OFFERING IN-PERSON AND ONLINE COUNSELING
Jodi Anderst Keuhey is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW # 32749) and is the founder and owner of Monarch Behavioral Health in Meridian, Idaho. Opened in 2013, Monarch Behavioral Health primarily specializes in Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), but also provides individual, couples, and family counseling as well. Jodi graduated from Idaho State University with her Bachelors of Social Work in 2000. She immediately went on to get her Masters of Social Work, and then graduated from Eastern Washington University. She has completed her two years post-masters clinical supervision, and is considered a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in her home state of Idaho (LSCW-32749). She is a certified PCIT Therapist and a PCIT Trainer, certified by the UC Davis CAARE Center in 2011. Jodi is the first to develop a PCIT program, and PCIT training program, in Idaho. She currently provides PCIT training and supervision at Monarch. In addition to PCIT, her therapeutic approach comes from a strengths-based perspective. Jodi utilizes cognitive behavioral and solution focused therapies, depending on the need of the individual or family.
Ashlee Seay is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC # 7531) and is the Clinical Director at MBH. She enjoys working with children, adolescents, and adults. Areas of work include: depression, anxiety, PTSD/trauma, crisis, relationship issues, boundary work, self-esteem/self-acceptance, life transitions, and general wellness. Ashlee works at providing an open, supportive, and safe environment, and has experience working with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and belief systems. Ashlee supports the Wellness model and strives to understand individuals as a whole, not simply through the labeling of a diagnosis. Each person’s needs are unique and treatment approaches are tailored accordingly. Ashlee utilizes a variety of evidence-based approaches including: Parent Child Interaction Therapy, person centered, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, play therapy, art therapy, and mindfulness techniques. Ashlee is a certified PCIT Therapist certified by the UC Davis CAARE Center. (CURRENTLY NOT TAKING NEW CLIENTS)
Sarah has worked in healthcare for 18 years in the Treasure Valley. She was born in Montana but has lived in Boise since she was 4 years old. Aside from work, Sarah enjoys spending time with her family, traveling to the ocean and soaking up the sunshine.
Naomi has worked in an administrative setting for almost 3 years and joined Monarch in February of 2020. She is currently enrolled in the Masters Program at the School of Social Work at Boise State and recently graduated with her Bachelors of Social Work. She has enjoyed getting to know the clients and clinicians as she learns more about social work while employed with us. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, taking her puppy on hikes around the treasure valley, and traveling! She looks forward to being the friendly face at the front desk when you visit us here at Monarch.
Vicki joins our team with 10+ years in the healthcare field. She received her BS in Business Administration from California State Polytechnic University - Pomona and has worked in business, education, and most recently healthcare. If she's not reading a book, she can be found spending time with her husband, two college kids and dog, Bailey.
Gina is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC # 6755) in Idaho as well as a National Certified Counselor (NCC) through the National Board for Certified Counselors. She received her Master's in Marriage and Family Counseling from Gonzaga University and her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from The College of Idaho. Gina is also a member of the American Counseling Association. She has training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy (Level 1), Emotionally Focused Therapy, and is currently receiving training in Parent Child Interaction Therapy. She works specifically from a Systems Theory perspective in an effort to involve all family members and the various roles they play within the family system. Gina works with both kids (up to age 8) and adults. Gina additionally provides counseling to individuals, couples, and/or families experiencing a variety of issues ranging from depression and anxiety to sexuality, substance abuse, grief, trauma, relational issues, and has experience working with severe and persistent mental illnesses.
Serena received her Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with Play Therapy Emphasis from Northwest Nazarene University. She is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC # 8065) and Registered Play Therapist (RPT) through the Association of Play Therapy. Serena has completed EMDR Basic Training 1 & 2. She previously held certifications through Idaho Health and Welfare for Intensive Behavior Intervention and Habilitative Intervention to provide community based services for children with developmental disabilities. Serena is certified in Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) by the UC Davis CAARE Center. Serena works with children, adolescents and adults. Her counseling approach is informed by cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and various play therapy techniques. She has experience working with children with special needs such as autism and their families. Serena focuses on creating a safe space and supportive relationship to empower individuals to accomplish their mental health and wellness goals
Jill is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC # 5949) in the States of Idaho and Ohio as well as a National Certified Counselor through the National Board for Certified Counselors.
Her areas of expertise include anxiety, parent/child interactions, grief and separation/divorce counseling. She loves working with children and their parents and individual adults.
