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 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 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

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.

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

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 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, Wednesday, Thursday 9AM-5:00PM, and telehealth appointments Friday 9AM-1PM. 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 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. 

Cassandra is accepting new clients

About Abby:

Abby grew up in South Dakota helping on the family dairy farm and spending all of her

time outdoors. She moved to Iowa with her family in 1998. Abby has two daughters

with whom she spends all of her free time.

Education and Training

Abby obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Iowa in 2012.

She spent the next seven years working with individuals with mental illness in a variety

of settings and roles. During that time, Abby also obtained her Master’s degree in

Social Work in 2019 from St. Ambrose University. Abby has worked in a hospital

setting, and most recently, in an outpatient dialysis setting providing for the needs of

patients in her care.

Abby practices person-centered and strength-based approaches. Abby works with

teens and adults who are experiencing anxiety, depression, stress management issues,

relationship difficulties, work-life stress/transitions, and those experiencing long-term

illness stressors.

Abby is currently a Licensed Master Social Worker and is nearing her goal of becoming

a Licensed Independent Social Worker. Abby also plans to work towards becoming a

Registered Play Therapist.

Availability

Abby is available at the Cedar Rapids and Marengo locations and is accepting new

clients.

 About Jamie 

Jamie was born and raised in southeast Iowa. She returned to her hometown of Washington,

Iowa, after graduating college with her social work degree and started serving clients in her

community. Jamie enjoys living in a small town and incorporating a community approach to her

personal and professional life. Jamie believes we are stronger individually when we are all

helping each other through life’s obstacles. It takes a village!

Jamie, her husband, and their daughter enjoy spending time with their two miniature dachshunds,

Lucy & Lulu. They also love being in nature, and camping is a big part of their time together.

Jamie also enjoys reading, crafting, sewing, home decorating, traveling, cooking, and baking.

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.

Education

Jamie initially graduated from Kirkwood Community College with her Human Services degree

in 2004. She then transferred to the University of Northern Iowa and enrolled in the Bachelor of

Social Work degree program and then graduated in 2006 with her Bachelor of Social Work

degree, BSW.

Jamie then started working in the social work career field and has been a frontline social worker

for the past 17+ years. She has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. She

has worked in both the community and school settings, serving clients and families, with the

majority of her work being mental health related. Jamie’s professional dream has always been to

go back to school to obtain her graduate degree, and two years ago, Jamie took that leap.

Jamie is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Social Work through Walden University. She

will graduate in August 2023 with her MSW degree, and she will then become a licensed social

worker, an LMSW. Upon graduation, Jamie plans to transition to a full-time therapy position at

the Grace C Mae Advocate Center Washington office.

Availability

Jamie is working out of the Washington office.

Jamie is accepting new clients.

 About Abby 

Abby has worked in the field of human services for more than a decade in a variety of settings. She graduated from the University of Iowa with a Master’s in Social Work in 2018. Most recently, she worked in the role of Behavioral Health Consultant at a clinic and Social Worker in a hospital. She has additional training in Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Play Therapy, and is certified as a facilitator for Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga. Abby is happy to see both children (age 4 and older) and adults for individual, family and group sessions. 

In her free time, Abby loves spending time with family and friends. She enjoys relaxing by being outdoors, reading, doing yoga, and eating dark chocolate. 

Availability

 Abby’s availability is Monday and Thursday noon-6PM and Friday 8AM-2PM. She can provide services in the Marshalltown office and via telehealth.  

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.