Staff
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Allan Ritchie
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Allan Ritchie holds an M.S. degree in counseling from S.U.N.Y. Plattsburgh and a Ph.D. from Purdue University. Dr. Ritchie is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California and Nevada and he has been doing counseling/therapy for over forty (40) years. His experience includes private practice as well as holding administrative and clinical positions in a variety of counseling agencies. Additionally, Dr. Ritchie was a school counselor in Washoe County School District at the elementary, middle and high school levels for twenty-six (26) years Dr. Ritchie also sits on the Nevada Association of Marriage and Family Therapy as the Washoe County delegate and he is an American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy Approved Supervisor. Mostly, Dr. Ritchie just likes working with people
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Amanda Higgins
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Education: After graduating from high school in Las Vegas, Amanda moved to Reno to pursue her undergraduate education. In 2013 she completed her bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in statistics from the University of Nevada, Reno. Amanda then continued her education at the University of Nevada where she graduated in May 2017 with her Master of Arts Degree in Counseling and Educational Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. She has also completed the requirements to be recognized as a National Certified Counselor (NCC). Training/Specializations: Amanda has provided individual, couple, and family therapy for clients as well as play and activity therapy for children and adolescents. She is currently working toward her Play Therapy certification and is continuing clinical training to work with couples as a Certified Gottman Therapist.
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Chris Lopez
- Chris Lopez received his bachelor’s degree in Human Services Counseling in 2007 and his master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2015. He has worked with several different dynamics of people over the past several years, including children, teenagers, individual adults, and married couples. Chris is a martial artist currently practicing aikido, iaido (Japanese sword), and kyudo (Japanese archery). These arts, he feels, help him in maintaining self-control and a calm attitude in everyday life, which are very beneficial in a counseling setting.
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Daniel Norrbom
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Education: Associates in Liberal Arts at CSN; Bachelors of Science in Human Services at UNLV with Minor in Prevention of Addictions and Minor in Family Studies; Master's of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at UNLV.Work History: From 2006 I have worked in residential and outpatient settings facilitating individual sessions, group therapy, and psychoeducational classes specializing in Substance Use Disorders, Mental Health, and Problem Gambling.Approach: Integrative Counseling in Humanistic Theories. I like to draw on the strengths of my clients and be a partner in their ability to transcend through obstacles that are keeping them from embracing life.Associations: American Counseling Association (present) and Association of Small Group Work (2010-2013)Interests: Family, friends, backpacking, kayaking, art, and music.
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Dustin Hawes
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NCC, NCSC, NCMHC,Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from Abilene Christian University. Masters of Public Health Degree for the University of Nevada, Reno. Masters of Science in Counseling Psychology from Alaska Pacific University
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Anger Management, Depression, Academic Underachievement
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I help individuals reclaim their direction in life, identify the issues that are holding them back, and help them become their best. I specialize in working with clients in the areas of Depression, Anxiety, Stress Management, Anger Management, OCD, and Career Counseling. I help people to set goals for their life and find more happiness. I work well with At-Risk Youth that are underachieving in school. I also work well with students of all ages dealing with Autism and Asperger's Syndrome.
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Jeff Bryant
- My goal is to help others heal from past traumas, learn skills to cope with life challenges, manage their emotions effectively, and manage relationships successfully. I have a special interest in helping clients heal from traumatic experiences which frequently cause a wide range of problems throughout their lives. It is amazing to watch as a client works through their traumas to reduce the negative impact trauma has in their lives while gaining new insights into themselves and others. I have 9 years of experience working with clients from 5 years to 65 years of age. I have helped my clients address a wide range of challenges from family conflict, stage of life problems, healing from trauma, abuse, and neglect, and others. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectic Behavior Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. Whether you are 5 or 65, I look forward to meeting with you to aid you in the process of learning new skills, coping with relationship problems, and healing from past hurts.
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Jessica Shields
- “I imagine you are here because… you want to overcome depression or anxiety and finally feel peace and joy. You want to feel heard by and connected to a loved one. You want to have a better relationship with your spouse or child. You want to have a safe space to process the grief or loss you’re going through. You want someone to listen, to understand, to be empathetic…yet can also help you reach your goals and help you reach a better quality of life.
