Jode has worked in the field of Human Services for over 30 years. Her career has focused on Mental Health Services in rural areas of Minnesota. She has experience in Chemical Dependency, Housing Support, Supported Employment, Mental Health Practitioner, Mobile Crisis Outreach, Crisis Stabilization, Mental Health Education and Advocacy. She holds certification as an Advanced Level Facilitator for the Wellness Recovery Action Plan, is a Certified Peer Specialist and associate facilitator for the program, a trainer for Mental Health First Aid, Person Centered Thinking, and Restorative Justice Circle Keeper. Jode founded Wellness in the Woods, Inc. the statewide consumer run organization in March 2013 and identifies as having lived with an emotional illness. She is a fervent educator, public speaker and advocate for mental health services in Greater MN.
Jode has served on the Rural Health and primary care advisory council, presently serves on the State Mental health Advisory council, the LAC subcommittee and chairs the Recovery and Community Support subgroup. She serves on the Wadena county LAC and chairs the Region 5+ LAC.