Our Team

Brenda is the founder of Summit Counseling and works as a key consultant for the agency. She is dedicated to filling gaps in services across Western North Dakota and is dually licensed as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Addiction Counselor. She provides leadership in operations, public relations, community relations and works on the development of the agencies expansion programs. Brenda is driven to see that everyone that needs services be able to get them. It is for this reason that Summit is in Western North Dakota. She believes that everyone is valuable and continually works towards improving services in Western North Dakota.

Ashley is responsible for office administration at the Bismarck office as well as helping with operations across Summit Counseling. Her pleasant smile and positive attitude sets the tone for the summit clients and staff. Her years of experience serving clients in healthcare and behavioral healthcare settings makes a difference for clients and all of Summit Counseling.

Mike has extensive experience working in addiction as well as in working with clients in recovery and their families. His practical approach emphasizes the power of personal responsibility and choices as well as best practices in addiction. He gets results and is well-respected at Summit Counseling.

Sara is a Licensed Master Social Worker working as a mental health counselor in the Bismarck office and telehealth. Sara has worked in the field of counseling and human services for almost a decade and is currently working towards earning her Clinical Social Work License. She specializes in Child and Family Science and has a passion for working with children, adolescents, and their families. Sara also found a new passion for pregnancy and postpartum mental health and received certification in Perinatal Mental Health Disorders. Sara strives to individualize her therapeutic techniques so each client receives the greatest support that she can offer. Sara has experience using a variety of therapeutic approaches, including play therapy for children. She utilizes strengths-based approaches to help her clients with any variety of concerns, including depression, anxiety, stress management, self-esteem building, anger management, grief and loss, trauma, and healthy relationships.

Having been in the addiction counseling field for nearly a decade, Tyler has a substantial amount of education, knowledge, and experience with addiction, both personally and professionally. He has assisted with starting and establishing several local, addiction counseling agencies and has worked in residential, outpatient, and individual settings. Tyler has a unique approach to his counseling style and tends to focus on the spiritual aspects of recovery. He is patient, respectful, and encouraging while walking with his clients throughout their personal and spiritual journeys and truly makes a difference in people's lives. He is very passionate about working with those in recovery and has great plans for future endeavors.

Rae began her career with Summit as an Addiction Intern and has since joined our team as one of our Addiction Professionals. Rae does many things at Summit. She conducts evaluations, does individual and group sessions. Rae is great at all of these things including excelling with our Adolescents.

Lizzie is a Licensed Master Social Worker in the Bismarck office. She enjoys combining her passion for mental health with her extensive experience in social services to help clients see lasting change. She strives to tailor a multitude of therapeutic techniques to each individual by honoring the unique needs of each client. No matter the circumstance, she employs a client-centered approach to meet you in every stage of life. When she's not at work, she can be found traveling, hiking, rafting, running, and enjoying all things outdoors.

Rhonda Diede has a Bachelorette License in Social Work and is a Licensed Addiction Counselor. She received her Bachelor's Degree at Minot State University in Social work, with a concentration in Addictions. Rhonda has been an integral part of the community helping in many different aspects such as working as an advocate, working with the developmentally disabled, and assisting people to live their best lives. Rhonda has been involved in the recovery community for many years and is excited to be helpful in new ways. Rhonda is currently facilitating outpatient groups and conducting substance use evaluations. Rhonda is a great asset to the Summit Team.

Jessica is a returning member of our reception team. Jess originally assisted Summit in our Williston office until Covid and has now returned and is located in our Bismarck office. Jess is an amazing problem solver, has extensive insurance knowledge and has worked alongside mental health and medical professionals for much of her adult career. Jess is kind, compassionate and genuinely cares about people. Jess understands how much courage it often takes to reach out and seek behavioral health services and works to ensure our clients are treated with respect and dignity.

