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Biographies | Meet the NDC Team

NDC_Team
Mayo Clinic
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4-1.jpg(L to R): Barb Dallavalle, Heather Kraling-Coons, Molly Leis, Tim Milbrandt, Kathy Zarling, Jennifer Burden, Dhivyaa Manickam 

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Jennifer Burden, Ph.D.

Jennifer Burden, Ph.D. received a Doctorate in Human Development and Family Studies, and Master’s Degrees in both Marriage and Family Therapy and Ecological-Community Psychology, from Michigan State University. As a counselor-educator, she has championed healthy human functioning by working in the positions of: nicotine dependence counselor –tobacco treatment specialist; marriage and family therapist; chronic illness management and substance abuse prevention - researcher, program developer, and educator; and psychology college instructor. As a counselor at the Mayo Clinic’s Nicotine Dependence Center, Jennifer is excited about the opportunity to both motivate and empower patients, healthcare providers and wellness coaching trainees to create and sustain healthy and enriching lifestyles.
Blogs by Jennifer

3729403_0020_Burke_cropped.jpg Michael V. Burke, EdD

I have a Doctorate in Counseling Psychology from Rutgers University, a Master Degree in Human Service from Lincoln University and a current appointment as Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Mayo College of Medicine.  I have a keen interest in helping people stop smoking. During the past 20 years, as a Quit center coordinator in New Jersey, and Program Director at Mayo Clinic Nicotine Dependence Center I have provided support and treatment to more than 2500 people who struggle with tobacco addition

I’ve served as President of the Association for the Treatment of Tobacco Use and Dependence and chaired the committee that developed practice standards for Tobacco Treatment Specialists. My research interests include integration of treatment into clinical care and behavioral treatment for addiction treatment.
Profile | Blogs by Mike

3729403_0001_Dallavalle_cropped.jpg Barbara L. Dallavalle, MA, LP, CTTS

I am a master’s level licensed psychologist with experience in a wide variety of therapeutic venues including in-home therapy, day treatment, groups for school-age children, as well as outpatient clinic settings.  I have worked with children, adolescents, as well as adults, covering such issues as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.

Since 1998, I have worked as a Tobacco Treatment Specialist at the Nicotine Dependence Center at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN providing tobacco cessation counseling in the outpatient, hospital, and residential treatment settings.

I am also a Certified Wellness Coach, and have served as an instructor for the Mayo Wellness Coach Training program.
Profile | Blogs by Barbara

Sarah Huiskes.jpg

Sarah Huiskes, MSW, LICSW

Sarah received her Master of Social Work degree from St. Catherine University and University of St. Thomas and is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker through the state of Minnesota. Sarah also has her Master of Arts degree in Counseling and Psychological Services through Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Sarah has previous professional experience in the area of medical social work and has joined the Nicotine Dependence Center as a counselor and educator in the outpatient, inpatient, and intensive tobacco treatment program. Sarah strives to meet each person where they are on their journey to be tobacco free and partner with them to work toward achieving their quit goals one step at a time.

Profile | Blogs by Sarah

3729403_0016_Kraling_Coons_cropped.jpg Heather Kraling-Coons, MA, CTTS

I received my Master’s Degree in Counseling and Psychological services from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.  I began my career as an in-home therapist working with children and their families.  I have experience treating individuals suffering from depression, anxiety, ADHD, trauma, domestic violence, and families involved with child protection.  As a tobacco treatment specialist, at Mayo Clinic, I enjoy working with individuals in the inpatient, outpatient, and intensive tobacco treatment program to assist with tobacco cessation. Tobacco treatment has become a great passion of mine. It is rewarding to help individuals develop their quit plan and create strategies to address anticipated triggers and challenges so they can continue their goal of being tobacco free.
Profile | Blogs by Heather

2022-10 Molly Leis.jpg

Molly J. Leis, MS, LADC, LPCC, NCTTS

I have a master’s degree in Clinical Counseling from Winona State University and am a Licensed Alcohol & Drug Counselor and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in the State of Minnesota.   I have had the opportunity to work with children, adolescents, and adults with mental health, behavioral, substance abuse, and developmental issues, in both residential, in-home, and outpatient settings, as well as having specialized training in trauma therapy for children and wellness coaching.

I have worked at the Mayo Clinic for approximately 14 years as an emergency room social worker, substance abuse counselor, and currently, as a counselor/tobacco treatment specialist with the Nicotine Dependence Center.  I am passionate about ensuring there is adequate incorporation of tobacco treatment with mental health and substance abuse treatment.
Profile | Blogs by Molly

2022-10 Dhivyaa Manickam.jpg

Dhivyaa Manickam, M. A.

Dhivyaa earned her undergraduate degree in Biology and graduate degree in Exceptional Student Education with specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of West Florida. She has worked in the mental health field in a variety of settings such as clinic, school, in-home, hospital, outpatient, and via different modalities including, in-person, video, and telephonic counseling.

At the Mayo Clinic Dhivyaa works as a counselor in the Nicotine Dependence Center caring for patients seeking treatment from addiction to tobacco products. A current area of interest to Dhivyaa includes current trends in vaping among adolescents and effective behavior modification techniques that can be utilized to treat nicotine dependence in adolescents. 
Profile | Blogs by Dhivyaa

2022-10 Tim Milbrandt.jpg

Timothy Milbrandt, MS , CTTS, LMFT
My training and experience is as a counselor and therapist with some teaching in higher education thrown in for good measure. I have a master’s degree and am licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist.

I developed my passion for providing tobacco treatment and education during my first stint at the Nicotine Dependence Center from 2006-2017. After a hiatus to explore other interests, I returned to the NDC in 2021 and am thrilled to be back doing this important work once again.

I find great satisfaction in connecting with patients in their quest to become and stay tobacco-free and also in providing education and training to professionals focused on tobacco treatment.

I am certified as a Tobacco Treatment Specialist, a Wellness Coach and am a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT).
Profile | Blogs by Tim

3738613_0001_Zarling_cropped.jpg Kathleen K. Zarling, MS, APRN, NC-BC, CTTS

I received my Dual Master’s Degree in Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing and Nursing Education, from the University of Minnesota. Additionally, I obtained a Post-Master’s Certificate as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adult Health, from Winona State University, and have spent my nursing career in Cardiology, here at Mayo Clinic. Recently, I have joined the Nicotine Dependence Center, as a Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist, where I consult with patients, in inpatient, outpatient, and residential settings. My passion is to offer patients support and information so that they may make the best health choices for themselves.
Blogs by Kathy


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About the Author
The Nicotine Dependence Center at Mayo Clinic has been home to physicians, nurse practitioners, Master’s / PhD level counselors, trained TTS’, and amazing office staff for a total of 30 years, all working together to treat individuals who struggle with tobacco use. Counselors meet with an individual to develop their own personalized plan, discuss coping strategies, and provide ongoing support along the journey towards a tobacco-free life. As part of the process, counselors work with physicians and nurse practitioners to provide nicotine replacements and other medications for smoking cessation as needed. We are happy to be involved with the EX Community and we hope our experiences and expertise can help in your journey towards a tobacco-free life. View the link in our signature to see our individual Biographies.