Our People

Each one of our therapists contributes their own areas of expertise and unique perspective to our practice. We share a common belief in the power of therapy to help you heal; a commitment to serving you with warmth, compassion, and humility; and a belief in showing up as our authentic selves, so you feel safe to do the same.

Jessica Downs

LCSW

"Taking the leap into therapy can be really scary. I want you to know I’ll be there to receive you with compassion and a sincere desire to hear and understand you."

A skillful and caring healer, Jessica Downs specializes in the treatment of complex trauma and dissociation. In addition to Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), she incorporates Ego State Therapy, Polyvagal Theory and the Theory of Structural Dissociation into her one-on-one work with adults of all ages. Jessica is known for her warm, grounded presence, and her ability to bring playfulness to the often difficult work of therapy.  


While pursuing her master's degree in social work at the University of Denver, Jessica was introduced to the benefits of EMDR for the treatment of trauma. The education she received led her to seek out advanced training in EMDR, and to pursue certification. Today, Jessica shares her expertise in EMDR as a Trainer and Senior Faculty member with Kase & CO, one of the country's foremost EMDR training providers, and as a consultant to other therapists.

Josh Downs

LCSW

"My counseling approach is rooted in the belief that human beings are capable of change and that it's normal to need support as we work through life’s challenges."

With a specialization in couples counseling, Live Well co-founder Josh Downs provides hope, direction, and encouragement to help couples reconnect and transform their relationship. Josh is known for bringing warmth and humor to his counseling sessions, and for his ability to connect with the experiences of each individual within a partnership. Josh has a special ability to make his clients feel safe, and to shine a light on unseen patterns and cycles. The process allows partners to move away from assigning blame and to instead address the dynamics at work in their relationship.  

An advanced practitioner of Emotionally Focused Therapy, Josh helps his clients address communication problems, broken trust, addiction, infidelity, and mental illness. In addition to his work with couples, Josh has extensive experience working with teens and young adults, and with individuals facing depression, anxiety, and behaviors that seem out of control.

Josh earned his undergraduate degree in psychology and his master's degree in social work from Brigham Young University, where his areas of research included childhood resilience and scrupulosity. Josh has been a practicing therapist since 2009.


Sara Means

LCSW

“Our experiences through every stage of life have lasting effects on our emotions and responses to stress and the world. I use trauma-informed approaches to understand you, and to help you gain a better and deeper understanding of yourself.”

Sara Means brings her wide range of experience to providing counseling to individual adults, children, teens, families, and groups, as well as perinatal counseling for women. Sara is trained in Ego States Therapy and EMDR, which she uses in the treatment of trauma and other mental health concerns, and she's certified in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT). Sara uses NMT as a framework for understanding the impact of developmental trauma on brain development and functioning.

With the understanding that the first step toward getting help can be uncomfortable and overwhelming, Sara focuses on creating a nurturing environment to support clients on their journey toward healing and wellness.

Sara holds a bachelor's degree in social work from Mansfield University of Pennsylvania, and a master's degree in social work from Temple University. Sara is certified in EMDR Therapy and the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics, and she’s currently an EMDR Consultant.

Melissa Fisher

LCSW

"I will meet you where you’re at so we can develop an authentic connection, and so you can feel supported as you move toward greater self-awareness and healing. I want to help you become even more of an expert on yourself."

Melissa Fisher works with individual adults and teens, with a specialization in grief and loss. She uses EMDR, Ego States Therapy, and other trauma-informed approaches to help her clients create the life they yearn for. In addition, she applies the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics to better understand how the brain works and how to regulate it to create peace and healing.

In counseling, Melissa takes a collaborative approach to creating a treatment plan aligned to each client's needs. Her greatest priority as a therapist is to ensure her clients feel seen, heard, and supported.

Melissa earned her bachelor's degree in family studies and human development from the University of Arizona, and her master's degree in social work from the University of Denver. Melissa is certified in EMDR Therapy and the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics, and she’s currently an EMDR Consultant.


Carie Carter

LCSW

"Sharing your innermost struggles can leave you feeling vulnerable and fearful. I want to provide you with a safe place to do the work that can help you move from those scary places where you may feel stuck in self-defeating behaviors and discomfort, to a place where you're able to thrive."

Carie Carter specializes in working with children, teens, and families. She's known for her ability to connect with her young clients by providing a safe space for them to find their voice and share their story. Carie draws from Attachment Theory and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy in her approach, and she regularly incorporates play and creativity into counseling sessions to help kids safely process and resolve behavioral issues, trauma, relationship problems, and difficult responses to big emotions.

Carrie earned her bachelor's degree in human development and family studies, along with her master's degree in social work, from the University of Utah.


Tanya Pearce

LPC

“I view my role as a therapist as one of facilitation and partnership. If you’re feeling stuck, we’ll lean on the mind-body connection to deepen your understanding of yourself, and move toward greater health. My approach includes data-informed strategies, alongside laughter, play, and creativity.”

Tanya Pearce has extensive experience working with children and teens as both a school counselor and as a therapist. Her areas of focus include anxiety and depression, trauma and PTSD, anxiety, grief and loss, adjustment disorders, disordered eating, divorce, crisis recovery, and emotional regulation.

Tanya earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from Colorado Mesa University and her master's degree in counseling psychology from Adams State College. She has specialized training in EMDR Therapy, animal-assisted therapy, and school counseling.


Courtney Flores

LCSW

“It can be scary to trust someone as a helper for your child or teen. I want you to know I will receive your child with warmth, compassion, and a broad view of what might be creating challenges for them. We’ll use models of therapy that have strong evidence backing their effectiveness, along with play, creativity, and the language your child uses to communicate.”

Courtney Flores specializes in working with children and teens, and with adults on a case-by-case basis. Before joining Live Well, Courtney served children and families as an independent therapist, within the valley's school district, and as a grief support counselor with HopeWest.

Courtney received her bachelor's degree in international studies from Southern Oregon University and her master's degree in social work from the University of Denver. She has specialized training in EMDR Therapy, the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics, Synergetic Play Therapy, and Equine Assisted Growth Learning. She utilizes these modalities along with Polyvagal Theory, solution-focused therapy, and a strengths-oriented approach in her work with children and families.


Hannah Gilmore

MSW, SWC

“I strive to foster an environment where holistic healing of the mind, body, and spirit thrives. As a dedicated therapist, my mission is not just about helping you cope, but facilitating true transformation and growth. With unwavering support and guidance, I am committed to accompanying you on your journey towards healing and empowerment.”

Hannah is passionate about working with individuals of all ages, including adults, teenagers and young children. Drawing from her experience working at a community mental health center, she possesses understanding and a compassionate approach in the treatment of a wide range of mental health conditions.

Employing a client-centered approach, Hannah understands that every therapeutic journey is unique, and aims to meet clients in whatever way they show up, ensuring they feel empowered and supported throughout their process. Her academic background includes a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Social Work from Tabor College in Kansas, followed by a Master's degree in Social Work from the University of West Florida.

Certified in PCIT (Parent-Child Interaction Therapy), Hannah specializes in assisting families navigating challenges with their children. She integrates various therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and is trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).

Shelly Allen

Shelly is the Live Well administrative magician. Hers is the warm voice you’ll hear on the other end of the line if you call our office for information about scheduling, billing, or other considerations. Shelly is quick to respond, and her dedication to her role shows in her eagerness to help clients access the services they need.