Clinicians

LAURA ALVAREZ

LPC-5072

LAURA ALVAREZ

What do you specialize in? I hold certifications in Registered Play Therapist- Supervisor and Anger Management Specialist II. My professional background as a Counselor includes, counseling at the Family Justice Center in Nampa, Maricopa County Jails in Phoenix, Children’s Mental Health in Idaho, Saint Alphonsus Inpatient Psychiatric Hospital in Boise, and School-Based Therapist in Caldwell and Boise. I also currently serve on the Southwest Idaho AHEC Advisory Board where we help students transition into health professions.

What do you love most about what you do? This profession provides me purpose and meaning because I am able to sit with someone and help them through their personal growth. I learn a lot about life and get inspired by people’s stories.

How long have you been counseling? Over 11 years including counseling internships.

Where are you from? I was born in Southern Idaho. As a young girl I had a great desire to explore beyond Idaho and so my adventurous heart led me to live in the East and West Coasts parts of the US. However, family and the beauty and safety of Idaho is incomparable and eventually led me back home.

Where did you study? I received my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from California State University, Long Beach in 2003 and my Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Idaho State University in 2010.

When you are not in the office, what do you enjoy doing? I love to continue to try new things and challenge myself in ways that I could not have imagined. For instance, I participate in a fitness program where I lift weights, and I have a spirited, fun-loving dog. If you would have told me I would be involved in any of these two things, I would not have believed it, but now I can’t imagine my life without them!

¿Cuál es tu especialidad? Soy especialista certificada en manejo de control de ira, nivel II y una certificación de Terapeuta en Juego Registrada-Supervisora. Mi experiencia profesional como consejera incluye, consejería en el Centro de Justicia Familiar en Nampa, cárceles del condado de Maricopa en Phoenix, salud mental infantil en Idaho, hospital psiquiátrico para pacientes hospitalizados de Saint Alphonsus en Boise y terapeuta escolar en Caldwell y Boise. Actualmente también sirvo en el Consejo Asesor AHEC del Sureste de Idaho, donde ayudamos a los estudiantes a realizar la transición a profesiones de salud.

¿Qué es lo que más amas de lo que haces? Esta profesión me llena en todos los sentidos porque soy capaz de sentarme con alguien y ayudarlo en su crecimiento personal. Aprendo mucho sobre la vida y me inspiro en las historias de las personas.

¿Cuánto tiempo tienes dando servicio de consejería? Más de 11 años incluyendo la realización de prácticas profesionales de asesoramiento.

¿De dónde eres? Nací en el sur de Idaho. Cuando era joven, tenía un gran deseo de explorar más allá de Idaho, por lo que mi corazón aventurero me llevó a vivir en las costas este y oeste de los Estados Unidos. Sin embargo, la familia y la belleza y seguridad de Idaho son incomparables y eventualmente me llevaron de regreso a casa.

¿Dónde estudiaste? Recibí mi Licenciatura en Psicología de la Universidad Estatal de California, Long Beach en 2003 y mi Maestría en Consejería de Salud Mental en la Universidad Estatal de Idaho en el 2010.

¿Cuándo no estás en la oficina, ¿qué te gusta hacer? Me encanta seguir probando cosas nuevas y desafiarme a mí misma de formas que no podría haber imaginado. Por ejemplo, participo en un programa de acondicionamiento físico donde levanto pesas, y adopte un perro alegre y divertido. Si me hubieran dicho que estaría involucrada en cualquiera de estas dos cosas, no lo habría creído, ¡pero ahora no pue

Josh Brandt

Targeted Care Coordinator

I have served the Treasure Valley in a variety of paraprofessional and supervisory roles since graduating from the Honors College at Boise State University in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. I have an extensive background working in in-home and community-based environments, providing case management, skills building, peer support and Targeted Care Coordination to diverse populations in need. I have experience with outpatient program development and paraprofessional supervision, with an emphasis on “peer programs” including Peer, Family, and Youth Support services. I hold certificates through the Praed Foundation to independently administer both CANS and ANSA assessments.

I am certified as a Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) through the Department of Health and Welfare, and I am on track to become a board-certified case manager (CCM) end of 2019. I am also a second-year Master of Social Work student at Boston University.

I provide Targeted Care Coordination (TCC) for the Children’s Home Society of Idaho, which aims to connect youth and families to a single provider that coordinates their array of behavioral health services. As a TCC, I work hands-on with youth, families and their service providers to develop a shared vision for treatment and recovery.

