LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR
CLINICAL TEAM
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MELISSA RAMIREZ, MD
Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist (Board-Certified)
TMS Provider
MeRT TMS Provider,
Ketamine Provider,
Spravato Provider
(Clinical Preceptor for Psychiatry Residents & Medical Students)
(Sees patients age 3-60)
(Fluent in English & Tagalog)
Dr. Ramirez is double board-certified in both Adult Psychiatry and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. She obtained her medical degree (M.D.) at The University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Philippines. She completed her residency and fellowship training at Maricopa Integrated Health System (MIHS) in Phoenix, Arizona. She has extensive experience in inpatient and outpatient care for children and adults; and she balances her time providing both inpatient and outpatient services. She is very committed to providing the best care possible to her patients centered on a "mind-body-wellness" philosophy. She is passionate about providing innovative solutions, such as TMS neuromodulation treatments, to her patients.
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In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends embracing her fundamental philosophy of wellness and work-life balance. Her personal passion is traveling and experiencing all the unique wonders and uniqueness that each place offers. As a world traveler, she embraces individuality and diversity, which resonates in her work passion to care for a diverse mixed population.
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KELLY HUFFAKER, PMHNP
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (Board-Certified)
TMS Provider,
MeRT TMS Provider,
Ketamine Provider,
Spravato Provider
(Clinical Preceptor for Psychiatry NP Students)
(Sees patients age 18-62)
(Fluent in English)
Kelly is a board-certified adult professional mental health nurse practitioner (psychiatric nurse practitioner) who practices a holistic approach to mental health intervention, including supplement options, minimizing prescription drug reliance, wellness-centered, spiritually grounded, and maximizing self-healing and self-value. After having worked with severely ill patients in the inpatient setting, she has found greater success and reward taking care of patients in the outpatient setting and using wellness as a core strategy in managing her patients' symptoms. She is passionate about providing innovative solutions for her patients.
WALDECK CHARLES, MD
Adult Psychiatrist (Board-Certified)
TMS Provider
MeRT TMS Provider,
Ketamine Provider,
Spravato Provider
(Sees patients age 12+)
(Fluent in English, Spanish & French)
Dr. Waldeck Charles is a trained Child & Adolescent, Adult psychiatrist. He was trained at Kings County/Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. He moved to Phoenix in 2005 and has worked as a Staff Psychiatrist in different locations in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area with groups like Value Options, Magellan, Partners in Recovery, Lifewell, Correctional Health Services, Promises of Scottsdale, etc. He is passionate about advanced psychiatric care, technology-based treatments, such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).
When not working, Dr. Charles enjoys family time and traveling.
BILL SBILIRIS, MD
Adult Psychiatrist (Board-Certified)
TMS Provider
(Sees patients age 12+)
(Fluent in English)
Available soon.
CEROLA CHARLES, MD ("Dr. Cerola")
Mental Health & Addiction Physician
TMS Provider
Spravato/Ketamine Provider
(Sees patients age 18+)
(Fluent in English)
Dr. Cerola Charles is an Alumnus of Howard University College of Medicine in Washington, D.C. She began her psychiatric training at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. In the summer of 2016, in the middle of her psychiatry training, she accepted a faculty position with the Department of Psychiatry as a physician for the University’s Addiction Research and Treatment Services (ARTS) clinics to pursue her passion in addiction medicine and clinical research. In this role, she evaluated, diagnosed and treated a diverse population of patients who were confronted with debilitating, chronic substance use disorders in the metropolitan Denver area. In June 2019, she made the moved back to Arizona to be closer to family. She is experienced in providing TMS therapy to patients with treatment resistant Major Depressive Disorder. Dr. Cerola is proud to be of service and care for others as they pursue their journey to wellness.
In her spare time, Dr. Cerola enjoys traveling, good food, and family time.
ALDRIN CHARLES, PA-C
Psychiatric Physician Assistant
(Sees patients age 18+)
(Fluent in English, Spanish & French)
Aldrin Charles is a Physician Assistant. He is passionate about helping his patients overcome their mental heath challenges. He has worked in healthcare as a clinician for over 30 years, including places like New York Presbyterian Hospital, Edinburg Children Hospital, and Mission Regional Medical Center to name a few. He applies a positive attitude and compassion to motivate others.
He finds strength through faith and his lovely family. During his leisure time, he enjoys bike riding, reading, and watching movies. He is also passionate about global health.
