Licensed Clinical Staff
Tod DiCecco, MA, LPCC
Executive Director
Tod, who received his Master’s degree from Southwestern University, takes a holistic approach to the transformational and healing process by offering the opportunity to explore personal growth through the mind, body, and spirit. He also uses mindfulness practices to guide individuals and families through relationship challenges, grief & loss support, and 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.
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.
Shaia D’Ourso, LCSW
Clinical Supervisor
Shaia D’Ourso is an LCSW a lifelong resident of New Mexico. She has raised her three children in Chimayo, New Mexico. Shaia has a Master’s Degree in Social Work which she obtained from New Mexico Highland’s University. She has been practicing in the in the field for over seven years and is certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Restoration). Shaia has worked with all age groups and has received certified training in Multi-Systemic Therapy with focus on adolescents.
Carlos Gonzales, LADAC
Carlos F. Gonzales is a native New Mexican, born and raised. Carlos is 51 years old, married with 4 daughters and 2 granddaughters. 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. Since entering the First Judicial District Drug Court Program in Santa Fe New Mexico in March 2001. In 2007 Carlos moved his career to join the State of New Mexico and is currently Financial Manager and Chief Procurement Officer.
Carlos is a recovering alcoholic and addict, and will be sober 19 years on January 30. Carlos is a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Addiction Counselor and serves the court treatment programs exclusively. He was voted into the New Mexico Association of Drug Court Professionals in 2009 and is currently serving as the treasurer. Carlos is hoping to help others find peace, a solution to addiction, and a future of happiness as 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.”
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.
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 received her Master’s in Counseling from Southwestern College in Santa Fe. She has also completed a 200-hour Certified Yoga Instructor training with YogaSource. Christine primarily serves children and adolescents and utilizes art therapy, play therapy, mindfulness, yoga and sensory self-soothing techniques into her sessions. She is particularly interested in building motivation and self-esteem and identifying healthy coping skills for life experiences. Utilizing art therapy, journaling and talk, Christine hopes that her clients will walk away with stronger self-expression and communication skills.
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.
Mindy McClung, LMSW
Mindy holds a Master’s in Childhood Development and Elementary Education from Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education of Psychology. Mindy provides holistic, mindfulness based psychotherapy to afford insight, promote compassion, resilience and well-being in personal lives, relationships and community. Mindy offers treatment for mood disorders, trauma, interpersonal struggles, issues surrounding aging geriatric populations and grief and loss, trauma/inter-generational trauma with American Indian populations.
Mindy specializes in culturally sensitive work with teens and adults, and geriatric populations. She provides empathic attunement to heal past wounds and traumas and assists clients in living a life with greater purpose and authenticity and helps them to create a rich, vibrant life.
Jessie Mackenzie, LMFT
Jessie has been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist since 2005, practicing in both New Mexico and California. She was born in La Jolla, California and spent her childhood in San Diego and received her Master’s of Arts and Counseling Psychology with an Emphasis In Depth Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute. Jessie is Jungian in her therapeutic approach, but has specialities in Trauma Informed Care, addiction therapy, and has worked extensively with children in her practice. During her career, Jessie has worked as a Clinical Director for Eastern Navajo Nation Department of Behavioral Health, learning to speak Navajo, and has a deep interest in how Western and Traditional modalities combine to provide holistic meaning for her clients.
Melody Van Hoose, LMHC
Melody has a wide range of talents she brings to the counseling profession. Melody was a Waldrof teacher for fifteen years and has extensive experience working with pre-kindergarten to high school students and adults of all ages. Melody graduated from Prescott College with an MS in Counseling and her undergraduate degree is in Eurythmy, a creative movement discipline, which she began studying in 1999. She has been a registered eurythmy movement therapist since 2009 and a licensed massage therapist since 2011. She is also trained in Spacial Dynamics, conflict mediation, and non-violent communication.
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.
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.
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.
Kathleen Knox, LMHC
Kathleen joins MVW from Austin, TX where she received her Master’s of Arts in Counseling from St Edward’s University at Austin. She spent 20 years in Austin, TX where she worked as an educator (elementary and middle school), a fundraiser 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, she 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. She is highly trained in Sandtray therapy which fosters whole brain integration for a sense of wholeness and helps aid in the regulation of the nervous system.
