Meet the Team

  • Jenny Billiard, LCSW

    Owner/Provider

    Jenny Billiard is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She graduated from Arizona State University with a master’s degree in social work, and an undergraduate degree in psychology. Jenny has over 15 years of experience working with children, youth and families. She has worked as a medical social worker assisting patients and families coping with chronic illness or disability, trauma, substance abuse and mental health. In addition, Jenny has worked as an elementary school social worker supporting children to meet their educational objectives.

    “I feel honored that clients allow me to share in their life’s journey”

  • Shannon Jacobson, LCSW

    Provider

    Shannon Jacobson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who earned her master’s degree in clinical social work at Simmons College School of Social Work in Boston, MA in 2018. She completed a one-year, postgraduate fellowship in 2019 at Reiss Davis-Child Study Center receiving psychodynamic, psychoanalytic training working with children and families prior to relocating to Arizona where she obtained her LMSW status in April 2020. Ms. Jacobson also maintains current Associate Social Worker (ASW) status in CA since September 2018.

    Ms. Jacobson has received training and education among the lifespan from birth to adult. Her clinical experience working with children, young adults, students, adults, and elderly populations experiencing various life transitions and struggles including issues of anxiety, depression, grief and loss, death and dying, self-identity, adjustment disorder, trauma, bonding and attachment, aging, and ADHD.

    Ms. Jacobson utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person Centered Therapy (PCT), Solution Focused Therapy (SFT), Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, and Narrative Therapy. Ms. Jacobson has worked in variety of settings, including telehealth, outpatient centers, residential programs, long-term care facilities, and in-home settings.

  • Narita Rusling, LMSW

    Provider

    Hi, I’m Narita.  I have found my calling to become a social worker out of desire and passion to help people live a fulfilling and balance life.  My life experience includes years of committed motherhood, care givers for 34 years to a brother who has intellectual disabilities.

    I have a deep belief in the restorative powers of self-knowledge, self-acceptance and unconditional love. With open for support, and extensive-self exploration of the healing process I have walked away my own PTSD having survive six years Refugee Camp.

     I hold degrees in Master in Social Work from upstate New York.  I have over 15 years’ experience in counseling, diagnostic assessment, group counseling, 24-hr hotline counselor, and working with as a case manager with diverse population in social services, CPS, Adult Protective, and developmental disability. 

     I have confidence in working with diverse population, with a wide range of challenges including: Anxiety, depression, dual diagnosis, grief, loss, anger management, trauma and life transitions. As a counselor, my style is rationale, direct, integrative and practical.   I used a variety of techniques and modalities: Narrative Therapy, Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

  • Liv Ryan, LMSW

    Provider

    Liv Ryan is a Licensed Master Social Worker (MSW). She graduated from Our Lady of the Lake University with an MSW, received a Master in Early Childhood Education from Arizona State University West and a Bachelor of Social Work from Thomas More College. She has been an advanced practice yoga teacher for over ten years.

    Her career in social work has spanned over three decades. To the counseling practice she brings experience with every stage of life from birth to death, knowledge of diverse cultures and various human orientations. She has worked crisis/suicide prevention hotlines, in crime victim advocacy and counseling, maternal child health and depression management programs. As a medical social worker she has worked along side doctors in medical clinics, a residential geriatric center, early intervention and traumatic brain injury home visiting programs, and an internship at Hospice.

    She will partner with you to find your heartfelt goal and work tirelessly to help you achieve it using proven, evidence based behavioral health interventions and common sense to lighten the load toward getting your needs met. She is especially passionate about brain biology and how to calm an anxious nervous system.

    She is an Evergreen Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP) and is in the process of completing Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). She receives clinical supervision from Jenny Billiard, LCSW toward attainment of the independently licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) status.

  • Cathi Richmond, LMSW

    Provider, Telehealth Only

  • Kelly Gemmill, LMSW

    Provider

    Kelly Gemmill is a licensed master social worker. She graduated from North Dakota State University with her bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in Psychology and then advanced onto Arizona State University to receive her master’s degree in Social Work along with a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Grand Canyon University.

