Laney Abarr-Cissne, t-LMHC
About Laney
Laney loves spending time with her animals and her husband. Laney has worked in the Human Services field for over 10 years. She has worked with many diverse populations and has a special place in her heart for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Education & Training
Laney works from a person-centered perspective. She is able to provide Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy, Mindfulness, and many other therapy techniques as they fit for the client’s needs.
Laney is especially experienced in working with those who have intellectual disabilities due to her extensive background in providing direct care. Laney has also had training in substance abuse counseling and performed as a substance abuse counselor for 2 years. Laney graduated from Buena Vista University in August 2020, earning her Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling. Laney completed her training in Play Therapy in 2021. Laney obtained her Temporary Licensed Mental Health Counseling (t-LMHC) license in June 2021.
Availability
Laney is available to see clients at the Newton office, Marshalltown office, as well as the surrounding school districts in these areas.
Monday: 8:00am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 9:00am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 10:00am-6:00pm
Thursday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 3:00pm
Availability
Laney is currently accepting new clients.
Brooke Bensema
About Brooke
Brooke grew up in Iowa, and after taking a brief tour of the midwest, ended up back in Iowa. Brooke enjoys spending time with her husband, four children, and two corgis. In her free time she loves painting, photography and being outside with her family. In addition to working at GCMAC she is also in ministry at a local church that her husband pastors.
Brooke is a compassionate individual who has a heart to understand others. Brooke enjoys working with kids of all ages and figuring out how she can best serve each individual client.
Education & Training
In 2007, Brooke earned her BA at University of Iowa.
Availability
Brooke works in the Marshalltown and West Marshall school districts.
Availability
Brooke is not accepting new clients at this time.
Sam Agan, LISW
About Sam
Samantha, Sam for short, was raised in Southeast Iowa and is now starting a family of her own in the same community she grew up in. She is married with one child also has two fur children in her life! Sam graduated with her Masters in Social Work from the University of Northern Iowa in 2016 and has worked in private practice and for Great Prairie AEA supporting children with disabilities in the area of behavior and providing mental health services within the school setting.
She enjoys spending time with her family, building and working on projects with her husband, being outdoors and cuddling up with her pups. Besides having a passion to support others, Sam also has a passion for cooking and enjoys making new recipes and making others happy with food! She would love to own her own food truck one day! She believes that everyone, no matter their age, has their own story and deserves for that story to not only be heard but to truly be listened to.
Sam works with children, teens and adults who are experiencing a wide variety of issues in their lives. She works with individuals who experience anxiety, depression, learning disabilities, behavioral concerns, stress management, relationship issues and work life stress/transitions. She practices with mindfulness, person-centered, and strengths-based approaches. Her master’s degree was focused in Trauma Informed Care.
Education and Training
Sam is currently a Licensed Master Social Worker since August 2016 and is working on becoming a Licensed Independent Social Worker. Sam also plans to work towards becoming a Registered Play Therapist.
License and Certification
LISW: Licensed Independent Social Worker
Availability
Sam is available in office Monday through Thursdays with limited spots available for Telehealth and in office. Sam is in the following school districts: Washington and WRAP Center
Melissa Bass, LMHC
About Melissa
Melissa is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor born in rural Iowa. Melissa enjoys horseback
riding and camping, 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 travel, as she has seen some of Europe and Australia but there are several places in the world
she still wants to discover and experience.
Training
Melissa is well rounded, working with a wide variety of different clients including adults,
children, families, couples, various group settings, the aging population, sensitive populations
including LGBTQ+ and disabled, etc. Melissa has plans to get her certification in play therapy as
well as in EMDR techniques. Melissa is trained in first-aid, CPR, Heimlich, gait belt, palliative and end of life care, as well as personal care.
Education
Melissa spent seven years with Upper Iowa University obtaining her Bachelors in Psychology
and 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 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(LMHC)
Certified by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC).
Availability
Melissa is available in the Cedar Rapids and Marengo location, Monday through Friday, by appointment and is accepting new clients.
View Melissa's profile on Psychology Today
John Black, LMHC
About John
John grew up near Eldridge, Iowa. He was raised in a close-knit family, who have spent their
lives instilling the value of hard work and a good education into him. John also has one brother
who has special needs, which has given him insight into different family make-ups. When he is
not working, John likes to watch movies with his brother, hang out with his friends, and relaxes
by watching his favorite shows, constructing/painting miniatures, and taking pleasure in the
little things in life. Before earning any of his degrees, John knew he wanted to pursue a career in which he could
help people. His time as a school counselor served as reinforcement for wanting to help others.
