Our Team

I took over Counseling Associates of the Four States in late 2023 from Deanna Street. When Deanna proposed to me the opportunity to take over and continue the amazing work she has accomplished thus far with the clinic, I jumped at the prospect. I truly believe it to be a privilege to serve the mental health needs of the area, and my plan is to continue to expand the clinic to enhance our ability to service the ever-growing demand that is present in our communities. 

Background:

I am a Licensed Professional in Missouri, Kansas, and Oklahoma. I maintain certification from the National Board of Certified Counselors.

I was raised in Joplin and returned to the area in 2020 from Colorado, where I spent the six years providing services on the Western Slope of Colorado. I hold a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Psychology from the University of Arkansas and Master of Science (M.S.) also from the University of Arkansas, a CACREP program. Prior to returning to Joplin and joining with Counseling Associates of the Four States, I had a private practice and was the executive director of a children’s advocacy center in Western Colorado. I possess clinical experience in residential treatment centers, intensive outpatient treatment programs, day treatment as well as community settings.  

Clinically, I provide services for clients presenting with a variety of concerns/issues. I counsel individuals who I believe have the capacity to resolve their own problems with some outside assistance. Part of my counseling philosophy is that all individuals are experts on their own lives and that all of us occasionally need some assistance sorting through our circumstances to discover what is “best” or most true for ourselves. My specialized areas of services include experience in working with trauma and with victims of abuse. I am EMDR trained provider. Additionally, I have considerable experience working with individuals demonstrating offending behaviors including maladaptive sexual behaviors. When working with youth, it is my goal to include and incorporate the family where appropriate as goals are met and positive growth maintained.

I believe that as people become more accepting of themselves and more aware of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, they are more capable of making changes that will bring a sense of fulfillment to their lives. While some clients may achieve goals in just a few sessions, others may require more time. Each individual is in control of their own growth, and I will be supportive of your decision to end our therapeutic relationship at any point.

From small concerns to big issues, therapeutic services offer an array of benefits to many and it is my privilege to offer such services to those in need. I look forward to the opportunity to work with you.

Deanna opened Counseling Associates of the Four States, LLC in 2008  with the goal of providing high quality counseling services to the surrounding area. She recently sold the practice to her colleague Jacob Conklin, stating,   "I am confident that Jacob will expand the practice and maintain the integrity and quality of care that everyone has come to know and trust. I will continue working for Counseling Associates of the Four States and providing care to the community." 

Deanna has worked in the mental health field since 1989. She worked for the University of Missouri-Columbia Hospital in the child and adult psychiatric unit.  She worked with a multi-disciplinary team conducting testing and psychological assessment. In addition, she provided pre and post operative assessments for patients with anxiety disorders such as panic attacks and generalized anxiety disorder.

She has over 30 years of experience in providing individual, marriage and family counseling in a private practice setting. She was a licensed psychologist in the state of Minnesota and a clinic Rule 29 specialist where she reviewed all charts to ensure that diagnoses were accurate and documented properly.

Deanna is currently licensed in the state of Missouri as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC.) She is certified by the National Board of Certified Counselors, is a member of the American Counseling Association and the Missouri Chapter of ACA.  She is also a clinical supervisor for individuals who are provisionally licensed in the state of Missouri.

Deanna is also trained in EMDR which is the recommended treatment for trauma. She is also trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS) which is an evidenced based, non pathologizing way of treating a client that helps to understand and heal wounded parts of the person so that they can be the best version of themselves.

Deanna is also skilled in marriage and family counseling, specializing in the treatment of women's issues such as, anxiety, depression, low self esteem and sexual trauma.  She is an advocate for healing early childhood trauma and also treats Dissociative Identity disorders as well as personality disorders.
Deanna believes that each person has the potential within themselves to heal from trauma and/or normal life experiences and to make the necessary changes to significantly improve their current situation and emotional symptoms. Deanna States, "I feel that it is my job to provide the atmosphere and therapeutic relationship to allow these changes to occur. You can be assured that I will help you gain the insight and the necessary skills to help you grow personally and develop a strong sense of self."

