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Staff

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
Amanda Higgins

LMFT-Intern, Reno
Amanda Higgins
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.
Anthony Hemmert

LCSW-Intern, spanish speaking, Elko, NV
Anthony Hemmert
Education: Associates of Arts from Great Basin College in Elko, Nevada. Bachelors of Psychology and a Bachelors of Spanish from the University of Nevada, Reno. Masters of Social Work from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Home means Nevada to me. I was born, raised, and educated in the Silver state my children were born as 6th generation Nevadans. I am passionate about helping people and believe every one of us has a story worth listening to. I provide individual, couple, and family therapy as well as play and activity therapy for children and adolescents. Prior to working at Lifequest I worked as a job/life coach for teenagers and young adults, as an in-home caregiver to people with severe mental disorders, a hospice and elderly caregiver, in the clinical department of a foster care agency working with juvenile sex offenders, and as a forensic social work in the Clark County Public Defender’s office. I speak fluent Spanish having spent 2 years living in Argentina where I embraced a love for Latino culture and people. Me encanta conocer y ayudar a las personas cuales prefieren hablar en español. I love spending time with my beautiful wife and children, especially in the spectacular Lamoille Canyon.
Hometown: Winnemucca, NV
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.
Christy Childs

LMFT, Reno
Christy Childs
Education: Bachelor’s in Music Education. MA in Marriage, Family, Child TherapyHistory: Christy Childs, LMFT, is a licensed marriage and family therapist as well as a highly qualified music educator in the state of Nevada. Work History: A native of the Reno/Sparks area, her professional career took her to the Northern Nevada communities of Yerington, Winnemucca, Elko, and Hawthorne. She has been a director of bands, a general music teacher, adjudicator, and on the board of directors for music organizations in Reno and Sparks. In 2010, she completed her Master’s Degree in Marriage, Family, and Child therapy and began her clinical work in therapy at Rural Clinics in Winnemucca, where she was also a counselor and community group facilitator for several agencies including WDV, HGH, and 6^th Judicial Court. In 2014 she completed her clinical training and became fully licensed. She continued working for Rural Clinics in Elko and Hawthorne as a Mental Health Counselor. Personal Interests: She recently moved back to the Reno/Sparks area and is excited to be near family, friends, and Sierra hiking trails.
Daniel Norrbom

CPC-Intern, Las Vegas
Daniel Norrbom
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.
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.
Frankie Massa

LMFT, Reno
Frankie Massa
Frankie Massa is a Reno Native and has a Master’s in Marital, Couple, and Family Counseling/Therapy from the University of Nevada Reno. She is client-centered and strengths-based in her treatment style, focusing on helping people change and improve their lives. Integrating her foundation in systems theory with other orientations and techniques, Frankie customizes each client's treatment to be most effective. In addition to her career in counseling, Frankie works in the construction industry and enjoys spending time with her husband and children.
Gayna Rowe

CPC-Intern, Las Vegas
Gayna Rowe
Gayna’s home town is Altadena, California. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and a Masters of Art in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Her interests include reading, photography, cycling and traveling.
Gilberta, (Tuni), Theonnes

APRN, Elko
Gilberta, (Tuni), Theonnes
Jason Sadora

CPC-Intern, Las Vegas
Jason Sadora
Education: Masters of Arts in Clinical Professional Counseling; Masters of Science in Kinesiology and Applied Nutrition with an emphasis in Motor Learning.Work History:I have served eight years in the Unites States Army as a scout and computer networker and six years in Clark County School District as a special education teacher. I also have experience in working in different clinical settings related to physical and occupational therapy, along with experience in substance abuse therapy.Associations: American Counseling Association (present)Interests: Family, friends, fitness, and outdoors recreation.
JoAnn Baird

LMFT/CPC, Reno
JoAnn Baird
Education
Ed. D. in Systems Development and Adaptations from Boston University in 1980
Fun Facts
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.
Joy Quanrud Grimsley

LMFT-Intern, spanish speaking, Reno
Joy Quanrud Grimsley
Hometown
Reno, NV.
Education
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.
Skills
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.
Interest
Being with friends and family, skiing, motorcycle riding, hiking/trekking, bicycling, rollerblading, movies, oil painting, and experimenting in the kitchen.
Julie McLeary

LSW, CSW- Intern Las Vegas
Julie McLeary
Thank you for taking the time to read through my website. I am originally from the Northwest (Washington & British Columbia). I relocated to Las Vegas in 2006. I received an Associates in Early Childhood in 1995 & worked with children in various settings for almost 20 years. In 2016, I received a Bachelor’s in Psychology. In 2017, I received a Master’s in Social Work. The State of Nevada approved my Clinical Social Work Internship in 2018. I have worked in a variety of settings with youth who are experiencing emotional challenges and mental health disorders, including a psychiatric hospital, a therapeutic treatment home, and a day treatment program. My training and experience enables me to offer effective outpatient, individualized, psychological care. I am able to treat a number of mental health disorders, and provide a neutral ground to individuals, families, and couples. Most people have not heard about Clinical Social Workers and are surprised they can do therapy. Clinical Social Workers work from a holistic position, looking at the total person. For example, the biological, psychological, and social aspects of a persons life. Clinical Social Workers also have a strengths based perspective. I would love the opportunity to share with you how my Clinical Social Work perspective can assist you in your life’s journey.
Kimberly Brookman

LMFT, Clinical Director, Las Vegas
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.
Interest
Hiking, Skiing, Reading, Exercising, and Meditation.
Lisa Wilkenson

LCSW-Intern, Elko
Lisa Wilkenson
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.
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.
Mery Vargas-Mares

LMFT-Intern, spanish speaking, Reno
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.
Roanne Funk

LMFT, Reno
Roanne Funk
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.
Rowena Manibusan

LMFT-Intern, spanish speaking, Las Vegas
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.
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.