Meet Our Therapists
Kendrick Cronin, MA, LPCC
Pronouns: he/him
In-person and virtual services
Kendrick Cronin is a licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC) and a neurodivergent nerd who loves helping folks across the gender and sexuality spectrums get to know themselves more, practice self-acceptance, and thrive. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theology, Secondary Education, and Classics from St. Joseph’s College of Maine, and his Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling from Southern New Hampshire University. Before working at AusM, he worked in a Dialectical Behavior Therapy clinic and interned at an IRTS facility. Kendrick has also worked in the restaurant industry, retail world, and the direct support industry where he primarily worked with Autistic and otherwise neurodivergent clients. He is a dog dad, a hockey player, and a passionate advocate for social equity and inclusivity.
Kendrick applies Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and will both validate and challenge you as appropriate.
Mason Esposito, MA
Pronouns: they/them
In-person and virtual services
Mason Esposito earned their Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA and their Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from the University of St Thomas in St Paul, MN. Mason is a neurodivergent clinician who is passionate about supporting other neurodivergent people, and has worked primarily with neurodivergent clients and their families.
Mason uses a cross disciplinary approach in their counseling, and particularly draws from somatic therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy modalities. Mason is a strong believer in the use of interoception and bodily awareness in mental health care. They also enjoy using activities such as music, drama, art, and movement in their clinical practice.
Mason loves working with LGBT teens and young adults, although they welcome all clients. They have experience as an LGBT sex educator at the college level, and are passionate about sexuality and sexual health education for neurodivergent, disabled, and LBTQ teens and young adults.
Amber Johnson, MA
Pronouns: she/her
Virtual services
Amber Johnson earned her MA in Marriage and Family Therapy and her bachelor’s degree in Sociology. She is passionate about providing affirming, strengths-based support for neurodivergent individuals and neurodiverse relationships. Amber offers therapy for adults and teens (13+) in individual, couples, family or friendship sessions.
Her work emphasizes the power of secure attachment relationships to support mental health and honors the unique strengths of autistic communication and connection. She often works with clients on exploring neurotype, navigating community supports and accommodations, neurodivergent parenting and caregiving, building community connections, addressing family-of-origin challenges, and healing from trauma.
Amber’s therapeutic style is collaborative and flexible. She partners with clients to determine what approach works best—whether that means structured sessions with clear topics, open client-led exploration, or something in between. She frequently draws from Narrative Therapy, Emotionally Focused Family Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, existential approaches, and humanistic therapies.
Sara Lahti, MA, LPCC
Pronouns: she/her, he/him
In-person and virtual services
Sara Lahti, a Mental Health Professional and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, graduated with her Master of Arts degree in 2018 and previously earned a BA in psychology through the University of St. Thomas. Lahti has worked with children with ASD as well as with people with ASD and other disabilities in a day program facility.
Lahti has a passion for working with adults on the autism spectrum. She uses Adlerian and person-centered therapeutic techniques to help clients better understand themselves and their strengths. Lahti’s Master’s thesis focused on using Early Recollections with people on the spectrum, which she believes is central to understanding clients’ core beliefs. She works with clients on thought patterns and how they affect daily living and also helps clients develop social interest within themselves and their communities.
Barbara Luskin, PhD, LP
Pronouns: she/her
Dr. Luskin is no longer accepting therapy clients.
Dr. Luskin is a licensed psychologist who has worked closely with children and adults with ASD for more than 30 years in professional and home settings. She specializes in providing both assessments and counseling to individuals with ASD and those who support them.
Dr. Luskin’s services include diagnostic and functional assessments, individual therapy for adults and adolescents, and training and consultation for caregivers. She helps them understand ASD, teaches them creative and effective interventions, helps them evaluate progress, and provides guidance when adjustments are needed.
Dr. Luskin serves the local autism community in multiple capacities including professional consultation, autism trainings, certification instruction, and individual work with clients. As such, her schedule usually is at capacity. Please speak with the AuSM Counseling and Consulting Services appointment scheduler to identify the AuSM therapist who can best meet your needs.
Sara Pahl, MS, LPCC, BCBA, NCC
Pronouns: she/her
In-person and virtual services
Sara Pahl is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, and Nationally Certified Counselor, who has worked with individuals with ASD for over 25 years. Pahl has been fortunate to work with individuals on the autism spectrum across the life span, in many different roles, including mental health therapist, director of a behavior analytic community-based instruction teen and early intervention programs, primary grade teacher, and adjunct professor. Pahl has a background in systems counseling and behavior analysis, and a passion for precision measurement and Precision Teaching. Pahl has published works in the Behavior Analyst Today and the Journal of Precision Teaching. Pahl was fortunate earlier in her career to begin working with children and adults with autism. She was able to participate in the Organization for Autism Research (OAR) research convocation, Addressing the Needs of Adolescents and Adults with Autism over 15 years ago. This provided her with a lens and appreciation of the unique strengths and differences of those with ASD. She has presented her applied clinical work with children, adolescents, and adults with autism at local, state, and national conferences such as the Association for Behavior Analysis annual convention, Autism Society of Minnesota’s state conference, and the International Precision Teaching Conference.
Ashley Tobias, LGSW
Pronouns: she/her
In-person and virtual services
Bjorn Walter, MA, LMFT
Pronouns: he/him
Virtual services only
Bjorn Walter earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Southwest Minnesota State University in 2013, and his master’s degree in Adlerian psychotherapy and counseling with an emphasis in marriage and family therapy from Adler Graduate School (AGS) in 2017. During his master’s program, Walter interned at the Autism Society of Minnesota where he discovered his passion for working with individuals and families living with autism. Since graduating from AGS, Walter spent time working at a group home dedicated to adults with autism and schizophrenia near his hometown in Sweden.
Walter uses Adlerian and cognitive behavioral techniques to help individuals and their families understand the true nature of autism. He recognizes the importance of familial relationships and friendships and strives to help his clients realize how they affect us and our lives. Walter promotes encouragement, openness, and honesty.