About Our Administration Staff
James McAuley - (MA, LMFT & Clinical Supervisor)
320-339-0256 | james@bridginghopecounseling.com.
James McAuley, MA, LMFT is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT and LPCC MN Board Approved Supervisor. He offers individual, couples and family counseling related to various issues/concerns (anger, anxiety, communication difficulties, depression, infidelity, insomnia, trauma, rebuilding trust) . He has clinical experience working with current military members, veterans, and their families in adjusting to the challenges of military service, re-defining the “new norm” coming home from military deployment and navigating post-military life. Life can deal us unexpected, difficult, and emotionally formidable challenges, which can impact our overall mental health and relationships. Thank you for valuing your individual/relational growth and well-being by considering therapy. My hope is to empower you in your life and relationships aligning and attuning them with your values, needs, and aspirations for a full meaningful tomorrow.
Breanna Heintzelman - (MA, LMFT, CEO, Owner)
320-266-6170 |Breanna@bridginghopecounseling.com.
Breanna Heintzelman is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified Daring Way Facilitator offering individual, family and couples counseling. In her work, she focuses on enriching communication to foster rewarding relationships as well as to generate positive personal experiences and live a “life worth living”. Breanna is available to see clients in Buffalo. She co-facilitates many DBT skills groups, and is co-facilitating a Buffalo 8 Week Daring Way™ Group. Breanna also holds the position of Group Supervisor for Bridging Hope Counseling.
Kristy Imholte- CFO, Owner, Qualified Family & Civil Neutral
763-291-5505, option 2 | kristy@bridginghopecounseling.com
With over 25 years of experience in the mental health and chemical dependency field, I bring both compassion and a broad perspective to my work. My career has included roles ranging from direct service to leadership positions such as Director of a 245G program and Chief Financial Officer, along with oversight of revenue cycle management and health insurance billing. This experience allows me to support both quality care and sustainable operations.
I am also a qualified Family and Civil Neutral (ADR), where I focus on fostering respectful communication, clarity, and fair resolution. I believe that when people feel heard and supported, meaningful progress is possible.
I have a strong belief in quality, individualized care and in supporting the professionals who make that care possible.
Amy Owl- Business Office Manager & Dezza Ray Owl
763-291-5505, Option 2 | billing@bridginghopecounseling.
Amy is the Billing and Office Manager at Bridging Hope where she combines her strengths in organization, systems-building, and client support to help the practice run smoothly and efficiently. She enjoys creating clear, effective processes that support both staff and clients, and takes pride in improving day-to-day operations so clinicians can focus on care.
With a strong interest in mental health, Amy is passionate about helping others feel supported and understood in their wellness journey. She also brings a unique and comforting presence to the team through her trained therapy dog, Dez who adds calm and connection to our DBT groups.
Heather Bettencourt - Administrative Care Coordinator
763-291-5505, Option 1 | admin@bridginghopecounseling.
Heather is the Administrative Care Coordinator at Bridging Hope Counseling Services, where she helps make the process of reaching out for support feel simple, welcoming, and stress-free. She is often the first point of contact for new clients and takes pride in helping people navigate intake and scheduling with ease and clarity.
Known for her sense of humor and down-to-earth approach, Heather works to take the fear and uncertainty out of starting therapy. She brings warmth and reassurance to every interaction, helping clients feel comfortable from the very first conversation.
