Pocatello

Clinical Staff

Sara Bigelow, LCPC, NCC, Clinical Supervisor

Sara Bigelow is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. Sara has experience working with children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples. She has worked with a variety of issues from depression and anxiety to more chronic mental health issues. Sara also enjoys providing supervision to counseling students and counselors pursuing their clinical licensure. A native of the area, Sara enjoys spending time in the outdoors with her family, reading, and music.

Brian Brimhall, PMHNP-BC

Family Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Pocatello and Soda Springs

Education: Masters of Science in Nursing, Specializing as Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, University of South Alabama.

Specialty: Providing psychiatric services and medication management to children, adolescents, adults as well as mature adults experiencing a continuum of psychiatric illnesses.

Personal: I became interested in mental health while being raised by a mother who suffers from severe depression. This had a powerful impact on my life, giving me compassion for those suffering from the symptoms of debilitating mental illness. While therapy is the first line of treatment, medication management can be helpful in improving client functioning and relieving symptoms of mental illness. 

Alyssa Brook

Photo Coming Soon

Alyssa graduated from ISU in 2017 with her masters in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling. She enjoys working with a wide range of clients, including adults, adolescents, children, families, and couples. After graduating she began working with children and families dealing with child sexual abuse, and has training in evidence-based treatments for trauma including TF-CBT (Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). She also has experience with helping children with sexual behavior problems; and enjoys working with kids, caregivers, and families with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Alyssa has lived in Pocatello for the past 20 years, but also lived across the U.S. and traveled to several different countries, including 18 months in Chile where she learned to speak Spanish fluently. She also loves dogs, writing, music, movies, board games, and spending time with friends and family. Alyssa's focus in counseling has always been for her clients to feel heard and understood, and to find peace with the challenges in their lives.

McKenzie Christensen, LPC, Community Programs Manager

I work with a wide range of ages and specialize in marriage, couple, and family work. I also enjoy attachment work with children and their caregivers, utilizing play therapy techniques. I am born and raised in Pocatello, Idaho. I enjoy outdoor actives such as fishing, camping, and 4-wheeler riding. You can find me at home reading, scrap-booking, making cards, or crocheting.

Robert DeWall, LCPC, NCC, QSUDP, Administrator/Clinician

I am a native of Pocatello spending most of my life here. I attended Highland High School before
receiving a B.A. in Sociology and my Master of Counseling with an emphasis in Marital, couple, and
family counseling from Idaho State University. I began my career as a therapist working with adolescents
struggling with addictions and their families prior to focusing more on mental health counseling. I have
worked as a therapist for over ten years and have enjoyed assisting others in reaching their goals and
improving their lives. I have an advanced certificate in Adlerian studies through the Idaho Society of
Individual Psychology and I use these techniques in working with my clients. I am also trained in
Accelerated Resolution Therapy and have seen this technique work very well with individuals struggling
with past trauma and PTSD. When not in my office I like being outdoors and spending time with my wife
and children and riding my Harley.

Maggie Gardner

Renée Katter, PA-C

Adult/Adolescent Psychiatry

Education: Masters of Physician Assistant, Idaho State University.

Specialty: Adult and Child Psychiatry, Medication Management, Behavioral analysis including Diagnosis and Evaluations.

Personal: Renée is an outdoor enthusiast who loves hiking with her family and dogs.

Liz Macklin, LPC

Liz graduated from Idaho State University with a Masters in Counseling in the Marriage, Couple, and Family track. She works with individuals, couples, family, and children with a focus in family systems, relationships and sexual health and well-being. Liz enjoys music and playing with her dogs.

Olivia Ngadjui, LPC

Education: Obtained a Master of Arts degree in counseling from The George Washington University, and is currently pursuing a PhD in counselor education and counseling from Idaho State University.

Population Served: Children, adolescents and adults.

Practice Specialty: Theoretical Integration, Client Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Mindfulness.

Focus: Suicidality, Homicidality, Trauma, Grief and Loss, Anxiety, Depression and Self-Esteem/Self-Concept Issues.

