by srichards | Dec 8, 2025 | Latest News and Trends
Several years ago, I listened to a presenter at a youth leader’s conference discuss the transforming pair of words that profoundly altered his attitude and approach to teenagers. Generally speaking, many adults approach teenagers in the context of their complaints of...
by srichards | Dec 5, 2025 | Depression, Latest News and Trends
Depression is a common but serious mental health condition that not only affects mood, but also energy, motivation, and daily functioning. Depression can range from mild to severe and may occur due to a mix of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological...
by srichards | Dec 4, 2025 | Holidays, Latest News and Trends
Christmas is meant to celebrate the birth of Christ by bringing joy, connection, and family together. However, many people find it overwhelming and stressful sapping all the joy and meaning from the season. Here are some solutions to the top three stressors that can...Katrina Johnson joins Spence Counseling Center as a counseling intern while completing her practicum from January to August 2026. Before pursuing counseling, Katrina worked in nursing, where her experiences—and eventual burnout—sparked a desire for a new career focused on emotional care, healing, and meaningful connection.
Katrina has been married for 22 years, and she and her husband, whom she met at NCC, are active members of Fellowship of Faith in Oakland. Her faith and life experiences shape the grounded, compassionate presence she brings to her work with clients.
Katrina chose Spence Counseling Center because she wanted to learn in an environment surrounded by good people, strong mentors, and a team whose values align with her own. She looks forward to growing as a clinician and contributing to a mission-driven counseling practice.
Known for her reliability, willingness to help others, and steady support, Katrina approaches her practicum with humility, curiosity, and a desire to serve. She is still confirming the total practicum hours required for her program but is committed to meeting all expectations with excellence.
Marc Montanye will graduate with his Master of Arts in Counseling from Crown College (MN) in December 2026. With a heart for individuals, marriages, and families, Marc is especially drawn to working with troubled marriages, family conflict, grief, and trauma.
Since 2013, Marc has served as an Ordained Pastor at Christ Community Church, where he has taught, counseled, and led marriage and pastoral care ministries. His years of walking alongside people through pain, healing, and reconciliation have shaped the compassionate, faith-centered approach he brings to counseling.
Marc is trained in Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Prepare/Enrich, and is a Certified Mediator, allowing him to support couples and families with practical tools, structured guidance, and deep empathy.
Outside of his work in ministry and counseling, Marc finds joy in time spent with his and his wife’s children, daughters-in-law, and twelve grandchildren. He is also an avid woodworker and enjoys creating furniture and reclaimed wood artwork in his shop.
For more than two decades, Melissa Good has worked in business administration and healthcare support, bringing kindness, dependability, and excellent customer service to every role she takes on. She graduated from South High School in 1989 and later attended Cook County Community College, where she strengthened the skills that would guide her career in medical offices, urgent care, ophthalmology, and optometry.
Melissa has served as a supervisor, registrar, and receptionist/administrative assistant, giving her firsthand experience with patient care, scheduling, office coordination, and the small details that help a clinic run smoothly. Her interest in psychology began in high school, and she is excited to support a team that helps individuals and families through meaningful, life-changing work.
What motivates Melissa most is the opportunity to contribute to Spence Counseling Center’s mission—to be part of a place where people feel cared for from the moment they walk in the door.
When she’s not working, Melissa enjoys collecting antiques, reading a good book, taking walks, and cooking for the people she loves.
For nearly a decade, Sue Shields has been walking with individuals as they face life’s hardest moments and rediscover their strength. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science and Master of Science in Clinical Counseling, and works primarily with clients ages 16 and up who are navigating anxiety, depression, anger, emotional struggles, low self-esteem, stress, and major life transitions.
Sue’s therapeutic style blends Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with trauma-informed care, empowering clients to understand their thought patterns, regulate difficult emotions, and pursue real, lasting change. She believes in meeting clients where they are—with honesty, compassion, and practical tools they can use every day.
