Family Connections, Inc.
Proud Member of the Council Bluffs, Glenwood, Red Oak, Woodbine, Avoca and Plattsmouth Chambers of Commerce
ph: 712-256-4420 (Council Bluffs)
alt: 712-527-2823 (Glenwood)
Chelsey Hirt, MA, LMHC
Director/Therapist (Glenwood, Red Oak, Plattsmouth Offices)
Education: Bachelors of Arts in Psychology, Morningside College
Masters of Arts in Clinical Counseling, University of Nebraska at Omaha
Licensure: Licensed Mental Health Counselor, State of Iowa
Experience: Experience working with Family Therapy, Couples Therapy, Adjustment Periods, Trauma, Domestic Violence, Behaviors, Anger Management, Depression, and Anxiety
Modalities: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused, Strengths Based approaches, Transactional Analysis
Insurances Accepted: All Iowa Medicaid Managed Care Organizations, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Optum Behavioral Health, Midlands Choice, Aetna, Tricare, Nebraska Medicaid (Nebraska Total Care, UHC, Healthy Blue), Cigna
For more information about Chelsey, visit her Psychology Today profile by CLICKING HERE
Tawnie Ware, MS, LMHC, LIMHP
Therapist (Glenwood and Plattsmouth Offices)
Education: Masters of Science, University of Nebraska at Omaha
Licensure: Licensed Mental Health Counselor, State of Iowa
Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner, State of Nebraska
Experience: Experience providing Group, Family, and Individual therapy across various settings.
Modalities: Solution Focused, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Holistic, Trauma Informed
Insurances Accepted: All Iowa Medicaid Managed Care Organizations, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare/UBH/Optum, Aetna, Midlands Choice, Tricare, Nebraska Medicaid (Nebraska Total Care, UHC, Healthy Blue), Cigna
For more information about Tawnie, visit her Psychology Today profile by CLICKING HERE
Megan Ruff, MS, LMHC
Therapist (Glenwood Office)
Education: Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology, Iowa State University
Masters of Science in Clinical Counseling, Bellevue University
Licensure: Licensed Mental Health Counselor, State of Iowa
Experience: Over 3 years experience working with individuals with Mental Illness and Substance Abuse. Over 9 months experience working with Children's Behavioral and Mental Health issues. Experience working in both inpatient and outpatient settings, as well as providing school based services. Experience in building rapport, crisis intervention, teaching and modeling coping skills, and developing and maintaining behavior plans for anxiety, depression, PTSD and others in children and adults.
Modalities: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused, Play Therapy
Insurances Accepted: All Iowa Medicaid Managed Care Organizations, Blue Cross Blue Shield (pending), United Healthcare/UBH/Optum, Aetna, Midlands Choice, Tricare, Nebraska Medicaid (Nebraska Total Care, UHC, Healthy Blue), Cigna
For more information about Megan, visit her Psychology Today profile by CLICKING HERE
Janice Zoucha-Jensen, MSW, LISW
Therapist (Glenwood Office)
Education: Masters of Social Work, University of Nebraska at Omaha
Licensure: Licensed Independent Social Worker, State of Iowa
Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner, State of Nebraska
Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor, State of Nebraska
Licensed Certified Social Worker, State of Nebraska
Experience: Experience working with Substance Abuse, Depression, Trauma, and Anxiety in a variety of settings
Modalitites: EMDR, CBT, Gestalt, Motivational Interviewing
Insurances Accepted: All Iowa Medicaid Managed Care Organizations, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare/UBH/Optum, Aetna, Midlands Choice, Tricare, Nebraska Medicaid (Nebraska Total Care, UHC, Healthy Blue), Medicare, Cigna
For more information about Jan, visit her Psychology Today profile by CLICKING HERE
Megan Matulka, MS, LMHP, LMHC
Therapist (Plattsmouth Office)
Education: Masters of Science in Clinical Counseling, Bellevue University
Licensure: Licensed Mental Health Practitioner, State of Nebraska
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, State of Iowa
Certifications: HeartMath Certified Practitioner
Experience: Experience working with individuals with substance abuse, anxiety, depression, stress, and anger. Additional experience working with LGBT+ populations, group work, and individual therapy.
Modalities: Cognitive-Behavioral, Solution Focused, Holistic, Motivational Interviewing, Strengths Based, and Person Centered.
Insurances Accepted: All Iowa Medicaid Managed Care Organizations, Blue Cross Blue Shield , United Healthcare/UBH/Optum, Aetna, Midlands Choice, Tricare, Cigna, Nebraska Medicaid (Nebraska Total Care, UHC, Healthy Blue), Cigna
For more information about Megan, visit her Psychology Today profile by CLICKING HERE
Montsi
Therapy Support Provider (Plattsmouth Office)
Hello there!