Summit is so very fortunate to have Julie join our team. Julie is a Licensed Master Social Worker with years of experience in the Mental Health field working with all age groups and in many different environments. Julie excels in this profession and has found her niche. She has experience in clinical supervision, agency accreditation, foster care, and working in administrative positions throughout many regions in the State of North Dakota. Julie provides daytime and evening hours at Summit. Julie is also a fantastic entrepreneur and business owner in the Bismarck area and has been instrumental in many agencies and businesses throughout the area.

My name is Patrick Esposito. I have been working with persons who struggle with addiction and mental health for over 8 years now. I have a Bachelors of Science in anthropology and social work with a focus on social work. During my free time I enjoy hiking, rock collecting, and working in my yard. I am a disabled veteran who served in the Marine Corps. I look forward to continuing to help people in the future. Patrick will work with our remote clients in our outpatient sites and our residential unit.

Sarah is a Licensed Master Social Worker new to Summit Counseling. Sarah obtained her Master of Social Work Degree from Northern Arizona University and is currently working towards her Clinical Social Work License. She has many years of experience working with children and adolescents. Sarah is passionate about supporting clients of all ages and individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community. She helps individuals with a variety of situations such as anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues and life adjustments. Sarah's approach to counseling is client-centered and strengths-based. Sarah also utilizes play therapy for children. She works with clients ages 3 and up in the Bismarck office and through Telehealth.

As Summit Counseling Service's Insurance Specialist, Cordie works diligently to ensure your coverage is adequate to cover the services you request. Cordie administers credentialing and works with a range of insurance agencies on claim submissions. Summit Counseling staff and clients are fortunate to have her expertise.

Taylor is one of the members of our fantastic reception team. She is located in our Williston Office. Taylor is kind, loves the clients and has a great sense of humor. She genuinely cares for people, pets and strives for excellence in her reception work. Taylor is a great asset to our Summit Team!

Experienced medical insurance specialist with a deep understanding of healthcare insurance policies and procedures. I will accurately process medical insurance claims, verifying coverage, and resolving billing issues. I am well-versed in medical coding and billing practices, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations. My attention to detail enable me to efficiently navigate insurance systems and advocate for patients to maximize their insurance benefits. I am committed to providing exceptional service to patients, healthcare providers, and insurance companies to facilitate smooth and timely reimbursement processes.

Jessica Conell has been working as a Licensed Addiction Counselor, in the state of Montana, since 2008. She recently obtained her license in North Dakota. She has previous experience working in case management in community based transitional housing. She attended the University of Montana, and graduated from Montana Technological University with a degree in Liberal Arts minoring in Addiction Studies from the University of Nevada, Reno. As an LAC she has worked in both a private practice as well as an institutional prison setting. Her main focus in counseling is cognitive behavioral techniques and Motivational Interviewing. She has also been the team lead for the Critical Incident Stress Managent team for Montana State Prison, a team focused on peer based support for staff after facing an emergency or other critical event.

Chelle is a Licensed Master Social Worker working towards her Clinical Social Work license. She provides mental health services for Summit via telehealth. She has a passion for working with adolescents and adults in the LGBTQ+ community. She believes in emphasizing the strengths of those she works with and supports her clients utilizing various person-centered clinical modalities, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.

Chelle's previous experience includes over 20 years working with individuals with intellectual disabilities in the Fargo-Moorhead community. She has worked with a local non-profit benefiting individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their families. While with that organization, she led family support groups, served as an advocate for families, and developed autism specific programing. She served as a member of the leadership team as Secretary, Vice President, and President. Chelle also has experience working as a case manager for adults with developmental disabilities in day habilitation and residential settings.

Chelle enjoys spending time with her husband of 30+ years and their 3 adult children. Her hobbies include quilting and reading.

Liz is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She received her Graduate Degree from the University of North Dakota.

Liz provides psychiatric care to individuals 12 years and older in the office and via telehealth. Liz will provide medication management for a variety of mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, post-partum depression, bipolar disorder, attention deficit disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Liz has recently completed her Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) training and is now offering Substance use treatment with various medication options.

Liz has a strong background in mental health and women's health. She is focused on working with clients to find the best treatment regimen for each person's individual situation.