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
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
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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 3-10 and has enjoyed learning how children develop throughout the years. She enjoys working with young children and helping them understand and regulate their emotions during their developmental stages. To schedule an in person or telehealth appointment with Alexis, please contact our office at 308-398-0350.
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Lorie Escobar, MA, LMHP, LPC
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Lorie is a Telehealth only bilingual Licensed Mental Health Provider and has 14 years experience in the counseling field. She received her undergraduate from Union College in 2003 and her Master’s in Counseling in 2010 from Doane University. Most of those 14 years were spent in private practice where she worked with a wide range of individuals of all ages and issues. Most recently, she was the Mental Health Counselor for Union College in Lincoln, NE where she worked with young adults. Now, Lorie works primarily with ages 16 on up and enjoys helping come alongside those dealing with Anxiety and Depression. To schedule an appointment please contact our office at (308) 398-0350.
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Abby Gleason, MSEd, PLMHP
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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.
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Elizabeth Goertzen, MSEd, PLMHP
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Elizabeth Goertzen is a Provisionally Licensed Mental Health Practitioner here at Grand Island Mental Health and Medical Clinic, she graduated from the University of Nebraska at Kearney in the Spring of 2024 with her Masters in Science of Education. In 2011, she graduated with her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from York College. She grew up in North Dakota and moved down to NE for college in 2006. During her undergrad, she interned at Grace Children's Home in Henderson, NE for a summer as a house parent for teenagers transitioning from higher levels of care to back home, this influenced her to pursue counseling. Her husband, and their 4 children, and many animals live on a farm just outside of Henderson.
UPDATE: We are currently awaiting Elizabeth's credentials to go through with all insurances. She will be ready for clients very soon! |
Kimberly Jensen-Gemeiner, MS, PLMHP
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Kimberly Jensen-Gemeiner is a Provisionally Licensed Mental Health Practitioner. She graduated in early 2022 with a Masters of Science in Clinical Counseling from Bellevue University and a Bachelor’s of Science in Behavioral Science in 2016. Kimberly has over six years of experience in the helping profession which include DHHS and Probation populations. She has experience working with Autism, Personality Disorders, Anxiety, Depression, and Trauma. Kimberly uses a person-centered approach alongside Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Kimberly is an LGBTQ+ affirming therapist and she enjoys working with all ages; both in-office and telehealth options are available.
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Janet Jurgensen Duba, MSN, NP, FNP-BC
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Janet R. Jurgensen Duba is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner at Grand Island Mental Health and Medical Clinic who sees a variety of people. She has cared for an underserved population with chronic illness and addiction issues. Janet was one of the first Nurse Practitioners in Nebraska to have an independent practice. She also was the Director of Patient Care Services, Memorial Hospital in Seward, NE. Janet started a skilled health unit, hospital- based daycare, she did physician and nursing recruitment, and remodelling of surgery and radiology. Janet is a special part of the Grand Island Mental Health family as she once stood beside Debra Erickson at the start of it all.
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Cassandra Leow, Ph.D, LIMHP, LMFT
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Cassandra Leow is a telehealth only, Marriage and Family Therapist at Grand Island Mental Health and Medical Clinic who provides services from Rapid City, South Dakota. Prior to moving to South Dakota in December 2023, she was a Marriage and Family Therapist in Lincoln, Nebraska. She is licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in both South Dakota and Nebraska and is able to provide therapy services to clients in either state. Cassandra is a graduate of the Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy program (2018) and a graduate of the Doctorate in Global Family Health and Wellbeing (2022) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She previously worked with individuals, couples and families at the Couple and Family Clinic at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and completed an internship with Brodstone Memorial Hospital in Superior, Nebraska and at Southeast Community College in Lincoln, Nebraska. Cassandra works primarily with individuals and couples over a variety of issues. She incorporates Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy in her work. Cassandra is originally from Malaysia and completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology in Malaysia. She came to Lincoln, NE (and to the United States for the first time!) in August 2016. She can speak 3 languages, with English being her first language, followed by Mandarin and Bahasa Malaysia
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Cheryl Lockett, MSN, APRN, 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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Laurie Robinson, PLADC, Community Support Specialist
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Laurie Robinson is a Provisionally Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor and 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 does drug and alcohol evaluations, substance abuse therapy, and 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.