I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families… offering skills to help you communicate, connect and heal within your relationships, offering tools to alleviate and overcome depression/anxiety, providing a safe space to process your loss and grief or anything painful or stressful thing you may experiencing.
Reaching out for help can be difficult, yet it shows great strength and a glimmer of hope. You don’t have to go at it alone. I offer an empathetic, confidential, therapeutic relationship that will help you to process where you’re at and help you get to where you want to be.”
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JoAnn Baird
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Ed. D. in Systems Development and Adaptations from Boston University in 1980
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JoAnn was superintendent of three school districts in Maine. She launched her MFT career in 1996 undertaking advanced graduate MFT training at the University of New England. In 1999 she interrupted that training to move to California. In 2007 JoAnn and her husband moved to Reno, NV where she completed her advanced training at the University of Nevada. She did her MFT internship at Quest Counseling in Reno, and received her Nevada Marriage and Family Therapy license in 2014.
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Joy Quanrud Grimsley
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Reno, NV.
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Northcentral University, Arizona, MA Marriage and Family Therapy, University of Nevada Reno, BA Psychology and Sociology, Minor in Addiction Treatment Services. International Marriage and Family Therapy Honor Society Delta Kappa.
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I believe relationships can be our greatest source of health and healing; they help us feel connected and fulfilled with ourselves and with others. However. when relationships are in conflict, it can also be a great source of anxiety or sadness. As a relationship specialist, I focus on strengthening communication skills and increasing your own insight, to help you achieve greater connection and intimacy. I have worked with a wide range of issues, including depression, family conflict, anxiety, loss, mental health diagnoses, and even adjustment difficulties related to new living or work challenges. Within the safe and neutral environment of my office, I work with individuals, couples and families in a warm and collaborative manner. I find it important to build trust and have a good rapport with my clients. My therapeutic style is active and engaged, with the intention of fostering insight, awareness and facilitating your desired change. I offer sessions in Spanish or English. Traducción: Creo que nuestras relaciones personales pueden ser la mayor fuente curativa de la salud que nos permiten sentir satisfechos con nosotros mismos. Asi también nos sentimos conectados con los demás seres humanos a nuestro entorno. Sin embargo, cuando existe un conflicto dentro de nuestras relaciones humanas, podemos sentir ansiedad o tristeza. Como especialista en las relaciones interpersonales, yo me concentro en fortalecer las habilidades comunicativas y en agrandar el conocimiento de su propia situación para que así logre una conexión e intimidad mayor. He tratado una amplia gama de temas personales incluyendo la depresión, el conflicto familiar, la ansiedad, la pérdida, los diagnósticos de la salud mental, inclusive con situaciones relacionadas a las dificultades de ajuste por causa múltiple, ya sean cambios en la vida cotidiana o desafíos en el trabajo. Dentro del ámbito seguro y neutral de mi oficina trabajo con individuos, parejas y familias de forma colaborativa y de manera receptiva y cordial. Me es importante crear un ambiente de confianza y mantener una buena relación con mis clientes. Mi estilo terapéutico es activo y comprometedor, con la intención de fomentar el conocimiento para facilitar el cambio deseado. Ofrezco sesiones en español o en inglés.
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Being with friends and family, skiing, motorcycle riding, hiking/trekking, bicycling, rollerblading, movies, oil painting, and experimenting in the kitchen.
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Kimberly Brookman
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Lafayette, California.
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Bachelors of Science Degree in Political Science and International Studies from the University of Utah. Masters of Public Health Degree for the University of Nevada, Reno. Masters of Science Degree in Marriage, Family, and Child Therapy from the University of Phoenix. State of Nevada approved Domestic Violence Facilitator.
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AAMFT, NVMFT, and NAADAC.
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Hiking, Skiing, Reading, Exercising, and Meditation.
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Lindsay Millspaugh
- Lindsay is a licensed social worker in the state of Nevada. She is currently working towards her LCSW license. Since the age of 14 Lindsay knew her calling in life was to be a therapist. She pursued this dream by graduating from the University of Colorado Boulder with a Bachelors in Psychology and a Bachelors in Sociology in 2014. She then graduated in 2017 from the University of Southern California with her Masters in social work. She has 3+ years of experience working with a variety of clients from different age groups and has a wide range of experience in the therapy world. She has experience working as a drug and alcohol counselor as she finished her graduate school practicum at Solutions Recovery Addiction Center in Las Vegas. She has worked with couples, families and individuals in therapy. She has also worked with children with conduct, sensory deficit and mental health disorders, and devotes her life to empowering clients to see their inner strengths and so they can overcome the darkest and most difficult parts of life.
