Meet the Staff
Geri Jacobson, MD, Medical Director
Dr. Geri Jacobson is the Medical Director and one of the medical providers at the Child Advocacy Center. Dr. Jacobson attended medical school at the University of Minnesota. She completed her pediatric residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Dr. Jacobson worked for the Indian Health Service at the Gallup Indian Medical Center in New Mexico for 11 years before moving back to Minnesota. She has worked for CentraCare Pediatrics since 2011 and works part time at the Child Advocacy Center. Dr. Jacobson is passionate about kids. She believes that every child deserves to be well cared for and loved. She enjoys the challenge of caring for kids, where her training and experience mean the most. Dr. Jacobson also enjoys reading, running and spending time with her family.
David A. Kruse, MD, Medical Provider
Dr. David Kruse is one of the medical providers at the Child Advocacy Center. Dr. Kruse specializes in pediatrics in child services for CentraCare. He has an interest in general pediatrics and sports medicine. Dr. Kruse completed his residency at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. He also completed his medical education at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine. Dr. Kruse is a sports fan (particularly for the Iowa Hawkeyes). He enjoys cheering for his kids in their activities. He loves coaching them on the basketball court.
Jessica L Najarian-Bell, MD, Medical Provider
Dr. Jessica Najarian-Bell is one of the medical providers at the Child Advocacy Center. Dr. Najarian went to medical school at Creighton University and completed her pediatric residency at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. She has a passion to help and care for all children, as she believes they are the future and we must advocate for them fully. She is amazed every day at the magic children hold and the excitement they have for life. She has four children of her own that she loves spending time with and learning from. She also enjoys running, reading, and traveling with her family.
Monica Guggenberger, MS, LMFT, Manager
Monica is the Manager of the Child Advocacy Center. Prior to entering this role, Monica had worked as a psychotherapist with CentraCare since 2013 . Monica believes in the importance of early intervention and getting children and adolescents connected to the care they need. She is very passionate about the services the CAC provides to the community and is excited to help the CAC continue to grow and support even more families. Outside of work, Monica enjoys spending time with her husband and three daughters, is an avid reader, loves anything health/fitness related and enjoys spending time outside.
Tiffany Thompson, BS, Forensic Interviewer
As a Forensic Interviewer, Tiffany brings years of investigative knowledge and experience through her previous employment as a Saint Cloud Police Officer. Tiffany’s hope is that through the collaborative approach of the multi-disciplinary team and child centered focus; children leave the CAC with a feeling of restored faith and dignity. Tiffany’s focus throughout her career has maintained a priority of proactive and positive involvement in the lives of children and is proud to serve as a member of the multi-disciplinary team at the CAC. Outside of work, Tiffany enjoys traveling, camping and fishing with her family.
Carrie Neid, BS, Forensic Interviewer/Advocate
Carrie is a Forensic Interviewer/Advocate at the Child Advocacy Center. Carrie brings many years of experience working with youth and their families. She is passionate about empowering survivors and at-risk youth, to overcome barriers and become healthy minded individuals. Carrie feels privileged to have been chosen to become a member of our team, and is excited to continue her journey of child, family, and community advocacy. Carrie is a huge Nascar lover and a devoted Vikings fan. She loves summer activities including camping, boating and anything else outside!
Caitlyn Bagley, MA, Forensic Interviewer/Advocate
Caitlyn is a Forensic Interviewer/Advocate at the Child Advocacy Center and brings knowledge and experience of working with families in need from her time working in the South Dakota Department of Social Services. Caitlyn is passionate about giving both children and their families the resources they need to be safe and healthy. Outside of work, Caitlyn enjoys being outside and playing with her dogs.
Amanda Konnight, BSN, RN, SANE-P, Nurse
Amanda is a Registered Nurse at the Child Advocacy Center who is SANE-P certified. Amanda assists with performing medical exams for victims and educates community members about signs of abuse. Amanda has always had a passion for working with those who are underprivileged, suffered through trauma or abuse, and struggled with mental health or substance abuse. Working at the CAC allows Amanda to use her passion by working with our most vulnerable populations during what may be one of the most difficult periods of their life. Her hope is that through our work we are able to break the cycle of abuse and provide resources that lead on to a road of healing. In her free time, she loves to spend time with her children and family, watching movies/documentaries, reading books, and listening to music!
Nikki L., RN, Nurse
Nikki is a Registered Nurse at the Child Advocacy Center. She obtained
her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Minnesota State University,
Mankato. Nikki also went on to obtain a master’s degree in Nursing
Education from Walden University. She has worked as a nurse in Pediatrics
for over 15 years and is a Nurse Instructor. Nikki is passionate about
her work and says that working in Pediatrics can be challenging but rewarding.
She hopes that what we do for the children that come to the CAC will have
a positive impact on their lives.
Liza Fetterley, BS, Child and Family Advocate
Liza is the Child Advocacy Center’s Child & Family Advocate. She has a bachelor’s degree from St. Cloud State University in Community Psychology and has worked with children and families for over 15 years. She has a passion for helping bring hope and healing to those who have experienced trauma. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, kayaking, reading, nature photography and spending time with family and friends.
Lori Laudenbach, MA, LPCC, Integrated Behavioral Health Provider
Kelcee Kociemba, MA, LMFT, Integrated Behavioral Health Provider
