Our Team
Our dedicated team is here to support your journey.
Sequoia Springs Trauma Healing Center hosts a collective of practitioners that are dedicated to helping individuals, couples and families in healing the wounds of trauma.
We have a belief and commitment that treating trauma is most effective when approached by a multidimensional perspective and with respect for individual needs.
All of our therapists have trainings in different clinical approaches, and all practitioners are guided by a trauma informed perspective.
Shoshana Elkins, LCSW
Executive Director
Shoshana Elkins, LCSW, is the Founder and Executive Director of Sequoia Springs Trauma Healing Center. For more than 30 years, she has worked in clinical and community health settings, supporting individuals, families, and communities impacted by trauma, loss, and life’s challenges.
Throughout her career, Shoshana has served as a therapist, social worker, clinical leader, and nonprofit executive. Her work has centered on creating accessible, compassionate pathways to healing while developing programs that strengthen resilience, connection, and community well-being. Her work has focused particularly on supporting trauma survivors, first responders, veterans, and the families who walk alongside them.
At Sequoia Springs, Shoshana is dedicated to expanding access to trauma-informed care and creating spaces where healing, connection, and growth can flourish. She believes that healing happens in relationship and that every person deserves the opportunity to be seen, supported, and empowered in their recovery.
A native Tucsonan, wife and mother, Shoshana brings both professional expertise and a deep personal commitment to fostering healing and connection. She is passionate about building communities where compassion, curiosity, and collaboration create space for growth, resilience, and hope.
Andrea Siemens, LCSW
Development Director
Andrea is a licensed clinical social worker and has worked with children and adults for over 15 years. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Louisville and a Master’s in Social Work from Arizona State University. She has been in a variety of community service positions working both clinically and in program development roles. Andrea has developed support and educational programming for non-profits and other community establishments, specifically in the areas of domestic abuse, cancer and chronic illness, health and wellness, PTSD, healthy relationships and families, and educational programs designed for professional development. She believes in treating trauma with a multidimensional framework in order to help support her clients in whole-person healing.
Jennifer Isom, LMFT
Clinical Director
Jennifer is a clinical therapist at Sequoia Springs where she specializes in working with firefighters, couples, and the treatment of complex trauma. She has over 20 years of experience in the public behavioral health system, where she has held a variety of positions, working both directly with individuals and families and within administration. In addition to her therapy practice, Jennifer has presented on a variety of topics, including vicarious trauma, trauma-informed care, and the unique needs of families who have a child on the autism spectrum.
Jennifer holds two advanced degrees, earning a Master of Counseling from the University of Phoenix in 2008 and a Master of Education with a specialty in behavior analysis from the University of Cincinnati in 2017. Jennifer is a founding member of the Southern Arizona Trauma Informed Network. Due to the work of this grassroots organization, Jennifer and her colleagues were recognized in 2018 by the Arizona Council of Human Service Providers and Prevent Child Abuse Arizona with the Spirit of Prevention Award for their work to advance trauma-informed care in Pima County.
Guinnevere Kappler, LPC
Administrative Director
Guinnevere is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 10 years of experience in mental health. She primarily works with individuals who have experienced complex trauma and are struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, and PTSD. She is also trained in Hatha yoga and enjoys integrating holistic mindfulness-based therapy with traditional therapy. Guinnevere earned a Master’s of Counseling from the University of Phoenix in 2011 and also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from the University of Arizona. Guinnevere’s approach to therapy is compassionate, realistic, creative, and evidence-based.
Megan Henry, LCSW
Megan is a licensed clinical social worker. She has worked for 12 years with children, adolescents and families in various capacities, particularly those impacted by exposure to domestic and community violence. Megan received her BA in International Studies and Sociology from Illinois Wesleyan University and her MA in Social Work from the University of Chicago. She is a nationally certified clinician in Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), an evidence-based trauma treatment for children ages 0-6 and their caregivers.
She also utilizes a variety of other trauma-informed treatment approaches, including Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB), polyvagal theory, Internal Family Systems (IFS), attachment-based approaches and play therapy to provide compassionate, attuned and anti-oppressive care to survivors of trauma, LGBTQ+ youth, parents and families. Megan is a Certified Parenting Fundamentals Educator and is passionate about working closely with caregivers to increase their confidence and capacity in parenting their children, utilizing the latest research on child development, attachment, trauma and neuroscience.
