Our Story

Marcel sought to build a haven that nurtures a sense of unity and shared experience among its patients. She is known to walk the extra mile, to ensure individualised attention to each patient
Minnesota House was founded by Marcel Plodzien in October 2001 with a vision to create a home-away-from-home. The centre is still owned and managed by Marcel, who has more than 25 years of recovery experience.
Marcel, who initially trained as a chemical dependency counsellor, is registered with the FDAP (the Federation of Drug & Alcohol Professionals-UK) and is also a Registered Social Worker. Marcel’s key areas of professional interest focus on adult child work, codependency, behaviour modification, dual diagnosis, relapses, self-development and therapeutic group dynamics. Marcel is hands-on as Head of Treatment and as such is directly involved in Recovery Lectures and Group Therapy at Minnesota House.
Minnesota House is named after the well-known Minnesota Model, first used for addiction treatment in the 1950s. This model, also known as the Abstinence Model, is based on the traditional12-Step programme of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and focuses on treating addiction by abstaining from the substance(s) causing the addiction. Our multi-disciplinary team consists of qualified Addiction Counsellors, many of whom have their own personal experience with overcoming active addiction, a Social Worker, Leadership & Attitude Coach and Pastoral Counsellor.
Marcel Plodzien
Director | Transformation Coach | Lifestyle Recovery
FDAP 611 – SACSSP – 50-03107
Our Mission
To guide individuals on a journey to wellness and recovery while improving the overall quality of life for individuals struggling with substance abuse and related mental health difficulties. To help individuals and families heal from addiction and discover the freedom of being well.
Our promise to you is to guide your path from Hope to Healing.


Our Vision
Our vision is to build a continuum of effective, high-quality treatment services and to become the provider of first choice with a national reputation for patient-centred addiction recovery, addiction education and behavioural health programs that succeed.
Our Values
Our core values that guide us in our mission and vision are:
Integrity – We take personal responsibility for ensuring the highest standards of professional conduct with each other and with our patients. Maintaining and promoting social, ethical and organisational standards in all actions and decisions for the protection of patients and the community as a whole.
Respect – Valuing diversity, celebrating the unique differences of all individuals. Showing respect, fairness and equality for individuals in all interactions without judgment.
Innovation & Excellence – Demonstrating excellence in the provision of patient care and support and delivering progressive evidence-based treatment and education services.
Collaboration – Working together as a multi-disciplinary team to provide quality treatment and personal growth.
Life-long Learning – To teach patients new knowledge and skills for sustained well-being and a healthy future.
Patient Centred – We are committed to providing accessible and relevant service to our patients in the communities where they live.
Honesty – Demonstrating courage and being forthright in both challenging and addressing counterproductive behaviours and decisions.
Compassion & Care – To demonstrate a compassionate, caring attitude and achieve consistently higher levels of service by responding to each individual in a timely professional, and courteous manner.
Dignity – To deliver the highest quality services that respect the dignity of each person served: patients, employees, volunteers, and visitors