Staff

Staff

Sierra Anstey is a family support and resource specialist for the Positive Family program. 

I have been in the mental health field since 2017. I have worked in an adult residential facility and a crisis stabilization program for adults. Working in the mental health field has given me experience with de-escalation skills, crisis stabilization, providing positive support, and assisting in developing care plans. Among other things.  I also worked with a youth individual with Down Syndrome and ADHD, we worked on life and safety skills while out in the community.   

Sierra and her husband have 2 young children, and an Aussie/Blue Heeler dog. We love family time, including extended family. We enjoy the outdoors and taking the kids on outings, but also don’t mind a night in, watching our favorite shows.  Sierra also really likes tacos!



Devin Barth, LMHC

Devin is excited to be serving her local community, after growing up in Southwest Iowa, & now residing in the Shenandoah area. She currently provides services to individuals in both our Clarinda & Shenandoah locations. 

She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Peru State College and her Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling from Bellevue University. Devin began seeing clients in 2018, ranging in age from 3 to 80, with primary focus on individuals aged 13-40. She has worked with individuals experiencing ADHD, ASD, PTSD, LGBTQ+ concerns, grief or loss, anxiety, depression, and so much more. Devin is now one of our providers trained in providing EMDR therapy & is currently under consultation to become EMDR certified. She looks to offer an eclectic therapeutic approach for clients that is inclusive, non-judgmental, welcoming, and tailored to each specific individual. 

In her free time, Devin enjoys getting outside with her husband & 3 children, reading, binge-watching a show or documentary, & spending time with family & friends. 


Carol Brehmer, MA

Carol Brehmer

Carol is the Incredible Years Dinosaur School Coordinator. Carol is very active within the community, involved in her church choir and she is an active volunteer in Community Theatre. Carol’s dramatic experience brings a special depth to the puppet characters of Dina, Wally, and Molly who are key players in the Dinosaur School program.

Carol performs dual roles at Southwest Iowa Families. In spring 2011 she stepped into the position of Family Support Specialist with Positive Family.  She brings a rich array of experience to the agency, together with her dedication to the children of the community.

Amber Butt, LMHC

Amber is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor as well as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. She has worked with tweens, teens, and adults in residential treatment, short-term crisis programs, and on an outpatient basis. She has experience helping clients with trauma, addictions, depression, anxiety, and many other mental health concerns. She is an EMDRIA EMDR Certified Therapist and is also a Consultant in Training with EMDRIA.

Amber lives in rural Clarinda with her husband and two teenage sons. In her free time, she enjoys watching her boys’ sporting events and if she’s not in the stands or bleachers, you will find her walking or playing with her two dogs, Sunni and Remy.


Jolene Cabbage

Jolene Cabbage

Jolene is our Secretary, who is likely to be the first person encountered when a client contacts the agency. Jolene handles many of behind the scene tasks, supports the staff in all programs, answers telephone contacts, assists clients and with paperwork and the problems that arise.


Brittany Garey, BS.Ed

Brittany Garey

Brittany has lived in Southwest Iowa most of her life. She began working for the agency the Fall of 2016. Brittany attended Northwest Missouri State University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Early Childhood.

Brittany is a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC), she focuses on the importance of breastfeeding and overall health benefits for mom and baby and is also a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician.

Brittany enjoys spending time with her family, going for walks, watching football, and spending time with her beagle fur baby.


Sandy Geer, Administrative Director

Sandy is knowledgeable about services and programs of the agency and will take preliminary information for services and as needed refer questions and problems to the appropriate staff for response. If she can’t answer your question, she’ll put you in touch with the person who can! Sandy, as Administrative Director, handles financial duties for the agency, grant writing, human resources, strategic planning and oversees all programs and services. She is committed to the essential and life changing services the agency offers.

Sandy Geer


Katie Jensen, LMHC

Katie

Katie joined Southwest Iowa Families in 2017. Katie works from a therapeutic perspective that the relationship built in therapy is the foundation of all meaningful work. She strives to create an environment that allows you to feel comfortable and accepted to work on hard things. Katie sees adolescents and adults. She is currently moonlighting with Southwest Iowa Families.


Erica King, LMSW

Erica Hash

Erica King is the Program Manager for the Positive Family Program and NEST.  She has been with Southwest Iowa Families since August 2011. She started her college education at Southeast Community College earning an associate’s degree. Erica then continued her education at Northwest Missouri State University earning a bachelor’s degree in Child and Family Studies with a minor in Criminal Justice. Erica obtained her Master’s Certification in Infant Mental Health. Erica has received her Master’s Degree in Social Work at the University of Northern Iowa.


Rob Hickman, LMHC

Rob Hickman

Rob has worked in the community as a therapist for over 20 years, working with all age groups to enhance relationships, improve mental, emotional, and behavioral health of individuals and families. He has spent many of those years as a foster parent, and working with youth in a residential setting at the same time. Rob takes an eclectic approach with trainings in various Trauma, Cognitive/Behavioral, Client Centered, and Brief therapy approaches.

