Owners
Debra Erickson, MA, LIMHP, LADC, CCTP
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Debra Erickson is a Licensed Independent Mental Health Therapist, Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional with Grand Island Mental Health and Medical Clinic. She completed her Associate of Arts in Business Management Degree at Central Community College. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Health and Human Services Administration through Bellevue University and her Master of Arts in Counseling Degree from Doane College. Debra currently works with all age groups helping clients with a wide range of issues and mental illnesses. She currently specializes in helping clients move through past and present trauma and grief with her training in Trauma Resolution techniques.
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Jordan Hofmann, MA, LIMHP, CPC
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Jordan Hofmann is a Licensed Independent Mental Health Therapist with Grand Island Mental Health and Medical Clinic. She received her Associate of Arts Degree from Central Community College and her Bachelor of Human Relations Degree from Doane College where she went on to receive her Master of Arts in Counseling Degree. She currently enjoys working with all age groups assisting clients with a wide range of issues and mental illnesses. Clients in the adolescent age group as those seeking help with relationships are Jordan's focus as she has extensive previous experience in the geriatric setting and a youth treatment center. She also works often with couples in relationship and marital counseling using several methods including work with the the Love and Respect model and the 5 Love Languages.
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Providers
Celianne Bacon, MSN, RN, PMHNP-BC, APRN
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Celianne is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner serving all ages 5 and up. She specializes in medication management of acute and chronic mental illnesses. She received her Masters of Science in Nursing specializing in Psychiatric Mental Health in 2020 and became board certified by the ANCC in June of 2020. She is fresh working as a nurse practitioner but has many years experience working as a nurse. She was a nurse in 3 different critical access hospitals working as a floor nurse and charge nurse. After those experiences she worked in behavioral health while going back to school to get her master's. Prior to and during her undergraduate college career she was a certified nurse's aide for nearly a decade at the local nursing home. This is where the spark for her love of nursing came alive. She is passionate about bringing mental health care to those in need.
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Sarah Bennett, Community Support Specialist
Sarah Bennett is a Community Support Specialist. Sarah graduated with a Bachelor of Science for Social Work in 2017 from University of Nebraska-Kearney and is currently working towards her Masters in Social Work through University of Northern Iowa. Sarah has worked with a wide range of ages, income levels, substance use, disabilities, and has the ability to meet you where you are at. Sarah's role in Community Support is working individually with clients through Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs model. Through this model, Sarah will help build her clients up by expanding their support, meeting basic needs, and helping them to be successful in the community.
Cindy Betka, MA, LIMHP, LADC and Nek0, CGC, C-CGC
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Cindy Betka is a Licensed Independent Mental Health Therapist and a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor with Grand Island Mental Health and Medical Clinic. She has more than 30 years’ experience in the field of substance abuse. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Human Services and Sociology through the College of Saint Mary and her Master’s in Counseling from Doane University. Cindy has extensive experience working with adolescents, corrections, and probation. Cindy taught many courses for TAP - Training for Addictions Professionals, including both core classes and continuing education and is currently an adjunct professor at Doane University. She is an original trainer of the CASI, Comprehensive Adolescent Severity Inventory, an adolescent assessment tool. Cindy is also a Registered Service Provider for the State of Nebraska. Typically assisting Cindy in her therapy sessions is her trained therapy dog, Neko.
Neko originally obtained his diploma in basic obedience training from K-9 Coach Training in York, NE. He continued his education by receiving his AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) and AKC Community-Canine Good Citizen (CCGC) from Citizen K-9 Training Academy in Lincoln, NE. He loves his job and making new friends. |
Alexis Bloomfield, MSEd, PLMHP
Alexis is a Provisionally Licensed Mental Health Practitioner at Grand Island Mental Health and Medical Clinic. In 2018, she received her Bachelor’s degree with a major in Family Studies and a minor in Sociology. In 2022, she received her Master’s degree in Clinical and Mental Health from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Since 2013, she has had experience working with children from ages 3-15 and has enjoyed learning how children develop throughout the years. She enjoys working with children, adolescents, and young women struggling with anxiety, depression and self-esteem issues utilizing an embodiment focus and REBT (Rational Emotional Behavioral Therapy) focus. To schedule an in person or telehealth appointment with Alexis, please contact our office at 308-398-0350.
Christy Freehling, LIMHP, PLADC
Hello! I would like to introduce myself; my name is Christy; I am a Licensed Independent Mental
Health Professional and a Provisional Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor with over ten years of
experience providing therapy services. I have worked in a wide range of therapeutic settings
including in home behavioral health service for adolescents and their family, a youth shelter, social
services director for geriatric population, in school therapist, worked with adolescent or young
mothers by providing therapy and education on parenting skills, and outpatient therapy. I collaborate
with clients affected by depression, anxiety, substance use, trauma and relationship challenges from
individual, group, and family work.
