Mohamud Ahmed started Benevolence in response to the growing Autism population in the greater Minneapolis-Saint Paul & Rochester areas. Mohamud received his bachelor’s in Social Work in 2019 from Winona State University. Mohamud has experience in teaching employment skills training and implementing evidence based practices with individuals with varying disabilities. Mohamud was inspired to work with the special needs population as he has personal experience with caring and advocating for loved ones with disabilities. Currently, Mohamud is pursuing his Master’s in Clinical Social Work to provide higher levels of services for his clients and their families. Mohamud vision for Benevolence is to grow a compassionate and competent team who will teach families impacted by autism useful tools and strategies to improve learning outcomes and their quality of life.
Kayla Acoba BCBA, received her Master’s Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University. She began her career working with children and adolescents with ASD as part of a team implementing positive behavior strategies in the school setting as a school social worker in Seattle, WA. Following this, Kayla worked at an Autism research clinic outside of Seattle. She joined the Benevolence team in 2022 to serve families and their children impacted by autism. Kayla also provides supervision and exam prep for supervisees on our staff. On her free time, Kayla enjoys fishing, swimming, cooking and eating shave ice.
Jennifer Miller LICSW, MSW. Jennifer has been a LICSW since 2010 and board approved clinical supervisor for BOSW and BBHT currently. Her extensive work experience includes, part-time private practice with adults and children for 5 years, children’s and Adult Targeted Case manager supervisor for both Ramsey County and the Wilder Foundation, Clinical Director at MN Care Partner which included overseeing programing for ARMHS, CTSS, 245G IOP mental health and in-home mental health.
Lydia Majors-Roland, MA, LPCC Educational Leadership Doctoral Candidate. Lydia has been a LPCC since March of 2017 and an LPCC/LPC supervisor since July 2019. Lydia work history includes working in children’s mental health case management at Ramsey County as a Mental health professional and Mental health Practitioner. Lydia has worked in chemical dependency centers in which individuals suffer from co-occurring disorders. Lydia has over 20 years experience in the mental health field starting from her time as a Residential Counselor to overseeing programming for Mental Health, ARMHS, CTSS, 245G, and 245D. To further broaden her knowledge and leadership skills, Lydia is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Educational Leadership at Saint Mary’s University of MN. Lydia’s whole Career has been encompassed in the field of mental health and helping to educate others in mental health.
Stephanie McMahon MSPSY, BCBA. Stephanie is a Board Certified Behavioral Analyst specializing in children 2-18 yrs of age with ASD and other behavioral, emotional and developmental disorders. Stephanie has been in the field for 7+ years and has worked in Minnesota and Colorado.
Lia Kossett MSW, LICSW. Lia obtained her Master of Social Work in the field of Clinical Social Work from St Catherine University & the University of St. Thomas. Lia Kossett obtained her LICSW License in Mar. 2022. Lia has over ten years of experience working in the mental health field as a direct care provider. Lia has worked as Direct Support Professional with adult women diagnosed with mental health disorders and facilitated DBT skills, Program manager with adults diagnosed with diagnosed mental illness disorders, three different positions as a Mental Health Practitioner in an Intensive Residential Treatment Services facility with adults. Mental Health Practitioner with referrals, crisis response, and goal plan development. Clinical Trainee therapist and Mental Health Case Manager, School Social worker, and a private practice Mental Health therapist and consultant.