Meet Our Providers

• Associates Degree - Iowa Lakes Community College (2020)
• Bachelors Degree in Social Work and Minor in Criminology - University of Northern Iowa (2022)

Location
North Union School District

Location
Clay Central Everly Community Schools

• AA and AS in Biology - Iowa Lakes Community College, 2021
• CNA Certification, 2021
• Bachelors of Science in Biomedical Sciences - Buena Vista University, 2023

• Bachelors Degree in Human Services - Buena Vista University

• Children
• Families

Location
Algona Community School District

• Bachelor's degree in Behavioral Sciences - Bellevue University
• Master's degree in Business Organizational Performance - Bellevue University

Experience
Dr. Castillo trained at the University of Iowa Psychiatry Department in General Psychiatry and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry.  He also completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Neuropsychiatry. 

He worked in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in a private practice for 11 years before moving on to Green Bay, Wisconsin, where he practiced for 10 years in a major health system. Dr. Castillo joined Seasons Center in January 2016.

Location
Spencer - Autumn's Center

Education

• Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Minor in Criminal Justice, South Dakota State University
• Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, South Dakota State University

Experience

Shelby has been with Seasons since 2020. Prior to coming to Seasons Center, Shelby was a therapy intern in Sioux Falls, SD where she traveled amongst many schools in the Sioux Falls school district. Shelby has been trained in several evidence-based practices including EMDR, CBT, TF-CBT, DBT, and Seeking Safety. She strives to support clients and their families throughout their journey.

Areas of Specialty

• Adolescents
• Children
• Families
• Anxiety
• Self esteem

About Shelby

Shelby is originally from South Dakota. Outside of work, Shelby stays busy with her new puppy, traveling and spending time with family and friends. When she’s not with others, she loves running and enjoying the outdoors.

• Bachelor of Arts in Family Services, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA

Location
Cherokee Community Schools

• Bachelor's Degree in Psychology with a Minor in LYHS - University of N. Iowa 2014
• Master's Degree in Social Work with a Trauma Informed Specialization - University of N. Iowa 2020

• Adolescents
• Families
• Couples
• LGBTQIA+ Populations
• Life Span Issues
• Relationship Issues
• Self-Esteem
• Stress Reduction
• Trauma
• Vocational

Location
North Iowa Community School District

• Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Walden University, 2018
• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Human Services, Buena Vista University, 2012

• Substance Abuse
• Trauma

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology - University of Northern Iowa, 2020
• Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Wichita State University, 2023

• Associates degree in Criminal Justice - Iowa Lakes Community College, 1996

Bachelors degree in Social Work (BSW) from the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, IA.
Masters degree in Social Work (MSW) from Simmons School of Social Work in Boston, MA.

Experience

Meredith has worked in several different fields of social work throughout her career including residential care facilities (youth and adult), hospitals, nursing facilities and community health centers.  She has a passion for those who struggle with their mental health diagnosis/es and strives to be there for encouragement, support, advocacy and to help individuals and families realize they are not alone.  Meredith has had training in cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, youth mental health first aid, mental health crisis intervention, mindfulness cognitive behavioral therapy, and healthy relationship education.

Credentials

Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW)

Areas of Specialty

Adult and adolescent mental/behavioral health
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Mindfulness Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
Motivational Interviewing

About Me

Meredith was born and raised in Iowa.  Her family is new to the Spencer area and she is looking forward to becoming part of this community.  She has a husband, 3 children, 1 dog, an Oscar fish, a tortoise and a bearded dragon that all keep her busy.  She loves working out, going on walks, bike rides, family movie nights and sitting around the bonfire making s'mores as well as taking family vacations. 

Locations

Spencer

• Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Walden University, 2023
• Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing, University of Iowa, 2010
• Bachelor of Arts Degree, Buena Vista University

• Substance Abuse

ABOUT
Tamera enjoys gardening, camping, traveling, and family.

