Our Staff

Our dedicated staff 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 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. She 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 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.

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.

Guinnevere Kappler, LPC

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.

Jesus “Chuy” Mata, LMSW

Chuy graduated from Arizona State University and is a Licensed Master Social Worker. Growing up in Tucson’s oldest barrio, he was raised by a single mother who put herself through nursing school while raising five rambunctious boys. Chuy’s Mom taught him the value of hard work, dedication, and the responsibility of helping people at their most vulnerable. His compassion for people suffering from addictions and trauma stems from his personal experiences and witnessing the effects of poverty, racism, and violence.

The privilege of working with people in recovery for over 15 years has taught him that change is possible, that even the most hurt people can work through the seemingly impossible, and that with support, we can do anything. His hope is to continue to help people when they are truly in need. “If there’s is one thing I learned from this journey, it’s that we don’t need to walk it alone.”

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.

 

Michelle Hollar, 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 Branch, LCSW

Jennifer Branch is a licensed Master Social Worker (LCSW) and holds a master’s degree from Arizona State University. She specializes in helping individuals heal from trauma to gain self-empowerment. With her education and experience, she focuses on trauma treatment, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and a holistic approach.

Jennifer’s approach is solution-focused and strengths-based, tailored to you, the individual. She empowers individuals to manage the present while exploring the root causes of issues and facilitates personal growth and enables clients to live their best lives. She takes a person-centered approach, creating a non-judgmental space that accounts for each individual’s preferences and personalities.

Jennifer’s expertise lies in addressing life transitions.  She works with individuals experiencing relational traumas, narcissistic abuse, betrayal, depression, anxiety, and unresolved trauma, as well as those seeking to improve their relationships on an individual or couple basis. She employs an honest, solution-focused approach, utilizing various interventions such as EMDR, mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, and holistic approaches. Jennifer’s therapy sessions enable clients to move forward in their lives. She guides them through a personalized healing journey, supporting clients every step of the way toward their goals and building a life that brings them joy.

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.

 

Marissa Calderon

Administrative Assistant

Marissa, Administrative Assistant, has a passion for learning and creative expression. She uses these passions and her excellence in communication, design, and administrative services to connect clients to the services they need. Marissa is excited to be part of the Sequoia Springs family and to support individuals, families, and children as they find their path to healing. She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Arizona and experience working with children on the autism spectrum. She hopes to work with more minority groups and is passionate about anti-discrimination.