Kristie Nobles, LMHC

Kristie is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and National Board-Certified Counselor. Kristie has a Masters of Mental Health Counseling, which she obtained from Walden University. She has experience working with a variety of populations including individual, couples, and group counseling. Kristie specializes in personality and mood disorders. She has interest areas working with teens, adults and couples as they navigate and address issues of problem solving, conflict resolution, communication and relationship building, anxiety, depression, personality disorders, issues of self-worth and self-esteem. Kristie offers compassionate therapy in a safe, non-judgmental environment where clients can learn, develop, and grow. Kristie uses a combination of Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Faith-Based Therapy, Mindfulness, and Solution-Focused Therapy. Kristie is married and a mom of 5 kids. When Kristie is not working, she loves spending time outdoors, reading, cooking, watching sports and spending time with friends and family. #RCJH

Hayley Downey, LISW

Hayley is a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) and a member of the National Association of Social Work. She attended the University of Northern Iowa where she received both her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Social Work. She completed the trauma-informed care track, which gave her a sensitive and well-informed framework from which to work with clients. Hayley is licensed in the state of Iowa to provide therapy. Hayley currently works with adults who are facing various life and mental health challenges. Depending on the needs of her clients, she is able to apply Compassion-Focused, Person-Centered, Cognitive Behavioral, Dialectical Behavioral, Solution-Focused, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy techniques. Hayley is a compassionate, empathetic, strengths-based counselor who provides a safe environment for clients to work through their concerns. She takes the time to carefully understand clients, to meet them in their situation, and to walk patiently with them while they find hope and healing. Hayley also likes to keep clients on their toes, and has been known to integrate humor and a healthy dose of sarcasm into sessions. She welcomes anyone into her office regardless of their beliefs. She will respect your story and your journey and is honored to walk with you!

Becky Rogers, LMSW

Becky received her Master’s Degree in Social Work at the University of Northern Iowa with a specialization in trauma-informed practice. She enjoys working with families and individuals of all ages. Most importantly, Becky wants her clients to feel valued, respected, and cared for while sitting in her office. She understands how scary and exposing the process of therapy can feel, and is honored to earn her clients’ trust in this. She finds value in using a compassionate, informal, and straight-forward approach. Becky is committed to helping her clients feel safe, heard, and understood by providing an open and non-judgmental space for them to be their true, authentic selves. Becky takes a special interest in treating trauma. She also has experience in treating anxiety, depression, grief & loss, relationship issues, self-esteem, and life changes. She recognizes and appreciates her clients’ uniqueness and makes it a point to use an individualized approach based on their needs and goals. Some of the methods she practices include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Somatic Body-Based Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Art Therapy, Sand Tray Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy. Personally, her interests include reading, listening to music, kayaking, traveling, true crime, and spending time with her son, family, and friends.

Aimee Kathleen, tLMHC

Hello, I am Aimee Kathleen, a tLMHC licensed mental health therapist. I am originally from Pakistan and was born and raised in a Christian household. I have a master’s degree in applied psychology from Punjab University Pakistan and a master’s in education in clinical mental health counseling from Southern Illinois University. I am finishing school and will soon graduate with a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from Southern Illinois University. I enjoy spending time with my family. I love to cook Pakistani food. My self-care activities include dance workouts, painting, archery, and cooking. My clinical work experience includes marriage and couples counseling, group counseling, career counseling, and individual counseling. My diverse clientele spans across various age groups and backgrounds, including couples, children, teens, college students, adults, and the elderly, each facing unique challenges such as trauma, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and Autism.

Central to my therapeutic approach is creating a nurturing and non-judgmental environment where clients feel empowered to embark on their healing journey. Grounded in Christ-centered and client-centered therapy principles, I integrate evidence-based modalities such as Expressive Art Therapy, Psychosomatic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotional Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness, play therapy, meditation, breathing techniques, grief therapy, and bibliotherapy. My holistic approach encompasses the fusion of Eastern and Western psychological practices, offering a culturally sensitive lens to counseling. With proficiency in cross-cultural counseling, I advocate for acceptance and belongingness, fostering a sense of connection and understanding. Whether through online sessions or in-person consultations, I am committed to providing personalized and effective therapeutic interventions, guiding clients toward holistic well-being and resilience, helping them navigate life's complexities, and fostering growth, healing, and empowerment.

Meredith Smith, tLMHC

Meredith has a Masters in Mental Health Counseling obtained from the University of Northern Iowa in 2012.  Meredith has experience working with a variety of populations in one on one and group settings. Meredith enjoys working with youth, adults, and families as they address issues of anxiety, depression, problem-solving/conflict resolution, relationship building, grief & loss, self-esteem issues and life stressors. Meredith offers a compassionate, personable and non-judgmental environment where you can work on areas you want to process and grow in. Meredith uses a combination of Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Faith-Based Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy.

