Meet the Team
Our Iowa team offers a variety of high quality care and community education in areas of high expertise. All team members speak English and some provide services in Spanish, French and Arabic as well.
Clinical Therapist
Addison Johnson, LMSW
I have a tremendous understanding of the social, emotional, psychological, and societal impacts of Adverse Childhood Experiences, and am aware of the importance of identifying and addressing toxic stress in both children and adults. I am also well-versed on the numerous symptoms of trauma. I understand how these symptoms can perpetuate other secondary effects such as addiction, eating disorders, difficulties with learning and processing information, and building and sustaining relationships. I use an integrated approach to treating trauma.
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Having someone to talk to can be extremely beneficial, and I hope to be that person for you! My therapeutic relationship is built upon trust, respect, and compassion. My goal in providing therapy is to help you identify, work on, and achieve your goals. I am ready to help you on your journey to becoming the "you" that you want to be!
Clinical Therapist
Loretta Martzahl, LMSW
I have experience working with adolescents and their families, individuals struggling with addiction, incarcerated males, and Native American people. I have working knowledge of day to day issues important to adolescents and parents, as well as professionals working in high-stress environments and coping with workplace burnout. I use a systemic and strengths-based approach in working with clients to set goals of addressing the unique obstacles clients are facing. I believe social issues have a direct impact on an individual's behavioral, emotional, and mental health.
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My personal therapy style is nurturing and direct, displaying a non-judgemental space where individuals feel safe and comfortable to explore their personal thoughts, feelings, and vulnerabilities. I work with resistant clients to move them forward in their understanding of personal choices and emotional reactions in their relationships and lives. My personal passion is removing the negative stigma associated with accessing mental health services, especially for men.
Community Mental Health Facilitator & Human Rights Educator, Arabic Speaker
Rania Seliman
Rania is an incredible grou facilitator who brings her own lived experiences in human rights issues she sees in her own communities at state, national and international levels. She provides education and low-intensity psychological interventions to folks in across traumatic experiences, in LGBTQIA+ communities, and in addressing human and women's right issues. Rania works using both English and Arabic. A list of many of her skills, certifications and courses are included below:
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*Facilitator of NAMEWE (North Africa & Middle East
*Refugees & Immigrants Wellbeing and Empowerment Program
*(PM+) Problem Management Plus: Individual Psychological Help for Adults
Impaired by Distress in Communities Exposed to Adversity.
**(SH+) Self- Help Plus: A Group- Based Stress Management Course for Adults.
**(THp) Thinking Healthy: Psychological Management of Perinatal Depression
**(DWMTS) Doing What Matter in Time of Stress: Stress Management Guide for
Coping with Adversity.
**Human Rights Advocate and Educator
**Women's Rights Advocate
**LGBTQ Community Educator, Advocate
Clinical Therapist, Spanish Speaker
Alyssa Palante, LMSW
Alyssa Palante, LMSW (she/ella) believes in the power of owning our stories and she strives to cultivate the therapeutic atmosphere conducive to storytelling. She earned her Master’s Degree from the University of Iowa School of Social Work in May 2023 after over ten years of professional experience in Southwest Texas, Ecuador and Iowa with people and communities facing barriers in the educational, medical and criminal-legal systems.
She has had the privilege of advocating for and collaborating with BIPOC, LGBTQ+ folks, immigrants, survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Her therapeutic approach is rooted in authenticity and compassion while using a client-centered lens that incorporates Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), somatic and other practices to accompany clients as they set out in pursuit of their goals. New to therapy? She would love the opportunity to make a “believer” out of you! Se habla espanol.
Billing Manager, French & Creole
Edwine Milard
Edwine has been working in medical billing across the Midwest and the South United States for over a decade. She is a huge asset to the ABCD team and makes sure that clients are covered by their insurance and works hard to reduce client costs. Edwine also speaks both French and Creole and provides interpretation services for clients as needed.
Clinical Therapist
Cindy Hewett, LMSW
Cindy Hewett is a Licensed Master Social Worker who received both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Iowa and has a diverse background in social services. She started her career working with clients in crisis and then worked as Director of Services and Clinical Director at a social service agency. Cindy trains providers, community members, and organizations on various mental health topics.
Cindy has worked in both private and nonprofit settings with a range of populations and client backgrounds. Her focus in clinical practice has been with people struggling with suicidality, trauma and PTSD, anxiety, depression, and grief and loss.
Cindy provides a warm and nonjudgmental atmosphere where she and her clients work together to find individual solutions to unique and complex issues.
Cindy grew up on the west coast and still feels most at home near the ocean; her happy place! Cindy has two children and two grandsons who bring so much light to her life!
Clinical Lead, Executive Director
Dr. Clayden, PhD, LISW
Dr. Clayden focuses on refugee and immigrant youth and women, and provides mental health care services to folks of all ages across the LGBTQIA+ and TGNC communities. She has more than two decades of work overseas and in the United States and approaches therapy from a narrative framework. This means that Dr. Clayden believes you are the expert on your life and you bring value and knowledge into the therapy relationship. She may utilise humour as an important part of the therapeutic process, and welcomes humour even if when working on historical and complex trauma. In all therapy relationships, Dr. Clayden intentionally embeds actionable anti-racist practice.
Clincal Therapist
LMSW
We are growing our agency! Are you interested in a telehealth career? Please reach out and send your resume to office@abcdtherapy.com
Clinical Therapist
LMSW
We are growing our agency! Are you interested in a telehealth career? Please reach out and send your resume to office@abcdtherapy.com
JOIN OUR TEAM
Are you an LMSW, LMFT, LMHC or psychologist looking for a contract telehealth position? If so, feel free to send an enquiry and your resume to office@abcdtherapy.com