outpatient MENTAL HEALTH THERAPISTS

Alex strives to understand the challenges that individuals and families face and help them find their own solutions. As a part time Mental Health Clinician, he assists each person in recognizing his/her strengths and helps them manage their feelings and thoughts.

Alex received his Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Drake University.  He enjoys working with individuals and families struggling to adjust to new situations, especially recent immigrants, as they face issues of anxiety, fear, anger, and sadness.  Alex has worked with several youth on probation. Alex enjoys his time off by spending time with his family and helping the ever-growing Latino community.

Areas of expertise: Juveniles on probation, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Adlerian Therapy, and family therapy

Alli uses her love of play and a strengths-based perspective to engage with her clients and assist them through the therapy process. As a Mental Health Clinician at YESS, Alli provides therapy to children of all ages, adults, and families and for a variety of situations including trauma, anxiety, depression, and ADHD. She especially enjoys utilizing play-based interventions with youth under the age of 10. Alli is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

Alli received her Master's of Social Work from the University of Northern Iowa with an emphasis in trauma-informed care interventions. Alli has specialized in training in trauma and play-based interventions. She previously worked at YESS in the Blumenthal Crisis Nursery before rejoining Team YESS in 2018.

Areas of expertise: Play-based therapy, trauma-focused therapy, EMDR, mental health and behavioral symptoms related to trauma.

Melissa Reyerson-Slifer, LISW

Melissa aims to empower both children and adults in order for them to recognize their inherent potential, harness their individual strengths, and overcome life's challenges. Melissa works with clients using a variety of evidence-based interventions including EMDR, mindfulness, trauma-informed yoga, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and art interventions. As a mental health clinician at YESS, Melissa provides therapy to children, adults, couples, and families.

Melissa received her Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Iowa with an emphasis in Family Centered Theory and Practice. Melissa has worked in a variety of settings in the mental health field for over 9 years. She joined Team YESS in 2018. Melissa has received training in EMDR, art-based interventions, and couples counseling. 

Areas of expertise: trauma, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and life transitions

Robin Lacquement

Robin has a passion for helping children and adolescents overcome their struggles with new coping and communication skills. As a Behavioral Health Intervention Specialist at YESS, Robin works with youth and their families to provide new skills and reach their goals through individual and family services. She works with youth to build positive relationships and to develop healthy coping skills.

Robin received her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from University of Northern Iowa. She has been working with adolescents and families since 2014 and joined Team YESS in August 2017.

Madde Burma

Madde has a passion for advocating for children and helping them develop healthy coping mechanisms to become successful in their future. Before becoming a Behavioral Health Intervention Specialist, Madde worked as a Resident Advisor for Team YESS. Bringing in her skills from working in the shelter, Madde will help children and families develop healthy relationships through skill learning and modeling. Madde’s background is with adolescents coping with mental illnesses like anxiety, depression, PTSD, and complex trauma.

Madde received her Bachelor’s Degree in Neuroscience from Wartburg College. She has been working with children and families since 2015 and joined Team YESS in June 2017.