About us > About our Staff

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Michael J. Rayes, LPC, LISAC
Clinical director

Michael J. Rayes is a native of Arizona, a lifelong Catholic, and a husband and father. After years of work in IT and as a junior-high and high school teacher, Mike discerned his calling to the counseling field.

Mike has worked with individuals, couples, and families from all walks of life, ranging from 4 to 80+ years old. He has worked in counseling and treatment programs involving Adult Probation and also child services (Arizona DCS). He worked in outpatient and inpatient substance-abuse and general mental health settings in several different agencies across all levels of care, including intensive outpatient and medically assisted treatment clinics.

In addition to his work as a counselor and clinical supervisor, Mike is a regular columnist for Catholic periodicals, writing on family life. He is the author of two children’s books and a book on parenting. Mike is the past president of three civic and charitable organizations and has served as a conference speaker on Catholic family life, Catholic education, and pro-life issues. He currently serves as adjunct faculty at Grand Canyon University, regularly teaching courses on counseling and addiction. He is currently working on his Ph.D. in Psychology.

Mike enjoys going out for coffee, shopping with his wife, and simply enjoying the day which the Lord has made. He relishes spending time with his family, their pet chickens, and the family cat. 

Licenses
LPC, LISAC
Board-approved clinical supervisor for counselors seeking independent licensure
Check the current status of Mike's Arizona licenses.
Florida telehealth license.

Education
B.A. Education
MBA
Master of Professional Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy
In progress: Ph.D. coursework in Psychology, Cognition & Instruction


Nidia Elm, LMFT
Clinical Supervisor and Child & Family Therapist

Nidia Elm is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with more than 15 years of clinical experience. For the past decade, Nidia has specialized in working with the Birth-to-Five population and their families. She has a Catholic background and is certified in several evidence-based practices, including Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), Positive Parenting Practices (Triple P), Circle of Security, and the FAN model (Erikson Institute). Nidia's current work includes professional training events and conference speaking engagements on promoting social-emotional development in early childhood programs, educational support and training for teachers and caregiver staff in early childhood settings. She works with home-visiting teams and Family, Friend and Neighbor programs.

Nidia’s strengths include her emphasis on connectedness and her strong insight. She can help you integrate your own spirituality with your psychological and emotional healing, using spiritual and evidenced-based psychotherapy. Nidia sees individuals, couples, children, and families.

License
LMFT
Board-approved clinical supervisor for counselors seeking independent licensure
Check the current status of Nidia's Arizona license.

Education
B.A. Psychology
Master of Arts in Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy
Management Theory and Practice


Annemarie O’Reilly, LCSW
Intake Supervisor and Therapist

Annemarie O’Reilly is independently licensed as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She is a devout Catholic and received her Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from the University of Southern California. She is licensed in both California and Arizona. Annemarie’s background includes working in school social work as well as working remotely as a therapist for the seriously mentally ill (SMI) population in a county mental health clinic in Northern California.

Annemarie is a clinical supervisor and has a Catholic background. She practices a person-centered approach to clinical treatment, emphasizing the importance of empathy, genuineness and unconditional positive regard in the therapeutic setting. She utilizes Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy as well as elements of other therapeutic modalities in her clinical practice.

Education
Master of Social Work

License
LCSW
Board-approved clinical supervisor for counselors seeking independent licensure
Check the current status of Annemarie’s Arizona license.


Karin Patterson, LAC
Therapist

Karin Patterson is a native of South Dakota who moved to Arizona in 2022.  She was involved in church youth ministry for over twenty years before the Lord called her into the mental health field. 

Karin has a passion for working with children and teenagers.  She has worked with individuals, couples and families of all ages.  Karin believes strongly in self-efficacy, and empowering her clients to be the best they can be. Her therapy modalities include cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy and motivational interviewing. Karin is licensed as a licensed associate counselor (LAC).

