Health and Wellness

Katherine was born and raised in San Diego, CA. She moved to Flagstaff, AZ in 2005. She studied at the University of California, San Diego, in La Jolla, CA, where she obtained her Bachelor's degree in Psychology. She went on to obtain her Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania, School of Social Work in Philadelphia, PA. 

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Upon moving to Arizona, Katherine worked as a licensed mastered social worker to attain independent clinical-level licensure in the state of Arizona. Katherine has facilitated groups for children and adults experiencing the loss of divorce. She has provided counseling services to adults, children and families struggling with a variety of concerns related to anxiety, depression and transition. 

Amber was born and raised in Delta, CO and obtained her bachelors in Classical Studies and Sociology from Colorado State University. Amber went on to obtain her Masters in Social Work from the University of Denver. Amber’s been in Flagstaff since 2017 where she obtained her LMSW and practiced child and family therapy as well as crisis interventions and assessments for 2 years. 

Prior to arriving in Flagstaff, Amber worked in a Child Protective services and has also inpatient services/residential for children and adolescents and has over 11 years of experience working with children, families and adults.

Amber is trained in providing CBT, DBT-Informed and EMDR services. She skill in the delivery of individual, family and group services. She has specialized experience in working with challenging youth and clients in search of a direct and compassionate approach.

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Amber is currently enrolled in a doctoral program through the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN.

Kelly was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona and moved to Flagstaff in 2003 where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of Northern Arizona. She then received her Master’s of Social Work from the University of New England in 2014, and her independent clinical licensure, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), in Arizona in 2019.

Kelly has a varied experience in the field of Social Work, including  hospice, vocational rehabilitation, victim advocacy, elder rights, and working with people with Developmental Disabilities.

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Kelly has experience providing counseling with children, families and couples. She has extensive training in the Birth to 5 population, Trauma, anxiety, depression, and family work. Kelly utilizes elements of Play Therapy, CBT (Cognitive Behavioral therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavioral therapy), motivational interviewing, and experiential therapy in her approach. Kelly is a Registered Play Therapist (RPT), obtaining her credential through the Association for Play Therapy (APT) in 2021 to further support the families and children she serves to grow and heal. 

Austin is originally from Prescott, AZ, and moved to Flagstaff in 2011 to attend Northern Arizona University. Graduating with his Bachelor's degree in Social Work in 2014, Austin began working in the community in a variety of Social Work positions. He gained experience in the mental health field serving the needs of the unsheltered, veterans, and child and family populations. Austin went on to obtain his Master's in Social Work in 2019, with an emphasis in clinical work after a rigorous internship with Balance - Mental Health and Wellness. 

Austin is passionate about counseling services to help individuals find healing and balance in their lives, leading to a more enjoyable, fulfilling, and meaningful life. He enjoys working with adults and children of all ages and has specialized experience in childhood behavioral interventions.

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Austin is available for faith-affirming and Christ-centered sessions, upon request. He is trained in DBT-Informed services and utilizes a strengths-based perspective as well as a solution-focused approach to promoting health and well-being for his clients. 

Luci was born and raised in the small town of Vale, Oregon. After graduating high school she continued her education and earned her bachelor's degree in English from Oregon State University. Luci returned  to school in 2018 and earned a Master's in Social Work from Boise State University and graduated in 2020.

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Luci is currently a therapist at Balance Mental Health and Wellness. She enjoys working with all different ages, and populations. She has previous professional experience working with survivors of domestic violence, clients with serious mental illness, and adolescences in outdoor settings. 

Luci is currently, working on completing Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) training and Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) training. She enjoys working with highly sensitive persons as well as folks struggling with managing addicting and compulsive behaviors.

She has experience working with couples, families, children, adolescents and clients of all ages and diverse backgrounds. She is passionate about a strengths-based approach and values incorporating all systems in attending the the holistic needs of her clients. 

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Shelbi Labat, LAC was born and raised in Thibodaux, Louisiana and received her undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University in 2014 where she studied English Literature. Upon graduating, Shelbi taught middle and elementary school students in Louisiana for two years before moving to Flagstaff in 2016 to pursue a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northern Arizona University.  Shelbi graduated from NAU in October of 2019 and completed her internship here in Flagstaff working in child & family counseling.

Shelbi has experience working with college students, children of all ages, parents, and families. She is able to offer faith-affirming counseling services as well as Christ-Centered services to those clients who express desire to include this in their work.

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Shelbi believes counseling to be a work of the human heart; healing work, life-giving work, work that heals the soul and repairs trauma, past pain, and brokenness. She is happy to accompany clients on their journeys to assist them in making changes in their lives that will enable them to reach their fullest potential and to find deeper fulfillment and joy.

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Shelbi is pleased to be one of our solely web-based, online providers. She looks forward to seeing you from the comfort of your own home, as we utilize technology to create meaningful connections

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Helaman brings a passion for working with clients as well as a history of experience at our agency and in the community working with children, adolescents and families. He has worked in outdoor wilderness programs for 7 years prior to completing his degree and looks forward to assisting us with our own outdoor adventure programs. 

Helaman brings a strong sense of growth and client change to his practice. His interventions are based on allowing for growth in an understanding of self that will lead to building of skills for better living. 

