About Us
At Midwest Mental Health Solutions, our mission is to empower clinicians, organizations, and communities to thrive by providing solutions to the challenging work of behavioral healthcare across the midwestern states. We are committed to equipping leaders, teams, and individuals with the tools and strategies needed to promote a culture of professional growth and solution orientated prosperity. Through innovative consulting and training, we aim to support those who has answered the call to help others and inspire transformative change.
Investment
Financial investment in our services offers both immediate and long-term benefits, making it a valuable asset for individuals and organizations alike. Our goal is, and has always been, to help the helpers. We are committed to working with any agency seeking solutions regardless of size and financial capacity. Please contact us today to learn more about how investing in our solutions can help you and your organization.
Our Team
Thad Shunkwiler
Principle Consultant, Keynote Speaker, and Lead Trainer
Thad Shunkwiler is an Associate Professor in the Department of Health Science at Minnesota State University, Mankato. In addition to his academic work, he is a licensed behavioral health provider with over a decade of experience in treating people with mental health and substance use disorders in rural Minnesota communities.
Thad has extensive experience in program evaluation for behavioral health non-profits. Specializing in creating organizational efficiencies, he will help your team leverage strengths to maximize potential in both business and clinical service delivery.
As a professional grant writer, Thad has over $5million dollars in secured grant funding from governmental and philanthropic funders. Thad will work with your team to learn more about how external funding can benefit your organization, connect you with funding opportunities and assist your staff with authoring a competitive application.
With over 100 invited presentations at international, national, and statewide conferences Thad is a recognized expert in the field of behavioral health along with being dynamic, engaging, and an audience favorite. Check out his TEDx Talk on foster resilience HERE.
Deb Loverude
Lead Business Consultant
As the Director of Business with over 20 years of experience in the non-profit sector, Deb offers a diverse skill set in leadership, financial management, operations, and human resources. Over the course of her career, Deb as held several key leadership roles, including Controller, Chief Operating Officer, and Executive Director, developing a well-rounded approach to managing organizations with a focus on growth, efficiency, and sustainability.
In her experience, Deb has overseen financial operations, including human resources, and overall organizational performance. She has been responsible for approving and processing bi-weekly payroll, managing benefit offerings, and conducting annual performance reviews, while ensuring compliance with state and federal employment reporting requirements.
In the realm of financial operations, Deb leads the preparation of annual tax and financial audits, conducts staff productivity analysis to meet financial goals, and ensures timely local, state, and federal reporting. A key part of Deb’s role is collaborating closely with the Board of Directors on long-term strategic planning and overseeing billing departmental operations, including maintenance, IT, compliance and the business office day to day operations.
Deb is also dedicated to exploring new avenues for service improvement, ensuring that both clinical and business staff work cohesively to deliver the highest level of care to clients. In addition, she has lead efforts to research, prepare, and submit grant proposals aligned with the organization’s mission and vision.
With extensive experience in team management, process improvement, and strategic decision-making, Deb is committed to advancing the mission of the organization and ensuring the delivery of quality services to the communities served.
Zachary Hansen
Consultant and Keynote Speaker
Zach Hansen, Ed.D is a counselor educator specializing in addiction counseling and the treatment of co-occurring disorders. He serves as an Associate Professor and Training Director for Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School. Previously, he was an Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator for the Alcohol and Drug Studies Program at Minnesota State University, Mankato. His academic, consulting, and research interests include counselor supervision, adolescent counseling, clinical intuition, internet gaming disorder, families coping with social media problems, and program evaluation for counseling programs seeking CACREP accreditation. His clinical experience includes adult and adolescent addiction counseling in inpatient and outpatient settings, as well as outpatient mental health counseling. Zach is a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor and National Certified Counselor and enjoys presenting on a variety of topics at international, national, and regional conferences.
Vanessa Knewtson
Graphic Design and Brand Development Consultant
Hey there! I’m Vanessa, a creative soul who loves combining design, strategy, and a sprinkle of leadership magic to make cool things happen. I’m all about learning and growing, always looking for new ways to level up my skills and keep up with this ever-changing world. Whether it’s diving into a new project or tackling a tough challenge, I’m in it to make an impact and have fun along the way.
With over thirteen years of experience in graphic design, photography, and project management, I’ve got a knack for turning ideas into visuals that really click. After graduating Cum Laude from Minnesota State University, Mankato, with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2013, I’ve been on a mission to bring creativity and strategy together. Right now, I’m working on a Master’s degree in Technical Communications because, hey, who doesn’t love finding better ways to share ideas and make stuff happen?
I’ve done a bit of everything—designing, snapping photos, creating web and digital content—and I’ve even managed some pretty big projects. My time as a military veteran taught me how to handle pressure, lead with confidence and keep my cool no matter what’s going on. These days, I’m all about teamwork, problem-solving, and making sure every detail is just right.
When I’m not busy designing or managing projects, you can usually find me hanging out with my awesome family. I’m a proud mom of two, and we love exploring the outdoors together—whether it’s hiking, camping, or just having fun in nature. Photography is my happy place, and I’m always snapping pictures of our adventures (and sometimes my kids even cooperate!).
So, that’s me in a nutshell—creative, curious, and always up for a new challenge. I’m here to bring big ideas to life and make a difference, one project at a time. Let’s make something amazing together!
Lindsay Murn
Consultant and Trainer
Bio:
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