The clinical staff at Ames Therapy have been chosen with great care and each has experience and expertise.  This allows the practice to accommodate a wider variety of schedules and budgets.  Appointments with Ames Therapy Associates are available 5 days per week, with hours ranging from 9am-7pm. Wondering which Associate to see?  Read the bios below and if you have any questions please use the live chat and connect to our experienced staff who will assist!

 

 

PROFESSIONAL CLINICAL STAFF

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Amy Mooney, PhD, LMHC, NCC, ACS | Owner  | Clinical Director| Ames and Des Moines Office

Dr. Mooney returned back to private practice with Ames Therapy & Consulting in 2011. Mooney works part-time consulting and counseling, she brings over 25 years experience in the mental health field. Mooney has a Doctorate of Philosophy specializing in Counseling Psychology. She is the past Director of Grand View University's Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program and an Professor/Core Faculty of Counseling Education (taught for over 20 years) .

Academic and professional experience in evaluating and treating individuals with mental health and medical disorders have contributed to her dedication. She specializes in Independent Mental Health Evaluations (IME'S)  providing expert opinion in conjunction with our psychiatrist and/or psychologist (completed over 500 IME's). Dr. Mooney specializes in chronic pain, anxiety disorders, PTSD, depression, and catastrophic trauma cases. She additionally, supervises graduate students and temporary licensed LMHC in the state of Iowa. Furthermore, is a consultant with with large companies on implementation of mental health on site programs.

Dr. Mooney continues to speak at state, regional and national conferences.  Mooney is the Past President (2017 - 2019) of the American Counseling Association of Iowa . Mooney currently appointed/serves on the State of Iowa Board of Behavioral Science (2019 to present). She has served on both state and national boards over the past 15 years. Additionally, she is the new upcoming Chair -Elect for the American Counseling Association Midwest Region.

•  Licensed Mental Health Counselor, National Certified Counselor, Accredited Clinical Supervisor
•  Serves on Iowa Board of Behavioral Science (2019 to present)
•  President (2017 -2019) Past President (2019 -2020) of American Counseling Association of Iowa
•  Past Chair - Elect for the American Counseling Association (2022-2023)
•  Diplomate of the AMHCA with designation of Clinical Mental Health Specialist in Developmental Disability Counseling
•  Professional Biofeedback Certificate Program with Stens and the Biofeedback Institute
•  Certified Mediator:  Harvard Law School

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Anna Sposeto, MS, NCC, CADC, TLMHC - Des Moines Office

Anna graduated from Drake University in 2020 upon completion of her Master of Science (M.S.) in Clinical Mental Health and Rehabilitation Counseling. She is a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and a Temporary License Mental Health Counselor (tLMHC) in the State of Iowa under supervision for her permanent license. In 2016, Anna completed a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Psychology and Child, Adult, and Family Services from Iowa State University. She is an alumni member of Psi Chi Honor Society and Phi Upsilon Omicron Honor Society. Anna is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) and is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) trained.

For the past 8 years, Anna has worked with children, adults, and families in many capacities. Her clinical focus is on treatment of anxiety, depression, mood disorders, PTSD, personality disorders, addiction, grief and loss, and adjustment disorders. Anna utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Person-Centered Approach with several mindfulness practices. She is dedicated to meeting clients wherever they may be on their path to healing. Anna will create a collaborative plan with clients for growth, healing, and wellness.

Anna enjoys holistic approaches to healing and believes in the power of connection. In her free time, Anna enjoys playing with her pets, mindfulness practices, and gardening.

• Temporary Licensed Mental Health Counselor
• National Certified Counselor
• Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor
• EMDR Trained

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Aryn Grywusiewicz MS, NCC, TLMHC - Ames  Office

Aryn comes to us originally from Denver, Colorado and now resides in Maxwell, Iowa. Aryn graduated from Walden University in 2020, obtaining her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She is a National Certified Counselor and a Temporary Licensed Mental Health Counselor under supervision completing her post-graduate hours for full licensure. Aryn received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Business Administration from Chadron State College in Chadron, Nebraska.