Along with counseling Meredith is employed as an Adjunct Instructor at the University of Northern Iowa and enjoys educating students about the topics of family life, relationship skills, parenting issues and child development. Meredith is married and mom to 3 boys.  When not working she also enjoys being outdoors, camping, reading, hosting friends in her home and spending time with family. 

Nick Anderson, tLMHC

Nick received his degree in counseling from Grand View University in 2022, and he completed both his practicum and internship experiences at the Candeo Counseling Center while working with Aaron Culley to get the clinic up and running. Before pursuing a career in counseling, Nick worked for a college ministry in the area and still has a passion for working with college-aged students. He is interested in working with teens, college-aged students, and adults of all ages as they address issues related to depression, anxiety, personality disorders, trauma, life stressors, anger, marriage, grief, and attachment. Nick also holds a Masters degree in Theological Studies that he obtained in 2020 from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and he is equipped to counsel those struggling with faith- and church-related issues. Nick’s goal is to creatively collaborate with clients to improve their quality of life in the present and instill optimism for the future. Depending on the client and the issues at hand, Nick operates using Person-Centered, Cognitive-Behavioral, and Emotion-Focused techniques. Apart from being a counselor, Nick enjoys being a husband and father, golfing, working out, playing cards, supporting Chelsea soccer and the Iowa Hawkeyes, and spending time with family and friends.   

Joani McNamara, tLMHC

Joani completed her Master's degree in counseling May 2023. Joani is dedicated to offering therapy services to couples facing relationship challenges and individuals recovering from emotional wounds. Her therapeutic approach is primarily based on Emotionally-Focused Therapy and attachment theory. Joani has a particular interest in seeing relationships restored and has completed an externship in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy and is currently on the path to to full certification. She is also pursuing certification to facilitate "Hold Me Tight," Dr. Sue Johnson’s scientifically acclaimed program that helps couples enhance emotional safety and foster intimacy and attachment. Furthermore, Joani has received extensive training in the Gottman Method of Couples Therapy, completing Level 1 and Level 2 Clinical Training. She is also a certified Gottman Leader qualified to teach and facilitate the Seven Principles Couples Program through the Gottman Institute. Furthermore, In the past, Joani coordinated and co-led the Celebrate Recovery program.

She and her husband are former foster/adoptive parents and have a large blended family with children ages 10-34. Prior to her career in counseling, Joani worked as a RN and was actively involved in ministry for many years. Outside of her professional life, Joani finds joy in being a Nana to 15 grandchildren, exploring new recipes, traveling, writing, running, and cherishing moments of laughter with her family and friends.

Josh Brood, tLMHC

Josh is an Intern at the Counseling Center and provides services to those who are without insurance and/or unable to pay a fee for services. He is obtaining his Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary and will complete his degree in May 2023. Josh got into counseling to help people get back to, and sometimes discover, their true selves. The hardships of life often keep us from becoming all that we were created to be, and he doesn't want you to stay stuck or struggle alone. He is eager to come alongside individuals burdened by anxiety, depression, trauma, spiritual struggles, grief, relational challenges, and other crises, and help them navigate the terrain forward. You can expect Josh to be genuine, to provide a safe place for you to be vulnerable and explore hard questions, and to be a source of encouragement. He wants you to show up just as you are.

Dayton Hansen, Intern

Dayton is currently pursuing a degree in counseling from Liberty University Online and is on track to complete his degree in May 2024 when he will then become a full-time licensed counselor. He has a passion for helping people who are facing various struggles and trials in life. Dayton has future interest in working with teenagers, college-aged students, and couples, specifically those with faith-based/church-related issues. Dayton is learning about a variety of theories and interventions, and he hopes to help those he counsels in the future by using Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy. Dayton currently fills the counseling center’s Clinic Lead position where he welcomes clients through our doors and is the point of contact for clients. In his free time, Dayton enjoys spending time with his wife, attending his brother’s sporting events, spending time with family and friends, coaching basketball, and rooting for the Iowa Hawkeyes, Minnesota Vikings, and Boston Celtics.  

Katelyn Sample, Intern

Katelyn is an Intern at Candeo Counseling Center. She is able to provide counseling services for those who are without insurance and/or unable to pay a fee for services. She is currently in the process of completing her Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Indiana Wesleyan University and should graduate in 2024. Katelyn enjoys working with children, college students, and adults in navigating issues related to anxiety, depression, grief, relational issues, life adjustments, and spiritual issues.  She is passionate about helping individuals to navigate life’s ups and downs. Katelyn is focused on providing a collaborative environment where clients feel heard, cared for, and like they can be themselves. In her free time, Katelyn enjoys spending time with her husband, visiting her family and friends, supporting her church congregation, and doing arts and crafts.