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Lauren Schenck, MSW, LIMHP, LCSW
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Lauren Schenck is a Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner and Clinical Social Worker at Grand Island Mental Health and Medical Clinic. She obtained her Bachelors in Communication from Wayne State College and Master of Social Work from the University of Nebraska Omaha in 2019. Lauren has 10 years of experience in the mental health field working with various populations and locations, including inpatient psychiatric hospital, emergency mental health, medical trauma, and long-term care. Lauren enjoys working with clients with severe and persistent mental illness, as well as trauma, grief, anxiety, and adjustment disorders. Lauren is an executive member of the Heartland CASA Board, a member of the Eating Disorder Network of Nebraska, and Grand Island Young Professionals.
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Jessica Schuster, MSEd, PLMHP
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Jessica is a Provisional Licensed Mental Health Practitioner at Grand Island Mental Health and Medical Clinic. In 2020, she received her Bachelor's degree from the University of Nebraska at Kearney with a major in Family Studies and a minor in Health Sciences. In 2023, she received her Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Jessica enjoys working with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, and trauma. She enjoys working with all ages and offers both in-office and telehealth options.
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Drew Steinhauer, MSW, PLMHP, PMSW
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Drew Steinhauer is a Provisional Licensed Mental Health Practitioner at Grand Island Mental Health and Medical Clinic providing mental health care to the geriatric population. Drew graduated from the University of Nebraska at Kearney in 2020 with a Bachelor's in Social Work, and received his Master's in Social Work from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 2022. Drew has four years of experience as a Hospice Social Worker. Drew specializes in working with clients who experience depression, anxiety, trauma, and grief. Drew enjoys spending time with his family, hunting, and fishing in his free time. To schedule an appointment with Drew, please contact our office at (308) 398-0350.
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Christina Tipken, PLMHP
Prior to adding counseling to her resume, Christina spent over 10 years working in the school system, working with youth in various capacities, with blind community, and other human service areas. These experiences led her to discover a heart for helping others with the challenges that hamper areas of their lives. She takes an approach that considers how our past may be affecting our present ways of being and relating. Through this, new ways of being and relating must be discovered and created. Thereby leading to relief of symptoms and improved quality of relationships. She is provisionally licensed and enjoys working with clients of all ages. She is available solely via telehealth during afternoon and evening hours to accommodate busy schedules.
(Picture coming soon)
(Picture coming soon)
Emma Todd, PLMHP
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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.
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Maria Trejo, MSW, PLMHP, PCMSW
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Maria Trejo Guerrero is a bilingual Provisionally Licensed Mental Health Practitioner and Provisionally
Licensed Master Social Worker. In 2009, she received her Bachelor’s from University of Kearney Nebraska. In 2023, she went on to get her Masters of Social Work from University of Nebraska Omaha. She has worked for Grand Island Public Schools for 13 years. She enjoys working with minority groups and with individuals for all ages and offers both in-person and telehealth options in-office and in-schools. To schedule an appointment with Maria, please contact our office at (308) 398-0350. Her services will soon be available. |
Mikayla Wengler, MSW, PLMHP, PCMSW
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Mikayla Wengler is a Provisionally Licensed Mental Health Practitioner and a Provisional Licensed Master Social Worker at Grand Island Mental Health and Medical Clinic. Mikayla has a wide background in healthcare and human services, she has a developed a deep understanding of healthcare systems and the needs of vulnerable populations. She graduated with a Bachelors in healthcare management from Bellevue University in 2014. In December of 2023 Mikayla graduated with a Masters in Social Work from the University of Kentucky. Since obtaining a Master in Social Work degree, she has been able to further enhance her clinical expertise and commitment to helping others navigate life changes. Mikayla's various career paths have allowed her to work with diverse populations, including individuals in hospitals, long term care settings, and working with an agency that provides family support services, as well as agency supported foster care services. This varied experience has equipped her with the skills to provide compassionate and effective therapy to clients from all walks of life with a focus on empathy, resilience, and person-centered care. She is dedicated to empowering individuals and families on their journey towards healing and self-discovery.
