Staff

Aimee Cerda

LSW Intern - Elko

Aimee Cerda

Aimee provides mental health services to youth.
Specialized groups are facilitated by mental health counselors in multiple areas that impact our youth including:
Mental Health
Anger Management
Coping & Life Skills
Grief
Shame & Resiliency
Substance Abuse and Relapse Prevention
Trauma Informed Care
Victims of Abuse

Intensive Family Services – family centered, client-need driven, home-based services that provides intensive services to families with children who are at high-risk to imminent risk of out-of-home placement due to abuse and/or neglect. Services focus on changing family patterns by building on familial strengths.

Allan Ritchie

PHD, LMFT, Reno

Allan Ritchie

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

April Dalby

CPC - Intern, Elko

April Dalby

April is passionate about helping people overcome and grow from life’s difficulties. April works with women, men, couples, children, families, dual-diagnosis, veterans, correctional clients, law-enforcement, first responders, LGBQT, and CMI (chronically mentally ill). Additionally, she is certified in prepare enrich allowing for pre and post marital counseling.

April was born and raised in Nevada with moving to Colorado twenty years ago but found herself moving back to Nevada July 2019. April earned a bachelor’s in psychology and a masters in mental health counseling in October 2018. During her time off, she enjoys time with her family, camping, volunteering, traveling, and watching the Denver Broncos.

April is committed to bringing authenticity and compassion to each moment through mindfulness and empathy. If you’re looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation or you’re just ready to move in a new direction in your life, I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals. April is currently taking new clients with accepting Medicaid, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Self-Pay, and Hometown Health.

Chris Lopez

CPC-Intern, Las Vegas

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.

Cortney Dickenson

Clinical Social Work Intern, Elko

Cortney Dickenson

Clinical Social Work Intern
Been in the Elko area since 1991
- From West Virginia
Received both Bachelors and Masters degrees in Social Work from the University of Nevada, Reno
- Bachelors was the 3+1 Program through Great Basin College and University of Nevada, Reno
Has one daughter
Volunteered at Great Basin College Veterans Resource Center since July of 2016
- Began leading groups at the VRC in May of 2017
Also works with youth to educate and hopefully prevent substance abuse
Hobbies include being outdoors, hunting, fishing, horseback riding, knitting, and sewing

Daylisi Talavera

CSW-Intern, Elko

Daylisi Talavera

Hi, my name is Daylisi and I am a bilingual therapist (English / Spanish). Since a young age I have aspired to help those in need by providing them with the adequate tools and skills to excel in life. My current life goal is to obtain my LCSW license as I know that will allow me to provide more services in my community. I obtained my Bachelors in Sociology in 2014 from the University of California, Riverside (UCR) and recently graduated with a Masters in Social Work from California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB). I have 5+ years of full-time and internship experience in counseling and case management for those experiencing youth and adult mental health disorders, domestic violence, elder abuse, and at-risk youth, as well as those individuals with developmental disabilities. I was born and raised in Southern California but moved to Elko in 2015. As I became more acquainted with Elko, it made me appreciate things more and not take anything for granted, especially mental health services. I am looking forward to working with members of this community to achieve their personal goals as well as bring more awareness to mental health and decrease the stigma attached to it.

Hola, mi nombre es Daylisi y soy terapeuta bilingüe (Inglés / Español). Desde muy joven, sabia que mi objetivo era ayudar a los necesitados brindándoles las herramientas y habilidades adecuadas para sobresalir en la vida. Mi objetivo actual es obtener mi licencia de LCSW, ya que con esta licencia me permitirá dar más servicios en mi comunidad. Obtuve mi Licenciatura en Sociología en 2014 de la Universidad de California, Riverside (UCR) y recientemente me gradué con una Maestría en Trabajo Social de la Universidad Estatal de California, San Bernardino (CSUSB). Tengo más de 5 años de experiencia en tiempo completo y servicio a la comunidad en asesoramiento y gestión de casos para aquellos que experimentan trastornos de salud mental, violencia doméstica, abuso de ancianos y jóvenes en riesgo, así como aquellos individuos con discapacidades del desarrollo. Nací y crecí en el sur de California, pero me mudé a Elko en 2015. Mientras pasaba tiempo en Elko, me hizo apreciar más las cosas, especialmente los servicios de salud mental. Tengo muchas ganas de trabajar con los miembros de esta comunidad para lograr sus objetivos personales al igual tambien crear más conciencia sobre la salud mental y disminuir el estigma asociado.

