Cedar Rapids Office

About Melissa

Melissa is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor born in rural Iowa. Melissa enjoys horseback riding, camping, nature photography  as well as doing anything that involves being outdoors or with animals. She has always had the desire to help people, even since she was young.  Her future consists of plans to continue to travel the world, as she has seen some of Europe and Australia already. Also plans of continued education in her profession and knowledge with new techniques/approaches to always continue to adapt services to growing populations as well as areas of leadership. 

Training

Currently she has LMHC licensure through the state of Iowa and is accredited by the NBCC. Melissa is a well rounded therapist, working with a wide variety of different client populations including adults, children, families, couples, various group settings, the aging population, sensitive populations including LGBTQ+ and disabled, etc. Melissa has plans to continue to get her certifications with new techniques/approaches to help better serve clients and populations in need. She has her professional certification in dialectical behavioral therapy and also in play therapy based approaches. 

Education

Melissa spent seven years with Upper Iowa University obtaining her Bachelors in Psychology and also Human Services and her Masters in Counseling. Before graduating she spent five years being an apprentice for a private therapy practice near her hometown. This allowed her to spend a lot of time learning and gaining experience in her field before graduating, this is also where she completed her supervised training post-graduation, for her LMHC licensure. Melissa also spent two years working for a mental health residential care facility here in Cedar Rapids, providing 24-hour care for individuals with varying mental illness and functioning. Melissa has plans of continuing her education and wants to continue on to get her Doctorate as well.

License and Certifications

Licensed Mental Health Counselor through the state of Iowa (LMHC)

Certified by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)

Certified Professional: C-DBT by Evergreen Certifications (EG)

Availability

Melissa is available in the Telehealth, Cedar Rapids, and Marengo locations, Monday through Friday, by appointment and is accepting new clients. 

View Melissa's profile on Psychology Today

Ph.D., LISW-S, Certification in Play Therapy, AutPlay instructor, CAS, Clinical Supervisor, Founder & Executive Director of Grace C Mae Advocate Center and a Mental Health First Aid Instructor

About Patricia
Dr. McLain's minor at Mount Mercy College was in photography. She continues to photograph people as a hobby and a source of relieving stress. Her passion for black-and-white photography earned her several awards for amateur competitions.  Due to her love of the ocean and nature, her favorite times are when she can photograph nature. Just "being" is her favorite thing to do. She loves spending time with her family, and she lives for road trips! She enjoys traveling to new places and hopes to travel to all 195 countries in her lifetime. She hopes to travel in ways that allow her to immerse herself in different cultures. Her lifelong dream is to expand her clinical services into equine therapy programs.
 

Training
Patricia is trained in all play therapy techniques, including non-directive, filial, sand tray, Animal Assisted Play Therapy®, and Theraplay®. She completed her certification course work at MNU under the supervision of Dr. Marlo Winstead. Patricia’s specialty area is treatment of trauma, reactive attachment disorder, and childhood developmental disorders. Patricia has developed a strength in understanding brain development and human growth. Patricia’s training has included numerous years studying the effects of drugs, alcohol, and trauma on the developing brain of a child. Patricia is also trained as a forensic social worker and is a consultant to several law enforcement agencies in Iowa. She is an experienced social worker, therapist, trainer, and organizational consultant. She is a highly trained crisis counselor, and typically responds to such crises as natural disasters, school crisis intervention, sudden deaths, and violent crimes.
 

Education
Ph.D. - Social Work, University of Iowa
MSW - Social Work, University of Iowa
MPP - Public Policy, University of Northern Iowa
BA - Criminal Justice Administration & Psychology, Mt. Mercy College
 

License and Certifications
Licensed Independent Social Worker.
She is certified in Play Therapy thru Mid America Nazarene University (since 2010).
State of Iowa approved to supervise provisionally licensed providers.
Mental Health First Aid Instructor certification
AutPlay Instructor certification

Animal Assisted Play Therapy® certification is in progress
 

Availability
Due to the high volume of consultation work, Dr. McLain carries only 5 patients on her caseload at a time.

