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.

Conner Vrba, Counseling Intern, Community Based Rehabilitation Services

Conner Vrba is currently in his 2nd year working towards a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling. Conner is practicing from a gestalt theoretical framework and invites his clients to be present in the moment and experience their emotions with greater self-understanding. Conner has an interest in trauma informed care, and finds ways to implement this into his everyday practice. Conner was born and raised in Boise, Idaho and completed his undergraduate degrees at the University of Idaho where he played football for four years. When not at the clinic or in school, Conner enjoys playing sports outdoors with friends and family, cooking, and listening to music.

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.

Alyssa Newman, LPC

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.

Jakob Kendall, Medical Assistant (MA)

Hello! My name is Jakob! I am from American Falls, and I am the new
clinic nurse/MA here. In my spare time I enjoy traveling with my
boyfriend, as well as spending time with my dogs, and any other
volunteer opportunities I can get involved with :). I have worked in the
Emergency Room and clinic settings before, and am excited for this
wonderful new journey!

Cody Jameson, PMHNP 

Cody is a recent new graduate psychiatric mental health nurse
practitioner at Maryville University in St. Louis, Missouri. He moved to
Idaho to be closer to family and is excited to join the PVFC team. Cody
first got in to the psychiatric field in 2015 as a psychiatric nurse. He
loved being there for people and helping them get through life's many
challenges at a time of need. He went back to school to become a nurse
practitioner because he felt he would be able to impact more lives for
the better.  During his schooling he worked in acute settings in
providing medication management to those with mood disorders,
personality disorders, thought disorders and more. He believes that
medication coupled with therapy is the gold standard treatment in
managing most mental health problems. Above all else he knows that
listening and having empathy for others is the secret to providing the
highest quality of care.

Sam Dalton, Counseling Intern

Sam Dalton is currently a 2nd year masters student at ISU where he is
working on his degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Sam
approaches counseling from an Existential theoretical framework and
assists clients with gaining insight into presenting concerns by
understanding their authentic selves. While Sam does work with a broad
demographic of clientele, he has an interest in working with children
and adolescents. Sam was born and raised in Gooding Idaho and completed
his undergraduate degree in Health Psychology at BYU-Idaho. When not at
PVFC or in class, Sam enjoys spending time with family, mountain biking
the many trails in the area, as well as camping, skiing and
snowboarding.

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.

Maddie Liddiard, LMSW coming soon

Maddie Liddiard is a Licensed Masters Social Worker. She received her undergraduate degree in Social Work from Brigham Young University Idaho, and her Masters in Social Work from Boise State University. Maddie has experience working with children, teenagers, adults, families, and
couples. She has worked with a variety of issues including Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Anger Management, PTSD, and many others. Maddie believes in people, and that people have the ability to change and become the best version of themselves possible. In her spare time, Maddie enjoys reading, writing, traveling, and attending as many concerts as possible.

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, Intake Team Lead

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.

Office Staff

Miguel Cantu, Administrative Assistant

Education: Bachelor of Arts Degree in General Studies

Kaius Tolman, Administrative Assistant Support

Community Staff

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

Stephanie Black, Community Based Rehabilitation Services, Targeted Care Coordination, and Case Management

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

Josh Nielsen, Community Based Rehabilitation Services

Brett Sayer, Targeted Care Coordination Team Lead and Case Manager

Kate Shrader, Certified Peer Support Specialist

Jojo Cupp, Community Based Rehabilitation Services and Case Manager

Jojo was born and raised in Boise, Idaho. She moved to Pocatello to attend ISU. She graduated in 2021 with a degree in Psychology and a minor in communication. Jojo is so excited to work with members of the community and help them move toward a brighter future.

Soda Springs

Misty Davis, Office Manager of Pocatello and Soda Springs Offices

Education: Health Information Technology, Idaho State University

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

Chyna Giles, Administrative
Assistant Support

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.

Brooke Golightly, LCSW, Clinical Team Lead

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.

Allissa Mitchell, Community Based Rehabilitation Services/Case Manager

Allissa grew up in Soda Springs, ID and left to attend college. She started out at Utah State University then transferred her sophomore year to Idaho State University, where she recently graduated (2021) with a BA in Sociology with a concentration in criminology. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her boyfriend, her dog, and friends as well as photography. One day, she hopes to go back to school and obtain her master’s degree within the social services field.

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