• Bachelor's Degree in Human Services - Simpson College (2020)

Location
Laurens Marathon Community School District

• BS in Psychology - Iowa State University
• BA in Spanish - Iowa State University

• Bachelors degree in Criminal Justice with a specialty in Human Services

• Anxiety
• Self-Esteem
• Autism
• OCD

• Bachelors Degree in Nursing - Mount Carmel College of Nursing, 2017
• Masters in Nursing Science - Walden University, 2022
• ANCC Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, 2023

EDUCATION

• Associates Degree in Arts & Science - Iowa Central Community College, 2017
• Bachelors Degree in Social Work - Buena Vista University, 2019
• Master's Degree in Social Work - University of Nebraska, Omaha, 2022

EXPERIENCE
Brenda has gained experience working with various populations throughout her career. Brenda has worked as a certified nurse assistant, direct care for intellectually disabled children, house leader, instructional assistant, and youth transported. In addition, Brenda previously provided BHIS and case management to juveniles involved with the justice system.

ABOUT
Brenda is originally from California and has lived in Storm Lake for 16 years. Brenda likes to travel and spend time with my family and dogs in her free time.

LOCATION:  Storm Lake

• Masters in Social Work - University of Southern California (2021)
• Bachelors in Psychology - central College (2018)

• Associate in Liberal Arts
• Bachelors in Liberal Arts
• Masters in Human Services

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Sociology, Morningside College | Sioux City, Iowa, 1994

Experience
Sherri has a variety of experiences in working with both children and adults in community based settings as well as more structured residential environments, including providing school and home based support services, community based prevention services, as well as adoption and birthparent counseling services. For the past 12 years she has worked in the substance abuse field providing counseling and support for adolescents and adults who struggle with substance abuse and additional issues.

Sherri now works as the Permanency Support Specialist for the Family Support Center for foster and adoptive families. Sherri has over 15 years of personal foster and adoptive care experience through her and her husband’s own journey in fostering and adopting children through the foster care system. She has extensive training pertaining to foster families, adoptive families, and birth families. 

Education

• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Luther College in 2012
• Master of Social Work, Minnesota State University | Mankato, Minnesota, 2014

Experience
Chelsi joined Seasons Center in February 2015 where she works with children, adolescents, and adults. Chelsi is trained to do PCIT and EMDR and runs the Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Group in Spirit Lake.

Areas of Speciality

• Couples and Families
• Children, Adolescents, Adults
• LGBT issues
• Trauma
• Depression
• Anxiety

About Chelsi
Chelsi is originally from Spring Valley, MN. She likes to play outside, go on adventures, knit/crochet a diverse assortment of hats, drink excessive amounts of coffee, throw a variety of dog toys in hopes herdog will retrieve (and return) them, and attempt to master the several impromptu hobbies she seems to pick up regularly.

Locations
Spirit Lake 

• Bachelors of Science in Psychology with a minor in Social Welfare - Minnesota State University, Mankato (2017)
• Masters of Art in Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Our Lady of the Lake University (2022)

• Children, Teens, and Adults
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Self-esteem issues
• Anger
• Grief
• Life adjustments

Location
North Union School District

• BA in Sociology/Business Administration, Briar Cliff University 1990

• Bachelors of Arts in Psychology, Bachelors of Arts in Family Services, University of Northern Iowa
• Masters of Social Work, University of Nebraska-Omaha

Experience
Amber is a Licensed Independent Social Worker, Certified Family Life Educator, and Certified Advocate. Amber has gained experience in mental health, substance use counseling, play therapy, family relationships and support, parenting, domestic violence, abuse/neglect, and trauma. Amber currently specializes in trauma-focused therapy, play therapy, and services/advocacy for victims of crime. Amber is currently working towards her Registered Play Therapist credential.

Areas of Specialty

• Crime Victims and Survivors
• Trauma
• Children, Adolescents, and Families
• Parenting

About Amber
Amber likes watching sports in her free time and spending time with family and friends. She also enjoys attending dirt track races, being outdoors, and traveling. Amber loves interacting with children and adolescents to help them achieve their goals.