Personal: Enjoys traveling, hiking, cooking, reading, photography and art museums

Kelly Palmer, D.O.

PVFC Medical Director

Education: Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Psychiatry Board Certified Adult and Child Psychiatry

Specialty: Medication Management, Psychiatric Evaluation and Consultation for Children and Adolescents.

Personal: Dr. Palmer enjoys biking and spending time with his family.

Charity Potter, LCPC, NCC, LSW, Administrator/Clinician

Hey, I decided that after years of waiting tables, janitorial work, motel management, and fast food experience, that I would like to take a different approach to the helping professions. I enrolled in ISU and learned that I needed to petition to be admitted as a student. WOW! what an ascending risky venture it has been! During numerous years of navigating employment, school expectations, and parenting, I received my BA in Social Work in 2004 then a Masters Degree in Counseling in 2006. I have had the opportunity to work in corrections and community mental health settings. I completed a Certificate of Advanced Professional Studies in Adlerian Psychology, and I am trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (trauma and psychological disorder treatment). I enjoy clinical diagnostic work, working with personality disorders, and providing encouragement to individuals that seek treatment. I am a native of the area as I was raised in Lava Hot
Springs.  I enjoy riding my motorcycle, spending time with family, humor, authenticity in others, attending concerts, and outdoor activities.

Tandice Peterson, LCPC, NCC

Photo Coming Soon

Originally from the Boise, Idaho area, Tandice has always enjoyed working with children and families and has been able to make this passion a career. She values helping others know they are not alone and see the other side of their struggles. Her career began working with children and adolescents with developmental delays, then adapted into helping families and individuals learn daily skills to increase quality of life and learn to effectively communicate with others. She achieved a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2011 followed by completing Idaho State University’s Counseling Program in 2014 and graduating with a Master of Mental Health Counseling.

Tandice’s primary theoretical approach is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. However she also utilizes theories such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Adlerian Psychology, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, the use of books, Art Therapy, sand Tray Therapy, Play therapy and attachment therapy. Currently she is working toward becoming certified in Animal Assisted Therapy.

Tandice enjoys working with adolescents, adults, children, families and couples. She has extensive experience working with child and adolescent victims of sexual abuse and a variety of other trauma, as well as attachment issues such as Reactive Attachment Disorder. Tandice works with families in the court system providing reunification therapy to help families reunite healthily and effectively. She works with the court in providing supervised visitation services in collaboration with the courts as well. Tandice has knowledge and experience working with children and families struggling with sibling and parent conflict issues. Anxiety disorders, depression disorders, PTSD, Bi-Polar, Domestic Violence, Relationship issues, self-esteem and identity issues are also areas of expertise.

Liva Rigney, PhD.

Education and Credentials: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology, Idaho State University; Licensed Psychologist in Idaho.

Population Served: Psychological and neuropsychological assessment for children, adolescents, adults, and older adults.

Practice Specialty: Psychological and neuropsychological assessment, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Behavioral Couples Therapy, Parent Management Training (PMT).

Focus: Behavioral Self-Regulation, Communication Effectiveness and Conflict Resolution, Preadolescent Problem Behaviors.

Personal: A native of western Idaho, Dr. Rigney has lived in the Bannock County area since relocating to Pocatello for graduate school in 2006. She enjoys reading, writing, camping, and stock-car racing, and won a prize for spelling “pneumonoultramicroscopic-silicovolcanoconiosis” correctly in sixth grade.

Ashley Rorhbach

Photo Coming Soon

Education: Bachelor of Arts, Psychology from Southern New, Hampshire University, Master of Counseling in Clinical Mental Health, Counseling from Idaho State University, National Certified Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor, Certificate in Animal Assisted Interventions in Counseling

Specialty: Ashley has a clinical focus of working with individuals who
identify within the LGBTQIA+ spectrums, adolescents, and with those who have experienced trauma. Her professional aim is to promote inclusivity in rural populations. She holds a certificate in Animal Assisted Interventions in Counseling, which allows her to talk with clients to see if incorporating an evaluated therapy animal into sessions would be supportive and growth-fostering. Ashley practices from a Feminist/Adlerian theoretical orientation but incorporates Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, as well as other theories into sessions.

