Dr. Jessica Lee
Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Jessica Lee is a licensed psychologist who specializes in clinical neuropsychology. Across the patient lifespan, Dr. Lee has experience evaluating dementia, working with neurodevelopmental conditions (ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities), the veteran population, traumatic brain injury, as well as other neurological conditions (such as seizure disorders, multiple sclerosis, stroke, dementia, hydrocephalus, etc.).
Dr. Lee completed her bachelor’s degree in psychology at Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, followed by a master’s and educational specialist degree in school psychology at Moorhead State University. She worked as a school psychologist in local school districts for nine years, focusing on psychoeducational evaluation and intervention for students. Dr. Lee continues to be licensed as a school psychologist in Minnesota. She completed her doctoral degree through the University of St. Thomas, gaining additional experience and training in neuropsychology across the lifespan. She completed her doctoral internship (residency) at the St. Cloud VA Healthcare System and two-year post-doctoral fellowship training at St. Cloud Neurobehavioral Associates.
AnneMary S. Wielkiewicz, EdS NCSP
Psychometrist
AnneMary S. Wielkiewicz, EdS NCSP, completed her undergraduate training in music education and psychology at Concordia College in Moorhead, MN. She continued with her graduate studies at Moorhead State University, where she obtained her Education Specialist Degree in School Psychology. AnneMary has a long history of providing support to local school districts working as a school psychologist. She served as a local school psychologist for over forty years, working with preschool through high school students.
Carrie Gapinski, MSW, LICSW
Carrie Gapinski completed her bachelor’s degree in Social Work from St. Cloud State University and went on to complete her Master of Social Work degree at St. Cloud State University in 2018. She is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker through the Minnesota Board of Social Work.
Carrie has extensive experience working with children and families in the mental health community. Her experiences have included in-home services, county mental health, as well as school social work for the past nine years. Carrie’s approach to therapy is client-centered and collaborative. She utilizes strength-based, solution-focused, cognitive-behavioral, and family-systems models to meet the needs of her clients. Carrie is available to see clients of any age; however, her specialty is working with children and adolescents.
Emily Luitjens, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, CDP
Family and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Emily Luitjens is a highly qualified Family and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience in caring for patients with dementia. As a mental health professional who strongly believes in providing compassionate, collaborative, and holistic care to all her patients, she is committed to creating a safe and therapeutic environment that helps individuals improve their overall mental health stability and quality of life. Emily’s clinical expertise lies in addressing a wide range of mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and dementia-related behaviors. Her empathetic and non-judgmental approach makes her patients feel heard and valued, while her evidence-based treatment plans ensure that they receive the best possible care.
Emily is a Certified Dementia Practitioner and received her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from the College of Saint Benedict, followed by a master’s degree in Family Medicine as a Nurse Practitioner at the College of Saint Scholastica. She went on to earn her Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner degree from Winona State University. When working with patients, Emily is committed to finding the right treatment plan for each person. If medication is needed for anxiety disorders, she is happy to discuss alternatives to benzodiazepines, as she does not prescribe Xanax, Klonopin, Valium, or Ativan. Emily is dedicated to helping patients understand any medications they are prescribed. She works with patients to find the right balance for their individual goals.
Maria Ziemke, MS
Licensed Special Education Teacher, Reading/ Literacy Specialist
Maria Ziemke is a licensed Special Education Teacher with a specialty in the area of Learning Disabilities. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education from St. Cloud State University and a Masters Degree of Education from St. Scholastica College Duluth. She also has obtained a Literacy Instruction Certificate. Maria has been a Special Education Teacher for 16 years and has intensive training in designing and teaching evidence based literacy instruction using scientific based reading programs. As a Special Education Teacher, she has a vast knowledge of working with students with unique needs and across many disability areas.
Educational philosophy: “My philosophy is that all students CAN learn. It is my job to meet them at their level, foster a sense of learning and confidence, and help them see success along the way. When they feel success and hear encouragement, even in the small steps and progress- that is when they flourish. Progress is progress and it should be celebrated!”
What is neuropsychology?
Neuropsychology is a specific branch of psychology that studies the brain and behavior, as well as how these variables interact with our nervous system and our environments. This field of study uses paper and pencil tasks, interactive activities, and computerized tests to learn exactly how an individual’s brain work, including cognitive strengths and vulnerabilities. This information is ingrated with individualized knowledge of the patient.
First and foremost, neuropsychologists are trained licensed psychologists. They complete an undergraduate program, followed by a master’s degree program, as well as an additional 4-5 years in a doctoral level program (generally earning either a PsyD or PhD). Individuals who train as neuropsychologists go on after their doctoral training to complete a two year post doctoral fellowship in neuropsychology. This speciality can be specific to an age range (such as older adults or pediatric) or can encompass training across the lifespan.
What is the benefit of neuropsychological care?
Clary Clinic offers comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations and more. As a team, we’re able to help you not only get an evaluation, but also to help you understand the science behind specific conditions and learn about ways to treat them. The neuropsychological evaluations we provide look at all areas of brain functioning to help understand underlying strengths and vulnerabilities that contribute to behavior and learning. We are able to measure areas such as attention, learning and memory, executive functioning, language, intellectual abilities, visuospatial skills, academic skills, and social/ emotional functioning.
The Clary Clinic team can provide individuals and families with additional information and care that helps clarify and refine treatment goals, identify areas of strengths/ vulnerabilities to optimize treatment modalities, provide a differential diagnosis if applicable (which can lead to improved access to services to make life easier to navigate), and offer recommendations to assist with a comprehensive biopsychosocial approach to patient care.