Licensed Clinical Staff
Tod DiCecco, MA, LPCC
Executive Director
Tod received his Master’s degree from Southwestern College and takes a holistic approach to the transformational and healing process. Tod believes in offering an opportunity to explore personal growth through the mind, body, and spirit. He uses mindfulness practices to guide individuals and families through relationship challenges, grief & loss, issues related to substance abuse, trauma, and other life stressors. He believes when people connect with their purpose and what brings meaning into their life, they experience greater connection with themselves, their family, and community. He also believes that using creativity supports the heart’s true authentic expression, which brings about joy and inspiration. A deep connection to the heart can develop feelings of safety and expand compassion towards others and ourselves.
Niccole Toral, MA, LPCC, CDWF, TEP
Clinical Supervisor
Niccole holds a master’s degree in Counseling, is a Certified Daring Way Facilitator (CDWF) and holds a Certificate in Transformational Eco-Psychology (TEP) from Southwestern College, a Consciousness Centered Program. She has been shaped by integrative wellness both personally and professionally is passionate about combining therapies and modalities that inspire others. Niccole loves that Mesa Vista Wellness integrates many different forms of wellness within their services.
Over the course of her professional career, Niccole has spent several years in the implementation and integration of behavioral health care in rural primary care clinics.
Shaia D’Ourso, LCSW
Clinical Supervisor
Shaia D’Ourso is a lifelong resident of New Mexico. Shaia works with all age groups, with focus on adolescents and senior populations. She is certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Restoration) and MST (Multi-Systemic Therapy). Shaia believes strongly in the results of using EMDR for trauma recovery. She has an additional focus on working with addiction recovery and oversees the Drug and Treatment Court Programs. Shaia has a deep passion for serving her community and demonstrates through her outreach efforts to other community organizations in hopes of connecting individuals with needed services.
Stephanie Murphy, MA, RN, MEd, LPCC, ATR-BC
Art Therapy Supervisor
A board-certified art therapist with over 24 years of experience in the healthcare field, Stephanie strongly relies on the mind/body/heart connection of each individual to inform her therapeutic practice and guide clients all on their paths to reach their full potential as human beings.
As an art therapist, she utilizes many creative modalities, such as sand tray, SoulCollage ™, and intuitive painting to integrate both left- and right-brain functioning to help clients find a whole-brain solution to life’s challenges.
Julia Lucero, MSW, LCSW
With 26 years of experience as a social worker, supervisor, program director, adjunct professor and program administer, Julia has worked with diverse populations and relies on the strength, resiliency and uniqueness of the individuals she works with to guide her practice.
As a 9th generation Chicana from northern New Mexico, she embraces the values, culture, language, traditions, and healing practices handed down to her from the women in her family. Through a holistic approach, she honors the place of strength clients bring to the therapeutic relationship and works to help them realize their full potential.
Carlos Gonzales, LADAC
Carlos F. Gonzales is a native New Mexican, born and raised. His career is in state government as a Financial Manager and Chief Procurement Officer, as well as a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Addiction Counselor, and property manager. He has been working for First Judicial Drug Court Program in Santa Fe since 2001. Carlos is in recovery from alcohol/addiction and has proudly worked for 19 years of sobriety.
Carlos through his recovery work and counseling is hoping to help others find peace, a solution to their addiction, and a future of happiness. He strongly believes in what he does. “I am truly blessed to have the opportunities that have been given me, and I do not take life lightly. I work hard, play hard, and do my best to keep healthy and strong. I believe life should be shared, not just lived, and we all should be proud of who and what we are no matter how that may look.”
Andrea Serna, MA, LPCC
Andrea is a native of northern New Mexico who has over 25 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults and the elderly. She believes in a holistic approach to healing involving psychological, emotional, physical and spiritual work. Andrea believes that people have their insight into their experiences and utilizes empowerment within the person. Developing self-awareness, skills and strategies that work in their world is what she strives for.
Andrea uses play therapy, art therapy, genograms, lifelines, ecomaps, CBT and more in helping clients to develop strategies to cope with life’s challenges. Andrea is a client-centered therapist and knows that no matter what, there is always hope.
Heather Hines, MSW, LCSW
Heather has an affinity for working with children, teens and adults coping with grief and loss, as well as people struggling with nightmares, anxiety, mood swings and trauma. She was trained in family therapy at the Sky Center in Santa Fe and in infant mental health at Las Cumbres in Espanola, and is currently working on a PhD in Integrated Therapy and Healing Practices at Pacifica Graduate Institute. Heather’s approach is that of a heartfelt partnership with individuals and families to inspire the positive transformation they desire. This approach, which has out of her studies of psychoanalytic theory and depth psychology, allows her to serve as a guide and witness to healing through dreams and engagement with the personal and collective unconscious. Heather meets each client exactly where they are on their journey, and helps them walk the path toward healing. Underscoring the work is her deep respect for the human condition and genuine enjoyment of the therapeutic relationship.