Jill received her BA in Psychology from Kalamazoo College (Michigan) and a Master’s in Educational Psychology from SUNY at Buffalo. A few years later she attended the University Of Wisconsin and received a Master’s in Community Counseling. Jill favors a cognitive-behavioral approach. She holds an Advanced Certification in Accelerated Resolution Therapy and has extensive training in play therapy. From a strengths-based perspective, she partners with you to identify patterns of behavior that are no longer working and helps you identify changes you want to make. Her passion is making the lives of children be the best they can be and showing people the strength they possess.
Having spent her whole life in the East and Midwest, she enjoys Idaho and all it offers.
Francieli Altamirano is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LCSW #42772) in the state of Idaho. She earned her Bachelor's in Social Work at Walla Walla University (2016) and completed her Master's in Social Work (2017) at the University of Michigan where she emphasized in Interpersonal Practice with Children and Youth. Francieli utilizes different techniques such as arts, crafts, music, and play to engage and empower her clients in therapy. Francieli is trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Parent Child Interaction Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy. Francieli is passionate about helping clients identify and use their strengths to bring about change. Francieli is bilingual in English and Spanish and enjoys working with children and families from all cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Outside of work, Francieli enjoys photography, practicing yoga, caring for her plant collection, and loving on her dog.
(Melodie is currently on maternity leave.)
Melodie is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC # 5918) in the state of Idaho and received a Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Counseling from Northwest Nazarene University with an emphasis in Grief, Trauma, and Crisis. Melodie practices from a systems theory perspective and uses a solution-focused approach based in cognitive-behavioral theory. She uses a variety of techniques based on the client's needs and goals for therapy such as mindfulness training, cognitive restructuring, and play therapy. She has completed Level 1 and 2 Training in Gottman Couples Therapy and is certified in Parent Child Interaction Therapy. Melodie works with families, couples, teens, and adults. She has worked with refugees and enjoys working with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Her areas of practice include helping clients cope with issues of depression, PTSD, anxiety, life transitions, relational conflict, sexuality, LGBTQIA+ issues, spirituality, grief and loss, trauma, and crisis. Every client comes to counseling with their own unique strengths, which they can use to create solutions and make progress towards wellness. Melodie believes that counseling, although difficult, can help individuals, couples, and families reach their goals and move toward healthier relationships and habits.
Mona is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC # 4191) holding licenses in both Idaho and Oregon. She is also a National Certified Counselor through the National Board for Certified Counselors. She received her Masters in Human Services with a specialization in Mental Health Counseling from Capella University and her Bachelors in Psychology from the University of Nevada Las Vegas. Mona has training in NeuroCBT, Motivational Interviewing, DBT and EMDR. Her areas of expertise are Trauma, Anxiety and Depression.
Christine is a Licensed Masters of Social Work (LMSW #41831). She received her Bachelor's of Psychology at Boise State University then went on to obtain her Master's in Social Work at Northwest Nazarene University. She is trained in Gottman Method Couples Therapy (Level 1), play therapy, and somatic trauma work. Christine loves working with children and adolescents, and will happily work with adults. She tailors her therapeutic modalities to each client and employs person-centered therapy, systems theory, dialectic behavioral therapy, trauma-informed therapy, gestalt therapy, existential therapy, and non-directive play therapy. Christine provides a non-judgmental and caring therapeutic environment to empower individuals to extract and enhance their personal strengths to manage their depression, anxiety, life crises, life transitions, substance abuse, traumas, relationships with themself and others, and navigating sexuality (LGBTQAI+).
Kate Bettencourt is a Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW # 42277) within the state of Idaho. She graduated with her Bachelor of Social Work in 2017 and her Master of Social Work in 2022, both from Boise State University. Kate really enjoys working with children and their families. She hopes to increase her training and expertise in areas such as trauma, and attachment. Until then she enjoys modifying the therapeutic approach to best suit the needs and wants of the client. Kate utilizes a strengths-based perspective, and employs modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy, Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and solution focused. She has experience working with children with developmental disabilities and their families, as well as children who experience anxiety
Natalya Heisey, is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW # 42294) here in the state of Idaho. She earned her Bachelors of Social Work at Boise State University in 2017. After a few years working with her LSW, Natalya returned to Boise State to complete her Masters degree and graduated May 2022. Natalya has over ten years of experience working with both adults and children with various developmental disabilities but is most passionate about working with individuals on the autism spectrum. Natalya works within the modalities of Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Parent Child Interacton Therapy (PCIT) as well as Solutions-Focused Therapy. She is dedicated to creating a safe and welcoming space for all her clients regardless of race, creed, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, body size, age, or class. In her spare time Natalya enjoys spending time with her dog and boyfriend, reading, traveling, and being bad at new hobbies.