As a Christian, Sue welcomes clients who want to incorporate faith into their healing process and provides a safe space to explore both emotional and spiritual concerns. For those who prefer a non-faith-based approach, Sue offers the same level of care, empathy, and respect.
In her personal life, Sue finds joy in creative hobbies such as reading, scrapbooking, diamond art, and card-making. She treasures time with family—especially “Sunday dinners” and moments with her energetic 7-year-old grandson.
Sue is passionate about this work because she loves seeing people discover their resilience and recognize that they are capable of more healing, growth, and hope than they ever imagined.
Omaha, LIMHP, LPC, INHC, Integrative Nutrition
Julie Ullrich brings 14+ years of experience to her work, with a strong educational background from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, Wayne State College, and the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York, where she earned a one-year certificate. She specializes in supporting individuals through challenges such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, nutrition, women’s issues, marriage, divorce, and caretaker support. Outside of her work, Julie enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, reading, gardening, outdoor activities, and engaging in competitive games of all kinds. Her passion for this career is deeply rooted in her faith—she believes God has given her a natural desire to help others problem-solve through the trials and tribulations of life. Julie’s greatest joy is seeing people grow in their faith as they navigate life’s experiences.
Omaha Intern
Whitney will graduate from the University of Nebraska in Omaha in December 2025 with a Masters in Social Work. She is interested in helping people with grief, trauma, chronic illness, and challenges in dating and relationships. She also wants to support those affected by alcoholism, drug abuse, dementia, and aging. As a mental health therapist, it will allow her to pursue her mission of guiding people through their personal journeys. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, traveling, spending time with her husband and family, and values being outdoors, which helps her stay balanced and energized.
Administrative & Billing Assistant
Angela has over 20 years of office experience dealing with insurance rules & regulations, front office medical reception, and coordination with kindness and compassion. She feels an administrative assistant is the backbone to an organization by supporting and giving structure to the team. She is passionate about helping others and has a multi-tasking mindset and feels this career path was definitely God’s calling for her. She enjoys being part of a Bible study and reading scripture. She also enjoys garage sales and thrifting, grilling outside, and spending time with her kids. Her favorite Bible verse is Amos 5:8.
Administrative & Billing Assistant
Peggy comes to Spence Counseling with over many years of office experience. She has degrees in fashion design and public health education. She enjoys being part of a team to help the office run well. In her free time, she loves baking, doing puzzles, take walks, travel with her husband, and has 3 grandchildren. Peggy’s favorite Bible verse is Isaiah 40.31.
Kansas Intern
Kelly received her bachelor’s in Occupational Therapy from Kansas University and is pursuing her degree in Professional Counseling through MidAmerica Nazarene University. Kelly loves helping people, especially individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, loss, and trauma. She utilizes a holistic approach, backed by evidence-based practices. In her free time, Kelly is a tennis enthusiast, enjoys the fine arts, and pursuing contextual Biblical perspectives.
MA, LMLP
Patty graduated from St. Mary College with a degree in Business Administration. She then made a career change from a career in Human Resources to counseling to better serve others. Patty earned her master’s in Counseling Psychology from the University of St. Mary in Leavenworth, Kansas in 2008. Her work experience in the mental health field has been in both inpatient and outpatient services working with individuals that struggle with depression, anxiety, and trauma/PTSD. Patty is also an EMDR therapist. Patty enjoys helping clients discover their strengths and find hope in Christ. In her free time, Patty enjoys spending time with her husband, walking their dog, reading, knitting, and crocheting.
MA, PLMHP
Synetta earned her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Bellevue University. She has experience working with individuals who are struggling with depression, anxiety, bipolar, and trauma. She is passionate about helping others identify and develop their God-given purpose in life. In her free time she enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends.