Christine Miller, MA, LMHC, CYT-200
Christine primarily serves children and adolescents. She utilizes art and play therapy, mindfulness practices, yoga and sensory self-soothing techniques to aid her clients in building motivation and achieve stronger self-expression and communication skills. Christine works with her clients to build self-esteem and identify healthy coping skills to navigate lifes challenges. Christine is also a certified Yoga Instructor and incorporates this into her practice.
Desiree Handley, LMHC
Desiree holds a Master’s degree in Art Therapy and Counseling from Southwestern College in Santa Fe. She has formulated her own unique, creative process using art therapy, play, and metaphor to support others in cultivating a deeper understanding and self-acceptance of thoughts, feelings, and experiences. She uses Psychoeducational and cognitive behavioral approaches to help clients develop the tools that are right for them and uses motivational interviewing to support clients in discovering and empowering their own internal motivation, strengths, and self-worth. Desiree specializes in working with teens and young adults during transitional times in life and enjoys helping individuals develop interpersonal skills and relationships.
Jonathan Wallach, LMHC
Jonathan received his undergraduate degree from New York University and his masters degree in Contemplative Psychotherapy from Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado. He uses both western concepts and eastern (Buddhist) ideas to formulate a therapeutic experience that is both practical and pragmatic as well as more philosophical and existential. From cognitive and behavioral therapy to meditation and mindfulness, Jonathan is comfortable with a wide range of support and therapeutic interventions. What links all of these approaches is his understanding that support comes from both listening and fully being present for each and every client. Aware that therapy is much more than a transaction or formulated responses, he aims to get to know each client and meets them where they are at, whether they are suffering from anxiety, depression, trauma, or addiction issues. He has been specializing in substance abuse disorders since 2013 and does an abundance of work with Santa Fe’s drug court and treatment court programs.
Sara McFarlane, MA, LMHC
Kathleen Knox, LMHC
Kathleen joins MVW from Austin, TX where she received her Master’s of Arts in Counseling. She spent 20 years in Austin, TX where she worked as an educator (elementary and middle school), a fund- raiser and in the music industry. Kathleen is a transpersonal therapist who believes that we are functioning at our highest and best when we are fully aligned with our soul’s intentions. Using various modalities including talk therapy, expressive arts activities and Sandtray therapy, Kathleen helps her clients identify old thinking patterns and beliefs which no longer serve them and assists in helping them find their way to their own Truth. Kathleen has extensive training as a Sandtray therapist. Sandtray fosters an integration of the whole brain for a sense of wholeness and aids in the calming of the nervous system. Kathleen offers clients seeking relief from the symptoms of depression, anxiety, trauma, ad- dictions, behavioral issues through her different therapeutic approaches an opportunity for clients have a more joyful life. In addition, Kathleen leads the Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), a 12- week group designed to support people who are attempt- ing to maintain sobriety from various addictive behaviors. Kathleen sees clients aged 11 and older.
Tiannon Schmitt, LMHC
Tiannon is a licensed mental health counselor. She graduated from Southwestern College in 2006 with a Master’s in Art Therapy and Counseling and has worked with diverse populations through Creativity for Peace, Santa Fe Mountain Center, home visiting programs for families and private practice. Tiannon’s specialty areas include infant and maternal mental health and emotions and eating wellness. As an art therapist, Tiannon values the creative process as inherently therapeutic for resolving traumas, supporting whole-brain integration and emotional regulation. Tiannon is also a certified Circle of Security parent educator and Positive Parenting Facilitator.
Ally Schamaun, MA, LMHC
Ally graduated from Southwestern College in 2016 with her degree in Art Therapy and Counseling. Since then she has focused her specialty on infant-parent and early childhood mental Health (serving children prenatally through 6 years old). In April 2019 she graduated from the Napa Infant-Parent Mental Health Fellowship Program through the University of California- Davis. Ally is a trained Circle of Security Parenting facilitator and is trained and rostered in Child-Parent Psychotherapy. Ally uses child-centered play therapy, art therapy, dialectical behavior therapy and other modalities when working with children and families in the form of dyadic therapy, individual collateral sessions with parents and/ or play therapy sessions for children. These offering help to increase parent and child emotional regulation and support attunement and mindfulness within the relationship. Ally uses a trauma informed approach and an attachment and relationship lens when working with children and families who have experienced hardships.
