Staff

Staff

Immediate Openings | All Major Insurances Accepted | Owner Operated

Ankeny Family Counseling

We understand that the pressures in life, such as jobs, finances, marriages, and other relationships can lead to feelings of frustration, anger, hopelessness, and isolation. We have all had difficulties. We want to help you overcome your difficulties by listening to you and helping you come up with solutions that can help you.


Our family and locally owned practice serves couples and individuals using strategies that tap into your internal resources that will help you feel better and manage the challenges that are causing you or your relationship distress. We have immediate openings at our Ankeny office. 


We know that life is busy and you don't want to travel to Des Moines or West DSM. We are conveniently located west of the Prairie Trail HyVee. We accept most insurance and we handle all of your insurance filing for you. All you have to do is to take the first step and call 515-508-1150 or email us.

Our Awesome Team

Loretta Martzahl, LMSW

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I am a licensed master’s level social worker and licensed school counselor with many years of experience working with students and families in various educational settings. I am accepting new clients, including children, adolescents, adults, and couples. 


My clinical experience includes working with individuals who have or are experiencing abandonment, effects of generational trauma and poverty which can lead to issues of addiction, involvement in the criminal justice system, anxiety, depression, and relationship issues.     


Specific populations of individuals I have served are those struggling with addiction, men's issues, LGBTQ+, and diverse populations. I use a systemic and strengths-based approach in working with clients to set goals of addressing the unique obstacles clients are facing. My personal therapy style is nurturing and direct, displaying a non-judgemental space where individuals feel safe and comfortable while moving forward in an understanding of personal choices and emotional reactions in their individual situations. 


I hold master’s degrees in Education from Buena Vista University and in Social Work from Arizona State University. I am a member of NASW. I have a passion for understanding the effects of social justice and the direct impact it has upon the mental health of individuals. I am dedicated to removing the negative stigma associated with accessing mental health services, especially for men. Emotional health is vital to everyone’s overall wellbeing! 


TaLia Pulley t-LMHC

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Hello all! My name is TaLia Pulley and I’m a first generation graduate of the University of Northern Iowa’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program. Throughout my professional and academic career, I've worked with people of all ages and backgrounds. I was an APA therapist for children ages 1 1/12 years old to 15 years old diagnosed on the spectrum of autism. I've worked with children diagnosed with neurological, intellectual, and certain physical disabilities on emotional regulation. I have experience working with new mothers experiencing panic symptoms, OCD symptoms, intense anxiety, and other concerns. I have worked with adults in the nursing and teaching field as they navigate their stressful work cultures. I also have experience working with older adults as they transition to new stages of life.


Some topics I have experience in are the following;

- Grief/Bereavement

- Religious/Faith trauma

- LGBTQIA+ identity  

- Multicultural counseling

- Crisis and Trauma Intervention and Management

- Wellness, Self-Care, and Brain Based Strategies

- Trauma Informed Care

- Domestic Violence

- Sexual Abuse (18+ clients)


I believe we are all the experts in our lives! We just need someone to help us navigate our complex thoughts and ideas as we continue this journey. You deserve someone who will actively listen and validate your unique experiences. You also deserve someone who will uplift you and meet you where you're at. Together you and I can foster a collaborative therapeutic relationship to make this therapeutic process more comfortable.


I follow a holistic form of therapy, focusing on the mind, body, and soul. This can only be done by expressing and acknowledging our intersectionality's. I work with children, adolescents and adults!

Lindy Reinhart LMHC

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Hi! I'm Lindy.  

A misconception I have realized in therapy is that clients look for their therapist to "tell them what to do". I believe that YOU are the expert in your own life and I am more of a co-pilot. Those who have been clients in the past will smile when they hear, "I'm just in the passenger seat holding the map, we will go down any street you want, and we can turn around if that was a wrong turn", or "You're driving this bus!". 


I use evidence based therapies in session: CBT, DBT and EMDR to name a few. Often times, we notice things from our rearview mirror (our past traumas) continue to impact our day to day living and decision making. Together we can face those items that may be holding you back. I have experience in all ages, genders, sexual orientations, and a variety of traumatic pasts.  


Our sessions are guaranteed to be a place of no judgement and you will always be treated with dignity, respect, care and genuine concern for your wellbeing. Mental health advocacy is a topic that is a passion of mine and I will continue to do my part about ending the stigma that surrounds mental health.  


Thank you for reading this! I know how much courage it takes to make the first step, and I am proud of you!


I offer telehealth visits at this time that you can attend in any private area that you choose. I look forward to meeting you! 

 

Rhonda Nelson MSW

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Clint Cunningham, LMFT

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I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Licensed Social Worker (LBSW). I currently provide individual, couple, and family therapy.

I am committed to honoring your experience and collaborating with you to reach your therapy goals.


I am committed to using my skills and resources to facilitate healing experiences during our time together. I strive to foster authentic relationships, offer challenges to facilitate growth throughout our sessions. It is an honor to work with you on your goals and work to serve you as your therapist.

My clinical experience includes couple’s therapy, family therapy for families with adolescent children. My areas of expertise include:


-Relationship Challenges

-Depression and Anxiety

-Chronic Medical Conditions

-Trauma

-Addiction

-Weight Management

-Men’s Issues

-Anger Management

-Intimacy Issues


When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with family and staying active outdoors. I am an avid ultrarunner and recharge by playing with my two golden retrievers.


Thank you for your interest in my services and I look forward to working with you.     

Ashlley Houge LMSW

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A little about me.... Hi, there! My name is Ashlley!