    Kelly has been in the social service field since 2010 working with children with development disabilities, homeless youth, adolescent females in a therapeutic group home and behavioral health residential facility along with majority of her work as a medical social worker assisting adults to cope with new diagnoses, chronic illnesses, and grief specifically related to cancer. She can help clients work through anxiety, depression, grief, or life transitions.

    Kelly utilizes a variety of practice modalities based upon the needs of each client that may including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

  • Virginia Bagby, LMSW

    Provider

    Virginia has her Master’s degree in Social Work from Arizona State University and is a licensed Social Worker in Arizona. Over the course of her career, she has provided counseling and consulting on areas of trauma, attachment, addiction, family dynamics, and couple’s issues.

    Her passion for helping others to heal and thrive has kept her in the helping profession for over 25 years. She believes that our emotions are valid and are the key to uncovering the thoughts and actions which can both move us towards well-being and hinder us from reaching our potential.

    Virginia finds joy in laughter, travel, and reading a good book.

  • Angelica Luna, LMSW

    Angelica Luna, LMSW

    Provider

    Angelica Luna is a Licensed Master Social Worker. She graduated from Arizona State University with her Masters in Social Work. She has been practicing Social Work for almost 10 years.

    She has worked in child welfare, mental health, and substance abuse programs. Most recently, she has been practicing as a medical social worker primarily working with maternal child and post partum populations as well as those in crisis.

    She is passionate about helping trauma survivors find a safe space to heal and assisting in their journey to create a better life for themselves. She believes in using a trauma informed strengths based approach. She believes it is helpful to take a whole person approach, in exploring past experiences, relationships and attachment styles.

    Provides Ketamine Assisted Therapy.

    She is an Evergreen Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). She receives clinical supervision from Jenny Billiard, LCSW toward attainment of independent licensure (LCSW).

  • Alicia Schoephoerster, LMSW

    Provider, Telehealth Only

    Alicia is a licensed master social worker with experience with diverse populations across the lifespan. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work and a doctorate in behavioral health from Arizona State University. Alicia’s social work career includes medical social work for the Southern AZ VA, as well as behavioral health settings, including a substance use treatment clinic, health homes, and hospitals. During her doctoral internship at Mayo clinic, Alicia completed a dissertation on brief interventions for adults managing comorbid behavioral health diagnoses and medical complexities. She continues the work of supporting medically complex needs through evidence-based behavioral intervention. Alicia has served as a behavioral health leader in inpatient and outpatient settings and uses her clinical experience to inform decision-making for those she serves.

    Alicia supports the individual goals of adolescents and adults of all ages using a variety of modalities based on the preferences and needs of her clients. Modalities include Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Mindfulness, Solution Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) informed treatment.

    Alicia is currently receiving supervision toward independent licensure.

  • Brenda Grasso, LMSW

    Provider, Telehealth Only

    Brenda Grasso is a Licensed Master Social Worker. Brenda graduated with her Masters Degree from Western New Mexico University focusing both her Bachelors and Masters in Social work in addition to a minor in Psychology and Sociology.

    Brenda has worked with several different populations and age groups varying from young children to geriatric adults. Brenda possesses a background in medical social work where she focused on the safety and well being of the individual through case management. Brenda has worked individuals who have experienced addiction, mental health crisis and homelessness to name a few.

    In Brenda’s spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, trying new restaurants, relaxation and self care spa days.

    Brenda believes strongly that all individuals are the true experts of their lives and deserve the opportunity to be heard. Brenda appreciates modalities to include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused Therapy and Mindfulness.

    Brenda truly cares about those that she works with. The clients goals are of upmost importance and Brenda is committed to helping the client explore their goals to their highest potential.

  • Aubrey Brozo, LMSW

    Provider

    Aubrey has her master’s degree in social work from Texas Tech University. She has been in the social work profession since 2018 and has worked with hospice patients, unhoused individuals, child protection, and harm reduction. Through a collaborative effort, Aubrey can help clients navigate the complexities of trauma, emotions, boundaries, mental health issues, or any other challenges clients may be facing. Aubrey’s goal during session is to help clients gain insight, clarity, and awareness so that they may feel empowered in their everyday lives, no matter the circumstances. She receives clinical supervision from Jenny Billiard, LCSW towards attainment of independent licensure (LCSW). Aubrey finds joy in crocheting, riding her bike, and exploring Phoenix.

