Our Counselors
Appointments available via telehealth or at West Des Moines office.
Not Accepting New Clients
Tina Leaf, MSW, LISW
Clinical Director
Tina is a Licensed Independent Social Worker who earned her Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Iowa and her Master of Social Work from the University of Northern Iowa. She began her career in hospice care before spending ten years working with at-risk children and families in a residential setting. In 2020, Tina expanded her counseling work by joining the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at EFR. She was promoted to Clinical Director in 2022, where she continues to provide counseling services while also leading clinical supervision and mentoring the next generation of therapists. Tina is dedicated to promoting the value of Employee Assistance Programs, helping organizations ensure their employees have access to the support and resources needed to thrive both personally and professionally. She has extensive experience working with children, adolescents, young adults, adults, and families, and remains passionate about providing compassionate, effective care across the lifespan.
“I believe life happens to all of us and I want to be here to help you overcome your obstacles.”
Appointments available via telehealth or at West Des Moines office.
Not Accepting New Clients
Jessica Streeter, LMSW, LISW
SAP On-Site Manager
Jessica received both her Bachelors and Masters in Social work from the University of Iowa. Jessica enjoys working with children, adolescents and adults through individual, couple, and family sessions. Areas of competence include mood disorders, adjustment disorders, depression, anxiety, trauma, loss, and grief. Jessica’s therapeutic approach is highly flexible and will be individualized when working with each client. Together you will facilitate the changes you desire. Jessica’s role as a therapist is to create a safe and supportive therapeutic environment, one that inspires growth and change.
“Although everyone faces obstacles in their lives, there can be growth and learning taken away from these challenges.”
Not Accepting New Clients
Racheal Gibbons, MS, LMHC, NCC, CADC
Racheal earned her master’s in Mental Health Counseling at Drake University. She has worked in both residential and outpatient settings with children, adolescents and adults. Racheal has helped her patients work through trauma, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, substance/gambling abuse and stress management. She is a member of the Iowa Mental Health Counselors Association.
“I believe that everyone deserves a chance to be heard, to be the best version of themselves. I offer a platform that is tailored to the individual that is strength-based, non-judgmental and compassionate. Sprinkled with humor, I offer clients the opportunity to let down their guard, increase their own strengths and develop their own roadmap to success.”
Appointments available via telehealth or at West Des Moines office.
Current Waitlist
Alli Conrad, LISW, RPT
Alli has a master’s degree from the University of Northern Iowa, and she has experience working in both residential and outpatient settings. She works with individuals and families of all ages, but enjoys working with children the most. Alli has experience working with trauma, emotional dysregulation, parent-child relationships, anxiety and depression. She is a Registered Play Therapist, and is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT).
“I am passionate about helping people resolve the effects of trauma, as trauma does not define a person. I strive to help my clients meet their identified goals and recognize their strengths.”
Sydney Seuferer, LMHC, NCC, ADHD-CCSP
EAP/SAP and Outpatient Treatment Counselor
Sydney is an independently Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the state of Iowa and a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC). She earned a B.A. in Psychology from Iowa State University in 2017 and her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University in 2022. Sydney enjoys helping individuals ages 14 and up. Sydney, also an ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP), has a professional passion for working with individuals diagnosed with ADHD using Neurodiversity-Affirming approaches and interventions. This professional interest is significantly driven by Sydney’s own personal experience with ADHD. Sydney is also passionate about working with anxiety and with young athletes to address their unique mental health needs. Sydney strives to promote empowerment, agency, self-compassion, education, acceptance and non-judgement in her work. Sydney helps her therapy clients create and achieve personal goals using an integrated treatment approach, including acceptance and commitment, cognitive behavioral, and solution-focused therapy interventions.
“I strongly believe that there are no “bad” feelings. All emotions and behaviors, even the unpleasant or undesired ones, are opportunities to listen, be curious and learn more about ourselves. I strive for my therapy space to be a safe, accepting and non-judgmental space for all people who desire support. I will work alongside you to create a plan tailored to your strengths and experiences to achieve the outcomes you are hoping for.”
Jessi Allard, LMSW
EAP/SAP and Outpatient Treatment Counselor
Jessi earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Creative Writing from Drake University and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from The University of Iowa. She has experience working with children, adolescents and adults in both brief-counseling and outpatient therapy settings. Jessi most enjoys working with adolescents and adults seeking to learn skills to manage symptoms related to trauma, anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, ADHD and life stressors. Jessi utilizes a client-centered, solution-focused approach, along with operating through a trauma-informed lens to meet each client’s individual needs. Jessi’s office is a safe space for clients looking for Neurodiversity-Affirming care, identity exploration and non-traditional methods of communication including creative writing, art and music. Additionally, she utilizes elements from Polyvagal Theory to help clients gain a better understanding of the mind-body connection.
“I believe that anyone can gain a greater understanding of themself and the world around them by giving counseling a try. I strive to cultivate a safe space for clients to process thoughts, emotions and the mind-body connection, allowing them to gain clarity, perspective and the ability to change patterns of feeling and thinking.”
Jill Hartung, MSE, NBCC
“I believe that everyone has the potential to help themselves and create positive change.”
