Meet Our Team

Ric Boyce LCSW. Ric is a clinical social worker who has specialized in working with families, complex behavioral and parenting challenges, trauma and men's issues. Therapeutically he uses a combination of Adlerian, Cognitive behavioral (CBT), motivational interviewing, DBT, and behavioral approaches. He grew up in England and moved to the United States in 1998. He is is active in the local community fulfilling multiple volunteer positions. He was president of the Idaho Society of Individual Psychology in 2021 and founded Mental Health Specialists in 2010.

Star is currently our Clinical Supervisor. She specializes in working with anxiety, trauma, and grief. She has worked with Bessel Van Der Kolk, author of Body Keeps the Score, who himself, is a worldwide trauma expert. She focuses on mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, and EMDR. She loves her work, the outdoors, and her family.

Matthew Bishop earned his Bachelor's Degree in Psychology in 2007 and has been working in Mental Health ever since.  He has 10 years experience as a PSR Specialist, CBRS Specialist, Case Manager, and Respite Care worker.  He has excelled in many administrative roles such as: CBRS Team Lead, CBRS Manager, CBRS Trainer, Authorization Specialist, Office Manager, Director of Operations, and is currently Administrative Manager.  Matt earned a Master's Degree of Business Administration in 2019.  He joined our team January 2020 and is happy to be part of this amazing team.  He believes in helping team members and clients reach their potential, creating a fun but productive working environment, and being as supportive as possible to all team members.    

Information coming soon!

Hey there! My name is Spring Neihart and I an RN in 2004 after studying at ISU. I have over 20 years’ experience in health care, most of that has been working with those with mental illness. 

I have recently graduated from Idaho State University with my Doctoral degree in Nursing Practice and am now a board certified, fully licensed, and credentialed Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practioner. My goal is to provide proficient care for anyone struggling with mental illness. I provide honest, direct communication with colleagues and patients. I believe in honesty and integrity in all things I do. Nursing has the responsibility and the privilege to provide the best possible care for everyone, regardless of socioeconomics, ethnicity, gender, religion, disability, and any other label used to divide people. Every person is more than their diagnosis or their insurer and should be treated as an individual.  

Information Coming Soon!

Saeward is a Licensed Professional Counselor who works in our Pocatello office. She obtained a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Liberty University and went on the get her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Walden University. Saeward’s practice specialties include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Trauma-focused CBT, and Neurofeedback. Her focus is working with individuals who experience depression, anxiety disorders, trauma, posttraumatic stress disorder, self-esteem, and relationship issues, and personality disorders. In her free time, Saeward enjoys doing DIY projects and spending time with her family. 

Kenric is a Licensed Social Worker who works in our Pocatello office. He obtained a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Brigham Young University and a Master’s degree in Social Work at Boise State University. Kenric specializes in trauma-focused therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, shame resilience therapy and motivational interviewing. Kenric works well with both teenagers and adults with PTSD, depression, anxiety, obsessive and compulsions, as well as those who struggle with confidence and/or being assertive. Kenric enjoys spending his free time with family, playing music, exercising and making art.

Joe is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who works in our Pocatello office. He obtained a Bachelor of Psychology at the University of Utah and went on to get his Master of Counseling at Idaho State University. Joe’s practice specialties include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Adlerian Therapy, and Neurofeedback. His focus is working with individuals who struggle with depression, Anxiety, PTSD, faith crisis issues, ADHD, and Oppositional Defiance. In his free time, Joe enjoys hiking, playing tennis, and reading. He is bilingual, speaking both English and Spanish

Garren is a Licensed Master Social Worker who works in our Pocatello office. He obtained a Bachelor of Social Work at Idaho State University and went on to get his Master of Social Work at Boise State University. Garren’s practice specialties include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Logotherapy. His focus is working with individuals who struggle with anger and individuals with disabilities. Garren often leads our DBT therapy group. In his free time, Garren enjoys woodworking, reading, and playing fantasy football.

Greg is a Licensed Professional Counselor who works in our Pocatello office. He obtained a Bachelor of Sciences in Elementary Education and a specialization in Special Education at West Virginia University at Parkersburg and continued on to receive his Master of Arts in Psychology, from Marshall University, Huntington, West Virginia. with concentrations in Clinical, Family and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.  His focus is on those who experience anxiety, depression, autism, self-esteem and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder,  He enjoys extended and immediate family. He and his wife enjoy being alone and binge-watching series. I enjoy my Career. I care about the daily quality of life for my clients.