Kimberly P. Archie, LPCC
Kimberly P. Archie, LPCC, graduated from Southwestern College in 2010 with a masters in Art Therapy and Counseling. Through her love of people and passion for art and creative expression, she found her path for serving others as an art therapist. Her nine years of experience includes working with people of all ages; children, families, teens and adults. Her expertise is working with alcohol and drug addictions, trauma recovery and PTSD, depression, bipolar, ADHD, and anxiety issues.
Sally Sullivan, LMHC
Sally holds an MA in Guidance and Counseling with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a minor in Rehabilitation Counseling from New Mexico Highlands University. Sally has experience working with adolescents both in the office and in the school setting, adults of most ages, persons with substance use issues and is expanding into work with couples and families.
J. Bob Kitts, LPCC
Over the past 37 years, I’ve learned to practice the art of listening. My experience has shown me we all need to be heard and understood. It helps us see how to make improvements in our lives. I have a Master of Science, Marriage and Family Therapy. Bachelor of Arts and Psychology. I have worked with individuals, families, and couples treating a variety of presenting problems including depression, anxiety, marriage and family issues, grief and loss, transition, and recovery issues.
Molly Leach, LCSW
Molly is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who graduated from Widener University with a Masters of Education Human Sexuality. She recently relocated to Santa Fe from Vermont. Her professional interests have mainly focused in the areas of gender and sexuality, but she enjoys clinical work with a variety of different populations. Molly is well versed in working with diverse family systems, individuals exploring gender transition and sexual identity, survivors of trauma, and folks of diverse cultural backgrounds.
Molly’s approach in her therapeutic work is systemic; she likes to step back and gain perspective of the variety of different factors that could be impacting a person’s mental health. This includes paying detailed attention to cultural factors, family background, and social influences, while tailoring her services to meet the broad needs of her clients. Humor and positivity are important tools that Molly incorporates as she supports her clients in their journeys of self-exploration and personal fulfillment.
Lauren Roberts, LMHC
Lauren holds a Master’s Degree in Art Therapy and Counseling from Southwestern College. Although she is not native to New Mexico, Lauren is proud to call Santa Fe home. As an artist, Lauren believes in the power of creativity and is passionate about the healing potential of the expressive arts. She finds solace and communion in nature and continues to study ecotherapy as a way to work with a wide range of clients. Lauren has experience working with all age groups, families, and individuals. She takes a humanistic approach to her practice and is interested in looking at the human condition through an existential lens. Lauren is committed to serving the community and to supporting people along their unique journeys.
Liz Elmquist, LCSW
Liz Elmquist received her BA in Dance and Literature from Sarah Lawrence College. After a career as a professional modern dancer in NYC, she pursued her Masters of Social Work at New York University, where she completed the Zelda Foster Fellowship in Palliative and End-of-Life Care. She has extensive experience in the fields of oncology, palliative care, and bereavement. She is passionate about working with older adults, supporting individuals living with chronic/terminal illness, providing caregiver support, and working with adolescents/young adults living with illness. Additionally, she has experience working with individuals facing anxiety, depression, grief/loss, relationship issues, and life transitions. She recently developed an interest in supporting women during both the prenatal and postnatal period as well as assisting women confronting issues related to fertility/infertility. Her gentle and unassuming nature aids in fostering an environment conducive to supporting individuals in achieving their desired change. Through the modalities of psychodynamic psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, relational therapy, and psychoeducation, she strives to help individuals identify their strengths and to build effective coping strategies. As a former dancer, she believes in the mind/body connection and often draws upon various mindfulness techniques in her clinical work. She is also in the process of completing her 200hr RYT yoga teacher training and when appropriate, incorporates movement into her clinical practice.
Emily Rothschild, LMHC
Emily finds purpose in working with people of all ages, from diverse backgrounds.
She is committed to serving the Santa Fe community utilizing a strength-based approach to an array of issues including identity, anxiety, stress manage- ment, relationships, and major life transi- tions. Emily approaches clients with a spirit of curiosity, open-mindedness and a non-judgmental stance. She believes that seeking therapy is a sign of personal strength, awareness and courage. Her creative approaches to problem solving include therapeutic dialogue, mindfulness practice, expressive arts and experiential therapies.
Emily uses understanding, acceptance, and trust to support clients in cultivating resilience, vulnerability, alignment and authenticity.
Emily holds a MA degree in Expressive Arts Therapies from Lesley University. She recently completed a nine-month training in Family Therapy at the Sky Center in Santa Fe.
In addition to a passion for counseling and her artistic pursuits, Emily values home life with her husband and teenage daughter.
Alisa Montano, LCSW
Alisa is an independently Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, with a primary theoretical orientation in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Alisa has been intensively trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) through the Linehan Institute. Alisa has several years’ experience working with adults who suffer from severe mood dysregulation and trauma. Alisa utilizes a number of strategies for promoting change in the direction of one’s long-term goals.
