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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
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.
Elizabeth Sabo

LCPC-I, Elko
Elizabeth Sabo

Hello, my name is Elizabeth, and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor intern. I engage in clinically tested and evidence-based interventions as I walk alongside a variety of individuals to assist them in establishing the life story they want to live, by overcoming personal obstacles. I provide a warm, welcoming, non-judgmental therapeutic environment.

I am currently working on completing clinical hours for the state of Nevada. While acquiring my master’s degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University I have been working in the mental health and substance abuse field. Since 2017 I have worked with individuals with anxiety, mood disorders, substance abuse, grief, trauma, family and relationship issues, self-image and self-esteem.
Gilberta, (Tuni), Theonnes

APRN, Elko
Gilberta, (Tuni), Theonnes
Jeff Price

CSW-Intern, Elko
Jeff Price

Education

CADC, LSW, CSW-I, Bachelor of Science in Human Services from The University of Phoenix, Masters in Social Work Degree from The University of Nevada – Reno.

Specialties

Anger Management, Substance Dependence & Addiction, Personality Disorders

About

Working since 2013 in the field of Chemical and Behavioral Addiction has helped provided me with the opportunity to help clients overcome behavioral and habitual concerns related to addiction and associated emotional, legal, and behavioral issues. I work with all populations from age 14 and older in areas of Anger Management, Depression, Anxiety, Stress Management, Marriage & Family Concerns, Drug / Alcohol/ Behavioral Addiction, and Family Systems. I am trained in modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and others. I’m also a trained evaluator for Court Ordered Substance Dependence Assessments & Reports. Se Hablo Espanol.
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.
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.
Interest[/item
Lauren Ossler

CSW-Intern, Reno
Lauren Ossler

Lauren is a Licensed Social Worker (LMSW) and Clinical Social Work Intern (CSW-I) in Reno. She recieved a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with minors in Social and Economic Justice and Gender and Women’s Studies. Lauren acquired her Masters in Social Work from the University of Nevada, Reno. As a Licensed Intern she works to conduct assessments, and evidence based interventions and strategies to help meet her clients where they are. Lauren’s populations of interest include, but are not limited to children, adolescents, homeless youth and adults, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Lauren has worked previously as a Psychosocial Rehabilitation Worker where she helped children improve their social and emotional function. Lauren works with a trauma informed approach and hopes to one day become certified in EMDR. When Lauren is not working she enjoys spending time with her dogs, traveling, and working in her garden.
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.
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.
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

LCPC-I, LCADC-I
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.