Locations

• O'Brien County
• Sioux County
• Osceola County

• Bachelor of Arts in Clinical Psychology, Augustana University, 2017
• Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, University of South Dakota, 2020

• Bachelor of Psychology and Biblical Literature, Ozark Christian College and Missouri Southern State University
• Masters in Professional Counseling, Liberty University

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Couples/Marriage
• Substance Abuse
• Cognitive Behavior Therapy
• Shame

• Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Walden University, 2019
• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Human Services, Buena Vista University, 2011

• Trauma Focused- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
• Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
• PACT
• Theraplay

• Bachelor's degree in Sociology from the University of Iowa, 2000
• AAS degree in Early Childhood Education, May 2021

• Masters of Social Work (MSW) University of Iowa - 2020
• BA Psychology and Behavioral Science - Concordia University, Nebraska - 2011

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology - South Dakota State University, 2023
• Master's degree in Social Work - University of South Dakota, (expected completion 2025)

Location
OABCIG Community Schools

• Bachelors of Science in Human Services from Grace University

• Associate degree in Nursing - Southwestern College (San Diego, CA)

Education

• Bachelor of Social Work, Dordt College
• Licensed Practial Nursing, Iowa Lakes Community College

Experience
Prior to joining Seasons, Missy worked as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor at the Northwest Iowa Alcoholism and Drug Treatment Unit, Inc. and as an Inpatient Psychiatric/Medical Social Worker at Spencer Hospital.

Location
Spencer

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work - Northwestern College, 2023

Location
Cherokee Community School District

• Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management, Ashford University, Clinton, Iowa, 2009 (Concentration in Sociology)

• Bachelor's Degree in History (Secondary Education) and minor in Political Science - Iowa State University, 2019

• BA in Humanities - Northwestern, 2008
• MA in Teaching - Morningside, 2014
• MA in CMHC - Northwestern, projected graduation May 2024

• Iowa Central Community College Community Services

• Associate of Arts and Sciences Degree from Western Iowa Tech Community College, 2018
• Family Development Specialist Certificate, 2019
• Bachelors of Science Degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from South Dakota State University, 2021
• Master's Degree in Social Work in progress

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work - Dordt University, 2000
• Master's degree in Social Work - University of Iowa, 2023

• Children ages 3-18 years old

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology and English - Central College (2019)
• Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling - South Dakota State University (2022)

• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Ashford University
• Master of Arts in Psychology, with a specialization in Criminalistics and Justice Studies, from University of the Rockies (graduated with distinction)
• Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from Capella University

Nikki is a combat veteran (Desert Storm, 2 tours in Iraq) who retired from the military in November 2019 after 30 years of service. She served in multiple leadership roles during her career, and was a First Sergeant for the last 12 years of her career. She completed a portion of her PsyD practicum at the Behavioral Health Clinic in Baumholder, Germany, working with military personnel, veterans, and military families. Upon return from overseas, she completed her practicum and her internship at a private practice with offices in Hurst and Burleson, TX where she worked with veterans, adults, adolescents, and children.

Areas of Specialty

• Veterans Affairs
• Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
• Psychological Testing

• Bachelor's degree - Iowa State University
• Master's of Education degree in Counseling & Development - Lamar University, 2023

EXPERIENCE
Devona is a graduate of Iowa State University. She was enlisted in the Iowa National Guard, went through Army ROTC at ISU, and was commissioned in the US Army Reserve. She has a special interest in serving veterans, military members, and their families. Prior to coming to Seasons, she worked in the insurance industry. Devona completed her practicum and both internships at Seasons Center working with adults, adolescents, and children.

ABOUT
Devona enjoys spending time with family and friends. She is a 4-H volunteer that can be found leading workshops in a variety of areas. Her hobbies include traveling, reading, watching movies, cooking, playing cards, and cheering on the Cyclones.

LOCATION
Emmetsburg

Education

• Bachelor of Science in Psychology, University of Idaho

• Master of Science degree in Mental Health Counseling from Capella University, Minnesota

Experience

Jan currently serves as a co-occurring mental health and substance use disorder therapist. She has worked in the substance abuse field for over 12 years, working in both inpatient and outpatient treatment settings. Prior to that Jan worked within a domestic abuse and sexual assault services program, working with both adult and child survivors as well as doing community outreach and education. Jan also lived and worked overseas in the Marshall Islands for a total of eleven years, after completing three years in the Peace Corps, and then working in primary and preventive health care and community development. In this capacity she worked with a number of United Nations agencies as well as international assistance agencies. Jan has also worked in a community health center in Seattle, working with homeless, transient and migrant workers.