Melanie Clark, tLMHC
EAP/SAP and Outpatient Treatment Counselor
Melanie is a tLMHC who earned her master’s degree in mental health counseling from Grand View University. She works with adolescents, adults, families, and couples. Her passion lies in providing mental health support across a wide range of age groups, and she is known for building meaningful connections with clients through strong communication, empathy, and an understanding of the unique challenges people face. Melanie uses a blend of evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and person-centered techniques, to help clients build practical skills, navigate challenges, and work toward their goals. She particularly values the role of family dynamics in overall well-being and enjoys working with families to strengthen relationships and improve communication. Through her education and hands-on experience, Melanie is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of those she serves, helping clients create meaningful and lasting change.
“Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.”
Liz Towe, MSW
EAP/SAP and Outpatient Treatment Counselor
Liz received her Master’s Degree in social work from Indiana University and her Master’s Degree in teaching from Drake University. She enjoys working with clients of all ages, but has truly enjoyed forming relationships with the middle and high school students she works with through the Student Assistance Program (SAP). Drawing on her skills as an educator, Liz connects with the students by creating a space that is based on their specific goals and needs while also incorporating their individual passions. Liz is also very passionate about the mental health needs of women and birthing persons struggling with Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs). She was a member of the Postpartum Support International (PSI) Board of Directors for the Iowa chapter from 2021 to 2024 and plans to get her certification in Perinatal Mental Health (PMH-C).
“My philosophy is meeting people where they are and creating a space for them to identify and develop their strengths, while processing their unique life experiences. When they meet with me, I want them to understand this is their time and I am there to guide them towards their best self with compassion and empathy.”
Limited Availability at our West Des Moines office.
Lars Peterson, MSW, LISW
EAP/SAP and Outpatient Treatment Counselor
Lars Peterson is a licensed psychotherapist who specializes in working with individuals who are experiencing anxiety, stress, relationship issues, trauma symptoms and work/vocational issues. Lars also works with couples. Lars enjoys helping clients through a variety of different modalities including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy, EMDR, and the Gottman Approach.
Along with working as a psychotherapist for 12 years, my background also includes serving in senior leadership for three for-profit companies and the Iowa SBDC, and owning and operating a psychotherapy and consulting firm.
Lars holds B.S. and M.S.W. degrees from the University of Iowa.
“It’s not always easy facing life’s challenges, but I’m here to support and guide you through these challenges. I tailor my approach to match your situation, values, and goals, using client-centered methods that empower you to direct the course of therapy and discover what best meets your unique needs.”
Halli Sanford-Ryan, MSE
EAP/SAP Counselor
Halli earned a bachelor of arts degree in Human Services from Grand View University and received her Master of Science degree in Counseling from Drake University. She is a retired school counselor having served elementary, middle, high school children and their families for 20 years. Halli enjoys working with all ages. She is especially drawn to couples struggling in their relationship, parents needing support and older adults facing life changes. Halli is an
empathetic listener and uses humor in her sessions. She likes to create an atmosphere of collaboration, kindness and trust.
Appointments available via telehealth or at downtown Des Moines office.
Anthony Chilton, MS, tLMHC
EAP/SAP and Outpatient Treatment Counselor
Anthony has earned his Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Grand Canyon University and is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. He has extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and young adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, mood disorders, and substance use. With an approach rooted in trauma-informed care, he recognizes the profound impact of early experiences on emotional and behavioral development. He has worked with individuals who have faced a wide range of challenges—from managing daily stressors and emotional dysregulation to healing from past trauma and building a more confident, grounded sense of self. Anthony uses different modalities with his patients including: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT).
“I believe that healing is possible when people feel empowered, supported, and understood. My role is to walk alongside clients as they discover their own capacity for growth and resilience.”
Accepting new clients via telehealth on Thursdays
Lava Shralan, IADC
EAP/SAP Counselor
Lava recently completed her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Upper Iowa University and is currently working toward her T-LMHC. She is a Certified International Alcohol & Drug Abuse Counselor (IADC) and works as a full-time Substance Abuse Counselor with Employee & Family Resources (EFR). With experience in residential care as both a counselor and Clinical Supervisor, Lava is passionate about bridging the gap between the justice system and access to co-occurring mental health and substance use treatment. She is also deeply committed to supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds navigating mental health concerns and life transitions, providing a compassionate, nonjudgmental space for growth. Lava is devoted to helping clients uncover their strengths, improve emotional regulation, and develop healthier patterns.
“Guided by the belief that ‘If you judge people, you have no time to love them’ (Mother Teresa), I aim to provide a safe, nonjudgmental environment where clients can explore their experiences and build insight into their strengths and potential.”
Abby Skinner
Clinical Intern
Abby earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa in Elementary Education and is pursuing her master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Drake University. Abby has experience working with youth of all ages in school settings and supporting people of all ages through her clinical work. She believes in a systems approach to counseling and uses a person-centered approach in sessions to meet everyone’s unique needs. Her passion is connecting with each person she meets to help them walk through whatever they are facing on their journey. She believes everyone deserves support to navigate life’s challenges.
“Life can be difficult and you don’t have to face it alone.”