View Patricia's profile on Psychology Today

About Jay

Jay grew up in North Dakota and started his career at a social service agency working in both adult and children. Later, he moved to Minnesota and continued his career in the nonprofit sector.  Recently. he moved to Iowa to be closer to family. He enjoys family and outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and camping. Jay is positive and strength-based in his approach.

Education

Jay graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work from Minot State University, North Dakota and Masters in Social Work from Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Training

Jay’s history includes working with children and families who have experienced trauma along with extensive knowledge of working with foster and adoptive children.  Jay draws from a variety of approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, brief therapy, and person-centered, strength-based and solution focused. He has provided trauma informed and non-violent crisis intervention trainings. He has experience in working with schools and advocating for children with special needs.

License & Certification

LMSW- Iowa

Availability

Jay is available in the Washington Office on Tuesday through Thursday from 8 to 5. Jay provides therapy in the following school districts: Washington School District and the WRAP Center. Jay has limited openings.

View Jay's profile on Psychology Today

About Jamie

When the weather is nice, Jamie enjoys working in her garden, taking walks with her puppy, and exploring events in the community. Some of her favorite hobbies are baking, playing board games, and sitting next to the campfire. Jamie works with clients of all ages, but has a particular passion for teens and young adults working through life transitions. Jamie also specializes in Play Therapy services for children starting at age 3. Jamie helps give a voice to those who cannot advocate for themselves. Jamie uses a variety of therapy approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Reality Therapy & Choice Theory, and the Person-Centered approach. Jamie enjoys helping people discover choices and opportunities to promote personal growth and development. Jamie also provides therapy services in the surrounding school districts to accommodate family needs.

Training

Jamie completed her counseling internship at Grace C. Mae Advocate Center and has completed the training for Play Therapy.

Education

Jamie received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Buena Vista University, and her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from South Dakota State University.

License and Certification

Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)

Availability

 Jamie provides services at the Marshalltown office. She is available for office appointments Monday-Thursday 9:00am-4:30pm and Friday 9:00am-3:00pm. During the school year, Jamie can provide therapy in the local school districts.  

About Cassandra

 When Cassandra is not working with clients, she likes to watch any kind of sports, especially football, and is a big Iowa Hawkeyes fan. Cassandra's favorite hobbies include golfing, bowling, completing a variety of crafts, playing musical instruments, and spending time outdoors. Cassandra is very family-oriented and prefers to spend as much time with family as she can while she is not working.

Cassandra provides a safe and comfortable environment for clients to be themselves and to speak about whatever is on their minds. Cassandra believes in recognizing emotions, thoughts, and behaviors and educates clients about how they are all related to one another. Cassandra is currently working towards becoming certified in Play Therapy, can complete filial therapy sessions, and also uses CBT, ACT, emotion-focused, and client-centered therapy approaches to allow for clients to have a safe space to express who they are and how they feel. 

Cassandra works with clients over the age of four but has a particular passion for working with kids, teenagers, and young adults working through life transitions. Cassandra also specializes in working with athletes who are experiencing performance anxiety or recovering from an injury to ensure that they have a positive return to athletic performance. Throughout Cassandra’s life, she has participated in a wide variety of sports and understands the stressors and rewards that can come from participation in sports. While at Mount Mercy University, she was a collegiate athlete on the women’s bowling team.

Education and Training

Cassandra graduated from Mount Mercy University with her Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology while double minoring in Sport, Health, and Exercise Psychology & Human Resource Management. Cassandra graduated from the University of Iowa with a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

Cassandra completed her counseling internship at Grace C. Mae Advocate Center.

Availability

Cassandra works out of our Cedar Rapids office and via telehealth. 

Cassandra is accepting new clients at this time.

About Jamie (she/her/hers)

Jamie would describe herself as someone that loves spending time with her family and friends

and is always willing to lend a helping hand to those around her. Jamie enjoys living in a small

town and incorporates a community strengths-based approach to supporting her clients in a

rural setting. Jamie provides support to a variety of different client populations including children

(6 and older), adolescents, adults, families, couples, and sensitive populations including

LGBTQ+ and Intellectual disabilities. Jamie uses a variety of therapy approaches and

techniques including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered Therapy,

Resilience and Trauma informed, Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT),

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Solution-Focused Therapy. Jamie believes in creating

a safe and nonjudgmental environment where her clients can explore their strengths and gain

self-awareness of their symptoms and triggers.

