Our Team
Find the therapist that best suits your needs.
Kara Schumann, LPC
THERAPIST, OWNER
You are taking the first step toward healing and making changes in your life that will bring peace, healing, happiness and an overall sense of wellbeing by seeking counseling, and Kara is excited to help guide you. She uses a variety of evidence-based modalities to meet your therapeutic needs including EMDR, CBT, Internal Family Systems approach, Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP), Brainspotting and Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI). Kara works with all ages individually or as a family. Attachment trauma is an area of expertise she also offers.
Amanda J Eliseo, LPC
THERAPIST, OWNER
Amanda believes that healing isn’t just possible—it’s your mind and body’s natural direction when given the right support. She specializes in working with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, dissociative disorders, and PTSD, helping clients move beyond survival and into deeper self-understanding and connection through EMDR, CBT, and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy
Her approach is warm, energetic, and nonjudgmental, creating a space where clients feel safe to be real, curious, and hopeful again.
Katie Marie Mottes, LAC
THERAPIST
Katie strives to create a supportive, compassionate space where clients can heal from past trauma, navigate current challenges, and find relief from anxiety about the future. She has experience working with a wide range of populations and integrates evidence-based approaches including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP), and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD. Her therapeutic approach is also informed by somatic practices, including yoga and meditation, as well as her recovery from addiction.
Stephen Dartt, CCFDT
COGNITIVE FUNCTION DEVELOPMENT THERAPIST
Stephen has experience working with a wide range of individuals with PTSD, TBIs, ADHD, substance use, anxiety and depressive disorders. Stephen looks forward to meeting with you to discuss if CFDT may be a good fit for you. If you are reluctant to revisit trauma, have struggled in traditional therapeutic modalities and are looking to take a more proactive role in your mental health, Cognitive Function Development Therapy (CFDT) may be a great adjunct or alternative therapy for you. With a lighthearted approach and an emphasis on challenging but enjoyable exercises, you can think of CFDT as physical therapy for the brain.
Jenny Nicastro, LAC
THERAPIST
Jenny offers a warm and non-judgmental approach, with a side of humor if needed and has worked in multiple settings, including acute psychiatric care, hospitals, schools, and clinics. She maintains a person-centered approach, as she is passionate about the uniqueness and diversity in each of us. She is a Certified NeurOptimal® Trainer, providing neurofeedback for issues such as addiction, anger, insomnia, PTSD, anxiety, cognitive dysfunction, emotional dysregulation.
Craig Brown, LPC
THERAPIST
Craig offers compassionate, individualized therapy to help clients navigate life’s challenges and discover their own path to healing. With a Master’s in Counseling from Prescott College and training in EMDR, talk therapy, and the Gottman Method, he provides a safe, non-judgmental space for growth. His experience includes working with veterans, teens, couples, first responders, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those facing substance use or addiction. Clients value his thoughtful, strengths-based approach and dedication to their mental well-being.
Jessica Roberts, MS
THERAPIST
Jessica is committed to making your therapeutic experience one that is peaceful and where you can feel safe in a non-judgmental environment. Her approach is client centered and tailored to your needs. She uses a variety of evidence-based approaches and is also trained in Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy and EMDR. As your therapist, she will guide you through your healing journey with compassion, creating a space where you feel heard and validated. Jessica believes you were created with a purpose, and because of that, you can do great things.
Chris Little, LIAC
THERAPIST
Chris is a Licensed Independent Addiction Counselor in Arizona with over 20 years of experience helping individuals and families overcome addiction, trauma, mental health challenges, and co-occurring disorders. Chris is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and incorporates CBT, REBT, Motivational Interviewing, and IFS-informed techniques into his work. He is committed to helping clients gain insight, build on their strengths, and create meaningful, lasting change.
Ben Walker, LMSW
THERAPIST
Ben is a Licensed Master Social Worker with experience working with veterans, first responders, neurodivergent individuals, the LGBTQ+ community, survivors of domestic violence, people with disabilities and their caregivers, and clients from diverse cultural backgrounds. He is especially passionate about helping individuals heal from PTSD, complex trauma, prolonged grief, guilt, shame, and relationship challenges.
Ben is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), IFS-informed techniques, and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and incorporates CBT, somatic, mindfulness, and experiential approaches to help clients build self-awareness, reconnect with their strengths, and create lasting change.