Lisa is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who works in our Pocatello and Blackfoot office. She obtained a Master of Counseling at Idaho State University. Lisa’s practice specialties include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Trauma-focused CBT, Client-Centered, and Solution Focused. Her focus is working with individuals who experience depression, anxiety disorders, trauma, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, self-esteem, self-harm, parenting, and working with families and couples. In her free time, Lisa enjoys camping, exploring, and spending time with her family.

Info coming soon

My name is Candice and I have been working in the mental health field since 2018. I enjoy being active and being outside. I enjoy spending time with my family.I love working with people and helping others reach their goals. I am currently in graduate school for counseling and will be finishing it up soon.

Stephanie is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Family Support Partner who works at our Pocatello office.  She obtained her Bachelors of Science in Psychology and Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Phoenix.  Stephanie uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy,  Dialectical Behavior Therapy,  and Neurofeedback to provide trauma-informed, strengths-based care.  She has worked with clients of all ages, individually and in groups, and with families to help clients with depression,  anxiety, PTSD, Autism, ADHD, and other behavioral, emotional,  and communication challenges. Stephanie is also working towards certification in Adlerian therapy. In her free time, Stephanie enjoys reading, writing poetry, listening to music, and relaxing with her husband and two dogs.

Lisa is a Licensed Masters Social Worker who works in the Blackfoot office.  She obtained her Bachelors in Social Work degree from Idaho State University and her Master’s in Social Work degree from Northwest Nazarene University.  Lisa’s practice specialties include with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy.  Lisa’s focus is in working with individuals with anxiety disorders, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and depression.  Lisa enjoys in her free time by; camping, hiking, and baking.  She also enjoys spending time with her husband and family. 

As an aspiring future clinician I strive to work with a variety of people. I have done CBRS for four years and have experience working with youth, children, and adults. I love helping people reach their goals. I like to help clients identify their strengths and help them use those to continue to learn and grow. My work is done at home, in the community, the office, etc. it all depends on the clients goals. Either way I am happy to get to know others and work at a pace that is challenging yet not overwhelming.

Steve graduated with his Master's Degree in Social Work in 2010. He has a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology with a minor in Children and Family Studies. He has significant experience serving those with developmental challenges. He enjoys using a variety of activities and even story-telling to engage young clients in therapy. The elderly often find him reassuring and understanding of generational changes as he helps them navigate the unique challenges of aging.

Heather graduated from ISU in 2017 with her masters in School Counseling and is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Heather uses multiple evidence-based therapeutic approaches including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Person-Centered Counseling, just to name a few. Heather has experience working with individuals, couples, and families, who have experienced challenges in their lives. She works with a variety of presenting concerns including, but not limited to: anxiety, depression, PTSD, couples, sexual identity, trauma, and diverse populations. In her spare time, Heather likes to spend time outdoors, loves music, and attending concerts and festivals. 

Information Coming Soon!

Rob is a licensed professional counselor working in our Pocatello office who enjoys working with indivduals of all ages experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Rob received his master's degree from Idaho State University and specializes in utilizing techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy and dialetical behavioral therapy. In his free time Rob enjoys playing sports, exercising, hiking, playing the piano, hanging out with friends and family. 

I graduated with my Master of Social Work (MSW) from Idaho State University. My passion is working with individuals from all walks of life, helping them navigate their unique challenges and discover their strengths. As a counselor, I strive to create a safe and supportive environment where growth and healing are possible. I'm dedicated to empowering my clients on their journey toward emotional well-being and personal fulfillment. I love my job, my family and spending time outdoors

James F. Bakaitis, LCPC earned a master's degree in clinical psychology and is licensed in Idaho as a Professional Counselor. He has provided behavioral health services for children, adolescents and adults since 1989, specializing in helping clients manage trauma, behavior, mood and anxiety problems. Mr. Bakaitis has enjoyed working in the field as he has helped people improve and maintain their mental health.  He is married and has adult children. 

