Staff Bios

Executive Staff

Susanne Lambert, MA                                   

Executive Director
Member of PV team since 2005
BA Degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice (Gustavus Adolphus College) and MA Degree in Organizational Leadership through Augsburg College (MAL Program). 30+ years clinical and administrative experience in the community corrections and recovery fields.

Jennifer White, MA, LADC                                   

Director of Programs
Member of PV team since 2005
BA Degree in Psychology (University of Minnesota), Certificate in Alcohol and Drug Counseling & Education, and MBA through Carlson School of Management. 15 years experience in recovery field.

Cathie Scott                                                           

Sober Housing Manager
Member of PV team since 2000
Owned and operated own business for 25 years. 12 years experience in the recovery field.

Kristine Peltier                                                           

Finance Director
Member of PV team since 2006
BS Degree in Finance. 20 years experience in Accounting/Finance (non-profit, for profit, and fundraising)

 

Clinical Staff

Jennifer White, MBA, LADC 

Director of Programs
Jennifer has a BA in psychology and a certificate in Alcohol and Drug Counseling and Education from the University of Minnesota. She received her Master’s in Business Administration from the Carlson School of Management. Jennifer has been at Progress Valley since 2005 and has worked in varied positions (and with various populations) within the addiction field for over 15 years. When not working, Jennifer is a proud “cheese head” resident of Wisconsin and enjoys spending time with her life partner and adorable pets.

Tanya Olson, BA, LADC

Sr. Counselor
Tanya received her BA Degree in Psychology from Argosy University. She began her career as a Licensed & Alcohol Drug Counselor at Progress Valley in 2007 and prior to completing college Tanya worked as a House Manager at the PV Women’s Program. She worked 3 years at the Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC) as a Sr. Chemical Health Counselor and currently enjoys her work at the Men’s Program. Tanya most appreciates watching the men and women we serve be successful in their life of recovery.

Jim Hall, AS, LADC

Counselor
Jim has worked for Progress Valley since 2009. He has been active as a chemical health specialist since 1995. His previous experience includes: 10 years with Ramsey/Regions Hospital (adolescent CD unit), 5 years with Human Services Incorporated developing and implementing a cognitive therapy based program in Washington County, and 12 years facilitating a process of change support group at the Ramsey County Adult Detention Center. Jim is a devoted husband, father and entrepreneur. He is grateful to be a part of the recovery community. He is also grateful to have his own hair and teeth.

Renee Bowman, BA, LADC

Sr. Counselor
Renee has worked for Progress Valley since 2006 in various positions throughout the organization. She obtained her BA Degree in Psychology from the University of Minnesota and later returned to school to complete her alcohol and drug counseling licensure requirements. She enjoys working with all client populations and her counseling interests are in trauma and its relation to addiction. Renee has a daughter and is an avid runner in her spare time.

Steven Glasser, BA, LADC

Counselor
Steven earned his BA Degree in Criminal Justice Studies from St. Cloud State University and completed his alcohol and drug counseling licensure requirements from Metropolitan State University. He completed his clinical internship work at Pride Institute, working with lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, and transgender individuals and at Progress Valley Men’s Program. He continues his education at St. Mary’s University working on his MA Degree in Counseling. Steven enjoys spending time with friends, attending sporting events, and relaxing at home.  He is a current member of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC).

Kim Miller-Marx, BA, LADC

Counselor
Kim has worked at the PV Women’s Program since 2010. She obtained her BA Degree in Psychology with a minor in counseling from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. She later returned to school to become an Addiction Counselor. Kim has worked with adolescents and thoroughly enjoys her work with women. Her counseling interests are in self-esteem and developing self-efficacy. Kim has two grown children, enjoys travel, and has published a self-esteem book for children (being utilized in varied schools throughout Minnesota).

Sam Cohen, BA, LADC

Counselor
Sam began his association with Progress Valley in 2010 as a counselor intern and is now employed as a counselor at the PVI Men’s Program.  He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from York College of Pennsylvania and completed his alcohol and drug counseling licensure requirements from Metropolitan State University. Sam has a strong twelve step foundation and believes the field of recovery is his true calling. He is highly dedicated to helping people live a renewed sober lifestyle. Sam is a native of Reading, Pennsylvania.

Mary Albert, LADC

Recovery Coach
Mary has worked at Progress Valley for 13 years in various positions including counselor at PVI Men’s Program and PVII Women’s Program, Program Manager (PVII), and Admission and Referral Coordinator. Mary returned to school a bit later in life to become a licensed counselor due to her passion for helping people with addiction issues. Much of her educational and work experience has focused on assisting women with body image issues within the chemical health field.

Juli Grage, AS, LADC

Counselor
Juli completed her Associate Degree in Addiction Counseling in 2002. She has been helping women recover ever since. Juli began her work at Progress Valley Women’s Program in 2007. She loves working with the women and watching them grow and transform on their lifelong recovery journeys. Juli believes strongly that women can do anything they set their mind to.

Joe Bowers, BA, LADC

Counselor
Joe completed his BA Degree in Addictions Counseling from Metro State. He has been with Progress Valley Men’s Program since 2007 and thoroughly enjoys working with all the men. Prior to coming to PV, Joe worked as an AODA and Family Counselor in the Milwaukee area. His counseling interests are in diversity related issues, as well as assisting clients with legal/corrections issues.

Donna Bartow, RN

Lead Nurse
Donna began her association with Progress Valley in 2011. She received her AA Degree in Nursing in 2005. Donna has worked for MCF-Stillwater as a Charge Nurse & Infection Control Nurse, in Home Care involving clients with a broad range of medical and mental health issues, and as Assistant Director of Nursing with the duties of Infection Control Nurse, Wound Nurse and staff development.