As I work toward my clinical degree and license, I am developing research and practice interests within the areas of trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy, family and group psychoeducation, effective treatment modalities for neuro-diverse youth, outcome-based measurement tools, and care for youth transitioning out of inpatient or residential treatment.

In my spare time, I enjoy golfing, reading and watching football with my fiancé, Katie.

Bret Callinan

LMSW

Bret Callinan, LMSW, is a native of Omaha Nebraska . He relocated to Boise in July of 2018, having started his clinical work in Nebraska providing Intensive Family Preservation Therapy, Individual Therapy, and partnering with Lancaster County Juvenile Court’s Truancy diversion program providing therapy for court referred students. Bret graduated with his Masters of Social Work Degree from the University of Nebraska in May of 2017 but his work in mental health and social work started well before that, first by working with United Way as a fundraiser, being a community mentor with Big Brother Big Sisters and working with Boys Town National Research Hospital Intensive Psychiatric facility for children and teenagers as a behavioral health technician. Bret also has spent significant time working with refugee and recent immigrants in dealing with mental health and practical living issues.

Since moving to Idaho Bret has continued his work to assist families and teens who are his primary service population that he serves along with many other diverse individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Bret has worked under state contract, Medicaid and private insurance in for profit and non-profit clinical settings and is excited to continue to provide support for all who need assistance in maintaining mental health.

Molly Collins

LCSW

I love to work with humans of all ages from younger children on up to adults, especially teens and emerging adults (18-25). I received my Master’s in Clinical Social Work from Portland State University and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the states of Idaho and Oregon. My primary therapeutic methods include Person-Centered Cognitive-Behavioral therapy and expressive play therapy within a context of strengths-based and trauma informed models.

Therapy is a collaborative and creative process. It is an honor to work with children, adolescents, parents and adults as they travel their path to wellness and recovery. With a sense of safety you can explore and express feelings, let go of and alter maladaptive patterns, build resilience and process loss and trauma. I hope to provide the therapeutic partnership with positive regard, empathy, humor, skill building, encouragement, problem solving and new perspectives.

PAM CURRY

LPC-791

I received my Masters in Counseling, both school and community, from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh and am licensed in the State of Idaho. I believe each of us can learn and grow, and each of us possesses our own particular wisdom. Perhaps the best way to describe my counseling philosophy is with two of my favorite quotes: “Giving and receiving is a circle; there is no divide. So, offer your heart and hands with love, compassion, humility and abandon. There is no such thing as a small kindness.” (PMC)

“We are ALL students and teachers. I often ask myself, what did I come here to learn, and what did I come here to teach?” (L. L. Hay)

I have served children and their families as a counselor for many years, both in the schools and in the community. Currently I work with ages 4-11, practicing mostly sand tray and play therapy.

Yvette Enrique

LCSW

Yvette is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). She earned both her Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Social Work from Boise State University. Yvette has a history of working with children, adolescents, and adults. Yvette assists clients and families identify issues, solutions and continues assisting clients as they work through their issues or situations.

Yvette utilizes various theories and modalities, as needed by her client’s individual styles. Therapy modalities include cognitive behavioral therapy, strength-based, and solution-focused.

DAN DAY

PhD, Psychologist

REBECCA HOPPER

LMSW

Rebecca Hopper

Rebecca is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW). She earned her Master’s in Social Work from Simmons University and her Bachelors of Science in Sociology and Psychology from Linfield College. Throughout her education, Rebecca focused on child abuse and neglect, as well as the impact of trauma on the lives of children and teens. Her professional background was spent mostly working with children and teens with developmental disabilities in conjunction with mental health disorders. Rebecca understands that life can be challenging and messy, however, she is here to provide support, guidance, and treatment helping you and your family unlock strengths and get you to where you want to be.

Rebecca’s therapeutic style is creative, collaborative, and strengths based. Therapy is a collaborative process and it is important the client and their family feel heard, seen, and accepted. I employ techniques derived from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Strengths Based, Art/Play Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Mindfulness, and Motivational Interviewing, just to name a few.

Outside of the office, Rebecca enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, and relaxing on the couch with her cats.

PATRICIA JOHNSON

MAMFT, LMFT, LPC, RPT

Patricia Johnson, MAMFT, LMFT, LPC, RPT

Patricia enjoys working with children, adolescents, and parents to help them heal from trauma, transitions, losses, abuse, and disruptions, improve coping skills, behaviors, attachments, social skills, self-esteem, self-awareness, and resources, decrease anxiety, depression, and fears, increase positive thoughts, strengths, peace, focus, and hope, and resolve conflicts. She uses best practices including Play Therapy, Theraplay, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Eye-Movement Desensitization Reprocessing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Experiential Arts, Sand Tray, and Trust-Based Relational Intervention and more to aid change.