DNP
Dr Sena comes to Spence Counseling with over 25 years of experience in medicine and nursing. He graduated from the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) and is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Dr Sena uses an evidence-based approach to assess, diagnose, manage, and educate all patients from age five and older in psychiatric mental health and those with severe mental illness. Psychiatric areas of expertise include Major Depressive Disorder (Depression); Anxiety, Bipolar 1 and 2; Schizophrenia; Schizoaffective Disorder; ADHD assessment for children, teenagers, and adults; Post Traumatic Stress Disorder; Sleep Disorders. Dr. Sena loves helping people with a holistic approach to providing patient-centered care to all in the context of evidence-based practices and health promotion. In his free time he likes meditation to fellowship with God. He likes to travel, have family time, and cook with his wife.
MA, LIMHP
Andrew has 30 years of experience in the human services field working in corrections, private practice, and community mental health. He earned his master’s degree in professional counseling from Colorado Christian University in 2001. Prior to that, he worked as a corrections counselor in the MA Department of Corrections. He has been trained in several counseling modalities that he integrates consistently into his practice with clients. He also has a wealth of life experience that some say is the best education of all. He is trained in Gottman Level I and II where he provides invaluable marriage and couples counseling. He is also trained in EMDR, a trauma-based modality for those who struggle with the impacts of posttraumatic stress and other trauma-related symptoms. He has extensive experience working with individuals struggling with depression and anxiety, anger management, and other common mental health concerns. In his free time, he enjoys camping and hiking, photography, and spending time birdwatching. He also loves spending time with his wife and four children laughing, hanging out, and enjoying BBQ.
MA, PLMHP, PLADC
Phillip followed God’s calling to counseling, earning a master’s degree from Crown College with dual licensure in mental health and addiction counseling. He received his provisional license in Nebraska in September 2025. He is passionate about helping people overcome challenges such as substance use, anxiety, depression, marriage, and family struggles, he works to foster healing and growth. In his free time, he enjoys reading presidential biographies, cooking, and spending time outdoors with his wife, children, stepchildren, and grandchildren in their blended family of six.
Office Manager
Kim comes to Spence with over 35 years of administrative experience. She helps with greeting clients, taking payments, and running various reports. She is a great asset to the Spence family. In her free time, she enjoys walks, reading, playing with her pets, and spending time with her grandbabies.
PLADC, PLMHP – Omaha
Andrea pursued counseling because she wants to help those who are struggling to conquer life’s obstacles. Andrea is currently finishing her masters of counseling from Crown College and will start her internship with Spence in Jan 2024. In her free time, she enjoys playing instruments and can play 13 different instruments. She also enjoys walking her dog and playing with her two cats. She will watch independent guards and percussions along with marching bands in the fall and winter. In the colder months she enjoys watching movies snuggled in with her pets.
LMHP
Bob earned his Master’s in Community Counseling from the University of Portland (Oregon) in 1996. Bob has served as a Youth Director in churches since 1988 and genuinely enjoys teenagers and their families. As a therapist he has historically worked with individuals addressing chemical dependency, marriage and family issues, depression, anxiety, grief, and vocational transition. He has been joyfully married to his wife since 1989 and they have three adult children with their own families. Bob enjoys woodworking, home remodeling, bicycling, reading, singing, playing guitar, and goofing off with the family’s three dogs and two horses! Bob’s mission is to encourage individuals to discover their unique design in God’s creation and experiencing the freedom for which Jesus died and rose again for them.
Administrative Assistant – Kansas Location
Rhonda comes to Spence with over 30 years of office experience. She works in our Kansas location helping the therapists with billing, insurance, and administrative duties. She enjoys being part of a team to help the office run smoothly and successfully. In her free time, she loves to travel with her husband, spend time with family, play with her grandchildren, and go for long walks.
Certified Therapy Dog, Good Girl
Eva pursued counseling because she loves helping people and being there for her clients. She is fully certified as a therapy dog with her mom/handler Danielle. In her free time, she enjoys sticks, long walks, napping, and meeting new friends.
MC, LIMHP, LPC
Linda received her Bachelors in Behavioral Science from Bellevue University and received her degree from Crown College for her Masters in Clinical Counseling. She interned at Spence Counseling Center and then was hired on to continue her work. In her free time she enjoys gardening, crafts, and soap making.