Celeste Hannah, LAMFT
Celeste holds a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy from Arizona State University. She has been providing therapy to teens and adults in various settings throughout the Tucson community for 10 years. Celeste strives to provide a safe space for LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent clients to process trauma while being mindful of systemic barriers and challenges that are unique to these populations. During her time with Sequoia Springs, she has also been privileged to increase her experience with first responders and traumatic grief. Celeste is trained in and passionate about EMDR and uses person-centered approaches to empower survivors to heal and thrive.
Vic Spencer, LMSW
Vic is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) with 12 years of experience supporting youth and families. Her journey in mental health began with a background in outdoor education, where she witnessed the substantial therapeutic impact of experiences in nature. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Ohio University and a Master’s of Social Work from Arizona State University. Vic has worked extensively with the LGBTQ+ community, neurodiverse individuals, and trauma survivors. For each of these groups, she offers tailored support to meet their unique needs.
She also specializes in helping clients navigate challenging sexual issues by creating a safe and supportive environment that fosters positive change and healthier relationships. Additionally, Vic has a special interest in nature therapy. Grounded in strengths-based and empowerment practices, Vic is committed to anti-oppressive practice. She believes that many struggles are natural responses to systemic issues, often misunderstood and unfairly pathologized. Utilizing an eclectic approach, she combines client preferences with evidence-based interventions to address individual challenges.
Brisa Verdugo, M.ED, LAC
Brisa is a first-generation college graduate whose family is originally from Juárez, Chihuahua. Her cultural background plays a vital role in shaping her passion for working with children and families, particularly those from immigrant and underserved communities. As a bilingual therapist fluent in English and Spanish, Brisa values building strong, trusting relationships and providing culturally responsive care.
She has worked in education for several years and earned both her bachelor’s degree in psychology and her Master of Education in School Counseling from Grand Canyon University, graduating in 2022. In her first year as a school counselor, she organized a successful Vehicle Day event at her elementary school, which brought in over 32 professionals to speak with students. This initiative earned her the 2023-2024 Rookie School Counselor of the Year award out of 89 counselors across the district.
Now a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC), Brisa is developing her therapeutic style and draws from several evidence-based approaches, including person-centered therapy, solution-focused strategies, cognitive-behavioral techniques, play therapy, and attachment-based work. She is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where children and families can feel heard, empowered, and thrive.
Michelle Holler, LMSW
Michelle is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) who has been working with non-profit organizations with individuals, families, and communities from diverse backgrounds for the past 10 years. Michelle holds a master’s in social work from the University at Buffalo, a program which integrated trauma-informed and human rights perspectives.
Michelle has witnessed the ways that stigmas and barriers surrounding mental health and trauma healing have impacted both her own family as well as the families and communities she has served. This is the driving force behind her coming to work at Sequoia Springs.
In addition to her therapy practice, Michelle is also a registered yoga teacher and has extensively studied mindfulness practices and techniques, including evidence-based mindfulness practices. Michelle often uses her background in yoga and mindfulness/acceptance-based interventions (MABTs) as a way to help her clients cultivate an attitude of openness and curiosity toward their thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations. Michelle prides herself on creating a welcoming, inclusive space for healing for people from all walks of life, gender identities, and sexual orientations.
Jennifer Hawkins, LMSW
Jennifer joins Sequoia Springs as a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and retired law enforcement professional, bringing more than 24 years of local law enforcement experience to her work supporting first responders and veterans. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Arizona and her Master of Social Work from Arizona State University. With specialized training in peer support, suicide prevention, crisis intervention, officer resilience, and trauma-informed care, Jennifer brings a deep understanding of the unique challenges carried by those who serve.
Jennifer has also completed specialized training through Counseling Team International, LivingWorks, the National Police Suicide Foundation, ICISF, COPS Trauma of Law Enforcement, and Boulder Crest Foundation’s StruggleWell and Warrior PATHH programs. Her own experiences with loss and trauma further shape her compassionate, authentic approach to therapy and her understanding of the healing process.
Jennifer brings a wealth of experience, compassion, and a genuine commitment to helping others navigate difficult seasons of life. She finds purpose in supporting people through challenges, helping them recognize their strengths, and creating space for meaningful healing and growth. Jennifer is excited to continue on this work with Sequoia Springs, where she can bring together her professional experience, personal insight, and passion for supporting those who serve.