Helaman is a graduate of the Northern Arizona University Social Work masters program. During that time, he completed a successful internship at Balance.

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Helaman is trained in DBT intervention strategies and employs a combination of Solution-Focused and CBT treatment modalities in his work with clients. 

Clients often share that they are impressed by Helaman's compassion and approachable demeanor. 

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Angie completed her internship with Balance Mental Health and Wellness and obtained her LMSW in April of 2021.

Angie is one of our solely web-based providers and pleased to see you online from the comfort of your own home!

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Angie has extensive experience working in the field of substance abuse and addiction. She enjoys working with clients who are desirous of being challenged to co-create a plan for health and wellness through the difficult experiences of life. 

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Angie has a passion for working with the LGBTQIA+ community and aspires to support all people in achieving their best sense of self as well as living their life to the fullest.

Christi was born in Dallas, Texas and grew up between Dallas and Phoenix. She obtained her bachelor’s in Business Administration with an emphasis in Human Resource Management from Texas Woman’s University in 2013. Christi has been in Flagstaff since November 2020 where she obtained her master in Licensed Professional Counseling through Grand Canyon University. Christi has a passion for working with clients in the LGBTQIA+ community and works with clients of all ages.

Pang Vang is part of our mental health consultant team. As a masters-level Mental Health Consultant, Pang enjoys working alongside clients to support health and well-being as they address a variety of life's struggles. She is skilled in Dialectical Behavioral (DBT) intervention models and facilitates our evening adult DBT group. Pang's services are offered solely online and she is able to work with clients of diverse backgrounds and locations from the comfort of their own spaces. 

Pang completed her masters of social work through Arizona State University and her internship through Balance. She has a history of working for the State of California in the department of human services and is passionate about social justice and enhancing the welfare of all humans. 

Francesca Martinez is currently part of the Mental Health Consultant team at Balance Health & Wellness. Francesca obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and recently obtained her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an emphasis in Christian Counseling from Grand Canyon University. Francesca completed her internship with Balance Health & Wellness and has continued on to work with clients both in person and online. 

Francesca's ambition is to continue to empower youth and adults to reach their full potential. She assists them in overcoming personal obstacles to reach their life and mental health goals. Her primary treatment strategies are informed CBT (cognitive behavior therapy), solution-focused interventions, person-centered interventions, strength based interventions, and DBT (dialectical behavior therapy). She seeks to enhance her own skills in these areas by ongoing continuing education, so that her work with clients is evidence-based and well-informed. Francesca enjoys using creative activities and cooperative play with younger clients and excels at helping my clients overcome a variety of struggles including adjustment issues, grief and loss, depression related symptoms, attention and focus concerns, as well as self-esteem needs. Francesca's passion for working with clients and excitement in the field of mental health leads her to make great connections and find successful outcomes with each of her clients. 

Meet Patrick Garard, your trusted Mental Health Consultant, based in the heart of Flagstaff, Arizona. Patrick's world is colored by a deep love for geek culture, where he finds inspiration in the hero's journey, whether it is depicted in comics, movies, songs, or in real-life narratives.

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With an undergraduate degree in philosophy and a master’s degree in clinical Mental Health Counseling, Patrick combines intellectual depth with therapeutic know-how. He draws wisdom from an informed perspective in a strengths-based approaches such as geek, art, narrative, reality, and insight therapies. His approach includes goal setting and skills training, emphasizing the transformative power of these powerful present-focused techniques.

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Patrick is a martial arts enthusiast who has dedicated a significant part of his life to its practice. While not a master, he has learned valuable lessons from martial arts, which have added resilience and determination to his own hero's journey. He is committed to guiding others on their unique heroic quests.

As a geek cultured Mental Health Consultant, Patrick understands that geek culture extends beyond a simple affinity; it's a tool he employs to connect with clients, exploring the profound lessons learned through the mediums of comics, video games, music, and whatever pop cultural icon you know care to discuss. These interests, real and imagined, are not simply conversation starters, but are archetypes of courage, strength and the quest for meaning.

He firmly believes that each individual possesses the potential for greatness, transcending cultural boundaries and gender norms. Patrick listens without judgment, helping you unearth your inner hero through present-focused, strength-based methods, and assisting you in setting and achieving your goals. In the grand narrative of life, Patrick recognizes superheroes in every person, waiting to be celebrated. Patrick is your trusted companion on the path to embracing and becoming the hero of your own story, regardless of where your journey began or where it may lead.

Elizabeth Gendron, MA was born and raised in San Diego, CA. She obtained her Associates of Science Degree in Psychology from Ashworth Univserity in 2009 and her Bachelor's Degree from Northern Arizona University in 2009. She completed her Master's Degree in Education from at the University of Southern California in 2012.

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Elizabeth received her Board Certified Behavioral Analysis Certificate from the Chicago School of Psychology in 2014. She is experienced in Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) and has worked within the school districts as well as privately and directly with clients in the community to enhance the life and wellbeing of children with behavioral needs. She is skillful in both direct practice and training services. She is passionate about teaching clients and their families the skills necessary to create lasting behavioral changes by recognizing the function of behaviors and utilizing positive re-direction and reinforcement.