Scott Temple, LCSW
Hello! My name is Scott Temple. I was born in Las Cruces, and have lived in NM my whole life. I have been a practicing therapist for almost twenty years in a variety of capacities. Being a native New Mexican, I am also deeply aware of the significant struggles and strengths people in my community and State are living and working with every day, and I practice based on a firm belief in the importance of a positive therapeutic relationship in helping to heal and recover from traumatic and difficult life experiences. I truly enjoy helping others on their journey towards self-empowerment and discovery and working with people to develop and nurture the sacredness and worthiness inherent within everyone of us is a great privilege for me!
As a Veteran of the US Navy, I was fortunate to travel a good part of the world and to be exposed to the beauties and difficulties experienced by a variety of cultures. I also learned to be attentive to detail, developed a strong work ethic, and after being honorably discharged, I learned a little bit about the struggles Veterans often have reintegrating into society.
I love traveling, (especially to Italy!) reading, hiking and spending time with my crazy, hilarious dog, Witko.
Wellness Team
Niccole Toral
Shamanic Practitioner and Yoga Teacher
Niccole has studied and apprenticed with many indigenous elders in Earth-based methods, including vision quest, a wilderness rite of passage, Native American spiritual practices, and Andean (Peruvian) spiritual cosmology.
As an Earth-based healer, counselor and teacher, she has always resonated with the spiritual and nature-based culture that is found throughout New Mexico. She is a strong believer in getting healthy, being healthy, and staying healthy. Niccole instills balance in her own life: hiking, running, yoga, travel, and lots of time with her family and pets.
Richard Mietz
Shamanic Practitioner and Sound Healer
Richard Mietz, Shamanic Practitioner and Sound Healer. Richard is a counselor and graduate of Southwestern College. He has studied shamanic work with the Power Path and is also a musician. Richard loves nature and earth-based traditions. He believes strongly in the healing and restorative power of music and sound and loves to share it with others.
Liam Merkle
Yoga Extraordinaire
Liam Merkle is a world traveler and movement enthusiast. He began his yoga practice in college at the University of Miami where he studied Musical Theatre. In 2017 he journeyed to Rishikesh, India to deepen his yoga practice and acquire his Yoga Teacher Certification. Soon after that, Liam moved to Santa Fe to teach yoga. He finds balance in what styles he teaches, offering classes with vinyasa flow, as well as gentle yoga, restorative, and yin. You’ll also find Liam dabbling in circus and rock climbing.
Nina Beucler Rebstock
Nutritionist
Nina is a Board Certified Holistic Nutrition Coach and Health Planner in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Big Picture Long Life LLC. is Nina’s latest venture. bigpicturelonglife.com Nina also studied with Dr. Andrew Weil in Arizona. She is a certified Kripalu Yoga teacher since 1996. She teaches yoga, fitness classes, wellness/nutrition seminars, and programs for people with chronic conditions in the Santa Fe, New Mexico area. Nina became a yoga teacher to reflect her belief in living a balanced and healthy life. Through the practice of yoga, awareness of diet and health, and a generous sense of humor, she believes it is possible to sustain an integrated body, mind, and spirit. Nina has been a teacher and trainer for the Arthritis Foundation since 1995 and has been a board member with the Arthritis Foundation and the MS Society, and HealthStart, a program educating children on wellness.
Administrative Support Team
Susan C. McGonnell
Billing and Credentialing Specialist
Susan attended Humanities School of Allied Health and Massage Therapy and has a full background in massage therapy. She currently resides with her husband and two Westies. She is our Billing and Credentialing Specialist and works to ensure that service claims are processed correctly and timely. She assists front desk and administration team as well as works closely to our therapists, ensuring everyone is credentialed with the insurance providers we file claims with.
John Camacho
Peer Support Specialist/Program Management Support
Originally from Mexico City Mexico, John grew up in Chicago and Los Angeles. Growing up in an immigrant family, John was raised in a bi-cultural/bilingual environment. This led to John wanting to help others with acculturation. John sub- sequently worked as a Bilingual Mental Health System Navigator for Napa County Health and Human Services guiding under served community members to services. John’s call to support others brought him to Santa Fe where he worked as a Community Case Manager at the Pueblo of Tesuque. Providing peer support has guided John to work more deeply on the theme of acculturation within the context of sexual and spiritual identities that has helped him over- come the complexities of growing up as an immigrant.
At Mesa Vista Wellness, John is a Bilingual Peer Support Specialist, provides Program and Quality Management support, and CEU education coordination.
John’s hobbies are gardening, playing the piano and dance.