Meet Our Counselors
We are known for providing quality; counseling and
psychotherapy service to individuals, couples, families, and groups.
All of our counselors are highly trained, competent, licensed
professional counselors with extensive counseling experience.
Beverly J. Valtierra, Ph.D., LCSW
Beverly holds a Ph.D. in Psychology and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with extensive counseling and teaching experience. She leads workshops, seminars and is a sought after speaker on her many areas of interest. “I believe that each person does the best they can to manage their life but sometimes they run into times when they need the supportive guidance of another person who can help them make changes and find new solutions.” Her areas of expertise are women’s issues, relationships, depression and mood disorders, and addictions.
Joan M. Ellis, M.A., LPC, LCDC
Joan holds a Master’s degree in Psychology and is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor. She has worked in the counseling profession since 1973. In her counseling, Joan helps men and women make whatever changes are necessary to live healthy and productive lives. She specializes in addictions and addiction-related problems, depression, women’s issues and relationships.
Nancy J. Wenzel, M.A., LCDC
Nancy holds a master’s degree in counseling. She is a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor. She has extensive experience working with people suffering from addictions. “I believe that each person holds the answers to their life’s problems. My job is to help them find those answers and develop skills to change their behaviors. Chemical dependency recovery is about developing skills for living.”
Ruth M. Bounous, Ph.D.,
LCSW
Ruth has a Master’s
degree in Social Work and a Ph.D. in Adult Education. She has over
30 years experience in social work practice and education. Ruth
believes in “the inner strength and resourcefulness of people.” She
says, “My role is to provide people with the information and support
they need to deal with the issues facing them. The client and I form
a partnership so that we work together.” Her areas of experience and
specialization include grief and loss, depression, panic disorder,
women’s empowerment, and gay and lesbian issues.
Jim Carter, MA, LPC
James has a Masters in Counseling and is a Licensed Professional Counselor. He has extensive experience working with individuals experiencing various issues, including dual diagnoses and chemical dependency. His experience has shown him that when people are given the right information and support they can improve their decision making skills, behaviors, and in doing so, their lives improve. He has dedicated his professional life to helping those with addictions and other problems escape the cycle of isolation, shame and despair. In his practice James offers a nonjudgmental, safe, and often enjoyable therapeutic/learning experience.
Sherry Rantz, MSW, LCSW
Sherry has worked with children, adolescents, and adults from
diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds for over 15 years.
As a clinical social worker who completed her studies at Our
Lady of the Lake University, she works with people to build their
capacity for embracing the inevitable highs and lows of life.
She provides a respectful, supportive relationship with her
clients, encouraging them to find balance in their lives.
While Sherry works with adults who come in for a variety of
reasons, she specializes in mental health issues of children and
adolescents. Those
issues include depression, OCD, low self esteem, abuse and bullying,
school problems, and difficult family changes.
Tara Garner, Office
Manager
Tara provides
general information regarding activities and operation of the
Connection Center, as well as handling
accounting and bookkeeping duties and filing insurance claims.
She has a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s degree
in social work.
“The genuine concern shown to me by my counselor has truly changed
my life. I have been treated with respect in a warm and caring
manner. The support shown to me when I was at rock bottom of
my life enabled me to continue the challenge of my growth.”
Lynda
