Outpatient Services Staff
Debra Wamsley, MA, LADC, Program Director
Debra completed her training in addictions counseling at the University of Minnesota. She has a master of arts degree in Human Development from St. Mary’s University. Debra has worked more than 30 years in the addictions field. Her past work includes substance abuse prevention and treatment with adolescents, adults and their concerned persons in a variety of settings. In addition to her work at Pride Institute, Debra teaches both undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Minnesota and Metropolitan State University in the Addictions Studies Counselor Training Programs. Debra is passionate about providing culturally specific and sensitive care to individuals with substance use disorders in the LGBT community.
Susan D. Stemme, BSW, LADC, Lead Counselor
Susan graduated with a BSW and continued her education and studies in the areas of Death and Dying, Culture Diversity, Adolescents and Brain Chemistry. She has worked more than 30 years in the general helping professions – begining as a juvenile probation officer. She has more than 25 years in the chemical health field with current interest continuing to be adolescents and brain chemistry. Work history includes all levels of chemical dependency care from inpatient, outpatient, extended care, half way house and school based programs. She has also completed intensive training in DBT. She is involved in long term recovery from addictions and participates in ongoing 12 step recovery.
Corrina McCarron, BA, LADC, Counselor
Corrina has a bachelor of arts degree in Psychology from Southwest Minnesota State University. She went back to school at Metropolitan State University to pursue Alcohol and Drug Counseling. Corrina began interning at PRIDE Institute in January 2009 and was hired as an admissions counselor in the Spring. Beginning in September 2009 she was able to accept a full time alcohol and drug counseling position.
Melanie Knudson, MA, LADC, Counselor
Melanie received her undergraduate degree in elementary education from the University of North Dakota in 2000. She completed her master’s training in addiction studies through Hazelden Graduate School of Addiction Studies. She enjoys skydiving, whale watching, swimming, and amusement parks.
Annie Schwain, BA, LADC, Counselor
Annie attended the University of Minnesota and completed a bachelor’s degree in psychology through the Honors program. She went on to complete a certificate in addictions counseling and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in marriage and family therapy. Annie has worked as an addiction counselor since 2006 with adolescents, families, and adults. She has expertise in working with the LGBT population and with sexual health issues.