I live in Lincoln, NE where I continue to work in therapy. I received my undergraduate degree in
Psychology and Substance Abuse at Chadron State College in Chadron, NE, and my master’s
degree in Mental Health Counseling also from Chadron State College.
My approach to therapy is client centered: clients are the experts on their lives and determine the
direction and depth of therapy. Through a strengths-based and solutions-focused lens, I draw on
multiple treatment modalities to guide clients in identifying strengths and developing treatment plans that accomplish their goals. Through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Trauma Focus Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), I assist clients in exploring relationships among thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to aid in discovering dysfunctional thought patterns leading to self-destructive behaviors and beliefs. Using Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), I support clients through developing skills: mindfulness, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and emotion regulation with the goal of moving clients towards a life involving the capacity for experiencing joy and freedom.
Outside of my work as a therapist, I also enjoy reading, cooking, gardening, fishing, and spending time with my husband and daughter.
Health Professional and a Provisional Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor with over ten years of
experience providing therapy services. I have worked in a wide range of therapeutic settings
including in home behavioral health service for adolescents and their family, a youth shelter, social
services director for geriatric population, in school therapist, worked with adolescent or young
mothers by providing therapy and education on parenting skills, and outpatient therapy. I collaborate
with clients affected by depression, anxiety, substance use, trauma and relationship challenges from
individual, group, and family work.
I live in Lincoln, NE where I continue to work in therapy. I received my undergraduate degree in
Psychology and Substance Abuse at Chadron State College in Chadron, NE, and my master’s
degree in Mental Health Counseling also from Chadron State College.
My approach to therapy is client centered: clients are the experts on their lives and determine the
direction and depth of therapy. Through a strengths-based and solutions-focused lens, I draw on
multiple treatment modalities to guide clients in identifying strengths and developing treatment plans that accomplish their goals. Through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Trauma Focus Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), I assist clients in exploring relationships among thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to aid in discovering dysfunctional thought patterns leading to self-destructive behaviors and beliefs. Using Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), I support clients through developing skills: mindfulness, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and emotion regulation with the goal of moving clients towards a life involving the capacity for experiencing joy and freedom.
Outside of my work as a therapist, I also enjoy reading, cooking, gardening, fishing, and spending time with my husband and daughter.
Abby Gleason, MSEd, PLMHP
Abby is originally from Hastings, Nebraska and graduated from Hastings College in 2018 with a bachelor's degree in Sociology minoring in gender studies and psychology. She graduated in December from the University of Nebraska-Kearney with a degree in clinical counseling and drug and alcohol counseling.
Abby enjoys spending time with family, outside, practicing and teaching yoga, and running in her spare time. Her role here includes providing therapy and community support services to our clients. To schedule an appointment with Abby, please contact our office at 308-398-0350.
Abby enjoys spending time with family, outside, practicing and teaching yoga, and running in her spare time. Her role here includes providing therapy and community support services to our clients. To schedule an appointment with Abby, please contact our office at 308-398-0350.
Dave Hoyt, MSEd, LIMHP, LADC
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Dave Hoyt is a Licensed Independent Mental Health Therapist and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor at Grand Island Mental Health & Medical Clinic, LLC. He's been in the area for several years in various human service capacities. He has a passion for helping people where ever they are in their life journey. Having grown up with several foster brothers and sisters (approximately 48), worked in corrections for ten years, including the local county jail and Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center in Kearney, as well as approximately twelve years in social work type positions. Over 8 years of counseling experience and helping those with special needs allows him to understand the importance of being empowered and truly having a voice in what takes place in one’s life. All those experiences are in addition to being a licensed therapist for the past six years. He takes great pride in being able to provide quality experienced care to all that he serves. Dave utilizes a strength based, solution focused, and cognitive behavioral blended approach in the support he provides to those served in order to help them live the most fulfilling life possible. He has experience working with families, children of all ages, teens, adults of all ages, including special needs individuals. He is available to facilitate group trainings or consultation should the need arise.
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Cheryl Lockett, MSN, RN, ANP
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Cheryl Lockett is an Adult Nurse Practitioner specializing in treating adults and adolescents with chronic physical and mental illness. She received her Masters of Science in Nursing in 2010 and became board certified by the ANCC (American Nurses Credentialing Center). She has 10 years of experience as a Nurse Practitioner working 5 years at the Veteran’s Hospital in Grand Island and 4 years treating Native Americans on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota. Prior to her advanced practice, she had 16 years of experience as a Registered Nurse in Lincoln NE. Her experience as a Registered Nurse included acute care and public health. She worked as a social worker and group home parent to teens in Lincoln prior to becoming a nurse. She has a special interest in the underserved population and spent several years volunteering for the People City Mission Clinic in Lincoln. She is also interested in the treatment of addiction including dual diagnosis. She enjoys volunteering and supporting recovery events in the community.
