Meet our Team

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 I am a licensed mental health counselor, graduating with my masters in mental health counseling from Capella University in 2012. I founded Hope Family Counseling in 2019 in order to create an environment where neurodiversity could thrive. I am very passionate about preventative mental health, neurodiversity and suicide prevention and have personal experiences with each.

My approach to counseling is rooted in empathy, active listening, and collaboration. I believe that each person has unique strengths and innate potential for change and that you are the expert in you, I just get the honor of coming alongside you to help you reach your goals. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, or any other mental health concern, I am here to support you on your journey towards improved well-being. I aim to provide hope for the future, empower my clients to gain insight, develop coping skills, and make positive changes in their lives, or even just have a space to process life.

I look forward to meeting with you.

I am a dedicated mental health professional with a passion for helping individuals and couples navigate life's challenges. Born and raised in Iowa, I now reside in Des Moines, where I am raising my two children. In my free time, I enjoy watching sports, reading, spending time with family, and traveling.

I completed my Master's Degree Coursework at Capella University and hold several certifications, including National Certified Counselor (NCC), Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), and ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP).

My professional experience spans a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, self-image, relationships, divorce, and grief/loss. I have also worked extensively and am passionate about working with individuals and families affected by Neurodiversity, Adverse Childhood Experiences, trauma, and substance abuse. My approach is client-centered and collaborative, tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual I work with.

I believe in the power and resilience of all people and am committed to providing a supportive and non-judgmental environment where clients can feel validated and understood. Together, we will work to navigate the difficult experiences in your life, helping you to find strength and healing.

I look forward to meeting you and supporting you on this journey! 

Areas of Specialty:  Marital Counseling, Couples Counseling, Christian Counseling, Church Consultation, Church Leadership Support, Substance Abuse 

Credentials: 

· Licensed Mental Health Counselor 

· Gottman Marital Therapy Certified 

· International Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor (IAADC) 

· EMDR Trained

About Me:  

I've been practicing as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor for 12 +years. I graduated with my M.A from Wheaton College in 2011 and my second M.A from Moody Bible in 2015. My wife and our children moved to Iowa from Chicago in 2018. Currently, I'm in my last year at Moody as I'm work toward earning my doctorate

Regarding my clinical experience, I've had the privilege of working in many different types of counseling settings ranging from Community Mental Health to Inpatient Psychiatric Unit at Linden Oaks Hospital in Naperville, IL. I also have 5+ experience in working with Addictions Work.

Current Areas of Specialty work include; Marriage, Conflict Resolution, Teens, Parent- Teen Conflict Resolution, Motivational Coaching for teens considering life after high school. I am willing to sit in on panels or to present on mental health topics 

Outside of work, my hobbies include: Music Production, Music Recording, Fishing, CrossFit and Playing Sports, Listening to Good Music, Cooking and most importantly, learning about God and the world around me.

  My name is Brenda Lykins and I am a Licensed Master of Social Work. I was born and raised in Iowa, though I have relocated out of state and abroad, I always come home. I received my Master of Social Work degree from Grand View University and have been practicing for less than a year. I have a focused passion to work together with individuals struggling with their mental health to develop healthy coping skills, grounding techniques, insight and self-awareness. I like to work from a strengths-based perspective that focuses on finding each client’s strengths and using those to enable the desired changes the client wants to make. I practice empathy, compassion, and maintain a safe, non-judgmental place to allow you the comfort and security of sharing whatever you need or want to share. 

I am here to be a support for you to allow you to grow in the direction you’re hoping for. Mental health illnesses such as depression, anxiety, bipolar I or II, borderline personality disorder, gender dysphoria, etc. are not a life-long sentence. While they may always be something you have to be aware of, there are tools and skills you can develop to manage the effects. 

I look forward to meeting you and joining you on your journey of growth, and self-acceptance.

Hello! My name is Taylor, and I am an intern at Hope Family Counseling. I graduated from Grand View University in 2021 with a bachelor’s in psychology. After taking some time off from school, I enrolled back at GVU and am working towards a master’s in clinical mental health counseling. I am passionate about helping individuals who may be experiencing anxiety, depression, or panic attacks as I have a vast history with each, along with working with children of divorced parents or the parents themselves. That being said, I am excited to be able to work with all different ages and mental health backgrounds during my internship! 

I look forward to meeting you and learning from you during our time together!

  Hello, my name is Tate Skartvedt. I am a tLMHC here at Hope Family Counseling. I graduated from Grand View University with my masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I have a passion for naturopathic healing and have a strong belief in the power of change through psychotherapy. I especially enjoy working with couples and families to help them understand each other better, but equally enjoy working with individuals on coping skills and goals for growth. Outside of the office I can be found spending time with my nieces and nephews and trying new hobbies with my husband. I look forward to getting to work with you and supporting you in your mental health journey!

Hello, my name is Julie. I am a student at Grand View University, currently pursuing a Master's in Mental Health Counseling. I am an intern here at Hope Family Counseling. My interest in the mental health field began in 2020 when I became aware of the significant impact that mental health issues, including childhood traumas and abuse, have on the youth in my community. This realization inspired me to pursue a career where I could give back and make a meaningful difference, particularly in communities where mental health awareness is not widespread. I believe that individuals have the power to heal from their traumatic experiences and can achieve recovery through therapeutic counseling. Aside from my academic and professional pursuits, I am actively involved in my church as a Sunday school teacher, praise and worship leader, and choreographer for the church dance team. I am excited about the opportunity to meet and connect with you!

Hello! My name is Bethany Colbert, and I am an intern at Hope Family Counseling. I am currently pursuing my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Grand View University.

I am passionate about supporting mothers who may be experiencing prenatal and postpartum depression and anxiety. My personal and professional experiences have deepened my commitment to helping women navigate these incredibly challenging and important times in their lives. As an intern, I would love to work with individuals of all ages and backgrounds, continuing to grow in my clinical experience.

I look forward to meeting you and learning from you during our time together! 

I am an Iowa native where I still live with my husband and four children. I received my BS in psychology from Buena Vista University in 2009. I took some time off from school and returned to start my master's in Mental health counseling in December 2022 at Grand Canyon University.  I have been working professionally with people with disabilities, most specifically autism spectrum disorder, for nearly 20 years. I am knowledgeable in foster/adoptive care. 

A little about me as a person, I love animals, going on adventures with my family, and watching cop/detective shows. I am a member on my local community band and chorus and am active in my church. 

Hello, my name is Ashley Grimm. I am an intern here at Hope Family Counseling. I hold a Bachelor's in Social Work and am working towards my Master's in Social Work from Walden University. Social work and mental health have been of interest to me for many years. I believe in a holistic approach to practice and am passionate about my goals to provide accessible mental health care to individuals in rural Iowa communities. During my free time, I enjoy spending time watching movies or getting out and going hiking with my husband and daughters, reading, listening to all types of music, gardening, and playing computer games. I am excited about the opportunity to get to know you and support you during our time together.