Areas of Specialty

Jan is an LMHC (licensed mental health counselor) and an IADC (international alcohol and drug counselor) who specializes in co-occurring disorders, with a specialized interest in trauma. 

About

Jan grew up in northwest Iowa and then lived for a number of years on the west coast (California and Washington) before going overseas, where she lived for 11 years. After this she, along with her children, returned to Iowa. Her children were born overseas and continue their connections with family that are still in Micronesia. Jan can still speak Marshallese and continues her love of learning about other cultures and people.

Location
Spencer
Storm Lake

• Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science - South Dakota State University, 2023

• Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from University of Sioux Falls, 2018
• Master's degree in Social Work from University of South Dakota, 2019

Location
Laurens Community School District & Clay Central Everly Community School District

• Associates degree in Arts and Sciences - Western Iowa Tech Community College, 2022
• Bachelor's degree in Social Work - University of South Dakota, (expected completion 2024)
• Bachelor's degree in Addiction Counseling and Prevention - University of South Dakota, (expected completion 2024)

• Adults
• Families
• Substance Abuse
• Self-Esteem
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Motivational Interviewing
• Solution-Focused Brief Therapy

ABOUT
Outside of work, Ashley enjoys spending time with her family, practicing self-care, attending community events, continuing her education, and going on weekend family adventures.

LOCATION
Sioux Center

• Bachelor's degree in Human Relations and Justice Studies - University of Iowa
• Master's degree in Social Work - University of Kentucky 2023

• Bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Studies - Iowa State University, 2023

Location
Sioux Rapids Community School District

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology - Iowa State University, 2021
• Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Grandview University, 2023

• Adults
• Adolescents
• Children
• Trauma
• Anxiety
• Depression

Education

• Master of Social Work (MSW) from University of Iowa
• Bachelor of Arts in Humanities with a Spanish emphasis from Northwestern College

Experience
Kassie is an EMDRIA Certified EMDR Therapist and has experience in working with individuals, families, and groups. As a multilingual therapist, she has extensive experience working with a variety of Spanish and Portuguese-speaking people and cultures. Kassie has past experience working with children, adolescents, and families involved in the juvenile justice and/or child welfare systems.

Areas of Specialty

• Crime Victims and Survivors
• Trauma
• Children, adolescents, and families
• Functional Family Therapy
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Therapy in the Spanish and Portuguese languages
• Eye Movement Desensitizing and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy

Counties Serving
Buena Vista
Lyon
Plymouth
Sioux

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Simpson College, 2006

Education

• Bachelor's degree, Buena Vista University, 2010
• Practical Nursing degree & AA degree, Iowa Lakes Community College, 2006 & 2007
• Associate’s degree in Nursing, Iowa Lakes Community College, 2023

Experience
April started at Seasons in 2014 as a Support Staff and began as a Psychiatric Scribe in 2016.

About April
April enjoys spending time with her family, camping, traveling, reading, and rooting for her favorite teams: Georgia Bulldogs, Denver Broncos, and St. Louis Cardinals.

Location
Spencer

• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology - University of Northern Iowa, 2018
• Masters of Social Work - University of Iowa, 2023

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Family Services, University of Northern Iowa
• Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Walden University

Location
Cherokee Community Schools

• Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Moody Graduate School/Theological Seminary
• Bachelor's degree in Leisure, Youth, and Human Services, University of Northern Iowa (emphasis in Nonprofit Administration & Youth Work)

Location
South Central Calhoun Community Schools

• Bachelors in Human Services with a minor in psychology as well as sociology.