RACHAEL GREENSIDES, FNP, PMHNP
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (Board-Certified)
Family Nurse Practitioner (Board-Certified)
TMS Provider
MeRT TMS Provider
Ketamine Provider,
Spravato Provider
(Sees patients age 6-55)
(Fluent in English)
Rachael Greensides is double board-certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner. After completing her Master of Science at Grand Canyon University in 2014, she pursued her interest of primary care, which spanned 7+ years. During her time immersed in primary care and pediatrics, she saw a significant amount of individuals struggling with mental health challenges, while still dealing with lots of medical problems and comorbidity. Through that experience, She discovered her love and passion for mental health and the importance to helping individuals who struggle with it. Guided by that purpose to help, she returned to school to gain a higher level of expertise in psychiatry through a post-graduate certification in psychiatry. Rachael is passionate about working with children, the LGBTQIA community, and peri-partum and post-partum mothers. Outside of her work passion, Rachael enjoys her personal passion in gardening, caring for her little chickens, dance parties with her kids, all things nature, traveling, and "real" camping.
MIROSLAV (MIRO) ILIEFF, PMHNP
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (Board-Certified)
TMS Provider,
MeRT TMS Provider
Ketamine Provider,
Spravato Provider
(Clinical Preceptor for Psychiatry NP Students)
(Sees patients age 16+)
(Fluent in English)
Miroslav (Miro) completed his Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Grand Canyon University and earned his Master's Degree in Nursing from Walden University. Miroslav has extensive clinical experience working as a registered nurse in a mental health facility, where he found his passion for psychiatry.
As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, Miro brings an easy-going communication style, making it easy for him to talk to patients and family members. His vision is to promote health and well-being through holistic, patient-centered care. He will be attentive to your specific concerns and work together to develop a treatment plan that balances your physical and mental health.
In his free time, he loves traveling with his wife, fishing, camping, and hiking.
TIFFANY JORDAN, PMHNP
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (Board-Certified)
TMS Provider,
MeRT TMS Provider
Ketamine Provider,
Spravato Provider
(Clinical Preceptor for Psychiatry NP Students)
(Sees patients age 16+)
(Fluent in English)
Tiffany received her Master’s degree in nursing from The Ohio State University (Go Buckeyes)! She has 14+ years of experience as a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner taking care of Serious Mental Illness (SMI) and general mental health patients. She is particularly passionate about working with patients who have experienced trauma, especially given her background and extensive experience working with veterans and first responders.
Tiffany believes in a holistic treatment approach and often incorporates brief psychotherapy and integrated medicine into traditional psychiatric visits. It is imperative that patients are not passive recipients of treatment but rather active partners in the pursuit of their wellness.
Outside of work Tiffany enjoys being busy with her friends and family as well as hiking, rollerblading, reading and enjoying good food.
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LAURA PORTER, PMHNP
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (Board-Certified)
TMS Provider,
MeRT TMS Provider
Ketamine Provider,
Spravato Provider
(Sees patients age 5+)
(Fluent in English)
Laura received her Bachelor's of Science in Nursing and her Master’s in Nursing Education from Grand Canyon University. She completed her Post Master’s Certification for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from Regis College. She has 15+ years of experience working in critical care and psychiatry working with a range of age groups from children to geriatrics, as well as, training and educating other nurses as an advanced-level educator. Through Laura vast experience it became evident to her that her passion is in psychiatry, especially from seeing so many individuals with severe medical issues also struggle with psychiatry issues. Being a member of the critical care team during the COVID pandemic has put into perspective a higher need and importance of mental health. Her drive to help individuals and her passion for mental health motivated her to focus her patient care to be entirely mental health. With that, Laura takes a patient-centered approach to mental health while embracing individuality and diversity.
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Outside of work Laura enjoys spending time with her family and being outdoors as much as possible. She loves animals, movies and hanging out with friends.
MICHAEL ZADAKIS, PMHNP
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (Board-Certified)
TMS Provider,
MeRT TMS Provider
Ketamine Provider,
Spravato Provider
(Sees patients age 12+)
(Fluent in English)
Michael Zadakis is a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner who specializes in treating individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and other mental health disorders. He has over 24 years of experience in healthcare and has worked in a wide array of settings taking care of geriatrics, adults, and pediatric patients. Through this experience, he has developed a compassion for wanting to help and treat individuals with mental health concerns. He believes the best possible outcomes can be provided through a variety of different treatment options tailored to each individual including medication management with components of cognitive-behavioral and supportive therapy. He believes that developing a strong therapeutic relationship with his clients and working together as a team is the best way to maximize outcomes.