Rob Taylor has been providing counseling in the Four State area for the past 30 years. Rob specializes in treating individuals experiencing depression, anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder. He is a trained provider of EMDR, a world-wide known counseling technique for helping individuals suffering trauma or the effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Rob Counsels many college students or young adults who are processing their future goals, including their career path or adjusting to their recent graduation from high school.He helps give direction to those who are joining the full time workforce or making decisions about where to attend college or their college major. Rob is a former high school and college athlete and has talked with many athletes about the thrill of competition while keeping the joy and fun in sports to prevent burnout.

Rob Counsels many people experiencing grief due to the loss of a loved one. He has counseled many older adults who are experiencing depression, loneliness or who are making decisions about retirement. Rob sees many adults that are experiencing life stressors including: financial strain, job stress, career changes, divorce, parenting stressors, and many other issues. Rob has experience in counseling in the majority of life situations and is often referred to by local doctors to help individuals suffering from emotional distress.

Rob, along with his wife has raised their three children into adulthood. He enjoys being outdoors, playing tennis, jogging, swimming, playing the guitar and piano. He also loves spending time with his family and friends. Rob refers to himself as an "integrative counselor". Whereby he believes that there are many different approaches to helping individuals, depending upon the person's needs. Rob believes in the importance of getting to know each individual and views every person as unique.

Rob believes in establishing agreed upon goals for therapy and views the diagnostic process as important but stresses that a diagnosis does not define a person. He strives to help individuals learn the art and science of getting to know their natural personality traits and strengths to best navigate life. Rob believes in non judgemental and empathic approach to counseling and views all people as having valuable strengths and abilities.

Rebecca was born and raised in Joplin, Missouri, having a strong connection to this community. She graduated from Missouri Southern State College in 1995 with her Bachelor of Art degree in Psychology and from Southwest Missouri State University in 2003 with her Master of Social Work. She is currently a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in both Missouri and in Oklahoma. 

Prior to starting at Counseling Associates of the Four States, Rebecca spent over 20 years serving the populations of rural Oklahoma by working in community mental health, non-profits and the private sector focusing on the needs of children, adolescents/young adults, adults and families. Through her experience she provided therapeutic services in both outpatient settings and in residential settings. Rebecca also has administrative experience having served in the roles of Employee Trainer, Quality Assurance Director, Clinical Director and Program Director during her time working in Oklahoma. 

Rebecca is trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy, an eye movement, bilateral stimulation-based therapy used to address trauma, anxiety, depression, addictions, ADHD, and numerous other mental and physical conditions. ART is designed to bring remarkable benefits, resolution and results in a very brief amount of time. Rebecca is also certified in Brainspotting, a neurological processing modality utilizing bilateral stimulation to process through almost any situation or concern. She is further trained in Trauma- Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy at an advanced level, CBT, SFT and Attachment Therapy. She has experience working with a multitude of issues including attachment challenges, relationship issues, depression, anxiety, chronic stress, grief/loss, trauma, ADHD, and mood disorders. 

Rebecca enjoys working with individuals ages 12 through 99, couples, and is happy to be providing services in her hometown of Joplin and the surrounding areas.   

Julie is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), originally from West Central Illinois. She has lived in Southwest Missouri since 2015. She graduated with her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology in 2009 from Trine University in Angola, Indiana and a Master Of Science in Clinical Community Mental Health from Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois in 2016.

Julie has experience working with different populations, serving those struggling with difficulties such as: anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance abuse. Utilizing a person-centered therapeutic foundation, Julie works to meet the unique needs and circumstances of those she serves. Julie is trained in EMDR.

Emily has been a member of the Joplin area community for most of her life, graduating from Missouri Southern State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice Administration and receiving a Master Degree in Social Work from Missouri State University. She will receive her clinical social work license in the fall of 2024.

Through her background within law enforcement, working directly with those who find themselves in the Criminal Justice system, and experiences in the health care setting, Emily has found that the common goal has been to help others to understand themselves and what they can do to create the lives they want to live every day. She has an extensive background working with those who have substance use issues, criminal thinking, co-occurring disorders, and those suffering with untreated mental health issues. Through her education, she has been able utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and EMDR to aid those who are struggling with the day-to-day or seeking improvement in their lives. She particularly enjoys working with those experiencing depression, self-esteem issues, complications of neurodivergence, and helping those who are open to growth and self directed care. 

