Lisa Murphy serves as Director of the Mental Health Task Force of Polk County. An experienced nonprofit leader, she is dedicated to advancing community mental health through effective organizational leadership, fundraising, and partnership development. Her work focuses on strengthening programs, building collaborative relationships across sectors, and securing resources to support suicide prevention, mental health education, and access to services throughout Polk County.
Lisa Bents serves as the Board President of the Mental Health Task Force of Polk County. She is a community member and former University of Wisconsin–Extension Human Development and Relationships Educator for Polk County, where she focused on bringing evidence-based education and resources to support children, families, and communities. Her professional background includes work in mental health, substance use prevention, and building healthy communities and work environments through education, well-being, and prevention-focused strategies.
Mike Rust serves as Vice President of the Mental Health Task Force of Polk County. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Divinity and is the Chief Operating Officer and Health Benefits Counselor for ABC for Rural Health. He brings valuable insight into behavioral health coverage and systems navigation, with a particular interest in improving access to mental health treatment through third-party coverage.
Jon Platson serves as Treasurer of the Mental Health Task Force of Polk County. He holds a Bachelor of Social Work from UW–River Falls and a Master of Social Work from the University of St. Thomas. Jon is the owner of Inner Peak Counseling and Consulting in Amery, Wisconsin, where he provides therapy, training, consultation, and organizational development services. His work and board service focus on strengthening community collaboration and improving outcomes for individuals impacted by mental health challenges.
Dani Mortenson serves as Secretary of the Mental Health Task Force of Polk County. Dani grew up in the Osceola area and has spent much of her career serving Polk County communities. After earning her master’s degree in mental health counseling from UW-Oshkosh, she returned home to provide care across clinical, school, and tribal settings. Her work integrates Indigenous traditions, nature-based practices, and western approaches to support healing within and between communities.
Betsy Byker serves as a board member of the Mental Health Task Force of Polk County. Her professional background includes early childhood and infant mental health, with experience providing parent education and community training on early development, trauma, and long-term health outcomes. She currently serves as the Diaper Bank Manager for United Way St. Croix and Red Cedar Valley and brings a strong prevention-focused and early-intervention perspective to the board.
Rachael Anderson serves as a board member of the Mental Health Task Force of Polk County. She is a School Social Worker with the Unity School District and holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Macalester College and a Master of Social Work from the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities. Her professional interests include youth mental health, school-based supports, and reducing barriers to accessing mental health services in rural communities.
Sam Hazen serves as a board member of the Mental Health Task Force of Polk County. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Bemidji State University and a Social Work Certificate from UW–Stout. Sam works as the Emergency Services Social Worker for the Polk County Behavioral Health Department. Her professional interests include suicide prevention, stigma reduction, and improving access to mental health and substance use services across the county.
Lisa Mae Lavasseur serves as a board member of the Mental Health Task Force of Polk County and is the Polk County Behavioral Health Director. She holds an Associate Degree in Supervision and a Technical Certificate in Human Resources from Northwood Technical College, a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration from Northland College, and a Master of Science in Leadership and Leader Development. Lisa brings extensive leadership experience in behavioral health systems, including inpatient and outpatient services, and contributes a systems-level perspective to the board.
Brent Waak serves as a board member of the Mental Health Task Force of Polk County and is the Polk County Sheriff. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point. His professional background provides critical insight into crisis response, public safety, and the intersection of mental health and the justice system
Becky Styles serves as a board member of the Mental Health Task Force of Polk County. She holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and is the Superintendent of the School District of Osceola. Her professional experience includes roles as a teacher, school counselor, administrator, and director of instruction. Becky brings a strong understanding of the connection between education and mental health and values collaborative, community-based approaches to supporting student and family well-being.
Misty Charlier serves as a board member of the Mental Health Task Force of Polk County. Misty serves as the Chief People Officer at Osceola Medical Center, bringing more than 25 years of leadership experience across clinical operations, ancillary services and leading people. She began her healthcare career as an ultrasound technologist and spent 15 years at Regions Hospital, where she developed a strong foundation in patient care and operational excellence. She enjoys coaching and mentoring women who want to be in leadership positions.
Amanda Downing serves as a board member of the Mental Health Task Force of Polk County. Amanda is the owner and clinic director of Peace Tree Counseling. She brings a strengths-based, person-centered perspective to her work with individuals, couples, and families. Amanda is passionate about mental health as a vital component of community health and values the Mental Health Task Force’s efforts to reduce stigma, increase awareness, and expand access to mental health support across Polk County.