Region V+

About Our Coordinator:

Jode is supervisor of Region V+ which includes Aitkin, Cass, Crow Wing, Morrison and Todd counties in northern Minnesota. The predominately rural area is perfect for Jode, who grew up on a dairy farm and now lives on a horse ranch surrounded by pine trees, wild turkeys, deer — and even an occasional coyote.

Diagnosed in 2005 with severe depression, Jode knows firsthand about some of the unique struggles that come with living in a rural area and having a psychiatric diagnosis.

“One of the most important issues I deal with is stigma, especially in rural Minnesota where I have lived all of my life,” says Jode. “Many who struggle with mental illness are afraid to seek help because of the response of others. It is my mission to educate, encourage, and support my communities so they fully understand what a mental illness is and to rid the world of misunderstandings surrounding it.”

Formerly the director of an employment agency, Jode became interested in working with CSN after a WRAP trainer introduced the plan to her employees. With her previous experiences working with detox issues, housing support, ARMHS, and crisis intervention, Jode brings a wealth of both personal and professional experience to CSN.

Jode was appointed to the Governor’ Rural Health Advisory Committee for a four-year term. In her spare time Jode enjoys horseback riding, karaoke, and spending time with her four children and six grandchildren.