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Lisa Wilkenson
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Lisa has lived in Nevada since 1975 and has been Spring Creek resident since 2003, she is passionate about providing competent mental health care to the people of Elko County. Lisa received her bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas then spent several years working in the Nevada child welfare system before earning her master’s degree in social work in 2015. Lisa is trained and experienced in working with all ages, genders, races and ethnicities of people with a non-judgmental and comfortable style many find very welcoming. She also recognizes the manner in which differing cultures, including Elko’s mining culture, can affect an individual’s mental health, individual and family functioning in various ways. As a social worker, Lisa focuses on helping people through acute and chronic mental health issues with the use of evidenced based practices including trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy, strategic family therapy and solution-focused therapies. She is particularly interested in helping survivors of trauma including veterans, child victims and adult survivors of childhood abuse. Lisa enjoys spending time with family, friends, her dogs, “upcycling” old furniture and riding around the high desert on her 4-wheeler in her spare time. Ever the avid sports fan, she especially enjoys NASCAR and professional football whenever possible.
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Lori Carroll
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Coeur d’Alene, ID in Reno since 1989
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The College of William and Mary in Virginia; M.Ed. and Ed. S. in Professional Counseling
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Recently returned from over 12 years’ work with our military children and families overseas, Lori is, herself, a USMC Veteran. With over 25 years’ experience as a licensed therapist, Lori’s approach derives from her diverse background including work in schools, hospital based addictions treatment, Art therapy and Jungian Dream Analysis Past President, Nevada Branch of American Counseling Assn; Past President, Nevada Branch of American Mental Health Counsellors Assn.; supervised Masters-level Interns for UNR’s graduate program in Counseling..
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Lyudmila Feagans CPC-Intern
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Master of Arts Degree in Counseling Psychology concentrating in Expressive Art Therapy from Prescott College, Arizona.
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Member of the International Expressive Art Therapies and International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect.
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Hiking, Beekeeping, Gardening, Cooking, and Natural Arts.
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Mery Vargas-Mares
Since 2002, my life’s purpose has centered on helping others. I have found tremendous purpose and fulfillment in connecting with individuals, through my work as a child, teen, and adult teacher, yoga instructor, school counselor, and most recently a marriage family therapist intern. In addition, I bring my life experience of being a mother of 3 and a wife for almost 15 years, into the counseling office. My clients and students say that I am warm, engaging, compassionate, accepting, creative, present…and from my pre-teens and teens, “REAL.” This quest for authenticity or “BEING REAL,” is what I venture to bring out in my clients. It drives my work and inspires me to help others in their journeys toward healing, self-discovery, truth, and change. I have worked with a varied and diverse clientele, but especially enjoy working with pre-teens, teens, families, couples and parents. Trauma, anxiety, grief, depression, relationship issues, spirituality, and behavioral and school issues, are all areas that I can help with. These struggles are what get in the way of uncovering our truth and living a life of fulfillment with ourselves and others. It is my hope, that you will allow me to guide and help you navigate your way through these hardships to a more authentic self.
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Roanne Funk
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Education: I initially was trained as a registered nurse specializing in psychiatric nursing at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus,Ohio. After raising two children I went back to college and earned a B.S. in Psychology and a M.S. in Clinical Psychology at Millersville University, in Millersville Pennsylvania. Work History: Since graduating with my Master’s I established a private practice in Lancaster, PA where I worked until moving to Nevada in 2014. I am in the process of establishing a new practice here in Reno. I believe that our lives are series of events that create opportunities for joy and sorrow. My goal as a therapist is to walk beside my client in their journey and help them to find meaning in their struggle and healing and wholeness in the midst of crisis and losses they may experience. I enjoy working with relationship issues including communication breakdown, family conflicts, family of origin issues, and loss and grief. I work with clients adapting to health issues, chronic illness, or disability as well as life transitions such as leaving home, aging, or dealing with aging parents. I have a wide range of experience dealing with diagnosis and life issues including anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, parenting and issues of faith. I use many methods of therapeutic practice to help clients reach their goal, including cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness practice, and homework assignments, My focus is very client centered. I enjoy people and value their individual stories and experiences. My goal is to help clients define and increase awareness about their means of coping with their struggles and how they want to change that as well as learning the value and worth of their own unique stories. Interests: I enjoy my new experience here in Reno, and discovering all the fun places to see. I like to hike, read and make new friends. I enjoy relating with my adult children, my extended family and friends made over a lifetime.