Dustin Hawes

LMFT/CPC, Reno

Dustin Hawes

Education
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
Specialties
Anger Management, Depression, Academic Underachievement
About
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.

Gilberta, (Tuni), Theonnes

APRN, Elko

Gilberta, (Tuni), Theonnes

Jeff Bryant

MFT- Intern, Reno

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.

Julie Byrnes

CPC-Intern, NCC, Elko

Julie Byrnes

Julie Byrnes, CPC-Intern, NCC, was born and raised in Elko and originally left the Elko area to pursue her college education. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Boise State University and a Master of Counseling degree from Idaho State University. Julie worked for many years as a counselor, advisor, and educational administrator in higher education. She worked for 9 years at Idaho State University and 20 years at Elko’s Great Basin College. She has many years of experience providing counseling in the areas of women’s issues, depression, anxiety, divorce, adjusting to/coping with disability and illness, grief and loss, and career issues.

Julie practices a humanistic/client centered and compassionate approach to counseling. She looks forward to providing community/mental health counseling and helping clients to overcome and adjust to the many challenges of life.

When Julie is not working, she enjoys spending time with her teenage daughter and her extended family.

Justus Mora

LMFT-Intern, Reno

Justus Mora

Justus obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology in 2014 from California State University, Bakersfield and went on to finish his Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2018. He has 2 years of experience working with a variety of clients from different age groups and has a range of experience in his therapy practice. He has worked with couples, families and individuals in therapy and has training working with individuals struggling with substance abuse and sexual health issues. Justus is passionate about helping people overcome the problems they encounter in life and guiding them to a healthier and more harmonious way of being.

Kimberly Brookman

LMFT, Clinical Director, Reno

Kimberly Brookman

Hometown
Lafayette, California.
Education
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.
Affiliations
AAMFT, NVMFT, and NAADAC.
Hiking, Skiing, Reading, Exercising, and Meditation.

Lauri Pipkin

Clinical Professional Counselor-Intern, Reno

Lauri Pipkin

Education:
B.S in Psychology from the University of Laverne
M.S in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University
Previous Employment:
I have worked as a direct care staff for Bokencamp, a residential treatment facility for
adolescents in Texas.

I have worked as cottage supervisor for Casa Pacifica, a residential treatment facility for
adolescents, in California.

I have provided mental health case management for Sunrise Services in Washington
State.
About:
I have been a military spouse for 21 years which has afforded me the opportunity to live in five
states and Europe . My husband and I have two children. We have just arrived to Reno following a
three year overseas tour. I love traveling, reading, and spending time with family.

Lindsay Millspaugh

LSW, CSW- Intern Las Vegas

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.

Lori Carroll

LMFT/CPC, Reno

Lori Carroll

Hometown
Coeur d’Alene, ID in Reno since 1989
Education
The College of William and Mary in Virginia; M.Ed. and Ed. S. in Professional Counseling
Fun Facts
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..

Lyudmila Feagans CPC-Intern

CPC-Intern, Las Vegas

Lyudmila Feagans CPC-Intern

Education
Master of Arts Degree in Counseling Psychology concentrating in Expressive Art Therapy from Prescott College, Arizona.
Affiliations
Member of the International Expressive Art Therapies and International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect.
Interests
Hiking, Beekeeping, Gardening, Cooking, and Natural Arts.

Marisa Torch

LMFT - Intern, Reno

Marisa Torch

Marisa Torch obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology in 2006 from the University of Nevada, Reno and moved to NYC in 2008 where she attended Columbia University and NYU for Post Baccalaureate Education. She was Program Coordinator for NYU Medical Center’s Pediatric Transport Program and worked in Administration for the Department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine as well as for Columbia Medical Center’s Department of Pediatrics in Research. She returned to Reno in 2015 and completed her Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2018.