THERAPIST
Charissa Pritchard, LIAC
Charissa Pritchard is an Independently Licensed Addiction Counselor, Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist, and a certified Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) therapist. Since 2003, Charissa has dedicated her career to helping adults, juveniles, and first responders and their families navigate the complexities of trauma, addiction, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and life transitions.
In her practice, Charissa is deeply committed to meeting clients exactly where they are, offering a safe, trusting environment where they can find hope and uncover their innate strength. Utilizing a tailored blend of EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Brainspotting, attachment-based theories, and substance abuse modalities, she helps individuals understand their unique stories, find the courage to heal, and ultimately achieve a life of freedom.
THERAPIST
Rylee Blake, LAC
Rylee offers a warm, collaborative approach to therapy rooted in curiosity, compassion, and the belief that meaningful change begins with self-exploration. Whether someone is just beginning their healing journey or seeking deeper understanding, she meets each person where they are, tailoring the process to their unique story, values, and needs. With a focus on creativity, body awareness, and challenging unhelpful thought patterns, she helps clients navigate anxiety, disconnection, and the longing for wholeness. She is honored to walk alongside those seeking growth, healing, and a more authentic sense of self.
Summer Smith, LPC
THERAPIST
Summer provides a compassionate, trauma-informed space where clients feel safe, seen, and supported as they navigate healing and personal growth. With over 20 years of experience, she combines evidence-based therapies, such as EMDR, CBT, and Mindfulness, with a down-to-earth, empathetic approach that honors each person’s unique story. Her style blends humanity with science, helping clients understand the “why” behind effective coping tools. Whether addressing past trauma, anxiety, depression, or self-doubt, she tailors treatment to meet each client’s goals and walks alongside them with care and respect.
Sarah Heubner, LIAC
THERAPIST
Sarah is an Independently Licensed Addiction Counselor trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). She has extensive experience working with first responders and their families, individuals struggling with addiction, and those experiencing anxiety and depression.
Sarah is passionate about meeting clients where they are and creating a supportive, solution-focused environment that encourages healing, self-discovery, and personal growth. Drawing from both her professional expertise and personal recovery experience, she helps clients build self-esteem, challenge unhelpful thought patterns, strengthen relationships, and develop lasting strategies for recovery. Her areas of focus include relapse prevention, attachment, and family dynamics, empowering clients to move forward with greater hope, resilience, and purpose.
Kiersten Gonzalez, LAC
THERAPIST
Kiersten believes meaningful therapy begins with a genuine connection. She creates a welcoming, judgment-free space where clients feel safe to explore challenges, better understand themselves, and build lasting change at a pace that feels right for them.
She works with adolescents and adults experiencing trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, substance use, anger management, and life transitions, with a special passion for serving veterans, active-duty service members, first responders, and their families. Kiersten incorporates evidence-based approaches including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and trauma-informed care to help clients heal and move forward.
Shannon Jaramillo, FNP
KETAMINE SPECIALIST
With over 30 years of experience in the healthcare field, Shannon is a compassionate and dedicated Family Nurse Practitioner with a specialization in Ketamine therapy. She earned her Master’s degree and Family Nurse Practitioner certification from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV).
Shannon approaches healthcare with a focus on personalized care, taking the time to truly understand each individual’s unique journey and supporting them in achieving their personal health goals. Her work with Ketamine therapy is grounded in the belief that everyone’s path to wellness is different, and she strives to provide tailored care that meets each person’s specific needs.
Driven by a deep passion for helping others, Shannon works to create a safe and supportive environment for individuals navigating mental health and chronic conditions, guiding them toward improved well-being and quality of life.
PRACTICE MANAGER
Rachel Keating
Rachel is the heart of our administrative team and the person who keeps Journey Within Counseling running smoothly. With years of experience in the mental health field, she oversees the day-to-day operations of the practice while also serving as our billing and insurance specialist. Rachel is committed to helping clients understand their insurance benefits, answering billing questions, and making the administrative side of therapy as easy and stress-free as possible. Whether she's supporting our clinicians or assisting clients, Rachel's dedication, organization, and genuine care help create the exceptional experience we strive to provide.
Bonnie Bronson
PRACTICE COORDINATOR
Bonnie is the welcoming face of Journey Within Counseling and is passionate about helping clients feel comfortable from the moment they reach out. As our Practice Coordinator, she assists with scheduling, client communication, and the intake process while ensuring every interaction is met with warmth, compassion, and professionalism. Bonnie is dedicated to creating a positive, seamless experience so clients can focus on what matters most, their healing.