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Rowena Manibusan
- I was born and raised in Las Vegas and graduated from Bishop Gorman High School. I graduated from Northern Arizona University with a Bachelors in Psychology and Minor in Spanish. I went on to study school counseling at the University of Nevada Las Vegas and earned an M.Ed in School Counseling. I worked in schools for 14 years and decided to go back to school to earn an MS in Counseling (Marriage and Child Therapy) from the University of Phoenix. I am bilingual (Spanish), provide individual, couples and family therapy and have experience working with diverse populations. I have also facilitated groups for children, teens, and adults in the areas of substance abuse, trauma, LGBTQ issues, suicide prevention, homelessness, social/ life skills, communication, and solicitation support. I love to incorporate art, music, play and literature into therapy. I adopt a client-centered approach and utilize Gestalt/ Experiential, Structural Family Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques. I love to travel, paint, play basketball and dance and have coached a hip hop dance team for 10 plus years.
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Sandra Braun
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Treatment of PTSD and Adult Children Issues.
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Worked as the Clinical Supervisor for the Women's Adult Rehabilitate Program for the Salvation Army Residential program, Dual Diagnostic Therapist at Southern Nevada Adult Mental Health Day Care Program.
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Has worked in the mental health field in four different states for over 35 years.
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Married for 50 years with three adult children and two grandchildren. Devote Christian and participant in the Alcoholics Anonymous program.
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Sierra Smith
Sierra Smith, CADC, LSW, CSW-Intern, arrived in Northern Nevada in 1999, grew up in Battle Mountain and found her way to Elko where she received her Bachelor’s in Social Work in 2015 and her Master’s in Social Work in 2017, both from the University of Nevada Reno. Sierra has specialized in the field of substance abuse counseling since 2014 and received her certification as Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor in 2018. Sierra is a vital member of a team that collaborates with the judicial system to help rehabilitate individuals whose alcohol and substance use has brought them to the attention of the Court. Prior to beginning her career in social work Sierra was employed by a local mining company and has experience with the mining lifestyle and how the mining culture of rural Nevada communities affects families and individuals. Sierra’s focus is on meeting the client where they are and implementing evidenced based treatment to help them find their way to where they want to be.Sierra recognizes people are the experts when it comes to their own lives. In her spare time Sierra can be found spending time with her children and enjoying the outdoors. She enjoys hunting, fishing, horseback riding and playing with her four-legged friends.
Meet the Team
Allan Ritchie
PHD, LMFT, Reno
Amanda Higgins
LMFT-Intern, Reno
Chris Lopez
CPC-Intern, Las Vegas
Daniel Norrbom
CPC-Intern, Las Vegas
Dustin Hawes
LMFT/CPC, Reno
Gayna Rowe
CPC-Intern, Las Vegas
Gilberta, (Tuni), Theonnes
APRN, Elko
Jeff Bryant
MFT- Intern, Reno
Jessica Shields
MFT- Intern, Reno
JoAnn Baird
LMFT/CPC, Reno
Joy Quanrud Grimsley
LMFT, LCADC-I, EMDR spanish speaking, Reno
Kimberly Brookman
LMFT, Clinical Director, Reno
Lindsay Millspaugh
LSW, CSW- Intern Las Vegas
Lisa Wilkenson
LCSW-Intern, Elko
Lori Carroll
LMFT/CPC, Reno
Lyudmila Feagans CPC-Intern
CPC-Intern, Las Vegas
Mery Vargas-Mares
LMFT-Intern, spanish speaking, Reno
Roanne Funk
LMFT, Reno
Rowena Manibusan
LMFT-Intern, spanish speaking, Las Vegas
Sandra Braun
LMFT, Las Vegas
Sierra Smith
CADC, LSW, CSW-Intern, Elko
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