Education

Jamie graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from University of Northern Iowa

and a Master of Social Work (MSW) graduate degree from Walden University, Minnesota.

License and Certification

Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)- Iowa

Availability

Jamie is available in the Washington office and via Telehealth, Tuesday through Friday, by

appointment. Jamie has limited openings.

 About Maira

Maira was born and raised in Bogota, Colombia. She enjoys making the best of life’s little things such as trying new food, spending time with family, cooking, reading a good book, and hiking or biking surrounded by nature. She recognizes every person as an individual and believes that an understanding and non-judgmental position for their uniqueness is vital. 

For the last 7 years, Maira has been working with immigrants experiencing migration-related trauma, marginalized communities living with extreme stress, and children at risk of mental health behavioral diagnoses and emotional challenges. She had a variety of experiences helping clients facing different changes in their lives or desiring to add new skills to be successful in their home, school, work, or in the community. 

Maira has a bachelor's and master's degree in psychology and is hoping to get a doctorate in Clinical Psychology. She is fully bilingual in English and Spanish with knowledge of Latinx Mental Health and family therapy.

She knows that every day of life comes with new challenges, some of them more enjoyable than others, while those others can shake our ground to the point that it takes time and effort to find the balance to be back on our feet and that’s when we are here for.

Availability

Maira provides services in the Cedar Rapids office and via telehealth .

She is accepting new clients

 About Jenissa

Jenissa's main focus is to help children, individuals, and families throughout Iowa. She has helped instuct taekwondo classes, volunteered at Goodwill Industries, attended several child abuse prevention events, participated in several Alzhihmer's Association events, and much more. Outside of spending time with her family, Jenissa enjoys art, law, photography, adventure, traveling, sports, volunteering, and growing her professional development. Jenissa believes in creating a loving and non judgemental environment with her clients.

Her Philosophy of counseling involves helping clients explore their issues and increase their knowledge of self-understanding and self-awareness through various therapeutic approaches in a safe environment. She utilizes qualities including (and are not limited to) mutual respect, laughter, authenticity, genuineness, ability to empathize, acceptance, and unconditional positive regard for the client.

Her Values, commitments, and ethical influences include professional identity, self-awareness, cultural diversity, patience, flexibility, genuineness, empathy, acceptance, and amiability.

Her primary therapy approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) approaches, Person-Centered Therapy, Reality Therapy, Autism Play Therapy, Art Therapy approaches, Mindfulness, and Play Therapy Approaches.

Education and Training

Jenissa has her Associate's Degree in Paralegal Studies, Bachelor's degree in applied science with emphasis in composition form the University of Iowa, and a Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling from Grand Canyon University.

She is certified in Autism Play Therapy and has taken classes in Play Therapy approaches.

She has worked at a community action agency for several years and is knowledgeable in community resources.

Availability

Jenissa works out of the Marshalltown office.

 About Kibben

Kibben values quality time with her husband and three children, who keep her life full and active. She shares her home with three dogs, a Newfoundland, a Doberman, and a German Shepherd, which adds to the lively atmosphere. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors and tending to her yard.

Kibben provides support to a variety of different client populations including children, adolescents and adults. Kibben uses a variety of therapy approaches and techniques including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered Therapy, Resilience and Trauma informed, Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Solution-Focused Therapy. Kibben is committed to supporting her clients in becoming the best version of themselves. She helps clients identify meaningful goals and collaborates with them to explore strategies for achieving success.

Education and Training:

Kibben holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and began her career teaching for five years at a Juvenile Shelter School. She later earned a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from the University of Iowa. With over 15 years of experience as a School Social Worker, Kibben brings a strong background in supporting children, families, and educators. She joined Grace Mae Advocate Center in the fall of 2022. 

Availability

Kibben is available via Telehealth and has limited openings. 

