St. Cloud

The St. Cloud Regional Resource Center serves the counties of Benton, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Pine, Sherburne, Stearns, and Wright. There are a variety of services and opportunities for people to connect with one another and learn more about recovery and wellness, including a Tuesday afternoon social networking group that is open to anyone who would like to come meet new people and do crafts. Contact Shelia or Wendy for more details.

About Sheila Dodge:

Sheila Dodge is originally from St. Cloud but has lived in St. Joseph for the past nearly twenty years. Sheila’s personal recovery journey began ten years into her elementary school teaching career, when she was hospitalized and diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

Having worked at CSN for thirteen years, Sheila would like others to know that “CSN is about educating each other and the community that recovery is possible and that everyone can have hope. Taking steps to improve and manage your life is key to recovery and it looks different for everyone.”

Through both her personal experience with psychiatric diagnoses and those of some close family members, Sheila offers her expertise to others on their recovery journeys. “I believe sharing the recovery message, modeling through practicing wellness, and facilitating empowerment in others is the most important part of my work. I have seen what people can accomplish when given choice, encouragement and support.”

In her spare time, Sheila enjoys spending time with her four children and eight grandchildren, friends, and cat. She also enjoys water aerobics class, reading group, volunteering at church, and a good cup of coffee.

About Wendy Rea:

Growing up in an alcoholic family, Wendy learned early in life about some of the devastating effects of unmanaged illness. While in college Wendy experienced severe depression, which led her to drop out of school.

As she worked toward her recovery, she recalled that “this was the first time I really began to understand depression and realize that life could be experienced without it.” A few years later Wendy returned to college and graduated in 1996 with honors in American Studies from St. Cloud State University.

Wendy began working at CSN shortly after college. She uses both her personal experiences and educational background to help others understand about recovery and wellness. “If I can help others feel more empowered in their lives, I feel I have achieved purpose in my own.”