The traditional treatment options for depression, anxiety, and more are not bringing the relief that so many need. Ketamine infusion therapy is opening the door to a new age of relief.
At Aurora Mental Health and Wellness, our expert providers use this trusted anesthetic in a new form – when infused intravenously into the bloodstream, ketamine can bring lasting results in up to 75% of patients. Ketamine is the first exemplar of a rapid-acting antidepressant with efficacy for treatment-resistant symptoms of mood disorders.
Good healthcare should meet you in the middle. That’s why we’ve chosen a location that caters to all Minnesotans. If you’re struggling with a mood disorder such as depression contact us today to learn how ketamine infusions can help you find relief
Emily is an exceptionally skilled Family and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with years of experience leading teams, training, and implementing psychiatry services. With more than a decade of experience caring for Veterans coping with multiple and complex mental health conditions, Emily brings a level of knowledge, empathy, and dedication that is truly remarkable. She believes in creating a safe, collaborative, and holistic space for each patient, ensuring they feel heard, supported, and empowered throughout their mental health journey.
Emily’s clinical expertise spans depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, psychosis, and dementia-related behaviors, obsessive compulsive disorders, and suicidal ideation. Interventional services include TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation), Spravato, and IV ketamine.
As a Certified Dementia Practitioner, she is uniquely qualified to address the full spectrum of cognitive and behavioral challenges her patients may face. A graduate of the College of Saint Benedict (BSN) and the College of Saint Scholastica (MSN in Family Medicine as a Nurse Practitioner), she further expanded her expertise by earning her Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner degree from Winona State University. Emily takes great care in tailoring treatment strategies to each patient’s personal goals and is committed to helping them fully understand and feel comfortable with any prescribed medications.
Aurora Mental Health and Wellness is incredibly fortunate to have Emily on our team and provide services to the local community. Her compassionate, evidence-based approach, coupled with her unwavering devotion to patient well-being, elevates the care we provide. We know that her commitment to helping individuals find stability, hope, and improved quality of life will be an extraordinary asset to both our practice and the communities we serve.
Kayleigh Haines is passionate about expanding access to mental healthcare and ensuring that every patient at Aurora Mental Health and Wellness receives the highest quality of support. In her role, she provides administrative oversight while assisting the patient care coordinator and supporting the provider to deliver a seamless care experience. With strong organizational skills and a detail-oriented approach, Kayleigh helps manage scheduling, insurance navigation, and communication, ensuring consistency and efficiency in patient services.
Kayleigh earned an associate’s degree from Central Lakes College and a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management from Rasmussen University. With her background in healthcare management, she brings a solid foundation in operations, patient coordination, and regulatory compliance. She works closely with both the provider and patient care coordinator to streamline workflows, support documentation, and reduce barriers to care, allowing patients to feel supported and providers to focus on treatment.
Dedicated and solutions-focused, Kayleigh is committed to fostering an environment where both patients and staff can thrive, reflecting Aurora Mental Health and Wellness’s mission of delivering accessible, patient-centered, and high-quality care to the community.
Kendra Carlson is passionate about mental health, providing compassionate care, and advocating for individuals navigating mental health challenges. Whether assisting with scheduling services or guiding patients through complex insurance scenarios, Kendra is dedicated to delivering the best possible experience at Aurora Mental Health and Wellness.
As a driven Intake Coordinator, Kendra plays a vital role in optimizing the patient intake process. Often the first voice patients hear and the first person they see upon arrival, she sets the tone for a supportive and welcoming environment. Kendra is highly proficient in scheduling, insurance verification, and streamlining patient flow. Her attention to detail ensures compliance with healthcare regulations, contributing to improved clinic operations.
Kendra holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from St. Cloud State University and brings over eight years of experience in the mental health field. She is certified as a Natural Health Professional and is deeply committed to helping clients achieve both physical and mental well-being. Her holistic approach underscores her dedication to supporting patients in finding lasting relief and healing.
Nati is a Registered Nurse with over five years of experience and a strong dedication to supporting individuals on their mental health journey. She began her nursing career in the hospital setting, where she built a solid clinical foundation and discovered her deep passion for patient-centered care. Nati holds an Associate Degree in Nursing and is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing, driven by a desire to grow both personally and professionally in the field.
Her background includes working with adolescents in mental health, an experience that shaped her understanding of the importance of empathy, patience, and individualized support. Nati believes that mental health is just as vital as physical health and that everyone deserves to feel heard, safe, and supported. At Aurora Mental Health, she is proud to be part of a team that makes a lasting impact on the lives of those they serve.