He returned to full time work here at Southwest Iowa Families after suffering from a stroke. “Though this has been a difficult time in my life, God has given me a new view of those suffering through debilitating illnesses and the mental and emotional strength that they have to live life to the fullest with their disabilities.”


Dr. Gregory L. Keller, DO

Gregory Kelley

Dr. Keller serves as Medical Director for Southwest Iowa Families, Inc. He consults and reviews complicated cases with staff. He is not seeing clients for medication management; however providers who have referred clients for evaluation or therapy may direct questions or concerns about their referral for Dr. Keller’s review.


Nicolette McCullough

Nicolette McCullough

Nicolette is a Family Support Specialist for the Positive Family Program, working with families in tFremont, Montgomery, and Page counties.


 

Lonnie Matheny

Lonnie Matheny joined Southwest Iowa Family’s as a Behavioral Heatlh Intervention Services provider in May 2024. Lonnie brings a wealth of diverse experience to the BHIS team. His passion for working with children will undoubtedly make him a valuable BHIS provider for the surrounding area.

Lydia Rothfusz, LISW

Lydia Rothfusz is a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) with over 20 years’ experience in social work. In addition to her work as a mental health therapist, she has worked as a medical social worker in hospice and home health care, and has served children and families as a direct-care clinician and in a supervisory capacity. Lydia is a strong proponent of growth mindset, and she approaches clients and their challenges from a strengths-based perspective.  Lydia is open-minded and strives to be an active ally for the LGBTQIA2S+ community.

Lydia has been married for over 30 years and has four grown children and two grandchildren.  Her parenting experience includes adopting an older child and supporting mental health challenges of children and teens.  She has a wealth of life experience that she brings to her work with clients of all ages and various life challenges.


Berneeta Criss Wagoner, LISW, ACSW, QCSW, DCSW

Berneeta Wagoner

Bernie is the acting clinical director. She also is a Therapist seeing clients in the Clarinda locations. She has lived and worked in southwest Iowa over 30 years. She is a clinical social worker with advanced credentials as a diplomat in clinical social work. Her experience includes work in substance abuse, child welfare, mental health services, as well as the schools.

“A rural community is a great place to live and work”, Bernie says “I would encourage other professionals to move away from the urban areas to experience the opportunities of rural practice.” Bernie has a particular interest in serving children and families.

In 1985, Bernie was recognized by Iowa as “Social Worker of the Year,” being recognized for her work with families impacted by child abuse and domestic violence in rural Southwest Iowa.


Angela Blair Wallick , LISW

Angela Blair Wallick

Angela has been with Southwest Iowa Families since December 2009. Angela enjoys working with her own clients as a Therapist in helping them develop and implement realistic, long-lasting solutions. Angela is currently moonlighting with Southwest Iowa Families.


Cortney Young, LMSW

Courtney Young
Cortney Young is stepping into a new role at Southwest Iowa Families. She is providing mental health therapy as she recently received her Master’s degree in Social Work through the University of Iowa. Cortney Young is a Licensed Master Social Worker and therapist at Southwest Iowa Families. She also has a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and has previously provided family support and behavioral health services through the agency. Cortney consistently works alongside children and their families, as well as other individuals of all ages and backgrounds, promising to listen and learn, and to advocate with her clients. She seeks to provide a warm welcome and inclusive space for everyone; and is a passionate ally and accomplice to vulnerable members in our community. Cortney appreciates her alone-time, walking and playing with her dogs, spending time with her family and at athletic events, reading, caring for her houseplants, and following Nebraska Volleyball – #GBR!

Allison Leach, TLMHC, NCC


Allison has spent most of life in Southwest Iowa serving various populations. Allison has a Master of Science Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Bellevue University. Allison brings several years of experience working in case management with her. She has worked in community-based integrated health settings, as well as in the child welfare system. Allison is looking forward to working with clients of all ages and their families.

Allison loves to spend time with her family. She also enjoys walking, reading, cheering for the Chiefs, and attending various sporting events for her kids, nieces and nephew. 


Shea Maxwell

Shea joined Southwest Iowa Families in Fall 2022 to provide BHIS services and Foster Aftercare services in the area. She graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in human services with a minor in psychology. Shea has several years of experience working in the behavioral health and disability service field providing advocacy, individualized skill development, and care coordination services. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and pets, trying new recipes, and reading.

Brittany VanFosson

Brittany is a clinical intern and the coordinator of SWIF’s BHIS and Nest programs. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Nebraska at Kearney, where she majored in Social Work and minored in Women’s and Gender Studies. She will graduate from Boise State University with a Master of Social Work in May 2025. Her clinical interests include working with members of the LGBTQ+ community, trauma recovery, neurodivergence, grief/loss, and using creativity to facilitate growth.  

 In her free time, Brittany loves spending time with her “four” children (two humans and two cats), playing Dungeons & Dragons, and binge-watching Netflix.