Holly Benesh is currently completing her Advanced Specialist Practicum as a School-Based Therapist Intern with Northeast Youth & Family Services, while pursuing her Master of Social Work degree at Bethel University in St. Paul. She also holds undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Human Behavior and Developmental Psychology, reflecting a longstanding commitment to understanding the interplay between childhood development, mental health, and the factors occurring early in the lifespan that continue to affect wellbeing.
In her current role, Holly is further developing her clinical expertise through intake and diagnostic assessments, treatment planning, and the provision of ongoing individual therapy for a caseload of students at Wilshire Park Elementary within the St. Anthony-New Brighton School District. Her work is grounded in a developmental, trauma-informed, systems-oriented, and biopsychosocial perspective that recognizes the complex interplay between a child’s emotional, behavioral, academic, familial, and social experiences.
Prior to beginning her Master’s studies, Holly spent nearly a decade working at the intersection of mental health, behavior, and special education, specializing in high-need pediatric interventions. Her professional experience spans clinical mental health settings, pediatric day treatment programs, and Federal Level IV behavioral programs across several intermediate school districts. During the 2025-2026 school year, Holly completed her first-year practicum as a School Social Worker in the Columbia Heights School District, supporting children and families hit hardest by Operation Metro Surge.
Holly’s clinical interests include the impact of trauma, both lived and intergenerational, as well as family history, family systems, attachment, and parenting. She is especially interested in how these factors influence a child’s development, behavior, emotional regulation, learning, sense of safety and stability, parent-child relationships, and long-term ability to thrive.
Holly approaches her work with a sense of wonder, authenticity, compassion, and immense care for each child and family’s unique story. She believes deeply in the healing and transformative power of the therapeutic relationship, and strives to create a safe, supportive space where children and families feel seen, understood, empowered, and capable of meaningful growth.