Nati approaches her work with compassion and a calm, welcoming presence. She is committed to making the process of seeking care less overwhelming and more comfortable for every patient. Whether she’s offering a listening ear or helping someone through a difficult moment, Nati strives to create meaningful connections and bring hope into every interaction. Her passion lies in continuing to learn and explore the many ways nurses can positively influence the lives of others.
Jake Jones has spent much of his life at the crossroads of resilience, service, and compassion. Born and raised in Minnesota, he learned early the value of hard work and responsibility—qualities that guided him into a career in healthcare. For seven years, Jake served as a paramedic, stepping into people’s lives during moments of crisis. The ambulance became his classroom, where every call taught him about human strength, vulnerability, and the importance of presence in difficult times.
After his time in EMS, Jake transitioned into behavioral health, where he has spent the past two and a half years supporting individuals through their mental health journeys. His work has given him a deep understanding of the complexities of healing, recognizing that mental health care requires not only clinical skill but also empathy, patience, and respect for each individual’s story.
Currently completing his biology degree, Jake continues to expand his knowledge of human health with a focus on the mind-body connection. His commitment to mental health care reflects his belief that wellness goes beyond symptom management—it is about restoring hope, dignity, and resilience.
Outside of his professional life, Jake is a craftsman and builder who finds balance in woodworking and design. Whether in his workshop or with patients, he carries the same philosophy: service, growth, and building something that lasts.
Juli Black, MSN, RN, PMHNP-BC, is a highly skilled and compassionate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who provides treatment to individuals experiencing mental health difficulties across the lifespan. She is board-certified by the American Nursing Credentialing Center (ANCC) and provides holistic psychiatric treatment to clients in both Illinois and Minnesota.
Juli graduated from Maryville University with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track (PMHNP). She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing, as well as an Associate of Science degree with concentrations in both Nursing and Psychology. With 14 years of experience in nursing, Juli has been an ANCC board-certified psychiatric registered nurse for 10 of those years and a PMHNP since January 2022.
As a dedicated PMHNP, Juli provides psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning/implementation, and treatment evaluation for clients experiencing mental health difficulties. She offers psychopharmaceutical prescription medication management, counseling, education, and coordination of care for those with complex mental health challenges and comorbidities.
Prior to her current role, Juli worked at the St. Cloud VA Health Care System as an RN Mental Health Treatment Coordinator for five years, where she specialized in coordinating care for veterans with serious and persistent mental health diagnoses. She focused on implementing the Recovery Model with veterans to help facilitate the process of change. Juli’s experience spans across acute mental health challenges, including expertise in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder, treatment-resistant depression, crisis management, and complex comorbidities.
Juli is an advocate for individuals coping with mental illness. She has witnessed the strength of those working toward recovery from the most complex psychiatric problems. Thus, Juli strongly believes in the strength of the human spirit while rejecting the notion that people are defined by their mental health challenges. She strives to motivate and inspire individuals to reach their full potential and lead a self-directed life. Juli is passionate about providing cutting-edge treatments, such as ketamine therapy, to those suffering from complex mental health issues.
Dr. Amy LaValla bases her work on the knowledge that healing occurs holistically and this is an important pillar of her practice. Dr. LaValla earned her Doctorate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Practice from the University of Minnesota and while in this program, she also earned a minor in Integrative Therapies. Her view of mental health as an integrated discipline that may require treatment with traditional and non-traditional approaches makes her a unique and specialized provider.
Passionate about caring for people and their mental health, Dr. LaValla has over twenty years of experience working in clinical behavioral health. She is driven by a holistic look at the mind, an interest in creative solutions, and enthusiasm for learning about and implementing advanced and innovative therapies in mental health. Her practice regularly incorporates new, alternative, and improved ways to provide care, including cutting edge treatments like ketamine therapy.
A cornerstone in the psychiatric community and pinnacle expert on the utilization of ketamine as a mental health therapy, Dr. LaValla understands firsthand through her practice how integrating new technologies, research, and best practices can alleviate even the most debilitating mental health struggles. She continuously creates opportunities to shape and guide policies and practices to help individuals, family members, and caregivers for those with mental health concerns.
Dr. LaValla’s dedication to helping those touched by mental health concerns is undeniable. Prior to her current practice, she worked with children, adolescents, and adults with mental health needs where she focused on improving functioning. In addition to her current clinical practice, Dr. LaValla frequently presents, including on an international stage, has published, is a member of several advisory boards, and serves as a clinical supervisor, educator, and consultant.
