Clinicians & Staff
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
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 20 years experience in the mental health field. Mooney has a Doctorate of Philosophy specializing in Counseling Psychology and is the Director of Grand View University's Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program and an Associate Professor of Counseling Education .
She specializes in Independent Mental Health Evaluations (IME'S) in conjunction with our psychiatrist and/or psychologist (completed over 500 IME's). Academic and professional experience in evaluating and treating individuals with mental health and medical disorders have contributed to her dedication. In regards to individual counseling, Dr. Mooney specializes in chronic pain, anxiety disorders, PTSD, depression, and catastrophic trauma cases.
Dr. Mooney continues to speak at state, regional and national conferences on evidenced based treatment of chronic pain. Her next speaking engagements are at the Midwest Leadership Conference in September 2020 in Ohio. Additionally, Mooney's current research is with evidenced based treatment in chronic pain and cancer patients. Mooney is a breast cancer survivor herself.
Mooney is the Past President (2017 - 2019) of the American Counseling Association of Iowa . Mooney currently serves on the State of Iowa Board of Behavioral Science. She has served on both state and national boards over the past 10 years. On a personal note, Dr. Mooney has resided in Iowa for 20 years and has two boys (ages 24 & 23).
- Licensed Mental Health Counselor, National Certified Counselor, Accredited Clinical Supervisor
- Past President of American Counseling Association of Iowa
- 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
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
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
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
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
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
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 Practicum Student - Ames and Des Moines Office
Kelsi is a second year student of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduate program at Grand View University, where she is supervised by Dr. Treye Rosenberger. Kelsi is currently a practicum student under the supervision of Dr. Amy Mooney at Ames Therapy. 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 is working to obtain the necessary supervision hours to complete her practicum, where she will later begin her internship experience. Kelsi is interested in the college-aged and adult population and will work to increase her level of competency during her practicum experience. 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.
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS & STAFF
Jacob Mooney | Ames and Des Moines Operations Manager
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.
Makayla Gallentine | Ames and Des Moines Billing Specialist & Office Manager
Makayla resides in Ames and works out of our Ames and Des Moines office. She joined our team in July of 2020. Makayla is our Billing Specialist, supervises the administrative team, and manages both offices. Makayla specializes in working with billing and insurance and can assist with Workers Compensation questions. She can also assist with scheduling and billing of Mental Health Evaluations (MHE) and Independent Medical Evaluation (IME). Makayla is working towards her B.S. in marketing and management at Iowa State and will graduate Spring 2022.
Lindsay Weyer | Ames and Des Moines Office
Lindsay comes to us from Ankeny, Iowa. She joined our team in August of 2020 as an administrative assistant. Lindsay is working towards her B.S. in psychology from Iowa State University and will graduate in 2021.
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Emily Rieken | Ames Office
Emily joined our team in September of 2020 as a psychology intern. She is a junior at Iowa State studying Psychology and Child, Adult, and Family Services. Emily will graduate in Spring of 2022.
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Jason Terrill | 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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Amanda Baker | Ames and Des Moines Office
Amanda grew up in Minnesota and currently lives in Ames while she attends Iowa State. She is studying psychology and will graduate in Spring of 2023. Upon graduation, she hopes to go to graduate school to become a social worker or mental health counselor.
