Dr. Stokes is a trusted professional with years of experience. She is a licensed clinical social worker who also holds a PhD in Educational Psychology/Human Development. She is trusted, professional and compassionate. Dr. Stokes serves as our Clinical Behavioral Health Supervisor for Promise’s therapy providers.

She earned a Ph.D. in Human Development & Educational Psychology at the University of South Dakota in 2008, and she is a (LISW) licensed independent social worker. She received a bachelor’s degree in social work from Northwestern College in 1993 and earned a Master of Social Work degree at the University of Nebraska in Omaha in 1997.  She is a licensed mental health therapist. She has taught at Northwestern College since 2008, and she is a tenured professor and conference speaker. She was the 2012 recipient of the college’s Teaching Excellence Award.

Dr. Stokes’ therapeutic approach is relational, strengths-based, and solution-oriented. The therapeutic relationship is a powerful conduit for change. When you are with her, you feel validated and heard. She utilizes a variety of therapeutic treatment strategies with a highly personalized approach. She incorporates a variety of theoretical models in her work with clients including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness Skills, Solution Focused Therapy, Trauma-Informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Life Span Integration Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Family Systems, Attachment Theories and Psychoeducation of the Neurobiological Response System. She uses a strengths-based approach with a trauma informed lens to join clients on their journey toward health and wellness. Dr. Stokes welcomes clients of all diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, belief systems, genders and sexual orientations in working to overcome stressors and symptoms affecting their life.

Yaby received her bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Dordt University in Sioux Center, Iowa. She then went on to receive her Master of Social Work from University of Iowa. Yaby brings with her years of working with adults, children and families.  She is EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) trained for working with people who have been impacted by trauma, anxiety, depression and other issues. Yaby deeply enjoys working with her patients along their journey and providing them with a safe, compassionate place to heal and learn.

Osiris is a creative intuitive and bilingual in English / Spanish. She is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC). She earned a master’s degree in Art Therapy and Counseling at Adler University in 2020 and received a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Art in 2017 from Northwestern College. Before PCH, Osiris was the Art Therapist Counseling Intern at North Park University where she worked as an individual therapist seeing young adults.

As a Mexican immigrant, Osiris is passionate about identity wholeness and dismantling mental health stigmas. She practices from an Adlerian and art theoretical perspective that is rooted in holistic treatment, cultural humility and social equity. She believes in the power of story-telling, human connection and creativity. Osiris is here to walk alongside all peoples from all backgrounds, genders, sexual orientations, and ethnicities as they heal and grow.

Emily Leinen, ARNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-C is a dual board certified psychiatric mental health and family nurse practitioner. She recieved her bachelor of arts in nursing from Augustana University in 2012 and her master of science in family nurse practitioner from Mount Marty University in 2020. Throughout her nursing career, she noted the interconnectedness between mental and physical health, the stigma patients face in receiving mental health services, as well as the lack of available mental health services. Desiring to increase access to care and decrease stigma of seeking mental health services; she returned to Mount Marty University and earned her post-masters certificate as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner in 2022.  As a dual board certified mental health provider, Emily collaborates with the medical and mental health staff at Promise to ensure the patient is heard and understood. She provides mental health medication management for anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, PTSD, bipolar, and ADHD. Emily believes mental health care is a priority and looks forward to working with her patients in their mental health journey. Mental health care is health care, no one should feel they have to struggle in silence.

Jennifer’s academic journey includes a bachelor’s degree in Human Services with a double minor in psychology and sociology from Buena Vista University. She further pursued her passion for helping others by earning a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Iowa. Her educational background equips her with a comprehensive understanding of the social determinants of health and the impact they have on individuals’ well-being. As a collaborative, holistic, and strengths-based practitioner, Jennifer offers a range of mental health services to her patients. Her therapeutic approach incorporates techniques such as Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. Jennifer firmly believes in empowering her patients to become the authors of their own lives, highlighting their strengths and using various theoretical frameworks to support their growth. She is particularly sensitive to the cultural concerns and practices of her patients, ensuring that her interventions are respectful and inclusive.

Jennifer’s ultimate goal is to help her patients recognize and navigate the various contexts that shape their lives. By fostering a safe and healing environment, she encourages individuals to connect with their strengths and discover new ways to achieve wholeness. Her warm, non-judgmental, and open approach to therapy creates a space where patients can experience healing, growth, and the realization of their worth and potential as individuals.

Michelle received her bachelor’s degree in Spanish Translation and Interpreting from Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa. She then went on to become certified as a medical interpreter in Spanish by the National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters (NBCMI). Michelle brings with her years of experience from interpreting in educational, community and medical settings. She is bilingual in English and Spanish and professionally trained to work bilingually in the mental health department. She interprets for our English speaking therapists during sessions and facilitates patient coordination for the mental health department. Michelle deeply enjoys aiding patients in the process of seeking therapy services on their journey to healing and growing.

Information coming soon!