Life Healing Center of Santa Fe
Staff Biographies
The care team at the Life Healing Center is composed of licensed mental health and addiction treatment professionals selected for their ability to work with a wide range of clients, families, and situations. Life Healing Center is particularly renowned for individual attention and small caseloads - a therapist usually carries only three or four primary clients, and meets individually with them two or more times a week. The majority of group therapy sessions are co-facilitated by two licensed therapists.
Executive Staff
Cheryl Brown, Executive Director
With over 25 years of service in the behavioral healthcare industry, Cheryl brings a diverse skill set to share with the Life Healing Center team. Her background in clinical, administrative and marketing services, infused with her passion to serve those who remain challenged by behavioral and addictive disorders, provides decisive support and positive regard to individuals she works with. Cheryl supports maintaining and establishing collegial relationships with facilities and therapy professionals whose clients and patients we share. "Working together as a therapy community, both internally and externally, we can truly provide the best practice and care to those we serve".
Linda Hortter, RN, LPAT-ATR, LADAC, CSAT - Clinical Director
(St. Louis University; St. Mary's University; Southwestern College) Linda was a primary therapist at Life Healing Center for more than six years before becoming Clinical Director. She has completed the DBT Intensive training and is a member of the DBT Skills Training Team at LHC. Additionally, she is an EMDRIA Certified EMDR Therapist interested in enhancing similarities with the somatic therapies. Linda has special interest in DID and Dissociative States, including the Internal Family System and Ego State models. As Clinical Director, Linda works with the Administrative Team to help LHC continue to grow and further meet client needs, as well as assist staff in expanding their potential.
Our Care Team
George Greer, MD - Staff Psychiatrist
A Life Healing Center team member since 1996, Dr. Greer is a graduate of the University of Texas - Medical Branch, Galveston. He is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He has presented to physician and professional groups on the challenges of trauma treatment and recovery. As a consulting psychiatrist, Dr. Greer's goal is to support the psychotherapy process by choosing the least invasive medication intervention available.
Karen Brownd, MA, LPC - Assistant Clinical Director
Karen's varied background includes two years as a primary therapist at Life Healing Center, as well as experience with persons having co-occurring disorders in an addiction treatment setting. She has additional training in working with grief and loss. Karen utilizes a variety of therapeutic techniques to enhance the client's internal resources as a spiritual basis for personal transformation - healing from within. Karen is a graduate of the University of Memphis and of Southwestern College.
Kristi Dew, Assistant Director of Milieu Services
Kristi brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in the areas of addiction counseling, supervision and recovery. Prior to coming to Life Healing Center she served as Program Coordinator for a residential and transitional women's trauma and addictions program. Kristi considers herself to be a "bridge builder" in terms of teaching, training, organization and utilizes "a pragmatic visionary." management style. While working as a LADAC in Nebraska for over twenty years, she served on the Governor's task force to develop a statewide screening tool used for comprehensive client assessment and appropriate care level recommendations. Kristi enjoys being a part of the treatment team and the continuing endeavor of providing an opportunity for safety, healing, and restoration to our clients.
Brian D. Blocker, MA, LMHC, - Therapist
(Cal Poly Pomona, Southwestern College) Brian utilizes an art psychotherapy and person- centered approach to trauma and chemical dependency. He focuses on the spiritual aspects of healing through use of expressive arts, mindful dialogue, and honoring the client's personal story.
Melani L. Burcham, MA, LPC - Therapist
(Southwestern College) Melani has over ten years experience as a practicing therapist, working mainly in the areas of trauma and chemical dependency. Her approach can be described as eclectic with a psychodynamic focus. She has trained in grief counseling and EMDR (Level II). Melani's role at Life Healing Center includes working with clients in the Day Program as they prepare for transition back into the community.
Sonja Frenz, LPC, MSW - Therapist
(University Kassel, Germany; Hakomi Institute of Boulder) Sonja has been with the Life Healing Center since 1998 as a Lead Counselor and she is now with us as a part-time weekend therapist. She employs body-mind centered psychotherapy and integrates principles of mindfulness and non-violence in her sessions. Sonja has a special interest in meditation and relaxation techniques, and in helping to build inner resources thru somatic experiences.
Beth Friemuth, LMSW-Therapist
(University of Wisconsin-Madison) Beth has a special interest in meditation and mindfulness. She began her studies of meditation and Tibetan philosophy in Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Nepal in 1996. She is particularly interested in how meditation and mindfulness can transform the mind. She incorporates these studies from a strengths perspective into her clinical work Beth has worked in crisis intervention settings, and with incarcerated women; families in crisis; couples, groups, and individuals; persons who have severe and persistent mental illness, at-risk adolescents;,and survivors of domestic abuse, trauma and addictions.
