Click on each of our staff members below to learn more.
Aaron Herman
Director of Community Based Services
515-276-6338
[email protected]
Aaron Herman has been working with children in educational and therapeutic settings for nearly 15 years. Aaron earned his Elementary Teaching degree with a Special Education Endorsement at Iowa State University. While in college, Aaron worked at Beloit Residential Treatment Center and earned experience with children and teens with severe emotional and behavioral disorders. After Graduation, Aaron continued his work with this population as a Behavior Disorder Teacher in the Ankeny and West Des Moines Community School Districts. During that time Aaron was trained and specialized in Autism Spectrum Disorders. For the past 7 years Aaron has provided in-home skills counseling to help families navigate through life's obstacles.
Aaron also works with developing and maintaining community programs including School-Based Therapy and BHIS Services. He also acts as the intake coordinator for Stepping Stone Family Services.
Ali Dotson, LMHC
Therapist at Perkins Elementary and Westridge Elementary
515-276-6338
[email protected]
Alma Henry, LISW
Therapist, Clinical Director, Director of Training and Development
515-276-6338
[email protected]
Alma Henry has a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Iowa State University. Alma attended graduate school at University of Iowa and received a Masters degree in Social Work. Alma has her License in Master of Social Work (LMSW). In addition to her education, Alma has worked with children and families in various settings, including residential treatment facilities for children struggling with behavioral and emotional needs. Alma also has experience working with teenage boys who displayed aggressive sexual behaviors. Alma has been working with children and families for the past eight years. Alma's strengths are her motivation to learn and further her knowledge of various individual and family needs.
Becca Bolton, B.S
Habilitation Service Coordinator
515-276-6338
[email protected]
Becca Bolton has a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Northern Iowa. Becca has previously coordinated mentoring services for children and assisted with statewide family resource programs. She is passionate about helping others overcome challenges and improving their lives.
Bryant Kucera, BA
Habilitation and BHIS Counselor
319-721-1850
[email protected]
Bryant graduated from Grand View University with a degree in Sports Management. Since graduating, Bryant has found himself gravitating towards a profession of helping others. Bryant has years of experience as a coach, a youth counselor and now provides Habilitation and BHIS services for Stepping Stone Family Services. Bryant has a passion for empowering youth and adults to overcome their barriers and improve their quality of life. Don't place your mistakes on your head, their weight may crush you. Instead, place them under your feet and use them as a platform to view your horizons ~ Unknown
Melissa Mormann LMSW
Therapist
515-276-6338
[email protected]
Melissa has a Bachelors Degree in Family Services and an emphasis in Child Life from the University of Northern Iowa. Melissa attended graduate school at the University of Northern Iowa and received her Masters degree in Social work. Melissa has her License in Master of Social Work (LMSW). Melissa has training in Trauma Informed Care, Solution Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, family, group and individual therapy, and Seeking Safety. In addition to her education, Melissa has experience working with families and children of young ages in health care and school settings. Melissa's strengths include her passion for working with children, her desire to meet each client's individualized needs and drive to continue learning Play Therapy and Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) techniques. Melissa provides therapy services to younger children and their families. Melissa accepts the following insurances Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Medicaid.
Erika Pletcher, BS
Internship Program Coordinator
641-275-0155
[email protected]
Erika Pletcher has a Bachelor of Science degree in Child, Adult and Family Services from Iowa State University, with an emphasis in adult and families. Erika has worked with children and families in a variety of settings, which include non-profit work, volunteer work and direct care. Erika enjoys working with adults, children and families to help them improve their lives and reach their full potential.
Karisa Runkel, LMSW
Therapist
515-276-6338
[email protected]
Karisa Runkel, LMSW is employed by Stepping Stone Family Services as a therapist. Karisa graduated from Iowa State with a BFA with a minor in Child Development and graduated from University of Iowa with a Masters of Social Work (LMSW). Karisa received a certificate in Art Therapy from Grand View College. Prior to receiving her master's degree Karisa worked with adult habilitation services for five years. Karisa's clinical focus includes Solution Focused, EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and a strength based approach. Karisa works with adolescents and adults. Karisa is dedicated to meeting clients where they are and encouraging empowerment and hope.