MS, PLMHP, PLCSW
Amy comes to Spence with 16 years of social work experience. She gained her Masters in Social Work from the University of Missouri at Kansas. Amy loves providing a safe space for clients to talk. She wants people to know it’s okay to not be okay. She loves helping people work on themselves daily to create a positive outlook for their future. In her free time,she enjoys road trips, crafting, walking, cooking, and being with family.
MA, LMSW
Ryan earned his Master of Social Work degree from The University of Kansas and Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Kansas State University. His work experience in the mental health field has been in both inpatient and outpatient services and with individuals that struggle with anxiety/panic attacks and trauma/PTSD. He chose his path in counseling because it gives him the opportunity to serve God and others alike. Ryan is married with his two wonderful children. In his off time, he enjoys being a dad, spending time with his family and friends, following the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals, and barbecuing.
MS, LIMHP, LPC, LMHC
Melissa earned her Master’s in Community Counseling from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 2003. She is a licensed therapist in Nebraska and has been with Spence Counseling since 2021. As a former homeschool mom, she understands the struggles of parenting and family dynamics. Melissa sees clients of all ages and has experience with grief, autism, behavior disorders, depression, anxiety, anger, and trauma. She enjoys helping clients discover their strengths and find hope through Christ. In her free time, she enjoys being involved with Boys Scouts and creating things with her hands – knitting, crocheting, needlework, etc.
Executive Administrative Assistant, CNC
Laura has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Grace University, an Associates in Communication, and is currently getting her Masters degree in Applied Nutrition Science. She hopes to blend nutrition and psychology to help those with disordered eating patterns. Laura grew up in the Omaha area and has worked with a diverse group of people in many different business settings. She has been at Spence Counseling since 2017 and loves interacting with the clients, therapists, and staff. Laura has extensive experience with administrative tasks including scheduling, billing, training, and correspondence. She also enjoys writing handouts and blogs for Spence Counseling as well as posting on Spence’s Social Media accounts. In her free time, Laura coaches high school cheerleading and loves fishing at the lake or traveling with her husband and 3 girls.
MSW, LIMHP, CMSW, LICSW
Regina graduated from Wayne State College with degree in Elementary Education. She then made a career change from teaching to social work to be able to better serve others and graduated from UNO with a Masters in Social Work. She has worked with adults and the elderly for the past 30 years in the community, nursing homes, and hospice. She specializes in treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, and grief and loss. She believes in serving others with the assistance & presence of the Holy Spirit and gets excited when a person experiences the “light bulb” moment when something is figured out and resolution is made. Regina also became a Deaconess. In her free time, she enjoys playing music, quilting, church activities, and being with friends and family.
Executive Director, MA, LIMHP, LMHC, LPC, CDGC
Chuck earned his Master’s degree in Counseling from Western Seminary in Portland, OR in 1997. He is a licensed therapist in both Nebraska and Iowa. He joined his father at Spence Counseling Center in 1999, and since 2010 has overseen the operation as Executive Director. His counseling experience expands over 20 years and involves meeting with men and women of all ages in the areas of marriage, family, depression, anxiety and addictions. Currently, he spends most of his time observing the growth of the individual therapist and the counseling center as a whole. Chuck has a passion for writing, public speaking, and mentoring new therapists, but none greater than helping people find genuine healing by solving issues at the core. Chuck is married to his wife, Rhonda and together they have two great kids, Karyna and Joel.
Director of Operations
Rhonda earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Her experience includes records management, organization, insurance contract credentialing, claims recovery, billing/insurance issues, and project management. She has worked as Spence Counseling Center’s Director of Operations since 2006. She has oversight of all administrative staff, interfaces with all outside vendors and clinical staff, and has been part of the management team since 2008. She and Chuck have two children and in her spare time enjoys time with their family and loves to read.
Assistant Clinical Director MSW, LIMHP, LICSW, LISW
Danielle earned her Master’s in Social Work and Master’s in Criminal Justice from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. Danielle likes to be able to help people holistically heal spiritually, emotionally, and mentally and to grow into what God created them to be. Her specialties are working with teenagers and trauma. She is also certified in Clinical Anxiety Treatment. In her spare time, Danielle likes spending time with her husband, paddleboarding, Brazilian jiu jitsu, and reading.