He is looking forward to working as a BHIS counselor and working with new clients to achieve
their goals and succeed in their future endeavors.
Education
John obtained his Bachelor’s in Psychology from St. Ambrose University and then went on to
receive his Master’s in School Counseling from Buena Vista University. As of May 2022, he had
finished his first year of school counseling.
Availability
Kelly Galiher, LMHC
About Kelly
Kelly was raised in Cedar Rapids and has been living mainly in and around the Iowa City/Washington area since she enrolled at the University of Iowa in 1981. She completed her Masters Degree in counseling and human development in 1987 and has had a very rewarding career working in private practice, counseling agencies, and schools. Kelly has a lot of experience with community outreach, especially supporting minority youth and their families, as well as those living in poverty. Most of her working years have been spent as an at-risk specialist for schools in Washington County.
Kelly specializes in using Cognitive Behavior Therapy to help clients of all ages address anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and trauma. She has had special training in Cultural Diversity and Sensitivity and works well with LGBTQ clients as well as with persons with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. She has additional training in Solution-Focused Therapy, Emergency Intervention and Debriefing, and Sexual Abuse Treatment protocols that can be helpful in treating a variety of diagnoses, including, but not limited to, PTSD, anxiety, trauma situations/recovery, and depression. Using a person-centered theoretical framework as a basis for all she does in counseling, Kelly seeks to assist her clients in reaching their personal goals and empowering them to gain the skills along the way to create and maintain happy and healthy lives wherein they are positively connected to others, as well.
Kelly enjoys working with families, parents, and couples, and has a lot of experience supporting clients through tough times, recovery, and crisis. She specializes in wellness, pain management, addiction recovery, family issues, goal setting, and relaxation techniques. She has had many years of success helping others to change their minds, their moods, and their behavior in order to create what they really want in life and then learn to relax and enjoy it!
Education
BA Psychology with a minor in English and Dance, 1985
MA Counseling and Human Development, University of Iowa, 1987
License and Certifications
Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), State of Iowa
Availability
Kelly is available in the Washington office Monday through Friday by appointment and has limited openings.
April Donelson, MHS -- BHIS Program Supervisor
About April
April grew up in Southeast Iowa in a large family. Her parents placed an importance of education and also always helping others in need in any capacity possible. April took these values and obtained her Masters in Human Services with a focus on children and families. April is excited to provide services in the community where she was raised.
April and her husband have three kids together and enjoy almost anything outdoors. In their spare time you will often find them camping, exploring new areas, helping on her parents farm, or hiking.
April believes BHIS is an amazing program. She is able to assist youth in learning new skills that allow them to navigate their day to day life with more ease. Her favorite part of BHIS is being a support for not only the child but the entire family unit. Being an ally to the family and building a relationship with the family as a whole is the best part about this program.
Availability April is accepting new clients in Washington
Dr. Patricia Gilbaugh, Ph.D., LISW, RPT-S, CAS -- Executive Director
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. Gilbaugh'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. Gilbaugh carries only 5 patients on her caseload at a time.
View Patricia's profile on Psychology Today
Jay Kimball, LMSW
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
LISW- Minnesota
Availability
Jay is available Monday from 8 to 5 in the Cedar Rapids Office. 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
Melissa Kress, LMHC
About Melissa
Melissa enjoys working out at the gym, canoeing, and backpacking, listening to music, spending time with her family watching movies or playing games. Melissa has spent most of her life working with the special needs populations and appreciates their inspiring abilities and efforts.
Melissa is especially talented in play therapy for children and teens ages 4 years old to 17, on the Autism Spectrum, Attention Deficit Disorder or Oppositional defiant disorder. But these are only a few of her talents, she can work with adults, couples and families who have a wide variety of mental health therapy needs they wish to work on. Melissa is LGBTQ allied and maintains a culturally open mind to all whom seek Therapy.
Melissa draws from a wide variety of therapy techniques including Cognitive Behavior Therapy (Adults and Youth) , Mindfulness, Kottman Play Therapy, Sand tray, Art therapy and strives to use the modality that best suits the client’s individual needs. Melissa believes clients already have a true north, but often get lost and need to reach out for help on their journey to mental wellbeing. Melissa also believes that learning does not end in childhood and one must continue to nurture into adulthood.
Melissa completed her internship working with children and families at Tanager Place outpatient clinic, where she assisted in leading the after-school Autism Groups for social learning for grades 2-12.
Education
Melissa received her Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Upper Iowa University in June 2019.
License and Certification
Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
Availability
Melissa is currently available Monday- Thursday 8AM-5PM, and Fridays in Marengo 8 AM - 2 PM and is accepting new clients.