Education

• Associate degree in Nursing, Iowa Lakes Community College, 2014
• Certification in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing, 2018
• In Progress - Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Northwestern College

Experience
Prior to joining the Seasons team, Courtney worked in inpatient mental health settings. While attending college for her ADN, Courtney worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant in the Behavioral Health Unit at Spencer Hospital. After becoming a Registered Nurse, Courtney worked at Cherokee Mental Health Institute where she worked with children and adults with moderate to severe mental illnesses.

About Courtney
Courtney grew up in Minnesota and moved to Iowa with her family in 2010. In her free time, Courtney enjoys spending time with her husband, Alan, and their 7 kids. She also enjoys watching the NFL and cheering on the Denver Broncos.

• Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Human Services, Buena Vista University
• Master of Science in Human Services (with specialization in Mental Health Counseling)

• Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Buena Vista University-Spencer, 2010 (minors Psychology and Sociology)

• Bachelor's Degree in Social Work - Northwestern College, 2023

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Buena Vista University
• Associate degree, Iowa Lakes Community College
• Masters of Social Work From University of Missouri, 2021

Experience
Amber has worked at Seasons Center since 2010. Previously, she worked for Hope Haven in Spencer as a direct support for adults and children. While at Seasons, she has worked in several areas: Community Based Services (CBS), Behavioral Health Intervention Services (BHIS), and Intensive Psychiatric Rehabilitation (IPR).  She currently works on the CRISIS Team, as the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team Lead and as a Mental Health Therapist.

About Amber
Self Care is an important part of life.  A few things Amber enjoys doing include:
Spending Time with Family/Friends
Reading
Enjoying time with her pets
Attending a gym
Diamond Painting

• Bachelor of Arts in Counseling Psychology, Morningside College, May 2016
• Masters of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, University of South Dakota, May 2019

• National Registered Emergency Medical Technician - Northwest Iowa Community College (2019)

Education

• Associate's degree in Nursing, Kalamazoo Valley Community College, 2015
• Paramedic certification, 2012

Experience
Before joining Seasons, Abbie was an inpatient nurse for three years on a busy cardiac-renal unit and now joining Seasons as CCBHC Care Team Nurse.

About Abbie
Abbie recently moved back to northwest Iowa from Michigan. She's currently having fun renovating a 1900 farmhouse and spending time with her family.

Location
Sheldon

• Bachelor's degree in Behavioral Science with minor in Psychology - Ashford University (2020)

EXPERIENCE
Prior to working at Season's Center, Bethany worked at the Carroll Community School District in Special Education, working 1-on-1 and in classroom settings.  She has also worked for Boys Town Iowa as an In-Home Family Specialist. In that role, Bethany provided services and connections to resources, within the community, to support healthier family environments.

ABOUT
Outside of work Bethany enjoys spending time with her family watching movies. They love rodeos and travel often for various youth rodeo associations. She also enjoys spending time outdoors: fishing, working, or just hanging out.

LOCATION
Carroll

• Bachelor's degree in Nonprofit Administration - University of Northwestern-St. Paul 2017
• Master's degree in Professional Counseling - Liberty University 2022

EXPERIENCE
During her masters program, Dominique did her practicum and both internships at Seasons Center. While an intern, she worked with children and adolescents from different ages and backgrounds. Dominique is excited to now be a full time employee at Seasons.  

• Children and Adolescents

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work - University of Northern Iowa, 1998
• Master's degree in Social Work - University of Iowa, 2000

EDUCATION
Bachelors Degree in Child and Family Services from Iowa State University
Masters Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Buena Vista University

EXPERIENCE
Leah has more than 20 years experience working with youth and families in the mental health field. Before joining Seasons Center she was a therapist at Avalon Center for 2 years serving children, adults and couples. Leah strives to lift others up to find their own passion.

AREAS OF SPECIALTY
Specializes in children and adolescents with trauma.

ABOUT LEAH
Leah has a 15 year old son who is the light of her life. You can often find her at wrestling, baseball or football games cheering him on. She also enjoys reading, cooking, shopping and spending time with her family and friends.

Location
Algona Community Schools

• Bachelor's degree in Counseling and Human Services - Wayne State College, 2020
• Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Wayne State College, 2023

• Children & Adolescents