Patricia received a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Liberty University and is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, a Licensed Professional Counselor, and a Registered Play Therapist. Patricia offers empathy, compassion, insight, warmth, and best practice techniques to help clients heal and thrive.

Outside of work, Patricia enjoys the great outdoors (hiking, kayaking, and snow shoeing), sharing life with friends and family, traveling, learning, meeting new challenges, and reveling in beauty.

AUBREY PETERSON

LMSW

Aubrey Peterson, LMSW

Aubrey is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW). She earned her Master’s in Social Work from Boise State University and her Bachelors of Science in Social Work from Weber State University. Aubrey has a history of working with children, adolescents, and adults in individual and family treatment settings. The clients Aubrey works with experience a variety struggles related to mental health disorders, behavioral issues, and family relationships. Aubrey focuses on how individuals and families can heal and grow together through the treatment process. She understands that utilizing both individual and family strengths can create long-term wellness and a supportive environment for children and caregivers.

Aubrey utilizes various theories and modalities in her practice, including cognitive behavioral therapy, strength-based, and solution-focused. She works to create a collaborative, strength based, and safe environment for all clients and family members involved in the treatment process.

Nathan Powell

LCSW

Nathan Powell, LCSW

Nathan completed his Master of Social Work Degree from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. He has over 30 years of clinical experience in individual, couples and family therapy. He is trained in Cognitive Processing Therapy for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Integrated Behavioral Couples Therapy, Structural Family Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. Nathan has worked extensively with depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and grief/loss. He also serves as a Clinical Faculty member through the University of Washington Department of Psychiatry and Health Sciences providing consultation and supervision to psychiatric residents for their therapy cases.

When not working Nathan enjoys spending time in the outdoors fly fishing, and mountain bike riding.

Savannah Perez

LMSW

Savannah Perez, Licensed Masters Social Worker (LMSW)

Hello, my name is Savannah Perez and I am a Licensed Masters Social Worker (LMSW). I was born and raised in San Antonio Texas and now reside in the beautiful city of Boise. My background consists of working with a broad range of populations including families, children, and adolescents with mental health disorders and behavioral struggles. I use a variety of treatment approaches consisting of mindfulness, art therapy/play therapy techniques, and cognitive behavioral therapy (to list a few), that are individually tailored to fit your current needs and situation. My therapy practice is open minded, genuine, creative, and strengths based. I believe that every individual is the expert on their own situation and every family and child has individual strengths that are waiting to be unlocked. Life is not easy and at times it can knock us down. I am honored to walk alongside you as you face the challenges life presents. I am here to provide support, treatment, and guidance to help you and your family get to the place you wish to be, mentally and emotionally. I understand therapy can sometimes be scary and overwhelming to begin and I am proud for you in taking your first step towards wellness, comfort, and healing.

Practice Areas: Anxiety, Depression, Post-Traumatic Stress disorder (PTSD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Oppositional Behaviors, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Emotional Regulation, Coping with Past Trauma, Bullying, LGBTQIA+ challenges, Life Changes and Transitions, Parent and Child Relationships, Sibling Rivalry, Parenting Techniques, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, and Self Esteem Difficulties.

Maritza Romero

LCSW

MARITZA ROMERO, LCSW

I understand that looking for a therapist and finding the right person is difficult. I enjoy working with broad range of clients and concerns. I am primarily a child and adolescent therapist who uses multi-disciplinary approach.

I am Maritza Romero, an Idaho State licensed Social Worker. I provide A comprehensive diagnostic assessment, psychotherapy to children, adults and families. I work with individuals, families, and children struggling with anxiety, affective disorders, anger issues, parent and child relationships, oppositional behaviors, depression, self-esteem issues, trauma history, and suicide ideation. I believe in helping people reach their full potential. My specialties include creative art, relationships, among other modalities. Part of helping children is coaching parents on tools and perspectives that assist them. My approach to therapy involves assisting individuals to address their feelings, thinking, and actions. I have completed specialized instruction in using CBT in psychotherapy, including training through USC social work program. My style of therapy is uniquely comfortable, creative, and grounding.

A therapeutic and trust based relationship is earned and developed between the therapist and the patient. I offer a safe, nurturing, and respectful environment. I utilize a variety of theories and modalities to fit your needs. I blend humanistic, holistic, creative arts, and solution focused therapies to enhance your therapeutic experience. I am here to assist you with life skills, resources, and counseling techniques to help you through this difficult time.