May take a moment of your time to introduce myself? My name is Montsi short for Monzerella-Muenster cheese. I guess you can say I have a cheesy yet bold personality to match. I am a silver sable German Shepherd. I begun with Family Connections in July 2021 and since then I have successfully completed comprehensive therapy dog training. I also provide deep pressure therapy (DPT). Finally because I love to be extra, I completed brain games which helped teach me how to identify colors, objects, and even read basic commands off a cue card.
As a therapy dog I am a great listener who will listen with no judgements. I am very observant and enjoy meeting/ comforting people. I hope you like doggy kisses and snuggles, if not let my human know and they will make sure I get the message.
Other fun facts about me, I really really LOVE my ball time and have lived up to the title, "Nap Champ." Other favorite pastimes include laying on air vents, being challenged with cognitive games, and strategically leaving my squeaker toys or nylabones in front of door ways just to make sure I know when someone is coming or going (the movie Home Alone is pure geniusness!).
I look forward to meeting you!
Therapeutic benefits of DPT include but not limited to:
- Reduction in arousal levels by creating a shift from the sympathetic nervous system responsible for fight or flight to activating the parasympathetic nervous system responsible for regulation of calming functions.
- Reduction in cortisol.
- Increase endorphins and neurotransmitters.
- Promotes the release of serotonin (responsible for mood regulation) and dopamine (responsible for reward, pleasure, and regulates emotional responses).
Joyce Hicks-Kalvinek, MS, TLMHC, LIMHP
Therapist (Plattsmouth Office)
Education: Masters of Science, Mental Health Counseling
Licensure: Licensed Mental Health Counselor (TEMP), State of Iowa
Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner, State of Nebraska
Certifications: EMDR Provider
Experience: EMDR, Trauma and Addictions, Conduct Disorders, Anxiety, Depression
Modalities: EMDR, Sand Tray, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Insurances Accepted: All Iowa Medicaid Managed Care Organizations, Blue Cross Blue Shield , United Healthcare/UBH/Optum, Aetna, Midlands Choice, Tricare, Cigna, Nebraska Medicaid (Nebraska Total Care, UHC, Healthy Blue), Cigna
For more information about Joyce, visit her Psychology Today profile by CLICKING HERE
Shanen Taylor, MS, TLMHC, PLMHP
Therapist (Glenwood Office)
Education: Masters of Science in Clinical Counseling, Bellevue University
Licensure: Licensed Mental Health Counselor (TEMP), State of Iowa
Licensed Mental Health Practitioner (Provisional), State of Nebraska
Experience: Experience working with individual and group therapy as well as crisis intervention.
Insurances Accepted: All Iowa Medicaid Managed Care Organizations, Blue Cross Blue Shield , United Healthcare/UBH/Optum, Aetna, Midlands Choice, Tricare, Cigna, Nebraska Medicaid (Nebraska Total Care, UHC, Healthy Blue), Cigna
For more information about Shanen, visit her Psychology Today profile by CLICKING HERE
Tiffani Taylor, BS, MS (in process)
Therapist Intern (Glenwood Office)
Education: Bachelors of Science in Biology, Bellevue University
Master of Science in Clinical Counseling, Bellevue University (in process)
Experience: Currently working in the medical/pharmaceutical field
Modalities: Person-Centered
Insurances Accepted: All Iowa Medicaid Managed Care Organizations, Blue Cross Blue Shield , United Healthcare/UBH/Optum, Aetna, Midlands Choice, Tricare, Cigna, Nebraska Medicaid (Nebraska Total Care, UHC, Healthy Blue)
Theresa Brockmeyer, BA, MS (in process)
Therapist Intern (Red Oak Office)
Education: Bachelors in Management of Health Information, Bellevue University
Masters in Cyber Security, Bellevue University
Associates in Criminal Justice, Metropolitan Community College
Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Bellevue University (in process)
Experience: Experience working with troubled populations in confined settings to encourage and train prosocial behaviors
Modalities: Social Learning, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Insurances Accepted: All Iowa Medicaid Managed Care Organizations, Blue Cross Blue Shield , United Healthcare/UBH/Optum, Aetna, Midlands Choice, Tricare, Cigna, Nebraska Medicaid (Nebraska Total Care, UHC, Healthy Blue)
Joel Wallace, MSW, LMHP, LCSW
Therapist (Plattsmouth Office)
Education: Master of Social Work, Springfield College
Licensure: Licensed Mental Health Practitioner, State of Nebraska
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, State of Nebraska
Experience: Extensive experience working with youth and young adults, as well as, school students, and youth in foster care.
