Since joining CVIC in 2018, Kayla has become a key figure in advancing CVIC’s mission, focusing on empowering individuals through evidence-based therapeutic approaches. As the Director of Adult Therapy Services, she oversees a dedicated team of therapists, assists in program-specific grant writing, and provides direct care to clients.

Kayla’s therapeutic style is person-centered, focusing on the unique needs and goals of each client. Known for her warm, nonjudgmental presence, she fosters a cozy, trustworthy environment where clients feel truly seen and heard. Her approach combines empathetic support with gentle challenges, helping clients develop confidence, self-esteem, and hope for the future.

Kayla’s areas of expertise include trauma therapy, particularly in working with survivors of domestic and sexual violence, as well as addressing grief, depression and anxiety. She holds specialized training in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), CPT (Cognitive Processing Therapy), and DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), which equip her to provide effective, individualized care. Kayla also has an interest in supporting first responders, offering a safe and nonjudgmental space to process their experiences.

As the director of Adult Therapy, Kayla aims to foster a strong, nurturing team atmosphere that is rich in compassion, care and support for clients and one another. Like many CVIC staff and leaders, Kayla enjoys sharing the message of safety, healing and prevention wherever she can. She considers it an honor to provide therapy to clients while also collaborating with community leaders and entities to address the overarching social issues related to trauma, domestic violence and sexual abuse.

For Kayla, therapy is not just about addressing the immediate impacts of trauma but also about empowering clients to rewrite their narratives and discover their inner resilience. She takes immense pride in providing a space where survivors are not only welcomed but celebrated as they navigate on their healing journeys.

Beyond her direct work with clients, Kayla is a passionate advocate for her team and their mission. She is dedicated to ensuring that CVIC is recognized as a leader in trauma-focused care, not only within the local Grand Forks community but in the broader field of mental health. Kayla’s leadership reflects her belief that highly trained, compassionate professionals can create transformative change for survivors and their families.

Areas of focus: domestic and sexual violence, trauma, first responders

Evidence-based therapies: EMDR, CPT, DBT

Cleo brings a wealth of life experience, professional expertise, and a grounded, authentic approach to her role at CVIC. Upon retiring after 30 years as a social worker and therapist, Cleo joined CVIC in 2023 to continue her passion for helping others navigate life’s complexities with resilience and hope.

Rooted in the strength she found in her family and community, Cleo is driven by a desire to provide for others by offering them tools and support to achieve their own version of success, no matter how unique it may be.

Whether it’s through drawing, writing, prayer, or simply speaking honestly, Cleo tailors her approach to each person’s preferences and strengths. She creates a safe, no-nonsense space where clients and their caregivers can feel comfortable being themselves.

Clients often appreciate her down-to-earth demeanor, her use of plain language, and her willingness to meet them where they are. Cleo’s straight-forward approach is tempered by her compassion and unwavering commitment to helping clients recognize their own capacity for growth and change. She encourages active participation in the healing process, reminding clients that meaningful progress comes from the work they do between sessions. Her honest, approachable, and supportive style empowers clients to recognize old patterns, embrace new tools, and move forward with confidence.

Evidence-based therapies: EMDR, CBT, CPT and mindfulness

Areas of focus: Anxiety, depression, and trauma related effects due to violence, assaults, and loss

Specializing in trauma recovery, child bullying, sexual assault and domestic violence, Felix is dedicated to providing creative, compassionate care to CVIC’s clients of all ages.

Certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Bounce Back, Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Felix believes in creating a safe, nonjudgmental environment where clients of any age can take a break to focus on exploring hurtful thoughts and behaviors related to abuse or trauma. Guided by Carl Rogers’ principles of unconditional positive regard, Felix ensures his clients feel heard, deeply valued, and strongly supported no matter what.

Felix’s journey into therapy began during his transition out of the U.S. Air Force where he worked at a Veteran’s Administration hospital and volunteered on a suicide prevention hot line. He soon recognized a desire to pursue a helping profession.

Since joining CVIC, clients often describe Felix as patient, calming, and especially skilled at working with people of all ages. His approach incorporates play therapy, sand tray therapy and origami to encourage creative emotional exploration. Felix also integrates faith-based healing for those who seek to explore spirituality in their path to wellness.

Evidence-based therapies: TF-CBT, EMDR, CBT, Bounce Back, CBITS, and Anger Coping

Areas of focus: bullying, sexual assault and domestic violence, play therapy and faith-based healing

With a trauma-informed and client-centered approach, Samantha strives to create a space where clients feel heard, supported, and empowered. A passionate and dedicated mental health practitioner, Samantha specializes in trauma recovery and empowerment related to domestic violence, sexual assault, addiction and general mental health.

Samantha’s approach to supporting healing emphasizes collaboration and choice by tailoring therapeutic methods to each client’s readiness and comfort level. She offers options like EMDR, trauma-informed techniques, and creative interventions while incorporating humor and authenticity into her sessions.

Samantha’s path to therapy was shaped by her own experiences as a licensed addiction counselor. Witnessing the barriers many face in accessing mental health services inspired her to pursue a holistic practice focused on removing barriers to care.

Beyond individual growth, Samantha is an advocate for addiction recovery, challenging the stigma surrounding substance use by addressing the connections between mental health and substance use disorders. She finds inspiration in books like Furiously Happy by Jenny Lawson, which highlights the complexities of trauma and the shared humanity of overcoming life’s struggles. These values are at the core of her practice: helping others see that we are all beings worthy of love, safety and respect.

Evidence-based therapies: EMDR, CPT, motivational interviewing, IFS

Areas of focus: Trauma, domestic violence survivors, sexual assault survivors, depression, anxiety, addiction/substance use

As a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in trauma, PTSD, depression, and anxiety, Stephanie provides a safe, compassionate space for clients to process their experiences by helping them explore identity, culture, beliefs, and goals.

With more than 30 years’ experience, Stephanie’s mission is to empower clients to see their strengths, resiliency, potential for growth and gain insight from past experiences to move forward in their healing journey. She focuses on helping clients recognize their inherent strengths and values so they can see the value of prioritizing themselves, and therefore become stronger, more resilient people.

As a lifelong learner who is always striving to sharpen her helping skills, Stephanie’s journey into therapy was inspired by a psychology professor whose engaging and positive teaching style sparked her interest in the field. She values the continuous learning that comes with being a therapist and believes there is always more to discover about supporting clients effectively. As a result of her curiosity, Stephanie is inspired by witnessing people’s ability to improve their lives and overcome challenges.

Using cognitive processing therapy and other evidence-based therapies, clients under Stephanie’s guidance identify and address the traumatic experiences that have shaped their beliefs about themselves, others, and the world. She is deeply committed to helping clients understand that their trauma does not define them, often reminding them of their intrinsic value as human beings by saying, “It wasn’t your fault, and it doesn’t need to define who you are” and “We can grow through what we go through.”

Evidence-based therapies: EMDR, CPT, and CBT

Areas of focus: Trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, people who have witnessed or experienced domestic violence, sexual assault as adults, or adults who experienced abuse, neglect or sexual assault in childhood