Meet The Staff
Jodi Anderst, LCSW/Owner
Jodi Anderst is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker 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. Jodi has given numerous presentations to other community providers about PCIT, and she is available to visit any group or agency interested. 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, LCPC
Ashlee Seay is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor 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 CAAR
Gina Sewell, LPC
Gina is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) 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. Gina provides counseling services for all ages, but 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 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.
Tracey Parker, LPC
Tracey is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Idaho as well as a National Certified Counselor (NCC) through the National Board for Certified Counselors. She has a master’s degree from University of Oklahoma in Human Relations counseling psychology and a bachelor’s degree in child development. She has extensive experience working with children, adolescents and families. Her firsthand experience with adoption also gives her a unique ability to work with adoption related issues with children and their families.
Because she is also a Licensed Massage therapist, she works from a holistic perspective, which focuses on the mind- body connection, this allows her to draw from different counseling modalities to best serve her clients. She has training in cognitive behavior therapy, various play therapy techniques and trained to work with children with developmental disabilities. She believes her job as a counselor is to provide a safe place for clients of any age to explore their thoughts, feelings and emotions free of judgment and criticism. To help clients identify their strengths, abilities and to reach the goals clients set for themselves.
Maria "Keny" Pereda-Torp, LPC
Ms. Torp has an extensive background in working with children and families and is an excellent fit for many of our families as she has worked with both minority populations, and the dominant culture. She is fluent in Spanish and English, and has organized and led parent-education classes in both languages. Ms. Torp received her B.A. in Early Childhood Education and went on to receive her Master's. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the State of Idaho, and a National certified counselor (NCC). Ms. Torp is a certified PCIT Therapist certified by the UC Davis CAARE Center.
Randy Lucas, LPC
Randall is a licensed professional counselor in Idaho who received his Bachelor’s degree in psychology as well as his Master’s degree in Orientation and mobility from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. After working with the youngest student ever to attend the State Rehabilitation Center after a tragic hunting accident left him without sight, he went back to school to better understand the impact trauma has on individuals and families. He graduated with his Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from West Virginia University and has worked since then in a variety of settings as a professional counselor. Randall uses a person-centered approach to therapy that is strength based and has training in solution-oriented reality therapy, Ericksonian approaches to change, and cognitive behavioral interventions. He works with people of all ages, including family and couples, and uses a collaborative method to help facilitate positive change for a variety of personal challenges.
Rebecca Gonzales, LAMFT, LPC
Rebecca Gonzales is a Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (LAMFT) and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Idaho as well as a National Certified Counselor (NCC) through the National Board for Certified Counselors. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Boise State University and her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Counseling from Northwest Nazarene University. Rebecca has completed training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy (Level 2) and is a certified Prepare/Enrich facilitator.
Currently, Rebecca is receiving training to be certified in Parent Child Interaction Therapy and as a Certified Family Trauma Professional. Rebecca works with individuals, couples and families experiencing personal and relational issues. She practices from a Systemic perspective using an array of therapeutic approaches to fit each client’s personal experiences and needs. Rebecca’s focus is to provide a safe environment for people to recognize and explore personal choices, expectations, and motivations that can create positive, lifelong change.
Serena Poland, LPC
Serena received her Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with Play Therapy Emphasis from Northwest Nazarene University. She is a licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and National Certfied Counselor (NCC) through the National Board of Certified Counselors. Serena has completed EMDR Basic Training 1 & 2. She previously held certifications through Idaho Heath and Welfare to provide Intensive Behavior Intervention and Habilitative Intervention to children with developmental disabilities. Serena is currently receiving training to be certified in Parent Child Interaction Therapy.
Serena works with children, adolescents and adults. Her counseling approach is informed by cognitive-behavioral therapy, Acceptance and committment therapy (ACT), solution-focused, 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.
Katelyn Perry, LPC & CRC
Katelyn is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) in Idaho as well as a National Certified Counselor (NCC) through the National Board for Certified Counselors. She received her Master's in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Idaho and her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Clothing, Textiles, and Design from the University of Idaho. Katelyn is also a member of the American Counseling Association, Idaho Counseling Association, and National Rehabilitation Association. She has training in cognitive behavioral therapy, focused acceptance and commitment therapy, and uses a person-centered approach to her clients. Katelyn provides counseling services for all ages, from counseling individuals, couples, to families experiencing a variety of issues including severe and persistent mental illnesses.
Jill Carroll, LPC
Jill is a Licensed Professional Counselor 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.
Jill recently joined the Monarch Behavioral Health Team. Having spent her whole life in the East and Midwest, she enjoys Idaho and all it offers.
Francieli Altamirano, LMSW
Francieli Altamirano is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in the state of Idaho. She earned her Bachelor's in Social Work at Walla Walla University and her Master's in Social Work at the University of Michigan where she emphasized in Interpersonal Practice with Children and Youth. Francieli worked as a case manager for children and youth in foster care, where she utilized a strengths-based approach to addressing barriers and building plans for families involved in the child welfare system. Francieli is bilingual in English and Spanish and is passionate about working with children and families from all cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Francieli utilizes a person-centered approach and tailors her therapeutic modality to the individual's needs. She enjoys utilizing child centered play, art therapy, mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and solution-focused therapy.
Ali Thompson, LMSW
Ali is a Licensed Master Social Worker within the State of Idaho (39123) and received her Master’s in Social Work at Northwest Nazarene University.
Ali was born and raised in Boise and was recruited to play Division I women’s golf at Washington State University on a fully-funded scholarship.
While playing at one of the most competitive divisions in the country, her passion for psychology grew while studying human development and being trained by renowned sports psychologists.
After a ski accident and cervical spine surgery, Ali transferred universities and continued playing golf for Grand Canyon University where she graduated with a Bachelors in Communications.
Instead of pursuing professional golf, Ali had a significant desire to work with people who have undergone various types of trauma.
Ali uses a strength-based approach to empower her clients. She has experience with both adolescents and adults with substance use disorders, persistent mental disorders, depression and anxiety. She primarily works with individuals who have a history of childhood abuse and those who have experienced domestic violence. Ali primarily specializes in suicide/crisis interventions, relational boundaries, utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).
Danielle Basaldua, Administrative Professional
Danielle has worked in the healthcare field as an administrative professional for 15 years. She joined Monarch Behavioral Health in 2015; and has enjoyed getting to know our clients. In her free time you can find her spending time with her family, and making fun memories with her daughter. Her hobbies include photography, reading, doing crafts, and gardening. Danielle has a very friendly, and welcoming personality, and always enjoys meeting new people.
Jennifer Fish, MSW intern
Jennifer is an MSW intern from Boise State University. Jennifer holds her Bachelor of Science in Speech Pathology from Idaho State University and her Masters of Education in Early Childhood Development from Boise State University. Jen has a passion for helping children and families and has specialized in providing Play therapy for children with developmental disabilities for the past 15 years. She is looking forward to expanding on her knowledge and scope of practice through her role with Monarch Behavioral Health.