Modalties: Solution Focused
Insurances Accepted: Blue Cross Blue Shield , United Healthcare/UBH/Optum, Aetna, Midlands Choice, Tricare, Cigna, Nebraska Medicaid (Nebraska Total Care, UHC, Healthy Blue), All Iowa Medicaid Managed Care Organizations
For more information about Joel, visit his Psychology Today profile by CLICKING HERE
Bailey Troudt, MSW, PLMHP
Therapist (Plattsmouth Office)
Education: Bachelors of Social Work, University of Nebraska at Omaha
Masters of Social Work, University of Nebraska at Omaha
Licensure: Provisionally Licensed Mental Health Practitioner, State of Nebraska
Experience: Experience working in inpatient setting with severe and persistant mental illnesses, geriatric, adults, groups, and individual
Modalities: CBT, Strengths Based
Insurances Accepted: Blue Cross Blue Shield , United Healthcare/UBH/Optum, Aetna, Midlands Choice, Tricare, Cigna, Nebraska Medicaid (Nebraska Total Care, UHC, Healthy Blue), All Iowa Medicaid Managed Care Organizations
For more information about Bailey, visit her Psychology Today profile by CLICKING HERE
Celosia Johnson, MA, PLMHP, TLMHC
Therapist (Glenwood Office)
Education: Bachelors of Arts in Psychology and Theatre
Masters of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Regent University
Graduate Trauma Counseling Certificate, Regent University
Licensure: Provisionally Licensed Mental Health Practitioner, State of Nebraska
Licensed Mental Health Counselor (TEMP), State of Iowa
Experience: Experience working in a variety of settings. Experience working with anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, boderline, bipolar, and substance abuse.
Modalities: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, DBT, NI, Person Centered
Insurances Accepted: Blue Cross Blue Shield , United Healthcare/UBH/Optum, Aetna, Midlands Choice, Tricare, Cigna, Nebraska Medicaid (Nebraska Total Care, UHC, Healthy Blue), All Iowa Medicaid Managed Care Organizations
For more information about Celosia, visit her Psychology Today profile by CLICKING HERE
Rowan
Therapy Support Provider (Glenwood Office)
Hello friends!
My name is Rowan but my mom sometimes calls me Row! My mom adopted me and they told her that I was just a Golden Retriever but I think that I am also an Irish Setter. I fancy myself an investigator of smells, an expert squirrel chaser, enjoy meeting new friends, and if I see you upset I will do my best to comfort you sometimes it's with licks, other times its through me leaning on you but sometimes if that doesn’t work I will try to lay part of me on your lap.
As a therapy dog in training I am a great listener with no judgment, observant, and enjoy meeting and comforting people. I love my squeaky toys and balls that mom lets me keep at work and if you ask her nicely she might let us play with them together. I enjoy adventures, hiking, car rides, and I LOVE naps, cuddles, and pets!
I am on track to get my full therapy dog certification when I finish with all of my training and practice deep pressure therapy (DPT).
I am excited to meet you!
Therapy benefits of DPT include but not limited to:
- Reduction in arousal levels by creating a shift from the sympathetic nervous system responsible for fight or flight to activating the parasympathetic nervous system response for regulation of calming functions
.- Reduction in cortisol-Increase endorphins and neurotransmitters.-Promotes the release of serotonin (responsible for mood regulation) and dopamine (responsible for reward, pleasure, and regulates emotional responses).
Brett Phillips, LISW, LIMHP, LCSW
Therapist (Glenwood Office)
Education: Masters of Social Work, University of Nebraska at Omaha
Licensure: Licensed Independent Social Worker, State of Iowa
Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner, State of Nebraska
Licensed Certified Social Worker, State of Nebraska
Experience: Over 21 years experience working with a variety of populations in the mental health field including adults, adolescents, children, couples, and families.
Insurances Accepted: Blue Cross Blue Shield , United Healthcare/UBH/Optum, Aetna, Midlands Choice, Tricare, Cigna, Nebraska Medicaid (Nebraska Total Care, UHC, Healthy Blue), All Iowa Medicaid Managed Care Organizations
Keagan Ruth, BS, MSW (in process)
Therapist Intern (Red Oak Office)
Education: Pursuing Masters in Social Work, Capella University
Bachelors of Science in Child Protection and Juvenile Justice, Bellevue University
Experience: Experience working as a Social Worker, FSRP, and Head Start
Modalities: Motivational Interviewing, Trauma Informed Care, SafeCare, and First Aid/CPR Certified. Holds certificate in Common Sense Parenting, Ages and Stages, and Love and Logic.
Insurances Accepted: Blue Cross Blue Shield , United Healthcare/UBH/Optum, Aetna, Midlands Choice, Tricare, Cigna, Nebraska Medicaid (Nebraska Total Care, UHC, Healthy Blue), All Iowa Medicaid Managed Care Organizations
ph: 712-256-4420 (Council Bluffs)
alt: 712-527-2823 (Glenwood)