Staff

John Perkins is a licensed State of Minnesota Alcohol and Drug Counselor with over 20 years experience counseling patients and their families. He has worked with the Regions Hospital New Connections Program, and as a counselor with the Hazelden Center for Youth and Families. John was hired as the first counselor at Minnesota CarePartners' Roots Recovery program, where he assisted in growing from zero patients to three full tracks, serving all genders and focusing on BIPOC communities. John was the Lead Counselor, ISR Specialist and Speciality Courts Counselor with Restoration, Counseling & Community Service (RCCS). He is described by supervisors as having "been a key contributor and stabilizer in the agency's operations" during his three years there, and was selected as Employee of the Year in 2020. RCCS Founder Paul Kustermann says "John presents both a professional and personable approach in working with clients and co-workers alike."

John's counseling philosophy is closest to the Person-Centered approach. He strives to offer clients a genuine listener, to operate with the classic Rogerian unconditional positive regard and sensitive empathy.

John has been a lifelong civil rights activist and environmentalist, working as the Assistant Director for the Minnesota Greenpeace office, and as the Director of the Minneapolis offices of Citizens for a Better Environment.

John says he loves to spend time outdoors, walking with his puppy-mill rescue dog Rae, is an avid reader and enjoys listening to music. He is active in his community as a volunteer and has performed with a number of local musical projects.

Sumitra Dorner LICSW, has over 30 years experience in mental health; no space after LICSW. She has counseled many Suboxone patients.
Ms. Dorner graduated with a BA in psychology from Hamline University and a Masters Degree in Social Work from St. Thomas University. She has the top licensure in her career field.

Dr. Joyce Onyekaba, MD. Board Certified Internal Medicine specialist. Dr. Joyce has over 28 years experience as a medical doctor. She did her residency at Harlem Hospital New York an Affiliate of Columbia College of Surgeons and Physicians. She worked for Health Partners for 11 years before joining Crown Medical. She offers full range Primary Care to all patients She is the Medical Director and Civil Surgeon.

Dr. Sarah Truso graduated from the University of Wisconsin in Eau Claire Wisconsin with the degree of Doctor of Nursing Practice in Family Nurse Practitioner. She has more than 14 years experience in patient care : in surgical intensive care unit; Emergency Department and in float pool treating the elderly, the adolescents and children. She is SAMHSA certified to prescribe Suboxone.

Dr.Nha Nguyen is a board-certified family medicine physician and a certified US civil surgeon. He has over 20 years of experience as a medical doctor including outpatient clinic, inpatient hospital and emergency / urgent care. He did his medical education and residency at the University of Minnesota and Regions Hospital. Dr. Nguyen provides full range primary / urgent care and Civil surgeon services.