Alaina Sagarang

lpc

Brynn Shireman

LCSW

Brynn Shireman, LMSW

Hello, my name is Brynn and I cannot wait to meet you. I earned my Master’s degree in Social Work from Boise State University. I’ve been working with clients and families in the Treasure Valley for 13 years. My past experiences have been in child welfare, early childhood development and adjustment to new diagnosis and chronic illness, perinatal mental health and inpatient hospitalization. I am also certified as a Grief Counseling Specialist and a Certified Social Worker in Health Care. My primary therapeutic methods include Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment therapy.

It takes a lot of courage to make the decision to come to counseling and I’m here to walk alongside clients who start the journey. In my practice I address helping clients navigate the challenges and symptoms of adjustment, anxiety, depression, self-esteem and grief and loss. At the heart of my practice, I believe in a judgement free space where clients can feel seen, heard and accepted. My approach to therapy is collaborative, client and family driven and strengths based.

Outside of my office I enjoy group fitness classes, spending time with friends and family and watching all kinds of movies.

RUSTY SMITH

Psy.D.

RUSTY SMITH, PSY.D.

Rusty Smith, PsyD is a clinical psychologist who completes various forms of testing for children and adolescents at WSCC. Areas of testing include ADHD, Learning Disabilities, Autism, Intellectual Disability, mood and anxiety disorders, developmental delays, trauma, etc. He completed his clinical psychology doctoral program at George Fox University in Newberg, OR and his internship and residency at Portland State University Counseling Center. He also completed a master’s degree in Marital and Family Therapy prior to his doctoral program.

TODD Q. WILLIAMS

MS, LCPC

Todd Williams

I am a born and raised potato head – also see Idahoan – the youngest of 5 boys. I attended Boise State University, where I played rugby & graduated with a B.A. in History in 1997. In 2012 I graduated with Honors from Northwest Nazarene University with my M.S. in Clinical Counseling.

In the past 7 years I have worked with children, couples, individuals and groups but have specialized in counseling those with Traumatic Brain Injury and their families, though I have experience in addictions, co-occurring disorders, depression, anxiety and trauma in all ages my focus is with the TBI community.

When not at work I am with my own family which includes my wife, Echo, of 28 years and our 6 boys – yes, 6 & no, no girls – 3 daughters-in-law & 3 grandchildren that are massively cute.

My Mom’s Father came from New Zealand and I spent time in New Zealand and the Cook Islands on a church mission where I learned the languages, how to make Maori bone & wood carvings & how to play rugby. The time in the South Pacific affected me greatly and my life – all 6 of my boys have Maori middle names significant to them.

Xio Miranda

Counseling Intern

Heather Vose

LMSW

Heather Vose

As a long time Boise resident, I am so grateful to have had several years of experience working with children and families in a variety of settings here in the Treasure Valley. Besides providing clinical therapy, I also have a background in school social work, early childhood development and interventions, and working with families effected by domestic violence, sexual assault and other forms of trauma. I am passionate about supporting and empowering families and individuals, and welcome the opportunity to work with people from all walks of life! I am committed to providing a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment for all my clients. Whether you want to address current life challenges, past painful experiences, or just want to improve overall life functioning, I would be honored to team up with you and help you to achieve your goals!

Heather earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Boise State University. Her education also includes a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Psychology from Oregon State University. Heather’s approach to therapy is person-centered and individualized, depending on the client’s needs and goals. Some of the areas that Heather has personal interest and specialized training in are Attachment Issues, PTSD, Postpartum Challenges, LGBTQ+ issues, and ADHD. She utilizes a variety of research-based methods including but not limited to: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Child-Centered and Directed Play Therapy, Expressive Arts Therapy, Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Solution Focused Therapy.

When she is not working, Heather enjoys spending as much time as possible with her little one. She loves camping, hiking and traveling with her family. She can also be found spending her spare time creating textile art, baking, reading sci-fi novels and even playing video games.

Bailey Flores

Counseling Intern

LAURA ALVAREZ

Josh Brandt

Bret Callinan

Molly Collins

PAM CURRY

Yvette Enrique

DAN DAY

REBECCA HOPPER

PATRICIA JOHNSON

AUBREY PETERSON

Nathan Powell

Savannah Perez

Maritza Romero

Alaina Sagarang

Brynn Shireman

RUSTY SMITH

TODD Q. WILLIAMS

Xio Miranda

Heather Vose

Bailey Flores

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