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.

Jennie Cornell is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with extensive experience helping clients of all ages and backgrounds. She is certified in Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and has years of experience applying a range of evidence-based mental health approaches, including EMDR, to improve the lives of clients. Jennie has worked with families, couples, individuals, and youth of all ages and helped them reach their treatment goals. As a mental health therapist and supervisor of Summit Counseling clinical staff, Jennie's empathy, compassion and client-centered approach shines through. She enjoys spending time with friends and family as well as her role as summit as a therapist and mentor to many of the staff.

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.

Tyler is fairly new to the Summit Team but is not new to Substance Use Services. He has worked in outpatient services, residential facilities and has assisted other treatment programs to get their start. Tyler is a man of "FAITH IN CHRIST" and truly makes a difference in people's lives. He has a heart for those in recovery and has great plans for future endeavors. Tyler currently facilitates our Level 2.1 (intensive outpatient) groups.

Deann is a welcome part of our call center/reception team located in the Bismarck office. She has over 20 years of experience in customer service. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her kids and grandkids. She shares that she can't wait to help as many people as possible.

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 now beginning her new career as an 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 and will complete her internship this fall and is a asset to the Summit Addiction Team

Barbara works in the Dickinson area. She has advanced license in the counseling field and is certified as a clinical supervisor. She has worked in the State Human Services System and as a Supervisor for the Village Family Services System. She works with individuals, couples, and clients of all ages. She has experience with EMDR, CBT, and play therapy. Barb is currently writing a children's book and is collaborating with family for the illustrations. We are looking forward to the day when we can have a sneak peek.

Holli is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with the State of North Dakota. She has a variety of experiences working with clients across the lifespan experiencing crisis, dual diagnoses (addiction and mental health conditions), severe mental illness, depression, anxiety, and trauma. Holli completed training in 2020 with the Treatment Collaborative for Traumatized Youth in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy. She enjoys working with children, adolescents, teens, and adults. Holli utilizes CBT, TF-CBT, DBT, art therapy, Solution Focused, Motivational Interviewing, Illness Management and Recovery, and Impact Techniques in her therapeutic interventions. In her spare time, she enjoys time with her family and friends. She is an avid music lover, a huge movie buff and likes to scrapbook. Clients note Holli's caring approach as well as her vast expertise. Summit Counseling is fortunate to have her.

Melissa moved to the area in Spring of 2021 from Tennessee where she received her master's degree from Lincoln Memorial University with a certificate in the Gottman Marriage and Family Counseling. She has experience with co-occurring disorders and with those of all ages in both residential and outpatient settings. She utilizes both Cognitive Behavioral Therapies and Dialectal Behavioral Therapy. Melissa believes in meeting the person where they are and allowing them to utilize self-discovery to establish and reach their own treatment goals through support and guidance which feeds a healthy path to a desired quality of life.

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.

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.

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.

Ariel Roehrich is a certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She graduated from South Dakota State University College of nursing (B.S. in Nursing) and Chamberlain University (M.S. in Nursing). Ariel is both diligent in her practice and committed to the profession. With ten years of nursing experience, she continues to advocate and empower patients to treat their illnesses through supportive education in a stigma-free environment.
Ariel focuses on treating mood disorders, trauma, psychotic disorders, substance abuse, and chronic mental illness through psychiatric assessment, medication management, and brief psychotherapeutic intervention for adult clients ages 4 through 90. she will create an individualized plan of care that values client involvement, interprofessional collaboration, and evidence-based practice.