In his spare time, Michael enjoys spending his time with family and rooting for local sports teams. He also enjoys being a foodie and traveling the world and being exposed to different cultures.
CASEY BLONDE, DNP, PMHNP
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (Board-Certified)
TMS Provider,
MeRT TMS Provider
Ketamine Provider,
Spravato Provider
(Sees patients age 8+)
(Fluent in English)
Casey (he/him/his) completed his Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Grand Canyon University and his Doctor of Nursing degree at The University of Arizona. Starting his career in New York City, Casey has over 16 years of nursing experience, including extensive involvement in emergency medicine, trauma medicine, critical care, and psychiatry. Working as a trauma nurse in the emergency department for over 10 years, Casey discovered his passion for the mental well-being of the critically injured patients he cared for.
Casey believes in mental health care that is tailored to each and every individual he sees using humor where appropriate and genuine compassion and empathy at all times. He utilizes a relaxed, conversational approach when meeting with clients and families, with the goal of easing the potential discomfort of discussing mental health concerns. Casey is impassioned to working with vulnerable communities, with specialized training and experience in delivering affirming care to the LGBTQ+ community. He believes that mental health care should be a safe space for all populations.
Casey resides in Gilbert with his wife, 2 small children, and 2 cats. Outside of work he enjoys movies, cooking (grilling), and sushi!
LEANN BAUERNFEIND, PMHNP
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (Board-Certified)
TMS Provider,
MeRT TMS Provider
Ketamine Provider,
Spravato Provider
(Sees patients age 8+)
(Fluent in English)
LeAnn Bauernfeind is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner who has over 14 years of critical care experience and specializes in treating individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and other mental health disorders. She has experience in multiple areas in healthcare and has worked in a wide array of settings taking care of critically ill patients. Because of her experience, she has developed a compassion for wanting to help and treat individuals with mental health concerns. She believes everyone has the right to high-quality medical care and should have full participation in their medical and psychological treatments.
In her spare time, LeAnn enjoys spending time with family, hiking, baking, and traveling. She also enjoys reading and home improvement projects.
CAROL MELIM, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Trauma Therapist
EMDR Certified
Trained in Reprocessing Early Trauma & Neglect in Implicit Memory
Recent Traumatic Episode Protocol (R-TEP)
TMS Certified
(Clinical Supervisor for Therapist)
(Sees patients age 4-64)
(Fluent in English)
Carol graduated from ASU in May 2008 with her Masters in Social Work. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker through Arizona Board of Behavioral Health. She specializes in working with children, teens, adults, and families who have challenges with ADHD, adoption, anxiety, depression, loss and grief, mood disorder, oppositional defiance, trauma, and victims of abuse and neglect. She is EMDR Certified with EMDRIA to help children, teens, and adults process trauma. She has completed additional EMDR training to work with reprocessing early trauma and neglect in implicit memory and Recent Traumatic Episode Protocol (R-TEP) and Group Traumatic Episode Protocol (G-TEP).
Carol has a strong passion towards helping adopted or fostered children. She has personally provided therapeutic foster care and respite for many children who were adopted from overseas and here in the United States for 7 years in Arizona. She understands their need for control and helps them heal and find the joy in living with a family. Given her passion and experience, she has been very effective in helping and assisting many children, teens, and adults that were adopted later in life from foreign countries or have come through the foster care system.
ROCHELLE AGUILA, LMFT
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
Trauma Therapist
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (A.R.T.) Trained
TMS Certified
(Clinical Supervisor for Therapist)
(Sees patients age 14-64)
(Fluent in English & Tagalog)
Rochelle is our Licensed Marriage and Family therapist. She received her Master of Science in Family and Human Development from Arizona State University. Rochelle believes in using a holistic approach in therapy and utilizes strength based approaches and modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy, family systems theory, solution-focused brief therapy, and brief strategic therapy. She is dedicated to helping individuals cope and heal from traumatic experiences, establish healthy relationships, and develop effective coping skills. She also specializes in assisting couples and families in improving the quality and satisfaction of their relationships. What makes Rochelle special is her passion and dedication towards helping others learn the importance of self care and belief in oneself.
