Promise Community Health Center integrates mental health services with medical care as an essential component of meeting the holistic needs of patients. Our mental health team works with our patients to assess current coping skills, address emotional needs and work through lifelong patterns. These services are provided on-site by our own mental health department and Michelle van Beek, our Mental Health Coordinator and Interpreter.
MENTAL HEALTH TEAM
Promise Community Health Center Mental Health Team includes a part-time therapist, Yaby Doornink, full-time, bilingual therapist, Osiris Ordaz. Michelle Van Beek also translates and sets up appointments for our Mental Health patients.
Dr. Valerie Stokes, PhD, LISW – Clinical Mental Health Supervisor
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 Doornink, LMSW – Mental Health Therapist
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 Ordaz, LMHC – Mental Health Therapist
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.
Michelle van Beek, B.A., CMI-Spanish – Mental Health Coordinator & Interpreting Services Coordinator
