Cedar Rapids Office

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.

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

About Maquel

Maquel was born and raised in Iowa. Growing up, she was very active in her local community and is happy to have returned home to Washington. She loves running and playing all kinds of sports. In college, she was a cheerleader at Wartburg College (Go Knights!). She is also an avid Hawkeye fan and loves cheering them on! In her free time, she enjoys cooking and entertaining with friends. Maquel’s theoretical approach to counseling is rooted in a narrative approach. She believes that every person has a unique and special story to be heard and shared. It is through these stories that people learn to author their own lives the way that they choose to. Maquel focuses on identifying clients’ values and how they can help them reach their own therapy and life goals. Maquel takes a creative and imaginative approach to counseling by incorporating things like art, music, literature and exercise into her work with clients.   

Education and Training

Maquel earned her BA in Psychology from the University of Northern Iowa in 2012. During her undergraduate career, she worked as a teaching assistant for a variety of psychology courses, including Psychology and Law and Psychology of Gender Differences. In 2015, she earned her MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, also from the University of Northern Iowa; a CACCREP accredited program. Maquel did her practicum at Wartburg College, where she worked with college students on a variety of different issues. She administered depression and anxiety screenings and educated students about mental health and suicide awareness. She also created and led an empowerment group for young girls at the Waverly Middle School. Maquel did her internship at the Grace C. Mae Advocate Center in Washington. Here she developed a deeper passion for working with and helping children. Currently, she is working towards becoming a Registered Play Therapist.  

License and Certification

LMHC: Licensed Mental Health Counselor

NCC: Nationally Certified Counselor

Member of the American Counseling Association  

Availability

Maquel is available at the Washington office Monday through Thursday with limited availability. She is in the following school districts: Washington High School and Middle School.

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

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.

About Laren
Laren has spent most of her life in Iowa and is committed to giving back to the communities she grew up in. Laren enjoys spending time with her family that includes her dog, Bo the chihuahua. She loves to learn and believes that her client’s are her best teachers.
 

Training
Laren has worked in the mental health field for over 10 years. She has had the privilege working with those living with bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, adults with autism spectrum disorder, and those living with the effects of substance use. Laren uses a variety of treatment modalities including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) informed treatment, brief psychodynamic therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), solution focused, mindfulness, and person centered. She appreciates the uniqueness of each individual when collaborating with clients. Laren has worked in both clinical and research settings and enjoys incorporating the exciting new discoveries being made in neuroscience into psychotherapy. Laren’s research experience includes investigating the effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder, and methamphetamine use disorder. It was during this time she discovered how dynamic, complex, and cool our brains are. Laren enjoys working with all types of people.

Education
Laren graduated with her BA in Psychology in 2018 from the University of Iowa and then obtained her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University, a CACREP accredited program in 2021.

License and Certifications
Provisionally licensed Mental Health Counselor with an endorsement by NCC.

Member of the American Counseling Association

Availability
Laren is available to see clients at the Cedar Rapids and Marengo office. She currently offers telehealth and has limited evening availability.

View Laren'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. 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. She took her own wedding pictures and has taken several teens' senior pictures. 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 with her sister! She also 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 facilitate the organizing of a therapy team to respond to natural disasters to help children cope with the devastating trauma of losing their homes and families.
 

Training
Patricia is trained in all play therapy techniques, including non-directive, filial, sand tray, 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
 

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

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

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

About Jonni

Washington, Iowa is where Jonni has recently chosen to make her new and permanent 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. 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 Therapy that is 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 community. 

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. 

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 and is considering getting a new bicycle for the great trails around Washington and maybe a dog. She is currently seeking an opportunity to be involved in an inter-generational volunteer opportunity in Washington County.

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, Iowa, Provisional, (since 2020)

Certified Leadership and Resilience Coach, (since 2017)

National Board Certified Coach, BCC, Lifestyle Endorsement, (since 2012)

National Board Certified Counselor, (since 2011)

Licensed Professional Counselor, Illinois (since 2011)

Availability

Tuesdays, Wednesdays: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Thursdays: Noon to 6:00 p.m.

Jonni is currently not accepting new clients.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.