Karen A. Kral, MA, LMHC - Therapist
(Southwestern College) Karen assists clients in accessing both a personal and spiritual center from which to heal and grow. She employs mindfulness methods based on the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh and influenced by her Zen meditation practice. Karen is also a certified facilitator of Inner Bonding, a dynamic, action-oriented method for creating a loving, empowered relationship with the self .
Mark G. Lersch, MA, LMHC - Therapist
(Southwestern College) Mark is committed to blending spirituality with psychotherapy. He has a background in mindfulness/meditation, and often utilizes a counseling approach called Inner Bonding. He has also trained in Gestalt and Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT).
Darby Long, MA, LMFT - Therapist
(University of Wisconsin, Texas Women's University) Darby has 27 years of experience working with individuals, couples, and families in residential and private practice settings. Darby's experiential approach to therapy involves mind/body/spirit integration with a special focus on the release of blocked emotions. She has created 24 guided imagery meditations for relaxation and wellness. Darby is level II trained in EMDR and DBT. Her work at LHC includes Breath/Energy sessions to release blocked emotions.
Deborah Payne, CCN - Eating Disorders
(University of Guelph) Deborah is a Board-certified Clinical Nutritionist who helps clients who have eating disorders and related issues. She has worked as a nutritionist in Maine, Colorado, and San Diego, and as Biomedical Director for the International Center for Metabolic Testing in Ontario. Deborah co-founded the Wellspring Integrative Health Center and served as nutritionist for the Cancer Center of Colorado Springs. Her special interest is in raising consciousness for personal and planetary health and wellness.
Tahlia H. Rainbolt, MA, LMHC - Therapist
(University of Santa Monica, Southwestern College, Pacifica Graduate Institute) Tahlia has graduate degrees in both Spiritual Psychology and Counseling, and is currently a doctoral student in Clinical Psychology, She brings over 20 years of experience as a facilitator, teacher, consultant, and psychotherapist to the clinical team at Life Healing Center. Talia has worked extensively with survivors of trauma - specifically with eating disorders - and has a particular interest both in spirituality, resiliency, and positive self image.
Kenneth Reid, M.A. LPC - Therapist
(Columbia University, Franconia College, Southwestern College, Pacifica Graduate Institute) Kenneth focuses on facilitating the repair of self-structures that are fragmented and possibly dissociated as a result of early trauma. He is training in Somatic Experiencing®, EMDR (Level II), and Jungian active imagination techniques. Kenneth is completing his Ph.D. dissertation in clinical psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute.
Susan Sarossy LMSW, Therapist
(Highlands University) Susan was a program therapist at an outpatient behavioral health clinic, where she was on the DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) Team. Susan completed a DBT intensive and had taken various DBT workshops. Susan has worked extensively with children, youth and families, and is familiar with family systems techniques. Susan has also worked with substance abusers also has a back ground working in corrections as a Substance Abuse Counselor. She formed and facilitated a women's group that focused on Women's Issues during incarceration. Susan is currently on the DBT skills team at The Life Healing Center.
Deborah Schroder, MS, ATR-BC, LPAT - Family Therapist
(Mount Mary College) In addition to her work at Life Healing Center, Deborah is a supervisor for teams of practitioners in the growing field of in-home family therapy. She is also a family therapist in private practice. Deborah is the Program Chair for Art Therapy at Southwestern College, where she teaches numerous courses. We highly recommend Deborah's book, Little Windows into Art Therapy.
Alisha Shelbourn, MA, LHMC - Therapist
(Southwestern College) Alisha has been an art therapist for four years, and also has a diverse background working with children, families, and individuals at varying stages of treatment and recovery. She has many years experience in the trauma recovery and addictions fields, as well as working with inmates in the corrections system. Alisha employs art and process therapy to empower her clients and facilitate their connection with the inner self and spiritual growth.
Tisha Sjostrand, M.A., LMHC, LPN - Family Therapist
(College of Santa Fe). Tisha has more than 10 years of experience within the mental health and health care communities. As an educator, nurse, and psychotherapist, she is uniquely qualified to apply a holistic approach to wellness. Tisha describes her philosophical approach as "to bridge the great divide of mind, body, and spirit." She is currently an adjunct faculty member for the Education Department at the College of Santa Fe as well as a family therapist at the Life Healing Center.
Lisa Etzel, MA, LPCC, LADAC, NCC - Therapist
Lisa specializes in a body-centered approach to healing trauma, making use of her skills in EMDR and sensorimotor psychotherapy. She is a graduate of Leslie University, and is also Level II EMDR-trained.
Morgan Holford, MA, LMHC - Therapist
Morgan is a Certified Hakomi Therapist and Trainer who has worked extensively with individuals and couples in private practice for more than 20 years. Her primary modality is Hakomi Experiential Psychotherapy, a body-centered, mindfulness-based method. The focus of her work at Life Healing Center is somatic trauma resolution, helping clients build safety, resources and empowerment in their bodies.