View Melissa's profile on Psychology Today
Jonni Lukenbill-Bowles, LMHC
About Jonni
Washington, Iowa is where Jonni has recently chosen to make her new home. Jonni has a lifelong affinity for rural Iowa through family farms in the south central area around Lamoni. She was born and lived most of her life in north suburban Chicago. That combination of farmer’s daughter and city savvy helps Jonni understand a diverse range of cultures.
Much of Jonni’s expertise is in helping clients with career-related anxiety and career functioning. In other words, she helps you with finding and landing a job, communicating on your job, working on promotions in your job and coping with the frustrations and anxiety that can make you want to quit your job. She can help you with lower-stress alternatives to quitting or knowing when it is a good time to quit and what you can do about it. She was an active contributing member of the Illinois Career Development Association for over ten years. Depending on the client's needs, many of these services can be covered with billing insurance when career stress is affecting the mental health of the client.
Understanding that clients are the experts in their own lives and have their own stories to tell, Jonni collaborates with you harnessing the power of Narrative, Solution Focused & Acceptance and Commitment Therapies that are integrated with a deep understanding of existential questions and crises at all stages and ages of development through the lifespan. Jonni has worked with clients from ages 18 to 90 in college, university, and agency settings. She is often heard and seen advocating for inter-generational understanding, and yes, witnessed that Millennials and Boomers can get along happily. She has extensive training in cultural diversity and has a strong connection to the LGBTQ and Jewish communities.
Jonni is a life-long member of military families (both hers and her husband’s) and often gets involved in veteran’s activities with her husband who is a Vietnam-Era Army veteran. She has training in military anxiety and treatment and speaks the language of those who serve or have served.
Back in Illinois, she spent some time teaching art in after-school programs for K-8 children and adults in a studio setting. She also has extensive experience tutoring middle-school aged children who were coping with attention deficit-related learning problems.
Jonni’s leisure time is spent in pursuing outdoor activities like plein air painting, photography, hiking and gardening.
Training and Education
Jonni has a Master of Science in Community Counseling at a CACREP program (2010) from National-Louis University, Chicago, Illinois and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences with a minor in religions from Columbia College (satellite) in Gurnee, Illinois. She also has a special appreciation for community colleges having graduated with an Associate of Arts in Studio Art & Art History with a minor in social sciences from the College of Lake County in Grayslake, Illinois.
License and Certifications
Licensed Mental Health Counselor (since 2020)
Certified Leadership and Resilience Coach, (since 2017)
National Board Certified Coach, BCC, Lifestyle Endorsement, (since 2012)
National Board Certified Counselor, NCC (since 2011)
Licensed Professional Counselor, Illinois (2011-2020)
Jonni has openings for in person at Washington as well as telehealth in the afternoons and evenings.
Jamie Rich, LMHC
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, Tuesday, and Thursday 9AM-5:30pm, and telehealth appointments Wednesday 9AM-5:30pm and Friday 9AM-12pm. During the school year, Jamie can provide therapy in the local school districts.
Jen Smith, LMSW
About Jen
Jen was born and raised in Newton, Iowa and loved Friday night football games cheering on the Cardinals. She believes that life should be an adventure and that includes both the ups and the downs. Jen uses her easy-going lighthearted nature and sense of humor to make the most out of what life hands out. Some of her adventures include traveling Europe with Iowa Music Ambassadors and UNI Camp Adventure and an educational experience at a Hoopa Native American reservation in Northern California. When not seeking adventure, Jen can often be found on the golf course, hanging out with her 14-year-old son (and dog Daisy & cat Floofy), going to her son’s events, or with her nose in a book. Jen has a lot of experience within a variety of clinical settings. She is available for people of all ages, and has training in several types of therapy. Her style is to be transparent, reflecting of the truth, and extremely supportive. Her non-judgmental personality makes everyone feel so comfortable. Jen’s personal mission in life is to help people work towards becoming the best versions of themselves.
Education and Training
Jen began her educational path in special education with an emphasis on developmental and intellectual disabilities and behavior disorders including ADHD and ODD. Just prior to student teaching she decided that working with behavioral concerns fit her skill set more than academics. Jen then received her BA in Family Services. Jen managed group homes, in-home services and occupational services. She served as executive director for retirement communities for independent living, assisted living and memory care. Jen expanded her skill set working with teens with alcohol and chemical dependency in residential treatment. Prior to joining our team Jen gained experience as a hospice social worker/bereavement counselor and a therapist for an intensive out-patient psychiatric program.