Kathy is a Licensed Social Worker who works in our Pocatello. She obtained her Bachelor of Social work at Idaho State University. As a case manager, she offers services and resources to help members become more confident and stable in their family and community. She works to think outside the box and come up with creative ways to help others be as independent as possible. In order to do this, Kathy allows others to determine their path in life, and pick their goals. In her free time, Kathy enjoys spending time with her husband, riding her horses, spending time outdoors, work on their ranch with cows, mini donkeys, and other animals. She has 12 grandkids and 5 dogs.

Mike got his Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice in 2014 from the Univeristy of Memphis. He started case management in 2023 and uses resources to help individuals reach their goals. He works with individuals to push towards success in their life and feel more comfortable to live independently. In his free time, Mike likes to watch sports, play video games, archery, and hanging out with friends.  

I’m a Community Based Rehabilitation Services provider. I like to teach skills in practical ways with real world examples. I enjoy learning about a client’s interests and using those to help the client practice the skills they’re learning in therapy. I have a Bachelor of Science from the University of Idaho for Virtual Technology and Design. It’s focus on process and project management helps me set realistic goals and pacing for my clients. I have a wide variety of hobbies including Archery, Hiking, Woodworking, Video Games, and many others.  

I started my social work journey in 2019 in order to get my Bachelor's in Social Work in 2023 with minors in Psychology and Sign Language Studies. I received my Master's in Social Work in August 2024. I like to work with kids and adults, especially on grounding skills, emotional understanding, and emphasizing self-care. I love crafts, watching movies, reading, and decorating for each season.

Information Coming Soon!

Juliette Briggs received an athletic scholarship from Idaho State University and graduated with a BA in Psychology in 1995. She spent time in Boise Idaho, working at the YMCA and the Idaho Youth Ranch prior to moving to Arizona. There, she spent about 7 years working in various jobs in the behavioral/mental health field while training and competing for a local track club. Sticking with her athletic roots she received an MA in Sport and Exercise Psychology in 2006 from Argosy University in Phoenix, AZ.  She thrived in leadership and various management roles, such as Program Coordinator, Clinical Coordinator for an ACT team, and She also dabbled in Case Management, worked as a QIDP and Substance Abuse Counselor. She strives to help individuals reach their full potential and hopes to decrease the negative stigma regarding mental health/substance abuse issues.  Juliette enjoys being back in her hometown of Pocatello and spends time with family and friends. She also enjoys travelling, rafting, basically anything outdoorsy.

Hello! I'm a passionate Latina from sunny southeastern Colorado, where I love hiking, playing soccer, and stargazing. Currently, I'm studying Special Education for Elementary students at Idaho State University. My superpower is connecting with youth facing emotional, mental, or physical challenges. I believe everyone has unique talents waiting to be discovered. As a respite worker, I strive to create a safe environment for these amazing young minds to explore their interests and abilities. I'm excited to support them in trying new things and discovering their own “superpowers.” With a blend of humor and heart, I look forward to this adventure together!

Mikayla (Mik) got her Bachelors in Psychology at the University of Montana.  Mikayla has previous experience with CBRS and Case Management. Mikayla loves helping clients get connected to resources within the community so that they can reach their goals! In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and pom sky. She loves hanging out with friends and family, playing guitar, going on walks, and taking trips to McDonald’s and Soda Barn for Coca Cola.

My name is Caralee Bakaitis.  I recently got married to a great guy.  I also just retired as a Voc-Ed instructor.  I had a great job and I look forward to utilizing the skills I learned there to help others reach their highest potential.  I love to fish, even if I get skunked because I was one with nature and surrounded by its beauty.  If I am stuck in the house, I love watching movies and often find relevant lessons for my life hidden in the movies.  I am excited to meet you. 

My name is Heather Coffin. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Management and I am a certified Peer Support Specialist. I have been doing Peer Support for5 years and absolutely love it! I have a grown daughter that is my pride and joy. I enjoy hiking, concerts, movies, going to the gym, and shopping (a little too much)! I have been through a lot in my life and have overcome difficult obstacles. I would say that I have walked in many different shoes and can relate and empathize with just about anyone. I will walk alongside you and help accomplish goals and show you how to live life with mental health diagnosis and/or addiction. I am dual diagnosed myself and would love the opportunity to teach people that your diagnosis doesn’t define you and you can achieve anything you set your mind to. One of my favorite people is Bob Ross and as he says, “There are no mistakes, just happy little accidents.” The wonderful thing about mistakes is that we have the opportunity to fix them and do better