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Samantha Foote, PLMHP
Coming Soon
Support Staff
Kassidy Paxton,
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Grace Statman,
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Natasia Garcia,
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Community Support
Brittanie Simonsen,
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Interns
Cierra Parks, UNK Therapy Intern
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Cierra Parks is an intern at Grand Island Mental Health and Medical Clinic. She will graduate with her Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health counseling from the University of Nebraska-Kearney in the summer of 2024. In 2021, she graduated from UNK with her Bachelors degree in communication disorders. She has previous experience working with individuals from age 11 and up with mental, behavioral, physical, and intellectual disorders/ disabilities, but is excited to focus on more of the mental health aspect. When she is not attending to her internship, school, or work, she enjoys going to coffee shops, shopping, and spending time with her significant other and dog, Nova.
UPDATE: As of Aug. 9th, 2024, Cierra has completed her internship and is currently waiting for her license. Due to this, she is not taking new clients at the moment. |
Brooke Strokan, UNK Therapy Intern
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Brooke Strokan is an intern at Grand Island Mental Health and Medical Clinic. She will graduate with her Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health counseling and Alcohol and Drug Licensure from the University of Nebraska-Kearney in the Winter of 2024. In 2020, she graduated from UNL with her Bachelors degree in Psychology. She has previous experience in working with children with mental, behavioral, physical, and intellectual disorders/disabilities as well as families needing outside support services. Brooke is originally from Lincoln, NE, but has lived in Grand Island for about 3 years now with her husband and 2 cats.
To schedule an appointment with Brooke, please contact our office at (308) 398-0350. |
Sharilyn Tuttle, UNO Community Support Intern
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Sharilyn Tuttle is an intern here at Grand Island Mental Health and Medical Clinic. She will
graduate in December 2024 with her Master’s in Social Work (MSW). In 2021, she graduated from UNO with her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Criminal Justice. She grew up in Grand Island and looks forward to moving back after she graduates. She has previous experience doing case management for individuals in need of services and support and is excited to use this experience to provide care for the mental health population. She is especially passionate about women’s health and perinatal mental health, as well as anxiety disorders. With her social work background, she realizes the importance of viewing the many factors that affect one’s mental health. She has always prided herself in being an advocate for mental health. Outside of work, school, and her internship, she enjoys engaging in creative hobbies, being in nature, and spending time with her family, fiancé, and beloved furry friend, Sandy. To schedule an appointment with Sharilyn, please contact our office at (308) 398-0350. |
Nicole Driewer, Chadron State Therapy Intern
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Nicole Driewer in an intern at Grand Island Mental Health and Medical Clinic. She graduates with her license to be a provisional licensed mental health practitioner in July of 2024 from Chadron State College. She already has her Masters in School Counseling which she obtained from UNK and a Bachelors from the University of Omaha. She brings with her a background in public school education and school counseling. With experience as both an educator and a school counselor, she has developed a deep understanding of the unique challenges individuals face in various stages of their lives. Outside of work, you'll often find her soaking up the sun and enjoying quality time with friends and family. She believes in the importance of fostering connections and finding joy in life's simple pleasures. She is dedicated to providing compassionate support and guidance to individuals seeking mental wellness, and she looks forward to accompanying you on your journey towards personal growth and healing.
UPDATE: As of Aug. 2, 2024, Nicole has completed her internship and is currently waiting for her license. Due to this, she is not taking new clients at the moment. |
Alyssa Vaughn, Grace Foundation Intern
Coming Soon