Erin is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC # 3140) in Idaho. She is a member of both the American Counseling Association (ACA) and Idaho Counselor Association (ICA). Erin received a Master’s in Counseling from Boise State University and her Bachelor’s in English with and emphasis in creative writing from Pacific Lutheran University. She began working as an elementary school counselor in 2004 and began working toward her clinical license in 2019. In addition to working with children, Erin has experience working with adolescents, families, and survivors of trauma. She believes strongly in each person telling their story from a Client-Centered approach--problem-solving is a collaborative effort, in which communication is key for all participants involved. In addition, Erin advocates for the survivors of abuse and trauma. Survivors often have had their voices silenced by their abusers, their own family, or other circumstances. It is Erin’s goal to walk along that path of healing with survivors and validate their voices, and help them to rewrite their stories.
Molly is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC 9256). She received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Boise State University. Then continued her education and earned Master of Science in Counseling from the University of Wyoming. Molly is passionate about helping individuals and her recent training offers her perspective on trauma-informed care, LGBTQIA+ populations, play therapy, and creative interventions. Molly uses a person-centered and multicultural approach to counseling. Molly enjoys working with clients of all ages and has experience working with clients with anxiety and depression, eating concerns, ADHD, family concerns, career choices, and general wellness.
Vicky is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW 40325). She was raised in Los Angeles, California, and moved to Boise, Idaho three years ago. Vicky has a bachelor’s degree in business management and a master’s degree in social work. After working in the business for many years, Vicky wanted to pursue her passion in social work.
Vicky enjoys working with children, adolescents, the LGBTQ community, and adults. Vicky believes in working from a warm, empathetic approach to create a safe and non-judgmental space where clients can learn, grow, and achieve shared goals. Approaches used by Vicky might include play therapy, mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, dialectical behavior techniques, Adlerian and narrative therapy. Vicky looks forward to working with her clients to help support them on their personal journeys..
Aimee is a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist (#7699) in the state of Idaho and completed her Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology in 2014, with a focus on couples and families at Antioch University. Aimee’s prior career in business communications often provides a useful perspective for understanding a variety of issues that are presented in therapy and treatment.
Aimee works with individual teens and adults, couples and families and can help with issues including but not limited to communication, relationship distress, work stress and life balance, career transition and retirement, pre-marital counseling, low motivation or feeling stuck, family finances, family business, raising kids, adjusting to new life situations, and navigating issues related to blended, non-traditional and extended family.
Aimee’s treatment approach is oriented in family systems, which considers individuals in the context of their environment and social systems, including work, school, lifecycle stage, gender, ethnic background, and relationships. Aimee draws from her expertise with the Gottman method, neuroscience, differentiation and cognitive behavioral therapy in her approach to therapy.
In addition to her master’s level training and 8 years in practice, Aimee is actively training through the Doherty Institute in Minnesota, and the Couples Institute in California. She serves as a board member for Idaho’s chapter of Marriage and Family therapists and is a clinical fellow with the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. She is also a certified Discernment Counselor.
Stephen is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW# 40406) and received his Bachelor’s in Social Work at Boise State University, and would go on to a Master’s in Social Work from Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, ID. Stephen’s primary focus is with adults but is open to working with teenagers. His approach starts with being person-centered and having a calm presence to build the relationship. He then will incorporate his training in acceptance and commitment therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, strength-based, motivational interviewing, and solution focused approaches to help navigate during sessions. Stephen historically has worked with anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and trauma. When not in the office, he enjoys reading, improving his physical fitness, playing the occasional video game, and watching ice hockey.
Stephanie Hamilton, LCPC, NCC
Stephanie is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC # 9439) in Idaho as well as a National Certified Counselor (NCC) through the National Board for Certified Counselors. She received her M.S. degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwest Nazarene University in 2017, with emphasis areas in Logotherapy, as well as Crisis, Trauma, & Grief Therapy. She enjoys working with adolescents, families, adults, perinatal clients, Deaf and Hard of Hearing population. Stephanie has advanced training in American Sign Language (ASL) with a minor in Deaf Studies from Tennessee Temple University in Chattanooga, TN, where she received her B.S. degree in Biblical Studies with a concentration in Women’s Ministry. Christian counseling can be provided at the request of the client.
