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. 

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.

Tim Hakenewerth, Ed.S., LPC, NCC

Tim Hakenewerth, Ed.S., LPC, NCC is a licensed professional counselor and currently pursuing his doctorate in Counselor Education and Counseling at Idaho State University. He works with a wide range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, post traumatic stress disorder, anger management, relationship issues, parenting issues, substance abuse counseling, gender and sexual identity, sexual assault, academic and work concerns, and grief & loss. He particularly enjoys working with couples, college students, and those who have never been to a counselor before. When not counseling or engaged in school work, he enjoys woodwork, cooking, and time with friends. As a native of Missouri, he can also often be seen catching up on St. Louis sports.

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.

Kelly Lind, LCSW

Kelly Lind, LCSW has had a passion for helping people that started when she was a young child, growing up in Kentucky. She loved witnessing people in her life heal from stressful situations and decided to make it her career. Kelly graduated from the University of Louisville with her Master of Science in social work and has her certificate of professional studies in Adlerian Psychology. Kelly finds joy in working with families, children, adolescents, and adults. Kelly is trained in the modalities of Adlerian psychology, dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, and mindfulness. One of Kelly’s passions is helping others find inner strength to overcome life’s obstacles. Kelly is also a registered yoga instructor, enjoys hiking in the mountains, and loves curling up with a good book.

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.

Hailey Reed, LPC

Hi, my name is Hailey and I love my work as a Licensed Professional Counselor at PVFC! I have lived in Pocatello since I was seven years old. After discovering the counseling profession as a client, I felt inspired to become a counselor myself. I graduated with my Masters in Mental Health Counseling from Idaho State University. I also received a Bachelors in COmmunity Health Education from ISU. When I am not in the office I can be found exploring nature, creating art, and writing poetry. I also I also find joy laughing with my sweetheart, snuggling my newborn, and playing with my dogs. I believe my role as a counselor is to try and provide a safe and encouraging space for my clients to uncover their true, authentic selves. I hope to act as a support while my clients discover how to create a new reality for themselves and ultimately find a way to move through life with more confidence and peace. It is truly an honor to work alongside other imperfect human beings as we both learn more about who we really are! Some of my passions in the mental health field include things like: eating disorders, depression, sexual abuse/trauma, self-harm, suicide, divorce, pornography, adoption, play therapy, couples work, LBTQ issues, gender expression, and the combination of neuroscience and counseling. If counseling is something you are considering then I encourage you to take a risk and reach out. You may discover that you no longer have to feel alone in the challenging journey called life! 

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 “pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis” correctly in sixth grade.

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.

Marisa Martinez, Administrative Assistant

Hi, I am from Middleton, ID. I am an undergraduate student at Idaho State University majoring in Health Science with plans to go onto the Physician Assistant program at ISU. I am a licensed CNA and have a passion for helping others. I am also a student Ambassador for ISU. I enjoy spending time with my friends and family when I have free time.

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

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

Kolleen Wynn-Gallipeau, Certified Peer Support Specialist

Interns

Ashley Rohrbach

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.

Community Staff

Shannon O'Donnell, LSW, Community
Based Rehabilitation Services/Case Manager/Targeted Care Coordinator 

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