About Charlie

Charlie is an energetic Goldendoodle, born December 2019. Charlie loves doing in-person and telehealth sessions with Dr. Patricia Gilbaugh, Ph.D., LISW, RPT-S, CAS and has even learned how to use the computer mouse to draw pictures with clients! When at home, Charlie loves playing with his puppy sister, Cali, and following Mom around the house. Charlie is very affectionate, loves to be hugged, and enjoys having his tummy rubbed. His coat is super soft and he feels like a real-life teddy bear. He is also really good at keeping secrets!

Training

Charlie is currently a therapy-dogs-in-training through the International Institute for Animal Assisted Play Therapy®. They offer Animal Assisted Play Therapy® to children and adults receiving services with their handlers. Both dogs do an outstanding job of sensing human emotions and trying to help the client to feel more relaxed and at-ease. Charlie can help children and adults improve their skills regarding impulse control, listening, and patience, among other valuable skills.

Charlie is currently approved therapy-dogs-in-training through the International Institute for Animal Assisted Play Therapy®.

Availability

Charlie is available in the Cedar Rapids office and through telehealth with his handler. Due to the high volume of consultation work, Charlie and his handler carry only 5 patients on their caseload at a time.

Please call 319-361-6529 to schedule an appointment.

About Danielle

I grew up in the suburbs and city of Chicago and moved to Iowa after my freshman year of college.  I reside in a small town with my son and daughter who are active in a lot of different school and community activities. We love animals, spending time outdoors, laughing, and exercising. I read a lot, write a lot, listen to music, and also play the ukulele and sing for fun. I love puns, learning about new things and listening to what other people are passionate about. 

I am very passionate about supporting other people through the ups and downs of life, while also protecting the emotional wellbeing of others. I believe in being a safe place and person where people can not just be listened to, but genuinely heard and understood, without judgement. I strive to understand the full human experience from all different perspectives to help children and adults feel connected and like they belong here and are accepted, and provide the resources they may need. 

Training and Education

 I have been a practicing licensed mental health counselor since 2016, and have been doing human service work since 2008. I received a BA from the University of Iowa in Psychology with a double minor in human relations and social work. I hold a MS degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University. I am also a Nationally Certified Counselor. I have experience in helping and treating adults and children who are struggling with issues that may involve daily stressors, parenting, interpersonal relationships, nervous system dysregulation, significant mental illness, trauma, systemic abuse, workplace trauma, and survivors of  narcissistic abuse.  

I have worked in a variety of settings with all different ages and cultural backgrounds. I believe in empowering people to find their values and strengths that make them who they are, so they can live the life they are striving for. Through a compassionate, assertive, holistic approach and a variety of techniques, I am here to support you in your therapeutic and healing journey 

License and Certifications

Licensed Mental Health Counselor through the state of Iowa (LMHC)

 Nationally Certified Counselor 

Availability

Danielle is available at our Marengo location and telehealth. She is excepting new clients. 

About Gwen

Gwen values quality time with her husband, children, and grandchild. She loves animals

and has two dogs, three cats, and two miniature donkeys. Gwen enjoys traveling and

experiencing new places and cultures. In her free time, she enjoys reading, antiquing,

and decorating.

As a therapist, Gwen is rooted in a deep belief in the human capacity for healing, even

in the face of profound pain, and especially in the context of relationships. She works

with individuals, couples, and families. She serves birth through the lifespan from an

attachment focused lens. Gwen approaches each client through a lens of compassion

and curiosity, recognizing that individuals have their own unique experiences and

strengths. She draws on evidence-based modalities such as Trauma Focused Cognitive

Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Eye Movement Desensitization and

Reprocessing, play therapy, and Child Parent Psychotherapy.

Training and Education

Gwen is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Trauma

Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), and play

therapy techniques. Gwen’s specialty area is treatment of trauma, infant early childhood

mental health, grief, childhood developmental disorders, and substance use disorders.

Education

Masters in Science- Community Counseling, Drake University

BA- General Studies, Social Sciences, Humanities, and Education, University of

Northern Iowa

License and Certifications

Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)

Endorsed as an Infant Mental Health Mentor-Clinical through the Alliance for the

Advancement of Infant Mental Health

Nationally rostered as a Child Parent Psychotherapy

Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (CADC)

Availability

Gwen is available in the Marshalltown office and via telehealth.

View Gwen's profile on 

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists?search=gwen+doland.