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ESTEFANA JOHNSON, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Trauma Therapist
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (A.R.T.) Certified
Critical Memory Integration (CMI) Trained
(Sees patients age 18+)
(Fluent in English & Spanish)
Estefana is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and trauma therapist. She started her career in mental health in 2001 as a Behavioral Health Technician. Since then, she has worked in various roles and settings including residential treatment with at-risk youth and medical social work. Her professional experiences in community mental health, along with personal cultural challenges as a first-generation child of immigrants, have shaped her understanding of and connection with people and continues to influence her therapeutic approach.
Estefana has developed a strong clinical background working with various mental health issues including PTSD, sexual trauma, anxiety disorders, conduct disorder, addiction, sexual behavior problems, and life transitions. In 2016, she became Arizona’s first trained Accelerated Resolution Therapy (A.R.T.) practitioner, and later become a national spokesperson of A.R.T. providing national training to other therapists, psychologists, practitioners, and psychiatrists. She is currently working on developing a new therapeutic modality to treat complex trauma.
She is passionate about foster and adoptive children and serves as lead volunteer, Board Member, and Clinical Director for ASA Now, a non-profit organization, that provides assistance, support, and advocacy for foster and adoptive children and their families.
She is fluent in both English and Spanish.
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AMALA JOHN, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
(Sees patients age 18+)
(Fluent in English & Hindi)
Amala graduated from India with a Masters degree in Social work in 2002. She is a highly skilled and compassionate mental health therapist with over 13 years of experience, working with individuals in crisis and/or with suicidal ideation. Amala is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and specialized in helping clients struggling with depression/anxiety disorders, addiction, anger management, behavioral issues,ADHD, bipolar disorder, codependency, lack of coping skills, relationship issues , self-esteem and self-harm issues.
Given her professional experience, she has assisted those suffering from mental health challenge in both India and the U.S. With a deep understanding of human behavior and a passion for making a positive impact, she is dedicated to empowering her clients to achieve meaningful and lasting change.
If you are seeking a compassionate and experienced therapist committed to guiding you towards positive change, Amala is ready to support you on your journey toward a happier, healthier, and more meaningful life. She provides counseling to patients 18 years old and older.
In her spare time, Amala enjoys spending quality time with family. She is very passionate about cooking, gardening, and sewing. She is also an unapologetic dog lover, especially when it comes to her pure bread Havanese, Mocha.
KENDRA LINCK, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Trauma Therapist
EMDR Trained
TMS Certified
(Clinical Supervisor for Therapist)
(Sees patients age 16-65)
(Fluent in English)
Kendra received a BA from University of Oregon and a Masters Degree in Counseling from University of Phoenix. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and is EMDR trained to help clients work through past trauma experiences. She is committed to providing her clients with a supportive and compassionate therapeutic relationship to facilitate healing and growth. She empowers clients to develop insight, confidence, and trust in themselves, moving forward with solutions for positive change. She specializes in trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship concerns & divorce, codependency, substance abuse/addiction, life transitions, and women’s issues.
Kendra works with individuals ages 16 to adult to process traumas, lessen anxiety, and overcome limiting beliefs and behaviors. She has a special passion working with older adolescents and young adults who are experiencing difficulty with the transition into adult levels of independence and responsibility.
In her free time, Kendra enjoys spending time with her husband, playing tennis, and practicing yoga.
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EMILY MEYERS, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Trauma Therapist
EMDR Trained
(Sees patients age 3-12 & 18+)
(Fluent in English)
Emily is a Licensed Professional Counselor through the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health and obtained her Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Phoenix. Emily has additionally attended the Harris Institute where she received infant/family clinical practice certification. Emily has experience working with children, teens, and adults who have difficulties with anxiety, mood disorders, ADHD, trauma, and are victims of abuse and neglect. Emily takes a person-centered approach to therapy and has a passion for assisting children, youth, and families with tapping into their strengths to create meaningful change in their lives. Emily additionally utilizes a relationship-based approach in her work with individuals and families, and strongly believes in the healing power of relationships.
JESSICA SHOFF, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker​
Trauma Therapist
EMDR Trained
TMS Certified
(Clinical Supervisor for Therapist)
(Sees patients age 12-40)
(Fluent in English)
Jessica specialties in individual, group, and family therapy with clients ages 12 and up. As a therapist, Jessica emphasizes belief in family systems and treating the whole person while fostering a supportive therapeutic relationship to help aid client's exploration of their own inner potential, drive, and abilities to overcome and adapt to life's challenges.
