About

MEET GERD'ANICE NOEL, LMSW

Education:

I am a Licensed Master of Social Worker (LMSW). I attended Troy University (GO TROJANS!) where I received my Bachelor of Social Work with a concentration in Case Management. My career post-grad began in direct practice within the scope of children and family welfare. I had the opportunity to work on multidisciplinary teams that sought to meet the needs of parents and their children. However, as I worked within diverse communities and differing populations, I recognized families were sorely at a disadvantage due to the lack of available resources, policies that did not fit their individualized needs, the stigmas tied to seeking mental health treatment, in addition to the trauma associated with other varying factors. My passion for service that impacts lives, longed for further growth and expansion. Thus, in true Trojan fashion, I returned to Troy University to receive my graduate degree in Social Work, with a concentration in Mental Health.

Therapeutic Approach:

Amid my years of practice, my primary objective, no matter the setting, has been to provide individuals the space to understand the true power within their voice. I believe it is essential to understand how trauma affects an individual holistically.

Free Time:

When I am not in the office, I enjoy writing, traveling, singing, and spending time with family and friends. I believe God has equipped me with the tools necessary to fulfill my purpose to help others. In addition to my life, educational, and professional experiences I believe my unique perspective on intervention techniques will provide an atmosphere that fosters self-recognition, confidence, and growth. Let's grow together!

To scheduled an appointment with Gerd'Anice, please email admin@cmciowa.com and put GERD'ANICE NOEL in the subject line.

MEET EMILY, (T)LMHC

Education:

Hello! I'm currently a provisional mental health counselor. I attended Iowa State University for my undergraduate degree in Child, Adult & Family Services. I attended Grand View University for my graduate degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Throughout my professional journey I have worked alongside children, teens, young adults, college students, parents, adults in a number of different settings including college readiness programing, admissions counseling, child welfare, and mental health.

Therapeutic Approach:

I value trauma-focused approaches, along with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in addition to other mindfulness practices to address ADHD, anxiety disorders, depression, relationship and attachment issues, and childhood, immigration and complex trauma. I also work with individuals on stress, anger, self-esteem, life transitions, and substance abuse. I have training in play therapy techniques, TF-CBT, and EMDR.

You will be seen and heard, and together we will work alongside through self-awareness and self-exploration. My goal is to provide a space for personal growth through a safe, nonjudgmental and authentic approach to build a trusting relationship. You will feel empowered to advocate for yourself and live your best life, and with that, I'm so glad you're here, because you matter, and tomorrow needs you. I look forward to working together.

Free Time:

In my free time, I love jamming out to music in my car, and I appreciate all genres. I like to discover and collect different house plants. I also love spending time with family and friends, and being able to be outside or go for walks with my dogs.

MEET MALLORY FRANCIS, MSW INTERN

Education:

I am a third year student through the University of Kentucky in the MSW program and currently a social work graduate intern under the supervision of JaCarie Owens, LMHC at Courageous Minds Counseling. I graduated from Iowa State University in 2011 upon completion of her Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology.

Therapeutic Approach:

I values Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Somatic Experiencing techniques and is passionate about a holistic approach to healing. I seek to create a safe space for my clientele that promotes overall wellbeing and therapeutic success. I am excited to currently be expanding my expertise in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction.

Free Time:

In my free time, I enjoys spending time with family, walking her dog, and reading.

**I currently offers free or low cost sessions of $25 per session.**

To scheduled an appointment with Mallory, please email admin@cmciowa.com and put MALLORY FRANCIS in the subject line.

MEET SHARRELL SOLIVERAS, MSW INTERN

Education:

I am a student in the Advanced Graduate Program at The University of Iowa's School of Social Work. I graduated from The University of Iowa in 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work. I am currently completing her graduate practicum at Courageous Minds Counseling under the supervision of JaCarie Owens, LMHC.

Therapeutic Approach:

I value Trauma-informed care and look forward to building my skills in Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I am determined to create an environment for my clientele that promotes their well-being and therapeutic growth.

Free Time:

In my free time, I enjoys family time, cooking, baking and road trips.

**I currently offers free or low cost sessions of $25 per session.**

To scheduled an appointment with Sharrell, please email admin@cmciowa.com and put SHARRELL SOLIVERAS in the subject line.

MEET ALEXIS

Alexis is originally from El Paso Texas; she is a second-year student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduate program at Grand View University. Alexis graduated from Grand View University in 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. Alexis is currently completing her graduate Internship at Courageous Minds Counseling under the supervision of JaCarie Owens, LMHC. Alexis looks forward to expanding her knowledge and skills in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She is determined to construct a safe environment for her clientele to help advance their well-being and therapeutic growth. In her free time, Alexis enjoys cooking home meals, competing for the Grand View women's wrestling team, listening to music, and spending time with her hamster Maliboo.

MEET KARI EDGE

Education:

I am a student at Drake University in pursuit of a Masters in Counseling, with a focus on Mental Health Counseling. I graduated from Iowa State University with a B.L.S and a minor in African and African American Studies. Before that, I attended DMACC West. I am currently completing my graduate practicum at Courageous Minds Counseling under the supervision of JaCarie Owens, LMHC.

Therapeutic approach:

I follow a client-centered approach with a focus on strengths and empathetic listening. I believe the most important thing in counseling is the creation of a safe space where clients feel respected and listened to. I am especially interested in working with people in the LGBTQIA+ community.

Free time:

I enjoy playing video games and listening to music. I also like a variety of crafts. I collect rocks and fun trinkets.