Blog

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. 

MA, LIMHP, LPC, PCDGC
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.

MS, LMLP, LMAC

Faith graduated with masters degree in clinical psychology from Fort Hays State University. She is licensed in both mental health and substance abuse treatment and uses evidence based approaches such as CBT, DBT, ACT, Trauma Informed care, Solution-Focused therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Behavior Therapy, and more to help individuals in one-one-one and in group settings. She has experience working with behavioral problems in children/adolescents and their families, adults, addiction treatment, trauma focused care, women’s issues, crisis intervention, depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Faith chose counseling because it allows her to serve God and others alike. She values her clients and will meet them at their point of need to walk with them on their healing journey. Her hobbies include hiking, traveling, reading, volunteer projects, spending time with family and friends, hanging out with her dog.

Administrative & Billing Assistant, CPC

Caitlin came to Spence Counseling from Children’s Hospital & Medical Center and will soon be finishing up her Bachelor’s Degree in Healthcare Management at Bellevue University. She is also a Certified Professional Medical Coder. She is a mother to five girls and wife to an amazing husband. She is originally from Louisiana and absolutely despises the cold weather. Caitlin also enjoys spending time with her family and reading when she has the time.

MS, LMHP, LPC

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.

MS, LIMFT, LIMHP

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.

MSW, LIMHP, CMSW, LCSW, LMSW

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. In her free time, she enjoys playing music, quilting, church activities, and being with friends and family.

MS, PLMHP, PCMSW

Alanah earned her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Nebraska – Omaha and her Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Saint Louis University. She has experience working with individuals and groups, with a variety of focus areas including domestic violence, women’s issues, gender/sexuality, and addiction. She is able to provide services in English and Spanish. Alanah loves getting to walk alongside people as God walks with them toward their healing and wholeness. In her free time she enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time outside in the sunshine.

Administrative & Billing Assistant

Deb comes to Spence Counseling with 35 years of experience in an administrative setting. She is passionate about helping clients in their mental health journey by assisting them with administrative support. She is particularly experienced in the aspects of internal and external communication and upkeep of the day to day operations. When not at work, Deb enjoys spending time with her doxies, reading, and shopping.

Administrative & Billing Assistant

Laura has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Grace University and an Associates in Communication as well. 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.

MS, PLMHP, PLADC

Morgan earned her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. She is passionate about assisting individuals, couples, and families as they navigate through their restorative journey by walking with them and creating a space for hope and exploration of personal strengths. Morgan utilizes evidenced-based theories and a trauma-informed approach to help people holistically heal emotionally, mentally, and spiritually while acknowledging that Christ is the ultimate source of healing. Morgan is EMDR trained and has her provisional alcohol and drug counselor licenses. In her spare time, Morgan likes spending time with her family, working out, traveling, and reading.

MS, LMHP

Ivy earned her Master’s Degree in Counseling from Doane College. She has experience working with a wide variety of individuals, couples, and families in outpatient, intensive outpatient, and residential settings. She has worked with children and adolescents with behavioral problems, and adults with addictions, depression, anxiety, grief, and parenting concerns. She enjoys helping individuals build upon their own strengths and develop new skills in order to lead a fulfilling life.

MS, PLMHP

Corrie has a Masters in Clinical Mental Health from Harding University. She taught Kindergarten for many years before switching over to mental health. Corrie specializes in women struggling with life issues, marriage/family, grief counseling, divorce, military, and self-identity issues. God led Corrie to Spence Counseling soon after relocating from Arkansas. Her hope is that each one of her clients will become the best version of themselves while allowing the Holy Spirit to help with healing. When not in the office, Corrie enjoys Jeep rides, road trips, and doing anything outdoors! She is married with 3 children.

MSW, LIMHP, LICSW

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. In her spare time, Danielle likes spending time with her husband, paddleboarding, Brazillian jiu jitsu, and reading.