Mariah Rodriguez, LAMFT
Mariah is a passionate and enthusiastic associate licensed marriage and family therapist who works with individuals, couples, and families to create meaningful change. Whether you’re navigating the joys and challenges of parenting, healing from trauma, or seeking deeper connection in your relationships, she is here to support you with compassion and clarity.
Mariah has worked throughout Tucson’s nonprofit mental health community, gaining experience in trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and culturally responsive therapy. She trained in EMDR, TF-CBT, IFS, and various other modalities. Mariah especially enjoys working with children and teens, their caregivers, and clients in nontraditional family dynamics.
In therapy, Mariah brings a systems lens, a steady presence, and a lot of heart. She believes growth is always possible—and that your story deserves to be heard and honored.
Saul Jaeger
Saul Jaeger spent much of his career working with people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. He served in the U.S. Army before beginning a 23-year career in California law enforcement, eventually retiring as a police captain and second-in-command of his department before transitioning into the mental health field. His background gives him a particular understanding of the demands that can come with first responder work, military service, leadership, and other high-stakes careers, including the ways those experiences can affect life outside of work. He enjoys working with adults and couples from all backgrounds, and his practice is especially first-responder and veteran-friendly, with an understanding of the unique pressures that can accompany high-responsibility careers.
Saul’s approach to therapy is grounded, relational, and trauma-informed. He believes good therapy starts with listening long enough to understand what is actually happening before deciding what needs to change. That includes the person, their relationships, their experiences, and the larger systems around them. He works with adults and couples navigating trauma, relationship difficulties, stress, grief and loss, identity, and significant career or life transitions.
Saul holds a Doctor of Psychology in Human and Organizational Psychology and a Master of Science in Emergency Services Management. He is completing his Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy and pursuing licensure pathways in both Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) and Professional Counseling (LPC). Saul is also a Certified Animal-Assisted Intervention Specialist (C-AAIS) through the Association of Animal-Assisted Intervention Professionals (AAAIP).
Saul and his wife relocated to Tucson from California and are enjoying making Southern Arizona home. He is often joined in the therapy room by Lucy, his therapy dog and canine partner. Lucy may be incorporated into sessions when appropriate and when clients are comfortable having her there.
Roy Santa Cruz, LMSW
Roy is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and part-time therapist at Sequoia Springs. As a proud Mexican American and Tucsonian, Roy was inspired to become a social worker following in his mother’s footsteps, who is also a proud social worker. He has 6 years of experience in the behavioral health field and has worked with adults, children, adolescents, families, and veterans in various settings, ranging from community mental health clinics to public schools. He holds a Bachelor of Science (B.S) in Family Studies and Human Development from the University of Arizona and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Arizona State University.
In his clinical practice, Roy has specialized experience in serious mental illness (SMI), crisis intervention, and suicide prevention. He utilizes both person-centered and trauma-informed therapeutic approaches, ranging from CBT, DBT, ACT, and STAIR narrative therapy. Roy is dedicated to empowering you to reach your goals, building trust and safety, and supporting you on your journey towards healing and living the fulfilling life you deserve.
Ashley Hazan, LAC
Ashley is a licensed associate counselor and has worked with children and adolescents for over 10 years in both clinical and school-based settings. She holds degrees from the University of Iowa and Capella University in psychology and mental health counseling. Ashley has helped develop school programs to assist in the development of coping strategies and social and emotional learning. Ashley is passionate about integrative care and education that empowers her clients to live their best lives.
Ana Martinez
Administrative Assistant
Ana, Administrative Assistant, believes in building pathways and access to services at Sequoia Springs. Her years of administrative service in the community, her communication abilities, and her diverse task management skills all help to create a reliable and safe experience for Sequoia Spring clients and staff. Ana is the bridge of communication between clients and therapists and is able to compassionately and effectively meet their needs. With a passion for learning, teamwork, and supporting those in need, Ana is a valuable part of the Sequoia Springs team.
Elara Wallenmeyer
Administrative Assistant
Elara is dedicated to connecting the Tucson community with skilled therapists to ensure clients receive the best support for their needs. With years of experience in administrative work, customer service, and childcare, she knows that a safe, welcoming environment is essential for providing high-quality, trauma-informed care. As the liaison between clients and therapists, Elara leverages her communication, organization, and collaboration skills to meet the needs of both clients and staff. Passionate about creativity, kindness, and helping others, she strives to support both clients and her colleagues with empathy and dedication.
