Meet the Staff
The staff at Center for Human Resources has practiced for more than twenty years. Each member draws from their varied experience and research in the area of clinical psychology to provide a knowledgeable and caring service.
-
Barbara Bofenkamp
Barbara Bofenkamp trained at the University of Minnesota in Developmental Psychology. She received her Master of Arts degree in 1980 and became a Licensed Psychologist in Minnesota in 1985. She has been employed at the Center for Human Resources since 1982, working primarily with adolescents and adults. Barbara's therapeutic interests include recovery from depression, anxiety, trauma, and addictions. She views therapy as a collaborative relationship within a context of mutual respect and hope. She encourages clients to call upon their own physical, emotional, social, intellectual, and spiritual resources in the process of healing. Outside the office, Barbara is an outdoorswoman. She loves hiking, canoeing, biking, and gardening. For eleven years she has swum with a Masters Swim group. She shares many of these endeavors with her husband and four grandchildren.
-
Dorothee Ischler
Dorothee Ischler speaks Polish, Russian, German, French and English. She studied psychology in Germany for 6 years and received a degree of "Diplompsychologin" from the University Of Bochum, Germany. She came to the United States in the winter of 1984 to study Marriage and Family Therapy at the University of Minnesota, Family Social Science Department. Ms. Ischler has been a therapist with the Center for Human Resources since the fall of 1986. She works with clients who suffer from mood disorders, addictions, eating disorders and ADHD. Her clients are both adolescents and adults. Her special interest lies in researching the connection between Mind, Body and Spirit. Her approach to psychotherapy is eclectic, incorporating elements of behavioral cognitive therapy, psychodynamic approaches, humanistic systems and narrative analysis. She also does Christian Counseling. Four times a year, Ms. Ischler offers therapeutic weight loss groups for women. In her free time, Dorothee enjoys playing with her children, going to the opera with her husband, reading, and listening to MPR. Her favorite program on public radio is "Speaking of Faith". She loves the outdoors, where she walks, bikes and cross-country skis.
-
Elaine Nesbit
Elaine Nesbit is a licensed psychologist practicing for twenty years. She has been at the Center for Human Resources for sixteen years, doing individual and family work with children, adolescents and adults. She has specific experience and training in the areas of anxiety and depression, and collaborates with her clients in a team approach toward their goals. Elaine enjoys working with a "whole person" approach, talking about overall health and spiritually as important aspects of mental health. When not in the counseling office, Elaine enjoys running, cooking (eating), reading, music, hiking and hanging out with friends.
-
John Shirriff, M.D.
Dr. Shirriff is board certified in adult psychiatry and has been practicing for 24 years. He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Alabama School of Medicine. He is the the Medical Director of the BHSI system of clinics in the Twin Cities. When not practicing psychiatry, he enjoys music, biking and cross-country skiing.
-
Jon Walser-Kuntz
Jon has an undergraduate degree from Winona State University in Psychology and Communications. He earned his Masters Degree in Counselor Education also from Winona State University. He then completed a one year training in Multi-Systemic Therapy from MST Services affiliated with the University of South Carolina Medical School. He is currently licensed as a Psychologist in Minnesota.
Jon has accumulated a wealth of knowledge from working in a number of mental health settings. He has experience in writing behavior modiciation plans for children and understanding the full spectrum of developmental disabilities/disorders and childhood disorders. Jon has worked in a psychiatric hospital diagnosing and treating mental health concerns with both adults and children. During his tenure at the hospital he worked directly with individuals experiencing both chemical dependency issues and a mental health disorder. He has in-depth knowledge of male issues both with adults and children.
Jon also has extensive experience working in outpatient settings with adults, families and children. He has been involved in treating sexually hurtful/acting out behavior and in helping those who have experienced sexually hurtful behavior. Jon has extensive experience in providing Chemical Dependency Assessments (Rule 25) and conducting Psychosexual Assessments.
Practice: Mood disorders, trauma, addictions, eating disorders, self motivation, parenting/child difficulties, childhood disorders, divorce, aggressive/violent behavior, sexually hurtful behavior, sexual abuse, chemical dependency therapy/Assessment, Psychosexual Assessments.
-
Arlys Wiese
Arlys Wiese has worked at the Center for Human Resources for a quarter of a century. As Office Administrator she is usually the voice you hear when you call to inquire about our services and to schedule appointments with the appropriate therapist. She is here to help answer questions you might have regarding your insurance, billing procedures, etc. Arlys has lived in rural Northfield her entire life and presently lives on a farm with her husband. They have two adult children and five grandsons. When she's not working at CHR she enjoys spending time with family and friends, music, flower and vegetable gardening, and making lefse and other Norwegian goodies.