BS, MS, LIMHP

Becky earned her Master’s in Clinical Counseling from Bellevue University. She also holds a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice from the University of Nebraska – Omaha. Becky specializes in Psychoanalytic Therapy, PTSD, Family Therapy, and is trained in utilizing a trauma-informed approach when needed. In her free time, Becky loves learning about and preparing new foods, and spending all her time with her three sons. She began her counseling work within the correctional system, providing therapy to incarcerated adults. She also worked extensively with juveniles who have experienced severe trauma within their lives. She has a passion for working with families to ultimately achieve growth and problem solving. Becky believes that through God, she can fulfill her true potential as a mental health therapist.

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.

MS, LIMHP, LADC

Kristen earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling from Bellevue University. She also hold a Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Management from Bellevue University. Kristen has experience working with adolescents and adults in group settings, individual therapy, family therapy, and marital therapy. Her specialty involves co-dependency, co-occurring mental health and addiction diagnoses, anxiety, depression, gender issues, grief and loss, and relationships. Kristen is excited to work at Spence Counseling and get the opportunity to work with a variety of people.

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.

Administrative Assistant

Katelyn has a Bachelor of Arts in Medical Humanities from Baylor University and several years’ experience in administrative work in a healthcare setting. She is passionate about helping people find joy and healing in all aspects of their lives. She loves to get to know people and hear their stories. She specifically enjoys working within a healthcare setting because it is very rewarding and humbling to assist people on their journey of healing. In her free time, Katelyn enjoys drawing, painting, and playing the violin. When it is nice outside, she likes to go for nature walks.

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.

Administrative Assistant

Laura Thompson has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Grace University and an Associates in Communication as well. Laura grew up in the Omaha area and has worked with a diverse group of people in many different business settings. She enjoys interacting with both the clients and therapists. Laura has been married since 2005 and has three girls. In her free time, she coaches cheerleading.

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.

MA, LMHP, LPC, PLADC

Chris has over 35 years of experience working with children, youth, adults, and the elderly. She received her Bachelors from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln and her Masters in Counseling from Doane University. She is currently pursuing her PhD in counseling as well. She specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT), Mindfulness, Crisis Response Training (CRT), Addictions, Marriage and Family, parenting issues, Anger Management, and integrating Biblical principles. She enjoys counseling because it is a privilege to be able to accompany others on their life journey helping them discover and find meaning in experiences and resolutions to problems. Her philosophy is “you matter because you are a unique creation, intricately made.” When she is not helping others, you can find her spending time with her family and pets or expressing herself through music, art, landscaping, and interior design.

MA, LIMHP, LADC, CPC

Joan has over 25 years of experience in the mental health and addiction fields of psychotherapy. Joan has experience working with adults and adolescents in group settings, individual therapy, family therapy, and marital therapy. Specializing in relationships, co-dependency, co-occurring mental health and addiction diagnoses, grief and loss, parenting, anxiety, depression, and trauma informed care. Joan has a passion for using evidence based therapeutic practices to generate and encourage core changes consistent with a Christian perspective. She is also certified to provide chemical evaluations to individuals involved in the justice system or to those who need a chemical/mental health evaluation for various other reasons. Joan attended Creighton University and later received her Master’s degree in Counseling from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

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.

MA, LIMHP, LPC

Patricia helps individuals and families with a variety of relational and mental health issues such as anxiety, depressions, PTSD, trauma, parenting, and family of origin issues. She enjoys working with couples experiencing problems with communication, trust, and intimacy. She utilizes a variety of counseling approaches including cognitive-behavioral, narrative, solution focused, interpersonal and faith based approaches. Patricia is accredited by the National Board for Certified Counselors, and is a member of the American Counseling Association and the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation.

MS, LIMHP, LADC, LPC

Lori has 30 years of experience in the field of counseling and education; working with individuals, groups, and families dealing with addiction issues, including evaluations and recommendations to meet legal requirements. Specializing in relationships, family and blended family dynamics, life stage transition, grief and loss, parenting, anxiety, depression, and sexual trauma. Lori has a passion for using evidence based therapeutic practices to generate and encourage core changes consistent with God’s truth. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management and Master’s degrees in Human Services and Clinical Counseling. She also has a certificate in Biblical Discipleship Counseling and is a member of the American Association for Christian Counselors.

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.

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.