Jeanne Juliet, MA, LPCC - Therapist
(University of New Mexico) Jeanne has 18 years of clinical experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings, successfully treating grief, trauma, mood disorders, and eating disorders. She believes all people have the ability to heal through a process of awareness and choice. Jeanne's therapeutic approaches are primarily reality-based, solution-focused and cognitive-behavioral. At LHC, she does deep trauma resolution work using the "inner child" in connection with EMDR, and brings a strong spiritual dimension to the process. Jeanne is a Level II-trained EMDR therapist with eight years of experience.
Dr. Jay Navarro, Ph.D., LPCC
Dr. Navarro holds a doctorate in psychology and has been a practicing clinician for over 37 years. He has followed a traditional spiritual path for much of that time with Ceremonial training from native Elders and Medicine People of the Creek and Apache nations. Having learned the Medicine Wheel Ceremony from a Lakota Elder, Dr. Jay has successfully utilized this experience in the treatment of trauma and addiction. With balance and health the major goals, this Ceremony restores wholeness in those fragmented by negative life experiences, and has added to Dr. Navarro's diverse approach to healing. He looks forward to meeting and sharing this ancient healing Ceremony with others. Ah Ho...
Dr. Blair Sylvan Grey, M.A., D.O.M. - Acupuncturist
Dr. Sylvan Grey has been practicing oriental medicine for 10 years. She has studied with the 88th Generational Daoist Master of the Jade Purity School for 6 years, focusing on psychological and emotional disharmonies. Blair integrates other vibrational modalities, such as tuning forks and essential oils, to assist each client attune to their spiritual core as they release any trauma within. Acupuncture balances the body's energy, facilitating a body-mind integration of the daily therapeutic process.
Community Outreach Staff
Peg Tilford, MRC, LPCP, CSAT, CADC - Clinical Outreach Coordinator
(Wright State University) Peg has over 20 years of direct clinical experience in the field of addictions and behavioral health working with dually diagnosed clients in treatment facilities and in private practice. She has extensive training and experience in working with sexual addiction and trauma, as well as chemical addictions in couples, families, abused high-risk adolescents and impaired professionals. Peg utilizes multiple modalities with a strong spiritual approach in healing mind/body/spirit. She has also designed and taught college courses utilizing experientially based theatre techniques. Peg is also a frequent presenter on trauma and addictions.
Lori Yanez, CCHT, Coach, CEDC - Clinical Outreach Coordinator
Lori comes with over 20 years of Executive Sales and Marketing Experience. After years of working with fortune 500 companies she decided to follow her passion and enter the Healing Arts Field. She has experience in the areas of Chemical Dependency, Eating Disorders, Trauma and personal and spiritual growth. In June of 2006 she will complete her degree in Holistic Theology. Lori believes in the integration of living from a place of spirit, integrity, and authenticity within business practices.
Intake Staff
Gayla Bacon, MA, LPC - Care Coordinator
(Texas Tech University and Rollins College) Gayla has over 10 years experience in the mental health field as a therapist and administrator. She has worked as a private practitioner as well as an inpatient therapist with chronically and terminally ill patients. She has trained in mind/body/spirit modalities, grief and loss counseling, and women’s issues.
Pandora D. Kiss, MEd, MA - Care Coordinator
(Duquesne University and University of Santa Monica) Pandora has a broad and varied background working with families in crisis. She also has extensive experience in the field of chemical dependence and dual diagnosis. She brings a spiritual and holistic approach to her work in the mental health field.
Barbara Sinha, MA, PhD - Aftercare Coordinator
(Portland State University, Southwestern College) Barbara majored in physics and mathematics, earning a Ph.D. in Environmental Science. After being a homemaker and science writer for 10 years, she returned to school with the intention of doing body-centered psychotherapy. She received a M.A. in Counseling and a diploma in massage. In addition to her Barbara has worked counseling women and children involved in domestic violence or sexual abuse.
Support Services
Requa Tolbert, RN, MSN - Medical Records Coordinator
(Duke University) Having completed her Masters in Science in Nursing, with a clinical specialty in psychiatry, Requa has had a variety of practice experience in inpatient, residential, home healthcare and corrections settings. A dedicated team member who remains focused on maintaining the clients’ confidentiality and privacy, in concert with Life Healing Center’s compliance HIPPA standards.
Kenneth H. Farr - Director of Food Services
(Southern University of New York) As our Executive Chef, Ken is responsible for all food preparation, menu development, dietary staff, and kitchen maintenance. Working closely with the Dietician and Clinical Staff, he has created low-fat, delicious, and appealing menus that accommodate upwards of 60 clients, family members and staff daily. He invites clients to participate in meal preparation through cooking demonstration and monthly seminars.
