OUR TEAM
About
NICOLE WOODARD, LCSW
(she/her)
Hi, I'm Nicole. I believe that each of us is courageous and resilient; sometimes, we need someone who can walk alongside us during the most difficult times in our lives. That’s what I want to convey when we are working together--that you have someone to engage in the struggle with you. I strive to provide a compassionate space from which an individual, couple, or family can connect, work to identify what is most important, and engage in meaningful activities that move them in the direction of what matters most.
I have had the privilege of working with veterans and their families for over 20 years, providing individual, couples, family and group therapy. I also have the privilege of working with students coping with trauma and adjusting to college life. I have training in evidence-based therapies for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, including Prolonged Exposure (PE) Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Cognitive Behavioral Conjoint Therapy (CBCT). I also have training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and have recently obtained certification to work with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), given the significant overlap with trauma.
In addition to helping people create and live values-based lives after experiencing trauma, I have worked with people experiencing moral injury, guilt, shame, grief, anxiety, depression, struggles with relationships, self-esteem, and with those adjusting to various life transitions. I also have significant experience working with first responders.
I moved to Reno from Minnesota, and shortly thereafter, earned my Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Nevada, Reno. When I’m not spending time providing therapy, I enjoy camping, hiking with my human and furry friends, snow-shoeing, gardening, and learning to play the piano and violin.
I acknowledge the occupation of the ancestral lands of Indigenous peoples. I strive to be actively anti-racist, support ongoing efforts to dismantle structures of white supremacy and am continuously working towards decolonizing my practices.
Susan Chamberlain, PhD
(she/her)
As a licensed psychologist and therapist for more than 20 years, I understand that healing is a process. But when we’re suffering emotionally, we don’t want a process: we want to end the pain as quickly as possible. We use strategies that provide short-term relief but not long-term peace, and over time these strategies become patterns that can feel impossible to escape. In therapy, we’ll work together to identify and heal the roots of your emotional pain while developing new strategies that create lasting healing.
I specialize in treating trauma, disordered eating, body image concerns, anxiety disorders, and identity and faith transitions. In session, I’m active and engaged. I show up with authenticity, compassion, and a deep respect for your story. I’ll always be honest with you, even when the feedback is hard to hear, because I believe in your capacity to heal and grow. My goal is for you to feel truly seen, supported, challenged, and empowered.
I draw from a variety of evidence-based approaches, including DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy), CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), Internal Family Systems (IFS), exposure work and somatic practices. This allows me to adapt our work to fit your needs. I also practice from a multicultural-feminist lens, which means I believe individual mental health is deeply connected to the larger systems we live in. Together, we’ll explore how your personal experiences intersect with the world around you and work together to challenge forces that perpetuate pain, disconnection, and injustice.
Lee Elko, PhD
(they/them)
Licensed Psychological Assistant
I believe the therapist-client relationship is sacred. My goal is to honor you and your story. We’ll work collaboratively to support your discovery and embodiment of your next chapter. As a multicultural therapist, I see you as an individual living in a greater socio-cultural context that shapes your experiences, dreams, and resource access. Despite the power of systemic injustice, I believe in your capacity to access hope, power, and purpose.
I believe authentic connection is medicine and a central ingredient in healing and resilience. I therefore see my authenticity and honesty with you as an integral part of our work together; as a therapist, I am warm, clear, compassionate, and responsive. I see your feedback to me as a gift and a tool to improve your treatment. I individualize each counseling session to you and pull from a variety of modalities to meet your needs.
I am trained in a variety of approaches, including emotion-focused psychodynamic therapy, interpersonal process, narrative techniques, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). I use these and other evidence-based practices to meet your needs through individual and couples (monogamous and polyamorous) therapy. I received my doctorate in Clinical/Counseling Psychology from Utah State University and completed my Doctoral Internship at UNR Counseling Services. I specialize in trans/queer identity exploration, complex relationship dynamics, Bipolar/Schizoaffective disorders, OCD, anxiety, Personality Disorders, and trauma.
When I’m not working, I am sewing, hiking, meditating, and laughing. Some of my favorite things are sunsets, trails, and Project Runway.
Yohannes Habtemicael, MSW
(he/him)
CSW-Intern
Therapy can be one of the few places in life where people are able to slow down, speak openly, and feel genuinely understood. I strive to create an environment that feels real, grounded, and free of judgment. I work with individuals facing anxiety, self doubt, relationship challenges, life transitions, stress, and questions around identity and direction. My style is warm, direct, and collaborative. I believe meaningful change often comes from being able to look honestly at ourselves while also giving ourselves compassion in the process. At times, that may mean having conversations that are uncomfortable but important. Other times, it may mean using humor, perspective, and authenticity to help clients feel more connected and at ease. I draw primarily from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) while tailoring therapy to each person’s individual needs, strengths, and goals. As someone born and raised in Northern Nevada, it is meaningful to me to serve and support the community that helped shape who I am. I earned both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work from the University of Nevada, Reno, and I feel grateful for the opportunity to be a source of support, growth, and encouragement for people in my community.
Alexis Eves
(she/her)
office manager
With decades of experience in healthcare, both in the general medical field and mental health, Alexis brings warmth, professionalism and genuine care to her role as our office manager. We hope you will appreciate the welcoming environment she creates by leading with kindness and compassion. Outside of work, she enjoys the thrill of treasure hunting in thrift stores all over the United States. If she's lucky, a friend or family member will join in the fun!
