WE'RE SO EXCITED YOUR HERE
OUR TEAM
CO-FOUNDER, CNO, RN
DIXIE J.KOZAK
Dixie Kozak, RN and CNO, has 25 years of experience in mental health, joining the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill due to her mother-in-law's SMI background. She worked on special projects at the VA, integrating medical care to inpatient psychiatric units and working in Alcohol and Addiction Rehabilitation. Dixie's private life as a homeschool mom reinforced her belief that early mental health management can lead to balance in life. During her 18 years of homeschooling, she led groups of children with challenges like dyslexia, autism, ADHD, ADD, and social anxiety. Dixie found it remarkable to witness these children grow and learn together, recognizing that peer groups are not always their own age post-school.
Dir of Human Resources
Kaycee Shasteen
Kaycee Shasteen, Director of Human Resources, has a strong passion for mental health and has extensive experience in high-level administration. With a strong background in psychology, she has worked her way up to managerial positions, demonstrating her ability to collaborate, conduct, and implement strategies for company success. Her passion for growth and learning has led her to excel in management development and serve others to achieve their goals.
Program Director, BHT
Raymond Epps
Raymond Epps, Program Director and Behavioral Health Technician, brings a wealth of expertise in sociology, family, and human development throughout his career. With a deep-seated passion for mental health, Raymond has extensive experience working within the community, supporting youth, adults, and families as a whole. His commitment to empowering individuals to discover inner talent, cultivate life skills, and improve overall well-being is evident in all his endeavors. Raymond’s comprehensive background and dedication make him an invaluable asset to the team and the community we serve.
Counselor, LCSW
Kelli Friedel
Kelli is a licensed clinical social worker and clinical supervisor. She has been providing counseling services since 2015 and supervising since 2020. Kelli has specialized training in Somatic Experiencing and Trauma-Focused CBT and has experience working in community mental health and private practice serving youth, adults, and families. Kelli takes a solution-focused and trauma-informed approach when supervising the behavioral health team at Safe Haven Youth and Family Services. She has a passion for empowering individuals to find their inner strength, develop new skills, and build resilience.
Our Story
Dixie Kozak and Jazmarie Mader have had a relationship for over 26 years. Dixie homeschooled her niece, Jazmarie from kindergarten through 8th grade, and, through the years, they learned to work well together and made a great team. In early 2023, they both found themselves looking for new opportunities. They decided to team back up and combine their passions to give back to the community and create a warm, welcoming, fun, Safe Haven.
To create a haven that nurtures, supports, and uplifts children, youth, and adults in an environment that promotes mental wellness. As well as a space that instills the importance of mental health in everyday life with clients, employees, and the world around us.