  • Dienna Garcia, LMSW

    Dienna Garcia, LMSW

    Provider

    Dienna Garcia has been a Licensed Master Social Worker since 2006. She graduated from Fordham University in New York City focusing on Social Work, The Law, and Client Centered Management. Dienna has an undergraduate degree in Psychology. She has provided counseling to families, couples, adults, and older adults faced with depression, anxiety, grief, past trauma, and addiction. Dienna uses modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Guided Imagery, Behavioral Activation, Motivational Interviewing and Crisis Intervention.

    Dienna has worked and lived in diverse populations starting her career as a social worker in Harlem, New York where she was actively involved in community development along with providing counseling services to parents whose children attended community day care centers.

    Dienna believes that each of us has a purpose in our lives and finding one’s voice can lead to self-discovery and finding new ways that work best for them. She provides guidance through compassionate engagement, discussing Holistic Care and encouraging self-determination.

  • Amy Wadlington, LMSW

    Amy Wadlington, LMSW

    Provider/ Telehealth Only

    Amy Wadlington is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW). She graduated with a social work degree in direct practice from Arizona State University and earned a bachelor’s in psychology from the University of Arizona. Amy has completed the Compassionate Bereavement Care Certified Provider training and is a Pet Loss Partners Bereavement Specialist.

    Amy has over 20 years of experience working with children, youth, families, and the senior population. Amy has worked in a variety of settings including hospice, hospitals, acute rehab, and counseling agencies during her career. Amy’s experience as a medical social worker has shown her the importance of honoring the mind/body connection while working in a therapeutic setting with her clients. Amy’s goal is to come alongside and guide you using evidenced based practices, such as Motivational Interviewing (MI), Mindfulness, Solution Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Narrative Therapy.

    Amy believes in being a strong advocate for her clients and teaching them to do the same for themselves. Amy is a pet parent/rescue volunteer who is empathetic to pet loss on both a personal and professional level. Amy is being clinically supervised by Jenny Billiard, LCSW, as she works towards independent licensure.

  • Haley McCrary, LMSW

    Haley McCrary, LMSW

    Provider/ Telehealth Only

    Haley McCrary is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and a fully remote provider who lives in Florida. She graduated from University of North Dakota with a double major in social work and religious studies., She later earned her Master of Social Work degree from Florida State University.

    Haley began her career in 2010 working in community non-profit settings with unhoused adults, children with psychiatric disorders, and therapeutic foster families. Since 2018, she has been a medical social worker, working at children’s and adult hospitals in Missouri, Arizona, and Florida. She helps individuals and families cope with acute medical issues through counseling and community referrals. Haley has experience helping adults and children with anxiety, depression, and grief associated with adjustment to chronic illness, especially in the setting of new onset cardiac diagnoses and transplant.

    Haley utilizes a holistic approach to therapy that draws from influences of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI).

  • Sarah-Warne Mendez

    Provider

    My name is Sarah Warne-Mendez, I graduated May 2018 at Arizona State University with a Master’s Degree in Social Work and I have approximately 5 years of social work experience in the phoenix community. I have found my calling to become a social worker out of desire and passion to help people build a life worth living. I have deep belief in the possibility of change, that each person has the chance to change, make different choices. I believe in the foundational values of kindness, non-judgement, acceptance and unconditional love. I have provided clinical mental health services in both public and private mental health settings. My skills are focused in treating a wide range of mental health concerns that include depression, anxiety, grief, loss, trauma, life transitions and changes. I have work with adolescents, young adults, and adults. I use a variety of techniques and modalities to effectively engage with diverse groups and individuals; making sound use of taking a Person Centered Therapeutic approach along with Mindfulness, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy methods; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; EMDR trauma therapy; and Solution-Focused. I would be honored to hear you, see you and support you on your journey to building a life worth living.