I have worked in the social work field for over 15 years as a change agent for some of Iowa's most vulnerable populations. I have worked in numerous different treatment and program settings, delivering a multitude of services to adolescents, adults and the aging. The experience of working with the range of clientele that I have, has provided me with growth and development of my skills over the years; which is invaluable as a clinician. During my time working in the field, gaining first-hand knowledge and experience I completed my studies. I obtained my Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Iowa State University and completed my Master's at The University of Iowa within the School of Social Work. I am excited to join the clinical team at Ankeny Family Therapy to continue helping others. I will be offering sessions during the evenings and on weekends, but do not hesitate to ask if you have a unique session time that fits into your schedule. I am generally flexible and want to meet your needs as best as I can. 


Sometimes we get stuck, we may not have words to describe what is going on or know where to go next. Sometimes things do just not add up or make sense. I am here to tell you that is okay. We have these moments, we are all human. I want you to know that there is support and guidance waiting for you when you are ready. When you are ready I want to work with you using a personalized, yet solution focused, strengths based approach that can provide clarity and healing. We will work as a team to diminish those feelings of being stuck or not okay. Working with individuals to overcome those hurdles they may see blocking their path is a process, but ends in a transformational journey that leaves you living your best life. I want to help you live your best life.

Terry Thomas LMHC

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We all have times in our lives when we could use a place to explore life’s challenges. Congratulations for taking the first steps toward making change. I am here to support you as you begin this journey. I look forward to providing a safe, supportive space to accomplish your goals.


I earned my undergraduate degree in Social Work from Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois and Master’s Degree in Counseling from Drake University in Des Moines. I have spent my career working with individuals providing counseling, and support as they began the process of change. For over 20 years, I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults coping with depression and anxiety, substance use disorders, grief and loss issues, career counseling, parenting issues, relationship issues, stress management, self-esteem, and disabilities.


I work from Trauma Informed and Cognitive Behavioral perspectives. Recognizing that as individuals each person’s needs are different, I am here to meet you where you are.


I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and I love to travel.

Steve Pohlmeyer - LISW

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Challenges happen as individuals, couples, and families develop and grow. I am here to help with these challenges.


I believe healthy change occurs when you are given the guidance that you need to draw on your own strengths and realize your potential to live a fulfilling and happy life. I will provide an environment of compassion and support to help you overcome obstacles to move forward and thrive. I will assist you, using an eclectic approach tailored to the unique needs of your situation.


I have over 35 years of experience helping a diversity of people in a variety of settings, with brief and long-term solution-focused interventions.


I also have an interest in sports performance. I was a student-athlete in college, coach, and parent/spouse to elite athletes. I am an avid cyclist, runner, and sports fan.


My areas of expertise include:


- Anxiety and depression

- Children and adolescents with behavioral issues

- Grief and loss

- Life changes and next steps

- Relationship challenges

- Sports performance


Again, I believe you have the ability to live fulfilled and happy. I am here to help you.



Dennis Dozier, LISW

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My name is Dennis Dozier, I am a licensed Independent Social worker in Iowa. I hold a Bachelors degree in Social Work from Mount Mercy College in Cedar Rapids, and a Masters degree in Social Work from the University of Iowa. I work with adolescents and adults of all ages. I help people experience relief with relationship struggles, trauma, depression and anxiety, and other issues through compassion and fostering self-understanding. My belief is that you are the author of your own life. And that we can work together to solve problems and receive support in a safe, caring atmosphere.


I offer telehealth visits at this time.

Vicki Ailey-Roberson LMHC - Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) Owner, Ankeny Family Counseling

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Vicki is not accepting clients at this time. We have talented therapists at AFC that can help you.

My vision is to be deeply committed to your counseling experience. My hope for you is that you will heal, that with help you are able to solve life's difficulties that stand in your way of happiness.


Areas of Expertise

  • EMDR (Certified)
  • Gottman for Couples
  • Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples
  • Couples Counseling
  • Christian Counseling- only for those that request this
  • Trauma Focused
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Christina Guerrero - OPERATIONS MANAGER

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Christina chose to work at Ankeny Family Counseling (AFC) because she believes the organization welcomes and celebrates diversity in its philosophy and practices. She ensures the day-to-day operations and oversees the practice's processes, policies, and procedures for all AFC's team members. Christina is an EdD candidate in Organizational Leadership at Northcentral University. Her research focuses on social justice in higher education. She earned a master's degree in Education from Ashford University and a BA degree in Psychology and Human Services from Grand View University in Des Moines. Christina has been in education for the last ten years and is an adjunct instructor for Des Moines Area Community College. Her passion is teaching ELL and improving the quality of life and educational opportunities for her students. Aside from working too hard, her number one priorities are her three beautiful children, one adorable granddaughter, two spoiled cats, and her husband.


Authentic leadership is leaders who possess positive psychological capacities and moral reasoning closely aligned with multicultural competencies.


 

Amber Scott

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Amber is an experienced Accounts Receivable Specialist at Ankeny Family Counseling, with a strong background and degree in Accounting. With 10+ years of experience, she brings a lot to the table in helping our company stay current, and things are run through insurance in a timely manner. She is passionate about helping everyone out and making it pleasant experience for everyone she helps.


Outside of work, Amber is married and has 2 kids and a dog. She enjoys spending time with her family: playing games, watching movies, and creating as memories as possible. You will often find her cheering her children on in whatever sport is in season. She is also a licensed Real Estate Agent in Iowa and really enjoys meeting new people and helping them buy/sell their home. She believes in maintaining a healthy work-life balance.


With a focus on delivering exceptional results, Amber Scott remains dedicated to Ankeny Family Counseling, ensuring positive helpful outcomes.