Meet Our North Star Counselors

Dr. Tina Sacin, LPC

Dr. Sacin is not currently taking new clients.

Dr. Sacin is a professor in and director of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduate Program at St. Cloud State University. She is also a Licensed Professional Counselor with focused experience in complex trauma and she is trained in EMDR. Her clinical skills combined with her professional acumen makes her a very valuable part of our team at North Star Counseling and Trauma Specialists, PLLC (NSCTS) 

Her professional and clinical development has been consistent and impressive. Dr. Sacin earned her Master's degree and then her PhD. She fulfilled dreams of academia and clinical work with a reputation as ethical, professional, and compassionate. Through her many roles as professor, director, board member, counselor, and other community involvement, Dr. Sacin is helping shape the face of mental health in Minnesota. NSCTS is honored to have Tina on our team.

Russell Kauitzsch, LPCC-S

Russell is not currently taking new clients.

Russell has been in the mental health field since 1998 starting as a volunteer He worked in the field as he earned is Master's degree in counseling. Later, Russell become a licensed professional counselor and clinical supervisor in Texas. He started an individual private practice which he grew into a successful group practice called Austin Counseling and Trauma Specialists, PLLC (ACTS) in Texas. Now, with several years of experience as a group practice owner and operator, Russell has expanded services to Minnesota opening North Star Counseling and Trauma Specialists, PLLC (NSCTS).

Russell's Clinical expertise is deeply rooted in trauma and he has a expert understanding of complex trauma and how to treat it. He primarily uses EMDR but incorporates what is best for each client. Through the years, he has worked a vast variety of clients and issues and is still most passionate about trauma, serving our LGBTQIA+ community, male survivors of sexual abuse, and our first responders (police, fire, EMS, military, and medical).

Russell has worked with LGBTQIA+ clients since his very first client and is very passionate for our queer community and full of pride!

Early in his career, Russell worked as a sexual assault counselor. For 4 years he provided counseling and developed and co-led a group for male survivors. While there have been many iterations of that group, it is still running today through his current practices. Currently we offer groups for male survivors in both Minnesota and Texas. 

Russell worked in Law Enforcement as a crisis counselor for 10 years. Working on the streets, responding to calls with officers, EMS, and fire fighters, he developed a real understanding of the job of first responders and the trauma of that work. Today, he brings that knowledge to North Star Counseling and Trauma Specialists to ensure the best services for our first responders including police, fire, EMS, military, and medical professionals.

Russell wants to bring healing to mental health through counseling because when you heal your trauma and mental health, you heal your engagement with others and thereby your community and beyond.