Jessica received a B.S. in Psychology and a M.S in Social Work from Arizona State University. She is currently accredited with the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health and is a member of the National Association of Social Work.
With diverse experience working with adolescents and adults from wilderness, intensive outpatient, acute, and residential settings, Jessica utilizes multi-modal techniques to target maladaptive behaviors and thought processes to address depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, self-harm, trauma, substance abuse and improving family relationships to reduce conflict and overcome communication barriers. Some of the therapeutic approach she uses includes ACT, CBT, DBT, IFS, and EMDR.
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In her past time, she enjoys spending quality time with your family, as well as, the outdoors.
NANCY TINGER, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
(Sees patients age 12+)
(Fluent in English)
Nancy Tinger has been a mental health counselor for over 31 years. She practices in accordance to excellent ethics, multicultural awareness, professionalism and unbiased provision of mental health services. Her diverse upbringing in New York City, and professional experiences have contributed to her broad understanding and respect for all cultures, races, and ethnicities.
Nancy has proved to be successful with helping patients strive for realistic goals, explore alternatives and gain a more comprehensive understanding of themselves, relationships and stressful life situations. She values and promotes an integrative health approach by collaborating with other healthcare providers when needed. She works with each patient on developing a trusting counseling relationship and implementing the most affective therapeutic strategies.
Since graduating from Marywood University in Scranton, Pennsylvania with a Master of Arts in Counseling in 1990, she has counseled numerous patients and their families from many parts of the East Valley, Phoenix, Scottsdale, and beyond. Most recently, she arrived at Lighthouse from District Medical Group at Desert Horizon Integrated Health in Mesa.
Nancy is certified in clinical trauma, motivational interviewing, and cognitive behavioral therapy. She is experienced and trained in advanced dialectical techniques. She provides counseling for patients 12 years old and older.
In her spare time, she enjoys bicycling, cooking, hiking, nature walks, photography, reading, and spending time with loved ones. Her favorite walking partner is her miniature poodle, Abigail.
STEPHANIE R. ERICKSON, LMSW
Licensed Master Social Worker
Trauma Therapist
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (A.R.T.) Trained
EMDR Trained
(Sees patients age 6+)
(Fluent in English)
Stephanie is a Licensed Master Social Worker through the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health. She obtained her Bachelors in Social Work with a minor in Family and Human Studies in 2009 and her masters in Social Work in 2011. Stephanie has a passion working with individuals and families experiencing grief and trauma, which she developed working many years in a hospital setting providing acute support and guidance to many individuals in the ED. Stephanie anchors her therapeutic approach in individualized care by looking at the person where they are and the multiple influences imposed on the individual.
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In her past time, she enjoys spending time with her family, enjoying nature, and the outdoors. Most importantly, she enjoys people and learning about different lives and the uniqueness that each person shares.
CATHLEEN JARVIS, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Trauma Therapist
(Sees patients age 5+)
(Fluent in English)
Available soon...
ANDREW MCGREVY, LMSW
Licensed Master Social Worker
(Sees patient age 5+)
(Fluent in English & French)
Andrew is of Polynesian-descent and bi-lingual, fluent in English and French. He is a Licensed Master Social Worker who graduated from ASU. He has had a lot of experiences in multiple health care settings, including Banner Health. His therapeutic approach uses family systems as a grounding structure and that an individual has the capacity and ability to overcome any life challenges. To heal, the individual must first be able to identify and acknowledge what he/she is struggling with, accept their strength and vulnerability, and then discover the courage to find a healthy solution to move forward. One of his favorite saying is “don't be too concern with what was and what will be…. Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift. That is why it is called the present”, from Kung Fu Panda. Given his past training in martial arts, Andrew uses the same mindfulness to help his client discover their own personal strength and journey towards a healthy mindset. He loves helping individuals and families find empowerment and build mental skills to gain control of their life and challenges. Andrew's motto on healing is repeated practice helps individuals become the better version of themselves through thoughtfulness and intentional mindfulness.
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On his spare time, Andrew enjoy spending quality time with his family in the outdoors going hiking, fishing, and anything involving nature. In addition, he enjoys dancing, singing, and exercise.
