About

Meet Gerd'anice Noel, LMSW

Currently NOT accepting new clients.

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

Meet Emily Villarreal, (T)LMHC

Currently NOT accepting new clients.

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.

To schedule an appointment with Emily, please email admin@cmciowa.com and put EMILY VILLARREAL in the subject line.

Meet Mallory Francis, LMSW

Currently accepting new clients.

Education:

I attended Iowa State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology. I attended University of Kentucky and graduated with a Master of Social Work (MSW). Throughout my professional journey I have worked alongside children, teens, young adults, adults and parents in various settings including young parents programming, education, child welfare, and mental health.

Therapeutic Approach:

I take a person-centered and solutions-focused approach. I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), somatic, and mindfulness techniques. I am passionate about a holistic approach to healing by reconnecting the mind and body to promote self-awareness to address anxiety disorders, depression, and trauma. I work with individuals on relationship issues, life transitions, stress management, and self-esteem. I have training in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), TF-CBT, and EMDR.

I strive to create a safe space where you are welcome to come as you are, in this present moment. A space where you can explore and make discoveries about yourself. I value authenticity in order to build a trusting relationship. My goal is to guide you through the process to feel empowered and confident to deal with life's challenges and navigate new beginnings.

Free Time:

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family, walking my dog, and reading. I fill my cup by listening to music with the windows down or spending time in nature.

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

Meet Sharrell Soliveras, LMSW

Currently accepting new clients.

Education:

I recently graduated from 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 practicing as a LMSW 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 enjoy family time, cooking, baking and road trips.

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

Meet Sonia Navarro, (T)LMHC

Currently accepting new clients.

Education:

Hello! I am currently a Provisional Licensed Mental Health Counselor. I attended Iowa State University for my undergraduate degree in Psychology and Grand View University for my master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Throughout my journey, I have worked alongside teens, young adults, college students, and adults.

Therapeutic Approach:

Life can be profoundly challenging and at times, it can be overwhelmingly difficult and disheartening. At times we may feel like we hate ourselves, or life hates us and we may need help to face those challenges. You deserve happiness and love. We're all human and you don't have to do the hard stuff alone.

I welcome anyone from all backgrounds with open arms and offer a sense of love and belonging. I offer a laid-back approach where at times I believe laughter can help us cope. I value an authentic relationship between myself and you. I like to think we're filled with stories waiting to be written. Whether you're just starting that story or onto a new chapter, I will be on this journey with you.

I value Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in addition to other mindfulness practices to address anxiety disorders, depression, relationships, and childhood trauma. I also work with individuals on stress, self-esteem, and life transitions. I focus on multicultural viewpoints and am LGBTQIA+ friendly.

Free Time:

I'm a nerd. I am into anime, film and EDM. I love my two dogs and hanging out with my family when I can.

To schedule an appointment with Sonia, please email Sonia at snavarro@cmciowa.com or email admin@cmciowa.com and put SONIA NAVARRO in the subject line.

Meet Sydney Murray, (T)LMHC

Education:

I am a provisional licensed mental health counselor. I attended undergrad at the University of Iowa where I obtained a B.S. in psychology with a minor in criminology and a certificate in disability studies. I also attended the University of Iowa for my M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

Therapeutic Approach:

Thus far my clinical experience has consisted of providing individual therapy to adults and adolescents with a variety of presenting concerns including treatment-resistant depressive and anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, childhood trauma, and self-image. I also have experience providing group therapy to adults with treatment-resistant depression and anxiety. I am passionate about helping others live the life they want to live, work through life's challenges, and improve their relationship with themselves.

I utilize a collaborative approach and place heavy importance on developing a safe and authentic relationship with every client. I strive to honor each individual's uniqueness and recognize that different approaches will work for different people. I utilize a trauma-informed and holistic lens. I gravitate towards cognitive-behavioral, gestalt, and narrative therapy modalities. We will work together to find the approach that best suits your needs and who you are as an individual.

Free Time:

I enjoy reading, cooking new recipes, walking with my dog, and being outside as much as possible.

To schedule an appointment with Sydney, please email Sydney at smurray@cmciowa.com or email admin@cmciowa.com and put SYDNEY MURRAY in the subject line.

Meet Kari Edge, MHC Intern

Currently accepting new clients.

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.

To schedule an appointment with Kari, please email admin@cmciowa.com and put KARI EDGE in the subject line.