Sanora Morlan-Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Background
My father was a minister at many churches, and I would always see many hurting people. At a young age I knew I wanted to help people but did not know how. One day someone said, “you should be a therapist”. Well, I ignored them, and most of my career I worked in clerical, administrative and management roles. While I enjoyed it, it was not rewarding. I decided to go to school to become a therapist. I attended and graduated from Ottawa University and received my Master’s degree in Professional Counseling. I love helping people and that is what I now do every day.
Experience
I started therapy working with the SMI (seriously mentally ill) population. I later moved on to working with clients with dual diagnosis and substance abuse. This led me to working as a therapist in a program doing therapy with parents who were trying to reunite with their children. In schools I utilized play therapy while working with children. I enjoy working with multiple generations and diverse populations. I use various approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).
Some fun facts :
I love spending time with my husband, my family, and friends. Movies are not my favorite, and neither are water sports although I will on rare occasions enjoy them. I love to decorate my residence and make it feel like a home. I have one dog and she is very sweet. I like to travel and hope to do more of it someday. I love to MC events and sit on the beach, but not get in the water. Having a good laugh is amazing too!
Kathleen Jeffery – Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC)
Background
I spent 30 years as an educator in elementary, middle school and special education. My greatest joy was helping students make life-changing amounts of reading growth as a reading interventionist. I am licensed in both Elementary Education and Professional Counseling and have Master of Arts degrees in both fields.
Experience
My experience in therapy includes working with clients of all ages, from four years of age to senior age. My greatest joy is helping clients get to the root of their triggers, learn to have compassion with themselves, and to notice and cope with their emotions. My education background makes me uniquely insightful with parenting struggles as well as childhood and teenage issues such as ADHD, low confidence, and learning disabilities. I love to help kids and teens create coping tools and to help parents with parenting skills. I enjoy using various approaches including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing), Self-Compassion, and Play therapy.
Some fun facts about me are :
My husband and son and I love to swim in our pool and go “treasure hunting” at places like Goodwill. I also love reading, scrapbooking, and jewelry making! My dream is to have a beach house right on the ocean where I can hear the waves all night long.
Lisa Giser – Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC)
Background
I have lived a life full of opportunities that have promoted learning, growth, and expansion. I was born to a young, single mom who loved me fiercely. I married a wonderful partner and we brought a daughter and two sons into the world to join us in our life of adventures. The relationships in my life and the experiences that we’ve shared have been the source of my greatest joy and pain.
Experience
I have been in the business of people since the beginning of my time. I remember feeling devastated in first grade when at the end of the year, the teacher chose a few students to stay behind and help the incoming class. I pleaded with her to be an ambassador as I was attentive, attuned, and willing to support and advocate for their success. I was denied that particular opportunity and so began the intentional quest to understand, love, and support others on my own. I graduated with a degree in Special Education and experienced the chasm between connection and acceptance. I graduated once again, this time in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and in this practice, I have found the space to be my favorite self and offer the invitation for others to join in and become their favorite selves too.
Some fun facts about me are :
I am a believer, a dreamer, and a truth seeker. I love watching others laugh, dance, and make things more beautiful than they found them. I enjoy reading memoirs and consuming stories on social media. My favorite playlist on Spotify is “Songs you’d hear at Denny’s.” I love to cook and more importantly, eat all the things like soups, side dishes and stir-fries, tart sorbets, and freshly squeezed lemonade. Hiking, paddleboarding, and the sun’s warmth are a few reasons AZ is home for me.
Gabrielle Niemann-Office Manager
Background
I am originally from Nebraska and moved to Arizona 3 years ago with my husband. I have two sweet pets, a dog named Daisy and a cat named Manny. I love road trips, especially if it’s to the ocean. In my free time, I love to try new recipes, binge-watch TV shows, and spend time with family and friends.