Stephanie’s counseling style is encouraging, non-judgmental, and based on the strengths of the client. She is very passionate about helping people find inner and interpersonal healing and overcoming any barriers to personal growth. Counseling theories include Cognitive Behavioral therapy, trauma/grief focused interventions, Logotherapy to help find meaning and purpose, positive psychology approaches, motivational interviewing, as well as mindfulness-based interventions. Stephanie specializes in helping people with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, perinatal concerns, complex trauma, grief/loss issues, relationship distress, and coping with life changes.
Paola Lamberti is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW # 32723) in the state of Idaho. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina in (1993) and completed her Master’s in Social Work (2015) at Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, Idaho. Paola utilizes a Strengths-based perspective, Person Centered, Multicultural and Solution focused approaches in her counseling. She works well with diverse populations and is bilingual in English and Spanish. Paola uses different technique such as arts, crafts, interactive therapy along with play therapy to engage, empower and work on skill building. She tailors her interventions based on client’s needs and goals for therapy by utilizing mindfulness-based interventions, motivational interviewing as well as cognitive behavioral therapy. Paola enjoys working with children, adolescents and adults that might be experiencing a variety of issues ranging from depression, anxiety, ADHD, family concerns, trauma, grief and loss, life transitions and changes, relational conflicts, and general wellness. Outside of work, Paola enjoys playing tennis, soccer, volleyball, reading and traveling.
Emmalee, an Idaho native, received a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Western Connecticut State University, and went on to receive a Masters of Social Work from Fordham University in New York. Her Masters program included an emphasis in clinical work with children and families. Emmalee is a Licensed Master Social Worker in Idaho (LMSW-32423). She works from a client-centered, trauma-informed, strengths perspective. Often working from a basis of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, depending on client need, Emmalee may utilize techniques from various therapies, which may include, Interpersonal, Dialectical Behavior, Mindfulness, Gestalt, Narrative, and Play or Art therapies. Emmalee enjoys working with pre-teens, adolescents, and adults. Areas she especially enjoys helping with include trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, and personal growth. In her free time, Emmalee enjoys spending time with her family and pets, and being outdoors as much as possible.
Eric Summers, Counseling Intern
Eric is a counseling intern, working on his hours to become a Licensed Professional Counselor. He graduated from Brigham Young University-Provo with his BS in psychology and Grand Canyon University with his MS in mental health counseling with an emphasis on child and adolescent disorders. Eric works with kids (ages 3-12) and adolescents (13-18). He has had many experiences working with these age groups, including in school mental health, private practice, and other therapeutic settings. He excels in helping those with behavioral problems, depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, relational problems-including familial issues and struggles. Some counseling techniques and practices he uses are CBT, motivational interviewing, positive psychology, and general humanistic practices. Eric strives to see the good in his clients, making their progress and needs his priority. Eric loves learning new things about counseling and how he can improve to help the younger population succeed. He is energetic, positive, and motivational for those he works with and looks for forward to helping serve the youth of Treasure Valley.
Alicia received her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Idaho State University in 2023. Alicia is a member of the American Counseling Association, International Associations for Resilience and Trauma Counseling and the Idaho Counseling Association. Alicia is always looking for growth opportunities to learn more about trauma informed counseling interventions. Alicia's theoretical lens is through a person-centered approach. Alicia feels that the client is the expert to their lived experiences and together we will work towards the client achieving their chosen counseling goals. Alicia believes therapeutic counseling relationships are built off trust and safety. During the sessions, Alicia tends to take a non-directive approach which allows the client to discuss as little or as much as the client wants to disclose. Alicia does use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy interventions at times.
Alicia has experience with adolescents and adults and feels she connects well with her clients. Alicia’s experience covers trauma, depression, anxiety, and LGBTQIA+, and marital issues. Alicia is a veteran and is married to an active-duty service member. Alicia understands the trials that service members experience along with what it is like to be a spouse.
Amani Pereira is a Licensed Master of Social Work
(LMSW-43657) within the state of Idaho. She graduated with her Bachelor of Social Work in 2022 and her Master of Social Work in 2023, both from Boise State University. Amani loves working with pre-teens, adolescents, young adults and their families. She hopes to increase her training and expertise in CPT, TF-CBT, and other trauma informed areas. She currently enjoys utilizing a strengths-based perspective and implements modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing. It is Amani's goal to create a safe and welcoming environment for every client to begin their therapeutic journey. In her free time Amani loves being active, spending time with her pets, and spending time with friends and family.