RIAN REED, LAC
Licensed Associate Counselor
(Sees patient age 5+)
(Fluent in English)
Rian graduated from Grand Canyon University (GCU) with her Bachelor’s in Psychology, then was awarded her Master's in Clinical Mental Health and School Counseling from Adams State University (ASU). Her passion is to help children and youth to discover who they are and facilitate growth through self-awareness. Rian works with clients to identify different ways to handle current triggers and how to utilize their strengths and skills to manage stressors in the future. She values having a supportive therapeutic relationship to help guide clients to discover their potential and strengths while implementing a growth mindset in their daily lives.
In Rian’s free time, she enjoys reading, hiking, exercising, and spending time with friends and family.
SHELBI MOELLER, LMSW
Licensed Master Social Worker
Trauma Therapist
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (A.R.T.) Trained
(Sees patient age 5+)
(Fluent in English)
Shelbi graduated from Northern Arizona University (NAU) with her Bachelor in Social Work, then was awarded her Master in Social Work from Arizona State University (ASU). Her therapeutic philosophy revolves around a holistic approach to address the whole person: spiritual, physical, mental and emotional well-being. She uses positive psychology to help each person identify their strengths and implement a growth mindset into their daily lives. Some of the therapeutic technique she adopts include Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) to help clients replace their thinking errors with positive coping tools. In addition, Shelbi is also trauma-trained, using Accelerated Resolution Therapy (A.R.T.) to help clients address past trauma and resolve any lasting pain they may be experiencing. She works with both adolescents and adults.
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In her free time, she enjoys reading, movies, the outdoors, and as much spare time she can spend with family and friends.
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KAREN MCINTOSH, LMSW
Licensed Master Social Worker
(Sees patient age 5+)
(Fluent in English)
Karen is a Licensed Master Social Worker with a lot of experience working in crisis management and working in an inpatient setting with adolescents and adults. She specializes in anxiety and depression management from a person-centered model focusing on strengths to empower individuals to make their own decisions and feel good about it. Karen uses mindfulness to help individuals attain perspective and center themselves to gain power in their emotions.
A quote that she lives by is “There are only two days in the year that nothing can be done. One is called yesterday and the other is called tomorrow, so today is the right day to love, believe, do and mostly live” by Dalai Lama.
In her free time, she enjoys life and all that it encompasses, the outdoors, including hiking and mountain biking.
DREW GIBBONS, LAC
Licensed Associate Counselor
(Sees patient age 12+)
(Fluent in English)
Drew is native to the East Valley. He has been in the caring professions for over 15 years with experience in community mental health clinics, psychiatric group/foster homes, education, and church settings. In addition to his Master's Degree from GCU and being licensed to practice therapy with the state of Arizona, he is an ordained pastor. He is experienced working with families and couples and has extensive training in the Gottman Method including both Level 1 and Level 2.
He is a practitioner of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and is a proponent of positive psychology with a strength-needs based approach. Drew works with clients ages 12 and up. He is married to his best friend, who is a special education teacher, and they have a son in high school. While Drew loves resources and has binders and digital archives of mental health tools to prove it; his main passion is to help guide clients to become self-sufficient on their own mental health journeys. Drew brings several emphases in his treatment style to the Lighthouse team by being a provider that can help with school behavior/parenting dynamics, teen/young-adult life stage issues, men’s issues, and/or for clients who identify as Christian and desire their spirituality to be included in their holistic mental health treatment.
In his free time, Drew enjoys mentoring teens as a local youth pastor, guerrilla gardening, playing guitar with his wife and video games with his son, wearing out his Kindle, writing his next book, and commuter bicycling. He aspires to live up to the generous comparisons his past clients have likened him to Ted Lasso, Olaf, Johnny Karate, and the smiling-emoji-brought-to-life.
AUSTIN BURNS, BS
Therapist-in-Training
Master Social Worker - Candidate
(Sees patient age 5+)
(Fluent in English)
Austin currently enrolled in Walden University, working on earning his Master of Social work degree. He earned his bachelor's degree in social work from Northern Arizona University. He is passionate about mental health and dedicated to helping individuals thrive through a process of self-discovery and self-awareness. With a solid academic background in Psychology, he brings a strong foundation and commitment to evidence-based practices. His therapeutic approach is to improve the individual's well-being using a variety of therapeutic techniques, including but not limited to, interpersonal communication, mindfulness, self-awareness, emotional regulation, and multidisciplinary collaboration skills. Equipped with a deep understanding of mental health and a desire to guide individuals toward optimal wellness, he is eager to make a positive impact to his clients.
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In addition to being a full-time student, he has been working at a TMS technician since 2017.
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During his spare time, he enjoys hiking, reading, and exploring new adventures.