where people feel safe to contribute their best work. Throughout this session, we’ll explore each element and translate it into meaningful actions you can apply immediately in your everyday interactions—whether you’re leading a team, working cross‑functionally, or collaborating with clients.

By the end of our time together, you’ll not only understand what drives trust, but you’ll also have a personal toolkit to help you elevate trust in every relationship you touch.

Mel Winkler, MSW, LICSW
Mel Winkler, MSW, LICSW, is Director of Quality Assurance of Northwood Children’s Services. She has over twenty years experience as team leader and personnel manager.  Mel is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, Certified Supervisor by the MN BOSW and a COA reviewer. Mel has been part of AspireMN since it was MCCCA, chair of training committee, part of residential, emerging practice and membership committees as well.  She has received the Judges Choice Award in 2018 in the Minnesota Ballet Celebrity Dance Challenge and Supervisor of the year from UMD in 2021. Serving on multiple boards including PAVSA, Minnesota Ballet, St. Scholastica MSW/ROBUST Advisory Board and University Nursery School Board of Directors. 

Register HERE for Trust Is the Foundation of It All - March 11th at 9:00 am.

This training is part of the 2026 AspireMN Leadership Academy.

You are not required to register for the AspireMN Leadership Academy to participate in this training. It is open to all AspireMN members. 

Leadership Styles Training

Date: Wednesday, January 14
Presenter: Mel Winkler, MSW, LICSW

Join us for an engaging Leadership Style Training where Mel Winkler, MSW, LICSW, Director of Quality Assurance, Northwood Children's Services, will guide you through:

• Exploring your unique leadership style

• Understanding how your style influences your work and daily life

• Leveraging your style—and your team’s styles—for effective leadership

Register HERE for Leadership Styles with Mel Winkler, Northwood Children's Services on Wed. Jan. 14th 

This training is part of the 2026 AspireMN Leadership Academy.
You are not required to register for the AspireMN Leadership Academy to participate in this training. It is open to all AspireMN members. 

2026 Leadership Certificate Cohort - Introduction Session #1

Learn more and register here

Save the Date…more information coming soon.

2026 Leadership Certificate Cohort - Introduction Session #1

Learn more and register here

Leaning into Hard Conversations: Giving/receiving feedback that is culturally/relationally attuned

This 90 minute workshop will present research on effective methods to give and receive feedback in the workplace that will result in greater job satisfaction, increased retention and more positive workplace culture. Specific consideration will be given to working cross culturally and building relationships and community. Participants will have the opportunity to practice giving and receiving feedback.

Presenter:
Jody Nelson, Ph.D, LMFT
Jody Nelson holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership and is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She is the Senior Advisor at Change Inc – a community-based non-profit agency providing education, mentoring/coaching, case management, community solutions, and therapeutic services including an out-patient clinic in NE Minneapolis and School-Based Mental Health efforts in six metro area school districts. She provides supervision of supervision and is part of an ensemble teaching a 30- hour course in Clinical Supervision twice/year where giving and receiving critical feedback is a topic.

Register HERE (Webinar is FREE for AspireMN Members)

This training is part of the 2025 AspireMN Leadership Certificate. This training is the nineth training for the Certificate.

Training is open to all AspireMN members. You are not required to register for the AspireMN Leadership Certificate to participate in this training.

The first AspireMN Day Treatment Site Visit with St. David and Fraser on Wednesday, September 17th, is almost here.

If you have not responded yet, please RSVP [HERE] and let us know if are or are not able to attend. If you have accepted the appointment but not RSVP, please do fill out the RSVP form.

This inaugural visit will start at St. David’s Minnetonka location, followed by visits to their Westminster and Nicollet Mall sites. After a lunch break, the day will conclude with a tour at Fraser Woodbury. These site visits offer a great opportunity to explore fellow members’ facilities, learn more about each other's organizations, and engage in informal conversations.

Draft Agenda:

• 10:00 AM – Arrive at St. David’s Minnetonka – Discussion & Tour

• 10:45 AM – Drive to St. David’s Westminster

• 11:00 AM – Tour St. David’s Westminster

• 11:30 AM – Walk to St. David’s Nicollet Mall

• 11:40 AM – Tour St. David’s Nicollet Mall – Discussion & Tour

• 12:30 PM – Lunch at Brit’s Rooftop (1 hour)

• 1:30 PM – Drive to Fraser (30 minutes)

• 2:00 PM – Fraser Woodbury – Discussion & Tour

• 3:30 PM – Conclude the day