Kristina Oltrogge, LMHC
Therapist at Urbandale Elementary Schools
515-276-6338
[email protected]
Kristina is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). Her greatest reward as a therapist is helping people explore ways to create positive changes in their lives. Kristina strives to instill hope in her clients and to empower them to meet their goals. Kristina's friends and coworkers have described her as warm, funny, eclectic, and compassionate. Kristina received a Bachelor of Arts in Ministerial Studies from Christian Life College with a specialty in youth ministry, and received a Master of Arts in Family Counseling from Northeastern Illinois University. Kristina was an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) as well as Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois, and spent 4 years working with children, adolescents, adults, and couples. Kristina received a statewide award in Illinois in 2016 for commitment to serving and bettering the lives of youth. Kristina has training in Solution-Focused, Brief-Strategic, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive-Behavioral, Emotionally-Focused, and Emotionally-Focused Couples theories. Kristina has also completed Gottman Level 1 training for working with couples. She enjoys working with people across the lifespan, and is very excited to be back in her home state serving the great people of Iowa.
Lucas Millage, B.S
Executive Director
515-276-6338
[email protected]
Lucas graduated from NIACC in 1999 with an Associate of Arts in Law Enforcement. Lucas finished his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology with a Criminal Justice minor at Iowa State University in 2001. Lucas began working in the social services field in 1998 at a residential mental health facility for children. Lucas continued working in various residential programs for children with behavioral and mental health issues and by 2003 was a program manager at Beloit in Ames. In 2004 Lucas began providing Family-Centered Services and one-on-one counseling to children with behavior and mental health issues. Lucas has continued to provide Family-Centered Services with an emphasis on helping families who have children with mental health needs to provide that child a caring and suitable home to effectively meet their needs.
Mackenzi McIlhon, BA
BHIS Coordinator
712-790-0781
[email protected]
Mackenzi has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Grand View University with an emphasis in Art Therapy. She has experience in the mental health field working with adults in a residential facility as well as with children and families providing in-home skill-building and counseling. Mackenzi provided BHIS and FCS services to children, adolescents, and adults for 5 years before transitioning to an administrative role. She now does Quality Assurance and billing. Mackenzi enjoys helping families cope with and overcome the barriers of mental health and behavioral issues and hopes to get back to seeing clients soon.
Cody Olson, BA
Habilitation and BHIS Counselor
515-537-3994
[email protected]
Cody graduated from Grinnell College with a Bachelor of Art degree in psychology. Cody has been involved in various non-profit and volunteer opportunities related to athletics and giving back to the community. Cody works primarily with adults and enjoys assisting clients in reaching their social, community, and mental health goals.
Joe Nixon, LISW
Therapist
515-276-6338
[email protected]
Do you struggle with everyday living such as relationships, getting enjoyment out of life, feeling lost, confused or disconnected from the world? If so, I would like to help. Life does not come with an instruction book and it can be a difficult journey. Every now and then we may need someone to give us guidance and help. Throughout my career, I have helped individuals and family's struggling with ADHD, depression, sexuality issues, mood disorders, anxiety related disorders, trauma/PTSD, and attachment disorders .I have over nine years of experience working with adults, youth (ages 7 and older), and families I have a master's degree in Social Work and I take a compassionate and understanding approach to your world both inside and out. I offer evening appointments to help accommodate schedules. Make sure to ask for Joe.
Selma Brkic, LISW, CADC
Therapist at Mercy FirstStep Location, Director of Policies and Procedures
515-276-6338
[email protected]
Selma Brkic, LISW, CADC completed her bachelor's degree in Child, Adult, and Family Services at Iowa State University. She holds a Master in Social Work degree from the University of Iowa, and is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. She has 10 years of counseling experience across a variety of treatment settings including; PMIC programs, outpatient and inpatient substance abuse treatment facilities, and outpatient mental health settings. Selma has experience counseling children, adults, and families. Selma is especially passionate about providing mental health services to adults with chronic mental illness.
Selma provides a safe and warm environment where her clients can explore and verbalize their feelings, needs, and wants without judgment. Selma uses a holistic approach to care by exploring and educating clients about emotional, physical, and spiritual wellbeing. Selma works collaboratively with client's health providers in order to provide an optimum level of care. Selma uses a variety of treatment approaches, according to client's individual needs as well as cultural values and background. Selma inspires hope and optimism in order to facilitate clients' recovery process.