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Raquel Moreno-Izaguirre, PLADC, PMSW, PLMHP
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Raquel Moreno Izaguirre is a bilingual Provisionally Licensed Mental Health Therapist, Provisionally Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and Provisionally Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor. She received her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Doane University in Lincoln, NE. She went on to get her Master of Social Work Degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She has experience in working in the Criminal Justice System, specifically probation. She enjoys working with individuals struggling with substance abuse, mental health, and perinatal mood disorders.Raquel is trained in the CASI (Comprehensive Adolescent Severity Inventory, ASI (Addiction Severity Index), and SASSI (Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory). She is also trained in perinatal mood disorders (pregnancy and postpartum) through Postpartum Support International.
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Anne Niffenegger, DNP, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC
Anne Niffenegger is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner who cares for all ages with acute and chronic physical as well as mental illnesses. She received her Doctor of Nursing Practice specializing in Family Practice, focusing on diabetic management in 2021. Anne has over 30 years of experience in nursing ranging from long-term care, hospice, and home health to acute care, level II trauma ICU, and peri anesthesia care. Understanding that mental health needs are interwoven in all health care, Anne is devoted to bringing care and compassion to mental health care. She is currently working on her certification as a PMHNP to provide broader access to mental health care services in her community.
Kimberly Parker, MS, PLMHP
Laurie Robinson, AA, Community Support Specialist
Laurie Robinson is one of our Community Support Specialists here at Grand Island Mental Health and Medical Clinic. She received her education in Human Services and Drug and Alcohol Counseling from Central Community College. She has over 31 years of experience in Advocacy, behavior management, and case management. She works one-on-one with our clients to help them become established and participating members of their communities by helping them set and meet goals based on a five-stage model of needs. The assistance she provides our clientele is crucial to their overall success and the impact she makes on their lives is priceless.
Lauren Schenck, LIMHP
Hello, I'm glad you're here! I am an Independently Licensed Mental Health Practitioner, with over 9 years of experience in the social work field, working with youth through geriatric populations. I have experience as a social worker in the nursing home/long term care setting, emergency mental health, inpatient psychiatric hospital, as well as medical trauma. I specialize in working with Severe and Persistent Mental Illnesses, Trauma/Adjustment, Anxiety, and Self-Esteem. I especially enjoy working with adolescents, teens, and young adults; but enjoy all ages!
Working with clients facing changes and adjustments in life is a passion of mine. When working with me, you will find that I will go to any length to search, research, and learn new/appropriate styles tailored to what YOU need from me.
My primary method of treatment includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, and Dialectic Behavioral Therapy.
Working with clients facing changes and adjustments in life is a passion of mine. When working with me, you will find that I will go to any length to search, research, and learn new/appropriate styles tailored to what YOU need from me.
My primary method of treatment includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, and Dialectic Behavioral Therapy.
Christina Tipken
Coming Soon!
Emma Todd, PLMHP
Emma Todd is a telehealth only, Provisionally Licensed Mental Health Professional (PLMHP). Emma is also working on obtaining her license in Iowa to broaden the reach of clients. She recently graduated with her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Wayne State College. Whether you're located in Nebraska or Iowa, she enjoys being able to meet the client where they are at since all services are online. Emma has experience working with anxiety, depression, trauma, postpartum depression and OCD in ages 16+ and she has a heart working for women. She believes in a holistic way of healing that not only involves emotional, mental, and physical health, but also spiritual. Emma likes to use cognitive behavioral techniques to reframe negative thinking patterns. When she is not counseling, she loves to do home renovation projects for self-care.
Support Staff
Brittanie Dannehl, Receptionist
Danielle Hinrichsen, Billing Specialist
Interns
Jessica Kroeger, UNK Intern
Jessica graduated from the University of Nebraska-Kearney in 2020 with her bachelor’s degree with a major in Family Studies and a minor in Health Sciences. She is currently studying clinical mental health counseling and drug and alcohol counseling at the University of Nebraska-Kearney. She plans to graduate in May of 2023. Jessica enjoys spending time with her friends and family in her free time. To schedule an appointment with Jessica, please contact our office at 308-398-0350.
Amanda Schmidt, UNO Intern
Amanda was born and raised in Grand Island and graduated from Central Community College with an Associate’s Degree in Human Services in 2004. She went on to Bellevue University where she graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Science in 2011. She is currently working on a Master’s of Social Work at the University of Nebraska - Omaha.
Amanda has approximately 18 years working in the human services field with non-profit and community agencies. For the last several years, Amanda has worked in the child protection and welfare field. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and listening to true-crime podcasts. Amanda’s role here will be to provide therapy services our clients. To schedule an appointment with Amanda, please contact our office at 308-398-0350.
Amanda has approximately 18 years working in the human services field with non-profit and community agencies. For the last several years, Amanda has worked in the child protection and welfare field. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and listening to true-crime podcasts. Amanda’s role here will be to provide therapy services our clients. To schedule an appointment with Amanda, please contact our office at 308-398-0350.