License and Certification
Bachelor of Arts in Family Services in 2004 from University of Northern Iowa
Master of Social Work in 2014 from University of Northern Iowa
Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW) since 2014
Availability
Jen currently sees clients in the Iowa Falls office as well as Telehealth.
Sarah Smith, LMSW
About Sarah
Sarah was born and raised in Iowa and is happy to continue to live and work within the state. She found her passion for counseling while volunteering as a crisis responder. In her free time, she enjoys watching movies, sewing, and spending time with her well-loved pet cat. She appreciates book recommendations, as she likes listening to audio books on her work commute.
Education and Training
Sarah graduated from the University of Iowa with her BSW in 2021, later graduating with her MSW in the spring of 2022. She also holds a minor in Rehabilitation and Counselor Education from the UI College of Education. Sarah is currently a Licensed Master Social Worker and is working towards becoming a Licensed Independent Social Worker.
Sarah uses an integrated approach to her work drawing on several therapy approaches, including narrative therapy, solution-focused therapy, systems theory, and a strengths-based approach. She has experience working with LGBTQ+ adolescents and adults that are navigating gender and sexual identity concerns. Additionally, Sarah has experience supporting clients with histories of complex trauma, depression, and anxiety.
License and Certification
Licensed Master Social Worker, LMSW
Availability
Sarah is currently accepting new clients in-office and via telehealth. She has availability at the Washington office for in-person sessions.
Jonah Johnson, BHIS
About Jonah Johnson
Jonah grew up in Decorah, Iowa. He enjoys spending time riding bike, fishing, hiking, hanging with family and friends, and simply being.
Jonah has always thought that we as individuals need someone to talk to and accept us as who we are, so he has acquired a strong passion for trying to be that person for others and watch them blossom into their authentic self. Jonah looks forward to working as a BHIS counselor so he can help youth navigate the challenges in their lives, build person-centered relationships with his clients and families, and further broaden his perspective and awareness on individual growth.
Education and Training
He obtained his Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree and a psychology minor from the University of Iowa in 2022. His goal in the near future is to pursue his Masters in social work or school counseling.
Availability
Jonah is in the following school districts: Iowa City, North Liberty, and Cedar Rapids schools.
Jonah is accepting new clients.
Matthew Cahoy, BHIS
About Matt
Matt grew up in rural Northeast Iowa on his family farm and is a life-long Iowan. In his free time, he enjoys cooking with his family and shooting baskets with his much taller nephew, as well as many hobbies including: golfing, competing in combat robotics, reading, and watching sports and movies.
In addition to his work for the GCMAC he continues to help run a small not for profit movie theater in his home town. Matt got involved in the mental health and BHIS fields to help with those needs in the community he loves.
Education and Training
In 2011, Matt earned his BA at Upper Iowa University, just down the road from where he grew up.
Availability
Matt is available to see clients in the Marengo Office.
Kristin Stewart, BHIS
About Kristen
Kristin was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona and moved to Washington County Iowa in August of 2021. In her spare time Kristin enjoys spending time with her husband and son exploring nearby conservation areas and being outdoors to get better acquainted with the state of Iowa. When not out and about, Kristin spends a lot of time in the kitchen perfecting her favorite recipes as well as trying new things. Kristin's passion in her position was to help those struggling in mental health crises.
Prior to Kristin's move to Iowa, Kristin became a stay at home mom to her son, born in 2020. Now that her son is older, Kristin is looking to continue guiding those in need in her BHIS position with GCMAC.
Education and Training
Kristin graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor's of Science in Psychology in 2010. After working a few years in local schools with Special Education students, Kristin began a career with a Homeowner's Association company and ultimately pursued a career in Law Enforcement. In July of 2016 Kristin completed her 20 week training through the Arizona Law Enforcement Academy (ALEA) an accredited academy of the Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board (AZPOST). During her six (6) year career as a Law Enforcement Officer Kristin became certified with her department's Crisis Intervention Team (CIT)
Availability
Kristin works out of the Washington Office and Washington, Waco and Keota Schools.
Kristin is accepting new clients
Cassandra Forsythe
About Cassandra
Throughout Cassandra’s life, she has participated in a wide variety of sports. While at Mount Mercy University, she was a collegiate athlete on the women’s bowling team. Cassandra understands the stress that athletes can endure and the positive impact of mental health. She 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.
When not in class or working with clients, Cassandra likes to watch any kind of sports, especially football, and is a big Iowa Hawkeyes fan. She also likes to listen to a wide variety of music and can play multiple instruments. Cassandra is very family-oriented and prefers to spend as much time with family as she can.
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 is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Iowa.
Availability
Cassandra works out of our Cedar Rapids office.
Kristin is accepting new clients
Charlie
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.