Aryn has multiple years of experience working with adults with severe mental illness in community mental health settings by implementing skill teachings and facilitating treatment groups. Aryn has also conducted particular research regarding sports psychology in her undergraduate program, paying particular attention to student-athletes and performance anxiety. Her areas of interest are trauma and PTSD, grief and loss, anger management, depression, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, adjustment disorders, chronic pain and working with the LGBTQ+ population. She uses a cognitive-behavioral/person-centered approach. Aryn started at Ames Therapy in January of 2019 as a practicum student then continued on as an intern.

In addition to individual therapy, Aryn leads our Chronic Pain Group. She also has an interest in Worker Compensation cases and assists with Mental Health Evaluations. She is our primary contact in scheduling these evaluations.

She was also a pitcher for the Chadron State softball team for the four years she was there. In her free time, Aryn loves to make people laugh and spend time with her family

• Temporary Licensed Mental Health Counselor
• National Certified Counselor
• EMDR Trained

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Cori Uitermarkt, MS, TLMHC - Ames Office

Cori graduated from Drake University in 2020, obtaining her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She is currently a temporary Licensed Mental Health Counselor, under supervision while completing post-graduate hours to obtain a full license. Cori received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Central College in Pella, Iowa . While in college, she was a member of the Psi Chi Honor Society and presented research at the Midwestern Psychological Association Conference.

Cori has experience with trauma, substance abuse, anxiety, depression, group therapy, and working with college students. She is trained in EMDR which is often used for individuals that have experienced trauma and a variety of other issues. Cori's clinical areas of interest include working with PTSD, substance abuse, anxiety, adjustment issues, spirituality, college students, and the LGBTQIA+ community.

Cori utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and takes a holistic approach integrated with mindfulness, art therapy, EMDR, and a person-centered approach. She believes that everyone is capable and worthy of change and growth. She also sees therapy as a collaborative process that focuses on each individual's special needs. In her free time, Cori enjoys biking, running, gardening, and spending times with her two dogs, Gus and Moose.

• Temporary Licensed Mental Health Counselor
• EMDR Trained

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Natalie Snyders MS, TLMHC, CADC- Ames and Des Moines Office

Natalie graduated with her Master's in Counseling Psychology from Drake University in October of 2020.  Natalie is a Temporary License Mental Health Counselor (TLMHC) in the State of Iowa under supervision for her permanent license and is also a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor (CADC). Natalie is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Natalie received her Bachelors of Science degree in Environmental Studies from Northland College.

Natalie has worked in the mental health field for six years as a habilitation counselor for adults with chronic mental illness and most recently as a substance abuse counselor at House of Mercy.  Natalie interests lie in working with adults using various modalities to heal trauma and enhance quality of life. Natalie’s clinical experience and focus includes depression, anxiety, PTSD, addiction, adjustment disorders, bipolar disorder, and personality disorders. 

Natalie utilizes EMDR and CBT along with a person-centered approach, while incorporating mindfulness, spirituality and somatic techniques when beneficial for the client. Natalie also has a background in professional advocacy which allows her to view therapy through a social justice lens. In her free time, Natalie can usually be found spending time with family and friends, reading voraciously, practicing yoga, or hiking around somewhere.

• Temporary Licensed Mental Health Counselor (TLMHC)
• Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC)
• EMDR Trained

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Shatai Joiner, MS, LMHC, CADC, EMDR Trained - Des Moines Office

Shatai is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with 9 years of experience working in the mental health field. Her professional experience includes working with children, adolescence, and adults in both in-patient and out-patient settings.  She received her Master of Science (M.S.) in Clinical Mental Health and Rehabilitation Counseling at Drake University in 2018. Shatai is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC). Her clinical areas of focus are anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma, addiction, personality disorders, and adjustment disorders.  Shatai utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy, EMDR and client-centered approaches to assist clients identifying and working toward their goals in therapy. She thrives to create a space for clients to feel safe, free from judgement, and empowered as they work collaboratively toward their goals of healing and self-exploration.

• Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
• Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC)
• EMDR Trained

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Terry Augspurger MD, DLFAPA  - Consulting Psychiatrist - Ames and Des Moines Office

Dr. Augspurger has over 33 years experience in psychiatry evaluating and treating children, adolescents and adults in outpatient, inpatient and residential settings. He will be doing Medical Psychiatric Examinations as part of a comprehensive independent mental health evaluation package in conjunction with Dr. Mooney, additionally offering his expertise in providing psychopharmacologic evaluations/recommendations specific to the client's individual needs for PCP's or Occupational or Pain Physician. Dr. Augspurger has completed over 200 Independent Mental Health Evaluations since 2012. Dr. Augspurger holds a Permanent Iowa License for Medicine and Surgery, is a Diplomat of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, and is a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association

• Diplomat, American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology since June, 1984
• Permanent Iowa License for Medicine & Surgery
• Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association

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Vincent Marziano, PhD, LP Des Moines Office

Dr. Marziano is a Licensed Psychologist and Health Provider in the State of Iowa. He is a full member of the American Psychological Association. His background includes conducting mental health disability assessment and opinion. His main focus is on assisting individuals that face challenging issues in a respectful and tailored manner. He brings in over 20 years of clinical experience, including international practice, from a wide range of clinical and forensic environments. He specializes in forensic psychology. He works in a collaborative approach completing Independent Mental Health Evaluations (IME'S) in conjunction with our psychiatrist and clinical director.

• Licensed Psychologist, (001269 Iowa )
• Health Services Provider (000622 Iowa)

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Kelsi York, Graduate Counseling Intern  - Ames and Des Moines Office

Kelsi is a second year student of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduate program at Grand View University. Kelsi is currently a counseling graduate intern under the supervision of Dr. Amy Mooney at Ames and Des Moines Therapy & Consulting. Kelsi graduated from William Jewell College in 2020 upon completion of her Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychological Sciences. Kelsi also played four years of college basketball and is now the graduate assistant for the women’s basketball team at Grand View.   Kelsi values Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Person-Centered Approach in addition to other mindfulness practices. She is determined to establish an environment for her clientele population that promotes their overall wellbeing and therapeutic success. In her free time, Kelsi enjoys working out, playing basketball, hiking, and being outdoors.

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Madelynn Santi, Graduate Counseling Intern  - Ames and Des Moines Office

Madelynn is in the second year of her Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduate program at Grand View University. She is currently a graduate counseling intern under the supervision of Dr. Amy Mooney. Madelynn graduated from the University of Iowa in 2020 with her B.A. in Psychology with minors in Criminology and Human Relations. Madelynn utilizes Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and client-centered approaches to help clients attain their counseling goals. She is determined to establish a therapeutic environment with her clients, free from judgment, so that they feel safe and empowered. In her free time, Madelynn enjoys going on walks with her pets, binging Netflix shows, and painting. 

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ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS & STAFF

Jacob Mooney | Ames and Des Moines Chief Operations Officer (COO)

Jacob comes to us from Ames, Iowa. He joined our team in April of 2021. Jacob handles office operations, billing, and insurance claims. He graduated in June of 2020 from the University of Chicago with a degree in Public Policy specialized in Finance and Environmental Studies. He was also an offensive lineman for the University of Chicago Maroons for the four years he was there. In his free time, he enjoys being outdoors and spending time with his friends and family.

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Tiffany Stotts | Office Manager | Ames and Des Moines Office

Tiffany joined our team in March of 2022 as the Office Manager and Billing Specialist.  Tiffany completed her Bachelor's Degree in Actuarial Science at Iowa State University, where she also completed various certifications including: Data Modeling, Coding, Financial Mathematics, Excel Master Programs, and Tableau Data Analysis.  During her time in college Tiffany completed an internship with Iowa State Football where she worked in recruiting as well as for various coaches.  There she developed great personal and professional skills.  Tiffany looks forward to continue developing her actuary skills to become certified and will continue studying for her actuary exams.  In her free time Tiffany loves spending time outdoors and with her family.

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Jason Terrill | Psychology Intern | Ames and Des Moines Office

Jason graduated from Iowa State in May of 2021 with his B.S. in Psychology. At Iowa State, Jason worked in the research lab and is currently in the process of publishing his findings. He will be presenting at a research conference in Tokyo this fall. Jason grew up in Grimes, Iowa and enjoyed his time at Iowa State. 

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Elena Myrah | Psychology Intern | Ames and Des Moines Office

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 Ashley Edmonds | Psychology Intern | Ames and Des Moines Office

Ashley Edmonds joined our team in January of 2022 as a Psychology Intern. She grew up in eastern Iowa and currently resides in Ames while attending Iowa State University. She is studying Psychology with a minor in Human Development and Family Studies and will graduate in Spring of 2022 with her B.S. in Psychology.