Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Yvonne Hundshamer and the reappointment of Barbara J. Carlson and Kristen L. Piper to the Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy. All three are appointed to four-year terms that expire on January 6, 2014.

Carlson, of New Ulm, is a counselor with Associated Psychological Services in Mankato, and an adjunct instructor of chemical dependency and counseling theory with Argosy University in Eagan. She has also been a corrections program director in chemical dependency with the Minnesota Department of Corrections Shakopee Women’s Facility, and an instructor at Minnesota State University-Mankato. Carlson, who is pursuing her doctorate degree in the clinical psychology program at Fielding Graduate University in Santa Barbara, California, holds a master of arts degree in clinical psychology from Fielding. She also holds a master of science degree in community health, and bachelor of science degrees in alcohol and drug studies and corrections from Minnesota State University, Mankato. Carlson is a licensed alcohol and drug counselor, and a licensed professional clinical counselor. She is an active member of numerous professional associations and community organizations. Carlson, who has been a member of the Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy since 2006, is reappointed to a position for a licensed alcohol and drug counselor.

Hundshamer, of St. Paul, is the founder and president of Blue Grotto Inc., a Minnesota-based business that works with clients to document culture and values, celebrate milestones, and articulate visions. Previously, she was the director of operations with Pine & Partners in St. Paul, and a member of former Governor Arne Carlson’s staff. Hundshamer currently serves on the board of directors of HandsOn Twin Cities, and she co-chaired the 2006 Public Policy Forum on the Impact of Volunteerism in Minnesota Communities at the Humphrey Institute. She is also a long-time member of The Junior League of Saint Paul, and a 12-year public board member of the Minnesota Board of Dietetics and Nutrition Practices. Hundshamer replaces Antoinette Backdahl as a public member of the Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy.

Piper, of St. Louis Park, is a behavioral health case manager with The Hartford Insurance Company in Bloomington, and a private practice licensed professional counselor. She has held a number of counselor and clinical therapist positions in Minnesota and Oklahoma for 22 years.

Piper earned her master of human relations degree with a specialization in professional psychology and her bachelor of arts degree in psychology with a specialization in cognition from the University of Oklahoma in Norman. Piper is licensed as a professional clinical counselor and approved to supervise both applicants for licensed professional counselor and licensed clinical counselors in Minnesota. She is an active volunteer with the St. Louis Park Schools and serves on the St. Louis Park Community Education Advisory Council. Piper, who has been a member of the Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy since 2003, is reappointed to a position for a licensed professional counselor.

The Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy is responsible for licensing and disciplining Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors (LADCs). The board is made up of thirteen members appointed by the Governor.