Thomas is an LCSW who earned his master’s in social work from the University of Arkansas in 2017. He has worked in a community mental health center and also as a school based therapist. He has experience working with anxiety, depression and trauma.  He uses aspects of compassionate inquiry, somatic psychotherapy, acceptance and commitment therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy. In his free time, Thomas loves spending time with his family, going for walks in nature, photography, playing music, reading, writing and gaming.

 Cheyenne is currently able to see individuals and families in the state of Missouri who have any form of Medicaid. She has lived in Joplin her whole life which has lead to a thorough knowledge about the community and resources in the area. She graduated with her undergraduate degree from Missouri Southern State University and continued  to get her graduate degree from Missouri State University. Cheyenne provides a safe environment for anyone seeking help with her trauma informed care and mental health crisis training. She previously worked in community mental health for seven years working with various ages and backgrounds. However, she specializes in child, adolescent, and family therapy. Cheyenne particularly enjoys utilizing play and art activities into therapy, assisting with parenting skills, working through childhood trauma, and ensuring everyone has the tools and resources they need to live enjoyably. In her time outside of work she enjoys being a mom, spending quality time with her family, and friends the most. She also enjoys hiking, kayaking, video games, painting, and road trips with wonderful playlists.  

 Willow has grown up in and around the Joplin area her whole life, and therefore has a strong connection to this community. She obtained her undergraduate degree in psychology from MSSU, as well as a minor in music. She then obtained her Masters in Clinical Psychology degree from Pittsburg State University and recently graduated in 2023. She is now currently licensed as a PLPC (Provisionally Licensed Practicing Counselor) in Missouri. Willow has specific passions for working with children and adolescents, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as those struggling with trauma and/or eating disorders. Willow also has passions for music and art, and she loves to incorporate these into therapy when she can!” 

Heather is a lifelong resident of the Joplin community and has devoted her career to enhancing community health. As a Licensed Master Social Worker in Missouri, Heather is dedicated to guiding individuals aged 3 and up on their unique paths of growth and healing. With a background in social work, Heather obtained her BSW from MSSU and her MSW from MSU.

Throughout the years, Heather has served as a school-based therapist in community mental health and worked extensively with the older adult population. She integrates evidence-based practices such as CBT, SFT, ACT, and play-based techniques into her therapeutic approach, tailored to meet the specific needs of each client.

Heather's therapeutic style is characterized by warmth, collaboration, and a focus on empowering clients to navigate life's complexities. In addition to her clinical practice, she enjoys serving as a hospice social worker, providing support to families during challenging times, and teaching a monthly social skills class for preschoolers, fostering early emotional development within the community. In her free time, she loves being at the lake with her family, swimming, collecting vinyl records, and hiking. Heather looks forward to supporting you on your path to emotional well-being and growth.

Sarah, born in Florida but raised in the KC-MO area, has lived in southwest MO since 2021. She graduated with her Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work at Pittsburg State University in 2020. She then continued her studies at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, KS, graduating from the Advanced Standing Master of Social Work program in 2021. Sarah is an LMSW, licensed in both KS and MO. 

Sarah’s therapeutic style is described as gentle, holistic, nonjudgmental, and safe. Throughout the years, Sarah has worked diligently with people facing a range of needs, including court mandated treatment, primary mental health at CMHC, substance use disorder, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Sarah is knowledgeable in and employs evidenced based practices that fit the person’s needs, along with trauma informed care, to empower clients to achieve the quality of life they deserve. Sarah specializes in adult therapy, and has experience working with anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, substance use, and BPD. In her free time, Sarah enjoys being a mom to her son, traveling with her partner, playing billiards and video games, and being out in nature.

Jamie Simmons may be a familiar face to some as she had previously joined Counseling Associates of the Four States as an intern. Jamie will be returning to the team after having completed her Masters Degree in Social Work from Aurora University this past August and is currently licensed in the state of Missouri. Jamie originates from Northwest Arkansas but has been a resident of Southwest Missouri since 2007. She completed her Associates Degree in 2009 from Crowder College where she was also a student athlete with their softball program. Jamie went on to obtain her Bachelors Degree in Health Science in 2012 from Missouri Southern State University. She has always been driven to help others and holds a passion for assisting those experiencing the mental health aspects and challenges of life’s everyday circumstances. Jamie has familiarity in working with those experiencing anxiety, depression, and grief and is looking forward to expanding on her knowledge and abilities. She is eager to rejoin Counseling Associates of the Four States and is taking new clients ages 12 and up.