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About Us
Meet our team!
Tara Schaefer-Nygaard
Hello, my name is Tara Schaefer-Nygaard, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Minot, ND. I was born and raised here in Minot and attended Minot State University where I obtained my Bachelor of Social Work degree in 2002. I worked in and around the area in the field of social work until 2007 when I moved to Boise Idaho where I attended Northwest Nazarene University and obtained my Master of Social Work in 2012. After returning to ND, I continued to work in the social work field and returned to Minot in 2017 where I have lived since. I have been working as an independent Clinical Social Worker since 2018 and have enjoyed working with a variety of individuals and families in the area. I have worked with adolescents experiencing significant emotional and mental health crisis as well as their families. I have worked with Active-Duty men and women experiencing a variety of mental health concerns. I specialize in working with anxiety, depression, and trauma/life disturbing events. I started New Hope Counseling in 2019 and worked part time in addition to working full time at Minot Air Force Base. Over the past few years, I have discovered a passion for working with the military and reducing the stigma associated with accessing mental health care. I have a desire to increase the awareness of the importance of building resiliency and increasing our abilities to withstand the challenges that today’s world presents.
Taryn Kihle
Hi there! My name is Taryn. I am a Licensed Master Social Worker in the state of North Dakota. I earned my bachelor’s degree in social work from Minot State University in 2021, and my Master of Social Work from the University of South Dakota in 2024. I bring over five years of experience supporting individuals with disabilities and co-occurring mental health diagnoses. Some of the diagnoses I have experience working with include, but are not limited to, autism spectrum disorder (Levels 1-3), anxiety disorders, depression, ADHD, mood disorders, OCD, and PTSD. I offer flexible, non-traditional hours because I understand that life is busy — and access to care should feel manageable, not stressful. Many of the individuals I work with are navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, caregiver burnout, or major life transitions. Some come in feeling overwhelmed, while others feel stuck, exhausted, or unsure where to begin. Wherever you are in your journey, we start there. My approach is person-centered and grounded in a holistic understanding of each individual. I believe in looking at the whole person — including your experiences, relationships, environment, strengths, and the systems impacting you. I also believe deeply in the power of music, art, spirituality, and human connection as meaningful parts of the healing process. Beyond my credentials, I am an animal lover, empath, optimist, foodie, inquisitive learner, and advocate. In my free time, you can usually find me cuddling with my cats and taking time to recharge. Above all, I strive to create a safe and supportive space where you feel heard, understood, and empowered to grow. I will meet you where you are — with compassion, curiosity, and respect.
Emma Burckhard
Hey there, nice to meet you! I am Emma, the Clinic Manager at New Hope Counseling! I was born and raised in Minot and began my journey in healthcare after moving to Colorado in 2017. Since then, both my personal and professional life have grown in meaningful ways—I’m a proud mom of three and have had the opportunity to grow within New Hope Counseling, starting as a Virtual Assistant and working my way into my current role. I now travel between Colorado and North Dakota. My background spans healthcare, business, and creative work, giving me a well-rounded perspective in how I support both our team and the clients we serve. Over the years, I’ve discovered a deep passion for supporting my communities and helping reduce the stigma surrounding mental health care. I believe strongly in the importance of building resilience and equipping individuals with the tools they need to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and support. At New Hope Counseling, I strive to create a welcoming, organized, and compassionate environment where both clients and clinicians feel supported. Whether I’m working behind the scenes to improve processes or connecting directly with members of our community, my goal is always the same: to help make mental health care more accessible, approachable, and empowering for everyone!
Sammie
Sammie is an 8 year old Lab/Beagle mix who loves spending time with her “mom” and if you have met her, you know that she likes to be the center of your attention and pets! Sammie began working with Tara in 2019 when she was the unofficial morale dog for the squadron. Sammie quickly became the star of the squadron and often received visits from the defenders when they just wanted some time with the dog. Sammie has completed her “Canine Good Citizenship” basic and advanced classes and is in the process of completing her “American Kennel Club Therapy Dog Certification". When Sammie is not “working”, she loves to play fetch and chase pheasants or other wildlife on the farm.
Tank
Tank is a 3 year old, Old English Bulldog who is the youngest of his fur siblings at home. He has also completed his “Canine Good Citizenship Basic Class”! He may look like a giant but don’t let his size fool you, he is a kind and loving dog that seems to know when to offer his humans extra attention. Tank is also quite curious and will make himself a lap dog if you let him! Tank also is the very definition of a “scaredy cat” and will seek you out to comfort him! Tank likes to try and keep up with his big sister Sammie out on the farm and has learned that he tires out pretty easily so he returns home for some snuggles and a nap long before she does.