Marleny Soriano

Marriage and Family Therapist - Intern, Reno

Marleny Soriano

Asking for help during a time where you may feel lost, unlike yourself, experiencing difficulties, coping with a loss, or needing someone to talk to is not easy. I understand being vulnerable and talking about the difficult things in your life takes a lot of strength and may be scary. My goal is to create a space where you can explore your feelings, thoughts, and experiences, freely as we work toward your goals.

I work with individuals, couples, and families using a family systems approach. I believe it is important to explore one’s relationships, both past, and present. Your relationships are essential as they have affected your life experiences and challenges. Therapy is a difficult process, and I commit to doing my best to help you during this personal journey towards creating a healthier and happier life.

Maura Alcazar

LSW, CSW-I, Las Vegas

Maura Alcazar

Maura is a licensed social worker (LSW) and Clinical Social Work- Intern (CSW-I) in Las Vegas, NV. She received a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in social work; both from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. As a licensed intern she provides tailored services to meet the unique needs of her clients. She works with children, young adults, and adults. Maura uses a range of evidence based interventions, and continuously seeks to gain skills and broaden her education. Post-graduate school, she had the opportunity to work as a school social worker and gain experience working with children and their parents.

Maura is a firm believer that change is possible if people are given the guidance they need for them to find their own strength. By helping the individual realize their potential they will be able to have a more peaceful and fulfilled life. Maura provides an environment where the individual can feel heard and feel support, and help them find hope.

Monica Kapoor

CPC Intern, Las Vegas

Monica Kapoor

As someone trying hard to balance life on the roller coaster of stress, pain, fear, sadness, trauma, grief and/or other, deeper, tender expressions of life’s experiences; I believe therapy can be really supportive and healing. Your searching for therapy in itself is a feat, that I sincerely respect. Because honestly, it takes courage and wisdom to do so. I believe in helping by first and foremost- understanding your experiences and issues from your perspective. My approach is to apply healthy, insightful, encouraging professional therapeutic interventions in order to help you achieve your goals. I like to work on wholesome healing- mind, body, spirit. Integrating therapy with various forms of mindfulness techniques like meditation, breathing exercises, art etc. is another way I like to work with clients.

For my self-care, I like to go for walks, paint, color, just be calm and quiet – one with nature. The best day to start is “TODAY”.

PROFESSIONAL INFO:

EDUCATION

M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling – Walden University (Graduated May 2020).

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP

(ACA) American Counseling Association- 09/2017 to 09/2020.

Chi Sigma Iota – 10/02/2018 to PRESENT.

(NAADAC) National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors- 06/2020 to 06/2021.

(SNAAP) Southern Nevada Association of Addiction Professionals- 06/2020 to 06/2021.

Licenses:

CPC- I CI2954

CADC-I 06611-I

Sandra Braun

LMFT, Las Vegas

Sandra Braun

Specialities
Treatment of PTSD and Adult Children Issues.
Previous Employment
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.
Experience
Has worked in the mental health field in four different states for over 35 years.
About
Married for 50 years with three adult children and two grandchildren. Devote Christian and participant in the Alcoholics Anonymous program.

Shannon Shreve

LMFT, Reno

Shannon Shreve

“EVERYONE NEEDS AND DESERVES TO HAVE A THERAPIST, it is vital that our primary support systems extend beyond family and spouses”. My therapeutic approach is supportive, encouraging, directive, and humorous. I see myself as an educator and a coach. I seek to help my client(s) feel safe and achieve quality of life by helping them increase their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health.

I believe in the process of therapy: building genuine rapport, creating safety, and exploring my client’s needs. Furthermore, helping my clients to create a rhythm to daily living, achieve their attainable life goals, helping them to heal from past traumas, increase their confidence, resolve conflict in relationships, and achieve overall happiness.

Qualifications

Years in Practice: 6 Years
School: University of Phoenix
Year Graduated: 2014
License and State: #2617 Nevada

Please reach out to me and learn to trust the process as I do.

Sierra Smith

CADC, LSW, CSW-Intern, Elko

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.