MS, LIMFT, LIMHP, LMFT
Betsy is passionate about assisting individuals, couples, and families as they navigate difficult circumstances that life and relationships bring. She offers a compassionate ear and applicable resources to help her clients. Betsy utilizes evidenced-based theories and a trauma-informed approach to understand each situation while acknowledging that Christ is the ultimate source of healing. She strives to help clients identify and adapt core beliefs that may lead to or result from anxiety, depression, PTSD/trauma, relationship distress, grief, and a variety of other concerns, in order to promote true freedom in life and relationships. Betsy is EMDR trained and earned her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln.
MS, LIMHP
Shelly earned her Master’s degree in Professional Counseling through Mid-America Christian University and is a member of the American Association for Christian Counselors. She has been known for her down-to-earth style, and has a heart for helping people transform through mind renewal and finding their health/wholeness in Christ. She seeks to tailor therapy to the needs of each individual client, but enjoys creative/artistic assignments and integrating veins of therapy such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, while integrating things with a spiritual perspective to best help with anxiety, grief, depression, trauma, misplaced self-worth/identity, relationship issues, emotional eating, boundaries, and discovering passion in life. Shelly is enjoying her journey with Spence Counseling and finds it a privilege to care for every client walking through her door.
MA, LIMHP, LPC, CDGC
Terapia en Español.
Amelia holds a MS in Rural Development as well as her MA in Mental Health and Counseling from Grace University. She specializes in Couples, Family, and Children’s Therapy, and caters to those who speak either English or Spanish. She loves traveling home to Columbia and visiting her family. Amelia finds that helping people is like giving a glass of clean water to a thirsty person and then show them the way to the fountain so that they can go and drink the water by themselves. She loves to see how the Holy Spirit empowers people to make the right changes in their lives so that they can heal, healthy and whole.
PhD, Clinical Psychologist
Kevin received his doctorate in Psychology from Colorado State University. He has been practicing for the last 28 years. He specializes with those dealing with anxiety/panic attacks, marriage, counseling; working with children and adolescents with behavioral problems; those with addiction, and pain management. He chose this path because it gives him the privilege and opportunity to serve God and others, alike. In his off time he enjoys spending time with his family, pheasant hunting, fishing and cooking with his wife.
MS, LIMHP, LMHC, CDGC, NCC
Megan earned her Master’s degree in Community Counseling from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 2007. She is a licensed therapist in both Nebraska and Iowa. Megan has been with Spence Counseling Center since 2008, working with clients in the Omaha and Council Bluffs locations. Megan sees clients of all ages and has experience with gambling addiction, marriage, family, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and grief issues. She enjoys getting to see growth in her clients as they allow the Holy Spirit to bring about healing and change.
Clinical Director, MSW, LIMHP, LISW, LICSW
Mark earned his Master’s of Social Work degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2006. He is a licensed therapist in both Nebraska and Iowa. Mark has been a part of the Spence Counseling Center family since 2006 and meets with individuals at the Omaha, Council Bluffs and Red Oak, IA locations. He has counseling experience with marriage, family, depression, anxiety, grief, PTSD/trauma, spiritual issues, and ADHD. Mark sees anyone from ten years old and up, including elderly individuals. He integrates Christian principles into his counseling work. He enjoys helping the people he meets discover how our Creator designed them, and the purposes for which He created them.
PhD, Clinical Psychologist
Kevin received his doctorate in Psychology from Colorado State University. He has been practicing for over 30 years. He specializes with those dealing with anxiety/panic attacks, marriage, counseling; working with children and adolescents with behavioral problems; those with addiction, and pain management. He chose this path because it gives him the privilege and opportunity to serve God and others, alike. In his off time he enjoys spending time with his family, pheasant hunting, fishing and cooking with his wife.