About Kinnic Falls Inc
Your Fresh Start is Here
Kinnic Falls supports adults with mental health conditions and Substance Use Disorders (SUD) including alcohol and drugs. Our professional and experienced staff provides outpatient mental health and SUD, and residential SUD recovery care along with ongoing support programs for SUD clients transitioning from inpatient treatment until they achieve sustained remission.
We offer both outpatient counseling services, and comprehensive inpatient treatment on a residential campus that includes a 52-bed recovery facility, an extended-stay sober house, outdoor recreational areas, and a modern office building with functional meeting rooms.
We address the challenges of mental health and relapse head-on, understanding the unique needs of those facing mental health conditions, unemployment, estranged family relationships, or housing instability. Our programs feature personalized plans, individual and group counseling, all within a safe, structured environment aimed at achieving long-term healing.
Our History
Kinnic Falls derives its name from the scenic Kinnickinnic River which meanders through the peaceful, friendly community of River Falls, Wisconsin. Kinnic Falls Inc. has been a private, non-profit corporation since 1972, licensed in Wisconsin. The facility is regulated by the Health and Family Services Department of the State of Wisconsin. Kinnic Falls accepts clients with funding from Minnesota and Wisconsin, and private pay.
Our Core Values
Our work is grounded in four core values that shape every interaction, decision, and step forward in the journey to healing.
Integrity
Guides our decisions and stewardship, ensuring trust and transparency in everything we do.
Caring
Shapes the way we show up for each client and one another, with compassion at every step.
Innovation
Challenges us to continually improve how we support healing and serve our community.
Service
Keeps the needs of our clients and our broader community at the center of everything we do.
Why Kinnic Falls Works FOR SUD RECOVERY
Kinnic Falls is uniquely positioned to address a critical and most vulnerable gap in SUD recovery: the period after discharge from primary treatment, when additional structured support is needed. We understand that recovery is a marathon, not a sprint, and our low-intensity residential program is designed to provide the sustained support and guidance necessary for lasting change, whether this is your first or hundredth attempt at sobriety.
- Transition Assistance from a Higher Level of Treatment
- Welcoming Residential Environment
- Extended Care
- Specialized Focus on Early Recovery
- Relapse Mitigation Counseling
- Personalized Recovery Plans
- Comprehensive Support Services
- Community Re-Integration Support
- Peaceful Environment in a Comfortable Setting
- Supportive Community
Our Programs Contribute to Lasting Recovery Contact Us Today
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Counselors & Therapists
Eamon R.
Counselor
Amy V.
Counselor
Brian S.
Mental Health Therapist
Christy S.
Counselor
Matthew M.
Outpatient Mental Health Therapist
NoaH A.
Counselor
Support Staff
John C.
Chef
Eric G.
Chef
Chris N.
Chef
Keenan T.
Lead Tech
Kevin P.
Tech
Ishmael N.
Tech
Joe b.
Tech
mitch w.
Tech
Cathy N.
Support Service Administrator
Emerald M.
Facilities Manager
Dan Z.
Transportation
Sher B.
Claims & Billing Specialist
Emily K.
Marketing Communications Coordinator
holly w.
Outpatient Services
Billing & Administrative Specialist
Medical Team
Jodi S.
Nurse
Mark S. (M.D.)
Doctor
Leadership
Tiffany Z.
Executive Director
Tom L.
Clinical and Operations Director
Kristy M.
Administration and Finance Manager
Brian D.
Admissions & Outreach Manager
Board of Directors
Kevin Pechacek
Chair
Kevin is a lifelong resident of River Falls with 36 years in the bar, restaurant, and catering business. He is active in St. Bridget’s Catholic Church and has been a member of River Falls Rotary for 22 years. Our mission is important to Kevin, as he has been living in sobriety for 28 years. He has served on the Kinnic Falls board for 18 years and as Chair for 2 years.
David Sienko
Vice Chair
David is an attorney focusing on eminent domain and real estate litigation. He volunteers for land conservation and spends his free time outdoors with family.
Todd Gilbert
Treasurer
Todd, a lifelong St. Croix Valley resident and graduate of Hudson High School, is the 3rd generation owner of Valley Companies. He is an Executive Leadership Coach and has been on his sober journey for the past 15 years.
Steven Albarado
Member
Steve is from Ellsworth, WI, and served 30 years with the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, retiring in November 2022. He currently serves as the President of the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Council and as the State of Wisconsin D.A.R.E. Coordinator. His passion lies in working with children through prevention programs such as D.A.R.E. Steve joined the board of directors for Kinnic Falls, Inc. In 2023, feeling privileged to work with such dedicated individuals.
Joseph Brellenthin
Member
Joseph is a business owner in River Falls and has owned Twin Cities Pool Table Guy LLC for 32 years. He and his wife have operated transitional sober houses for 17 years, helping over 400 individuals in recovery.
Jennifer Hagen
Member
Jennifer spent the majority of her career in the non-profit sector and is the retired Executive Director of Kinnic Falls. She has served on the Board since her retirement in 2015 and chairs the Philanthropy Committee.
John Hamann
Member
John has been a licensed psychologist for over 40 years and was a full professor and director of counseling services at the University of Wisconsin – River Falls. He has served on the Kinnic Falls board for several years.
Kate Ihus
Member
Kate is committed to serving her community and worked 39 years in addiction and mental health. She joined the Kinnic Falls board in 2024, after retiring as the executive director and also serves on the Board of St. Croix and Pierce County Free Clinic.
Ted Marsh
Member
Pastor Ted is an associate pastor and director of outreach at Abundant Life Church, where he ministers to the Celebrate Recovery group. He is married with six children and sixteen grandchildren.
Gary M. Savall
Member
Gary has a 45-year career in manufacturing, focusing on Production Control and Scheduling. He has been sober for 42 years and actively involved in Alcoholics Anonymous.
Peter VanDusartz
Member
Peter VanDusartz lives in River Falls and is recently retired. He was the Director of Behavioral Health – St. Croix Valley at Health Partners, and was also the Director and Clinical Supervisor for Programs for Change, Substance Use Disorder treatment programs at Hudson, Westfields, and Amery hospitals. In the past he has worked as a Psychologist in Minnesota, and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Wisconsin providing counseling and mental health therapy. He has worked in the mental health and Substance Use Disorder treatment fields for 40 years.
Licensing & Credentialing
Licensed under the State of Wisconsin for the following:
- CSUS – Transitional Residential Treatment Service DHS 75.53
- CBRE – Community Based Residential Facilities DHS 83
- CSUS – Outpatient Integrated Behavioral Health Treatment Service DHS 75.50
- CSUS – Intensive Outpatient Treatment Service DHS 75.51
Approved Minnesota provider under:
- 245G – Substance Use Disorder Licensed Treatment Facilities DHS 3491