Personal: Originally from Montana, Ashley is enjoying living in Southeastern Idaho. She has a multitude of hobbies including reading, knitting, weaving, spinning fiber, and playing with her animals. Ashley and her family have 15 ducks, three horses, three dogs, and a rabbit who is in training to be a therapy animal to work with her in sessions.

Sara Stengel, LPC, NCC

Education: Master of Counseling, Idaho State University

Population Served: Individual & family therapy with children, adolescents, and adults.

Practice Specialty: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Trauma Focused CBT, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Play Therapy, and EMDR.

Focus: Anxiety and Depression issues, Bi-Polar Disorders, Childhood Trauma and Domestic Violence, Relationship Issues, PTSD, and Self Esteem and Identity Issues.

Personal: Sara enjoys hiking, fishing, running, and being out in nature. She loves animals and weight training but especially loves spending time with her family.

Office Staff

Amber Howell, Credentialing Specialist

I was raised in Pocatello and graduated from Highland High school. I'm a licensed CNA and love working with and helping people. After spending the last 30 years in Boise, I am back in my hometown and loving it. I love to paint, travel and spend time with my amazing husband and 7 wonderful kids.

Laura Jones, Administrative Assisant

I was born and raised in Burley ID and Moved to Pocatello in 2001.  I love our beautiful Portneuf valley and love all the outdoor activities there are to do so close to home. I enjoy camping and fishing and spending time with my 2 boys.

Shelley Porter, Office Manager

I was born and raised in Mud Lake, Idaho. I moved to Pocatello in 1999 and received my Associates Degree at ISU in Marketing and Management in 2001. I love the view of the mountains and spending my summer months by going camping and fishing with my family.

Community Staff

Mikki Griffey, Certified Peer Support Specialist, Community Based Rehabilitation Services/Case
Manager

Lisa Johnston, Team Lead, Certified Peer Support Specialist

Rachael Machen, Team Lead,  Community Based Rehabilitation Services/Case
Manager/Targeted Care Coordinator

Amber Malay, Community Based Rehabilitation Services/Case
Manager/Targeted Care Coordinator

Josh Nielsen, Community Based Rehabilitation Services

Brett Sayer, Community Based Rehabilitation Services/Case
Manager/Targeted Care Coordinator

Kate Shrader, Certified Peer Support Specialist

Kolleen Wynn-Gallipeau, Certified Peer Support Specialist

Heather Young

Photo Coming Soon

Heather was born and raised in Pocatello. She attended Utah State University and got her bachelors in psychology. After living in Logan, Utah for 6 years for school and work, she moved back to Pocatello and started at PVFC. She is attending Idaho state university in the fall for her Masters in social work. In her free time she likes to spend time with her son, run, hike and read.

Interns

Alejandra Salas

Soda Springs

Clinical Staff

Brooke Golightly, LCSW

I graduated from Utah State University in Social Work and completed my Master’s degree in Social work at Walla Walla College, with emphasis in children and families. I have worked primarily with children and adolescents since 2005 and adults since 2009. I have work experience in domestic violence, trauma, anxiety disorder, depression, family relationship issues, anger management, child and adolescent issues,
bereavement and severe persistent mental illness. I often utilize techniques from play therapy, Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Adlerian Psychotherapy, Solution-focused Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, fishing, camping, sewing, cooking and playing volleyball.

Office Staff

Misty Davis, Office Manager

Education: Health Information Technology, Idaho State University

Personal: I enjoy bird watching, photography, softball, writing poetry, reading, music, and spending time with my family.

Ed Van Gass

Chyna Giles

Photo Coming Soon

New to the Gem state, I am starting off my Business and Mental Health career as a Administrative Assistant with PVFC. Some of my hobbies are listening to music, participating in outdoor activities, photography, and expanding my knowledge within social issues. I aspire to go to college to further my education.

Alexis Millward

We would like to give a huge thanks to Sheri DeWall for taking our staff photos!