Karin is very personable and compassionate.  She is married with two sons. She has personal experience with relatives on the autism spectrum.  Karin loves hiking, traveling, and eating at all the fabulous Mexican restaurants in the Phoenix area.

Education 
B.A. in History & Education
Youth Ministry Certification from Tentmakers
Master of Science in Clinical Counseling


Ana Navarro-Williams, LAMFT
Family Therapist

Ana Navarro-Williams is a Marriage and Family Therapist. She also holds a Master of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and a Master of Science degree in Educational Psychology and Methodology. She has a long-time interest in the intersection of these systems. Ana has a Catholic background and practices a strength-based, person-centered model. She is available to support youth, families, couples, and individuals in their journey for change and wellness. Ana is bilingual in English and Spanish with native fluency.
Ana is an Arizona transplant who was raised in the northeast. Living in different parts of the country and overseas, she enjoys meeting new people. She also enjoys reading, needlework, and time with family.


Julie Lopez, LPC
Therapist

Education
B.A. Psychology
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling


Nicole Fedoroff
Therapist

Education
Master of Arts in Marital and Family Therapy


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Jordan Boyce, LAC
Therapist

Education
B.S. Psychology


Lauren Basile, LMSW
Therapist

Lauren Basile is a compassionate therapist with a bachelor's degree in social work from Northern Arizona University and a master's degree in social work from Arizona State University. She is a devout Catholic and dedicated to providing exceptional therapy and support to her clients, specializing in children and young adults. Lauren brings her faith and sunny personality to the therapy environment. She creates a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to explore their challenges and achieve personal growth. 

Lauren is an active member of a Catholic women's community, finding support and inspiration in her faith. In her free time, Lauren enjoys watching documentaries, spending time with animals, prioritizing her own well-being through regular exercise, and cherishing moments with her family.

Education
Master of Social Work
B.S. Social Work


Bryan Aguilar
Therapist

Bryan Aguilar is a Mental Health Counseling Intern from Grand Canyon University with more than 5 years of experience working in the social services field. Bryan, a devout Catholic, specialized in working with children and adolescents who have suffered severe trauma. By incorporating compassion and sympathy on a daily basis, Bryan has been able to develop the necessary skills needed to build a trusting relationship with his clients, guiding them to work toward healing, self-improvement, and their development of emotional intelligence. He actively participates in the legal process of reunifying families through a non-profit refugee program and attends professional trainings emphasizing trauma-informed care, ethnic studies, and family dynamics. Bryan is fluent in both English and Spanish. He is an active participant in his local parish and treasures the opportunity to serve others by following Christ’s example of humility, kindness, and unconditional love.  

In his personal time, Bryan thoroughly enjoys spending quality time with his family, his girlfriend, and cherishing the Lord’s creation by going camping, hiking, and sight-seeing. Bryan also delights in the many styles of artistic expression including music, theater, and other performing arts, and loves incorporating these interests in his daily life.  

Education
B.A. Psychology 
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, all coursework completed


Kwaneija Reid
Mental Health Counseling Intern

Kwaneija Reid is a Marriage and Family Counseling Intern from Northcentral University.

Education
B.A. Human Services
Master of Arts Marriage Family Therapy


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Laura Rayes
Billing and Credentialing Specialist

Laura Rayes has 12 years of experience in the insurance industry, including work at various levels for a major insurance carrier and at an agency setting. She has experience in managing accounts and strives to integrate her faith into her work. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Catholic theology and is currently pursing a Master’s degree in theology. Laura works with dozens of insurance representatives, member advocates, and case managers.

Laura strives to handle your insurance claim seamlessly so you can focus on your journey of therapy, rather than getting weighed down with insurance paperwork. She handles everything from pre-authorizing and verifying your benefits, to submitting your claims, to following up with insurance companies as needed. In her spare time Laura enjoys swimming, reading, baking, and going out with her husband.

Education
B.A. Catholic Theology