By incorporating current research based findings on Interpersonal Neurobiology and the Polyvagal Theory, Kathleen offers clients seeking relief from the symptoms of a dysregulated nervous system (ie., depression, anxiety, trauma, addictions, behavioral issues etc.) an opportunity to pursue a more joyful life with a psycho spiritual solution.
In addition to offering individual psychotherapeutic sessions, Kathleen leads the Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), a 12- week group designed to support people who are attempting to maintain sobriety from various addictive behaviors. She is also part of the Wellness team at Mesa Vista Wellness offering group Sandtray. Kathleen sees clients aged 11 and older.
Molly Leach, LCSW
Molly is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who graduated from Widener University with a Master degree in Social Work as well as 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.
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.
Allison Hendricks, LMHC
Allison graduated from Southwestern College in 2004 with her Master’s Degree in Art Therapy and Counseling. She completed her internship at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, Texas. There she worked with children, adolescents and teenagers providing individual and group counseling and art therapy, and with families providing grief and trauma counseling. Allison had the opportunity to work with Dr. Myra Levick, one of the original founders of the American Art Therapy Association, on the Levick Emotional and Cognitive Art Therapy Assessment (LECATA), with children ages 3-11 within the Palm Beach County School District. She has focused most of her career on working with children, those with life-threatening illnesses for over a decade and since 2016 in an early education setting. Allison utilizes both child-centered art therapy and play therapy in her work with children. Allison is also very interested in working with adults who are battling cancer. As a breast cancer survivor, she is uniquely qualified to understand the challenges that come with this type of diagnosis. Allison is passionate about wellness, and believes in a multi-faceted and integrative approach. She is thrilled to be joining the team at Mesa Vista Wellness!
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.
Mary Jo Carafelli, LPCC
Mary Jo enjoys supporting others in finding creative and self-empowering solutions for life’s changes and challenges. During her 15 plus years as a practicing therapist in Santa Fe, Mary Jo has valued sharing with her clients: insightful communications, humor as needed, strong presence, EFT (emotional freedom technique) skills for relaxation and inner flexibility, play therapy and at times lots of art supplies. Mary Jo is a strong positive advocate for each person’s unfolding life journey.
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.
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.
Sara McFarlane, MA, LMHC
Sara is a deeply empathic partner in the process of healing and transformation. She has a Master’s degree in Art Therapy and Counseling, with a foundation in Expressive Art Therapy, and extensive training in Eco-Psychology, which encompasses various traditional ceremonies and teachings, including Vision Quest, Lakota Pipe Ceremonies, and Peruvian Shamanistic Journeying. Sara’s soul purpose is to stand beside others as they reconnect with the truth of themselves, the truth of life, which can be uncovered in our collective and personal creativity, as well as in connection with our natural world.
Sara works with people recovering from process and substance addictions, deepening her awareness of the impact of our current culture’s disconnect from each other, from the earth, and most importantly, from themselves. Sara also works with those dealing with various mental health issues, and believes the current system for treating these issues is deeply flawed, and is continually reimagining a more holistic and effective approach.
Sara’s personal journey of healing and re-connection includes yoga, African and Haitian dance, art, music, gardening, cooking, meditation, ritual, ceremony, spending as much time outside as possible, and mothering her young daughter.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ellen Shapiro
QiGong Practitioner
ELLEN’S CLASSES focus on body awareness, grounding, compassion and self love. An experienced healer, Reiki Master and meditator, she offers Qigong as a healing art and body-centered spiritual practice. QIGONG (chee-gong) is gentle healing movement for mind-body-spirit. It’s an ancient Chinese healing art–yet perfect for today’s busy, stressed-out lifestyle. It uses posture, movement, breath, sound, imagery and focused intention.
Administrative Support Team
Kymberley Garcia
Front Desk and Human Resources
Kymberley is from Albuquerque, New Mexico and attended Santa Fe Community College and New Mexico Tech and holds a degree in Engineering. While she enjoys engineering, her passion lies in railroad and New Mexico landscape photography. Kymberley enjoys being the friendly front desk face at Mesa Vista Wellness and strives to treat all of the clients with kindness, compassion and respect. She feels as though she’s finally found a workplace that allows her to flourish on a personal level and that supports her mission of carrying out her positivity into the world and sharing it with others.
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 in Nambe, New Mexico with her husband and two Westies. She works at Mesa Vista Wellness as 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.