Our Staff
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 is a licensed clinical social worker and has worked with children, individuals and families for over 25 years. She holds degrees from the University of Arizona and Arizona State University and is the Founder and Executive Director of Sequoia Springs Trauma Healing Center. She specializes in the treatment of trauma, addictions and eating disorders. Shoshana has helped develop programs for various organizations and treatment centers, and has worked to coordinate several community partnerships focused on multi-agency trauma programming between organizations to address the needs of individuals and families in conflict and transition.
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 Bachelors degree from the University of Louisville and a Masters of 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 client’s in whole-person healing.
Jennifer Isom, LMFT
Clinical Director
Jennifer is a clinical therapist at Sequoia Springs Trauma Healing Center 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 held a variety of positions both working 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 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
Guinnevere is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 10 years of experience in mental health. She primarily works with individuals and couples 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 Masters 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 evidenced-based.
Rebecca Tolman, LCSW
Rebecca is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has been working with children, teens, adults and older adults for 20 years. Rebecca holds bachelor degrees in anthropology and economics from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a Masters in Social Work from the University of New England. She has advanced training in Eye movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Polyvagal Theory, Sandplay, play therapy, and yoga. She believes that people have innate knowledge about what will assist them to heal and that through learning new tools and listening to the body that healing takes place.
Megan Henry, LCSW
Megan is a licensed clinical social worker. She has worked for 8 years with children, adolescents and families, 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 Service Administration (equivalent to an Master of 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 treatment approaches to provide personalized care to survivors of trauma. 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 is a licensed associate marriage and family therapist, who is passionate about both individual and systemic trauma work. She holds a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy from Arizona State University, and has been providing therapy to teens and adults for 10 years. Celeste has experience working with LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent clients to process trauma, while being mindful of systemic barriers and challenges that are unique to these populations. She is trained in EMDR and uses person-centered approaches to empower clients to heal and thrive.
Jesus “Chuy” Mata, LMSW
Chuy is a licensed Master Social Worker and holds a master’s degree from Arizona State University, as part of the Phi Alpha Honor Society. He has worked for over 15 years in the public health field as a substance abuse counselor, providing therapy to individuals, couples, and families. Throughout his early career he focused on helping those who suffer from substance use disorders, gambling addiction, and co-occurring disorders. He has extensive experience working in residential treatment centers and in private practice as a counselor.
Chuy appreciates the complicated correlations between trauma and addiction and is passionate about merging his experience as an addiction counselor with the field of trauma. His goal is to advocate and support members and their families who suffer from trauma and substance abuse disorders as they navigate the road to recovery.
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.
Scott Rettedal, MT-BC
Scott is a board certified music therapist. He has worked with adults, children and families for over 10 years. He holds a master’s degree in music therapy from the University of Kansas and he is a trained facilitator of the Safe and Sound Protocol, an evidence-based music listening intervention designed to retune the nervous system and provide cues of safety through the auditory pathway. Scott follows developments in brain science as they relate to trauma, bonding, and recovery and is available to work with individuals or with families.
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, 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 the needs. of both. With a passion for learning, team work, and supporting those in need, Ana is a valuable part of the Sequoia Springs team.
Events
Yoga, Tai Chi and other healing activities to support your health and healing.
Donate