Quinten Haynes, BS
Habilitation and BHIS Counselor
319-464-5750
[email protected]
Quinten Haynes recently obtained his Bachelor's Degree in Human Services from Grandview University. Prior to that, he was very active in his community and took a special interest in children and individuals with emotional and physical needs. Quinten enjoyed his time volunteering at local after school programs, mentoring school-aged boys, orchestrating wrestling camps, and being an overall pillar of his community. When he is not providing top of the line care to each of his families, you can find Quinten on the mat...wrestling mat that is! Coach Quinten is a 4x All-American and assistant wrestling coach at Grandview University. He is passionate about the work he does and whole heartedly wants everybody to WIN!
Sarah Fandel, LMHC-TL,
Therapist at Carver Elementary
515-242-8418
[email protected]
Sarah has a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and Spanish from Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin. Sarah graduated from the University of Iowa with her Master of Arts degree in rehabilitation and mental health counseling. Sarah has training in trauma-focused cognitive behavior therapy and also utilizes client-centered and solution-focused approaches. In addition, Sarah enjoys incorporating play therapy and art therapy interventions. Sarah has experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families in outpatient, residential, school and home settings. Sarah is passionate about helping children and families strengthen relationships, make healthy decisions, and reach their full potential. Sarah currently provides school-based therapy services at Carver Elementary in Des Moines.
Alivia Nunez, BA
Habilitation and BHIS Counselor
(402)705-7025
[email protected]
Alivia Nunez has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Human Relations from the University of Iowa. Alivia is currently working towards her Masters of Social Work Degree from the University of Iowa as well. Alivia has experience as a certified suicide prevention advocate, through volunteer experience as a trained Crisis Prevention Call and Chat specialist. She currently works as a Habilitation and BHIS counselor with a passion for helping adults, families and children realize their strengths and utilize those strengths for happier and healthier lives.
Barb Kroening, LMSW
Therapist
(515) 276-6338
[email protected]
Barb Kroening, LMSW (Licensed Master of Social Worker) is employed by Stepping Stone Family Services as a Therapist. Barb graduated from Winona State University with a Bachelor of Social Work and from St. Catherine University/University of St. Thomas with a Masters of Social Work in the field of Clinical Social Work. She has over three years of experience working in the mental health field. Prior to receiving her master's degree Barb worked with youth in a residential setting and adults in outpatient substance abuse and domestic violence perpetrators. Barb's clinical focus is on clients who struggle with trauma, domestic violence, addiction, grief and loss and parenting struggles. She has experience working with all age ranges but specializes in serving children from 3-12 years of age to adults. She is also bilingual in Spanish. Barb dedicates each initial visit to getting to know her clients, and then utilizes a variety of theoretical orientations. She has experience implementing play therapy and sand tray techniques with clients, and uses genuine care and acceptance in her approach while working from a strength based perspective.
Shellane Albaugh, LISW
Therapist at Mercy Pediatric Neurology and Psychiatry Center
515-276-6338
[email protected]
Shellane Albaugh LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor) received her Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, with an emphasis on child welfare, from the University of Northern Iowa in 2001 and her Master's Degree in Community Counseling at Drake University in 2008. She has experience working in residential treatment facilities as well as outpatient mental health centers with children, adolescents and adults struggling with gender identity, sexual orientation, anxiety, depression, emotional intensity and relationship instability. Shellane utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy and co-facilitates an adolescent STEPPs group at Stepping Stone Family Service's Mercy location. She prides herself in exploring the individual differences in each person and emphasizing strengths to empower and strengthen each client she is privileged to serve.
Sara Stiles, LISW, CADC
Therapist at Clive Elementary, Hillside Elementary, and Fairmeadows Elementary
515-276-6338
[email protected]
Sara received her Master's Degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Nebraska and is a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) in the state of Iowa. Sara has been working as a clinician in the state of Iowa since 2011. In her 5 years of practice, Sara has worked in a variety of treatment settings such as; PMIC, outpatient mental health, outpatient substance abuse, and now school-based therapy. Sara partners with clients in the healing process and helps them feel comfortable through empathy and humor. As a Mental Health Clinician, Sara has experience providing individual, family and group therapy as well as substance abuse counseling for clients. She takes a holistic approach and feels it is important to explore how mental health manifests itself in the body as well as emotionally. Sara works to provide a safe and comfortable space to explore feelings and experiences in effort to help clients reach their highest potential based on their emotional and developmental needs. Sara uses a client-centered practice and utilizes interventions to support her clients in making the progress they need to live a happy healthy life. Areas of expertise: behavior disorders, trauma, mood disorders, substance abuse, and family relationship issues.
©2014 by Stepping Stone Family Services. All rights reserved.
1308 8th Street #5 - West Des Moines, IA 50265