Hope Grows Nevada

Dakota is a therapist who has several years working in therapeutic environments as he works towards his own independent Clinical Social Work licensure. Dakota enjoys working with clients from all backgrounds and ages and has experience working with those who struggle with trauma. Dakota graduated with his Master of Social Work from the University of Nevada, Reno, in 2022 and began practicing therapy right away. Dakota is dedicated to assisting his clients making positive, lasting changes for their own lives. Dakota has experience with trauma-informed care, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and is trained in EMDR.

In his free time, Dakota enjoys spending time with his wife and family, lifting heavy weights, playing role-playing games, competing in strongman events and Scottish Highland Games.

Kimberly is a gender-affirming therapist who made Nevada her home a few years ago. Engrossed by the city’s diverse cultural scene and vibrant energy, she feels exactly where she should be to pursue her licensure in Clinical Social Work. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Family Relations, and a Master in Social Work. Her previous experience includes working with high acuity, disabilities, trauma, depression and anxiety. Kimberly has a passion for working with couples, adults and adolescence. Kimberly is here to provide a safe, judgement free space that is conducive to growing and furthering your mental health journey based on your personal goals and needs.

In her free time, Kimberly enjoys exploring the local businesses in the community while practicing mindfulness. She also grounds herself by spending time with her loved ones including her American bull dog, engaging in her spirituality, or listening to audio books.

Lauren is a therapist who is currently working towards earning her Clinical Social Work License. She has been practicing therapy since she graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno in 2023 with her Masters in Social Work. Lauren emphasizes an inclusive approach to therapy and welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds. She has experience in trauma informed care and uses techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Theraplay (play therapy with families), and EMDR. Lauren is committed to walking alongside you while you reach your goals. When not working, she can be found reading a good book with her dachshund sidekick, camping with her family, looking for birds in the local park, or out on the lake on her paddle board.

Leslie is a therapist working towards her Marriage and Family Therapy license. She enjoys working with a diverse population and has experience with couples, families and teens. Leslie offers cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectic behavioral therapy and mindfulness techniques to help clients with trauma, depression and anxiety. This foodie finds healing exploring the outdoors with her partner and appreciating the beautiful area we live in.

Surviving through a constant IV drip of black coffee, Marcus is a therapist with a sarcastic sense of humor and a strong dedication to evidence-based research. Practicing clinical social work since 2017, Marcus has dedicated his work to treating trauma with additional focuses with the LGBTQ+ community and men's mental health. Starting with behavioralist practices, such as CBT and DBT, he explored humanistic approaches such as EMDR, IFS, and AEDP. Marcus is found in the wild critically failing his Dungeons & Dragons dice rolls, building miniature giant robots, and re-watching old horror movies waiting for fall to arrive again.

Xochitl sees the value in a therapeutic space to discuss the impacts of generational traumas, adverse environments, and adverse life experiences that are at the root of emotional distress. Xochitl specializes in holding a safe space for BIPOC and LGBTQ2S individuals utilizing evidence-based practice to meet their therapeutic goals. Xochitl is a member of the Yurok Tribe from Klamath, CA. She moved to Reno, NV 12 years ago, fell in love with the area and never left. Xochitl received her Bachelor and Master of Social Work at UNR. When she is not being a therapist she spends her free time with loved ones or practicing one of her many hobbies. Her all time favorite hobby is beading.

Ana is a Native Nevadan focused on rural Nevada communities. She has 18 years of providing services for rural community members in a variety of provider roles. Ana has a passion for working with children and families. She also has experience working with victims of domestic violence and other forms of trauma. She has enjoyed her time working in schools which was a motivator for working towards her mental health licensure. Ana is bi-lingual in English and Spanish and loves to bridge the communication barriers in mental health. She is married with 2 kiddos and a slew of animals that keep her busy. She loves animals, the outdoors, and cooking.

Sarah Is a self proclaimed redneck hippie with a heart of gold. With her formal education in the field of social work she has her LCSW, CADC and a bevy of real world experience. Sarah Is here to help guide clients on their journey.

In her free time Sarah likes tride her 4-wheeler while keeping her chakras aligned with a gentle ohm chant. She has raised her four children and a husband and somehow managed to maintain her wicked sense of humor.

Susana is a bilingual (English–Spanish) clinical social work intern dedicated to supporting children, teens, and families in the rurals. With a Master’s in Social Work and a minor in Human Development and Family Studies, she brings a strengths‑based, relationship‑centered approach to every interaction. Susana's love of plants and nature inspires the belief that growth—whether in people or in gardens—flourishes with patience, nurturing, and the right environment. Outside of practice, she enjoys spending time with her family playing games, exploring, and creating meaningful, lasting memories.