Meet our team.
Our team
Anne Peters, LMFT, PMH-C
Owner/Therapist
Anne is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in the state of Iowa. She has been working as a therapist in the mental health field for over 11 years. Anne has experience working with people of all ages, but holds expertise in working with young children and their families. She also enjoys working with women of all ages as they navigate the twists and turns of life throughout different stages. Anne is trained in a variety of different therapeutic treatment modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, Child Parent Psychotherapy, and Circle of Security - Parenting. She has received her Perinatal Mental Health Certification (PMH-C) in working with the perinatal population of new and expecting parents, specializing in postpartum depression and anxiety. She understands the courage it takes to reach out for therapy services, and honors each client’s vulnerability when they take that step. She ties in genuine kindness, empathy, and a little bit of humor through her therapeutic approach. Anne also provides clinical supervision to new therapists and master’s level interns on site.
Anne grew up right here in Spencer, IA so it feels like a dream to now be a business owner in the same community. Anne’s greatest joy is spending time with her daughter. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, friends, and several pets at home.
What’s it like to work with Anne? Here’s what her clients have to say.
“I've been working with Anne since she began with NW Iowa Counseling. I couldn't have asked for a better therapist! She is compassionate, understanding, easy to talk with, and always ready to listen! “
“Anne is incredibly supportive and listens attentively, providing valuable insights that have helped me gain a new perspective on my challenges. With her help, I have achieved a deeper understanding of myself and have learned how to navigate difficult situations.”
Amy Ondler, LISW
Owner/Therapist
Amy Ondler is a native to Northwest Iowa and has been working in the mental health field for the last 14 years. She holds a Masters Degree in Social Work from Simmons School of Social Work and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Northwestern College. Amy has experience providing therapy to various populations including but not limited to children, families, parents, adults and couples. From her 14 years of service in the field, Amy has gathered insight in working with individuals during any walk of life, dealing with various difficulties including but not limited to: anxiety, depression, trauma, challenging behaviors, intimacy, marital complications, low self-esteem, difficulty with emotional regulation, etc. When asked what specific population Amy enjoys working with most she stated “My passion is helping those in need, walking alongside them in order to aid them towards a more hopeful future. For this reason, I enjoy meeting and working with individuals from all walks of life. In my opinion, the beginning of the therapeutic relationship is one of the most important moments. It is one of my favorites because it is a moment when I can meet each individual exactly where they are and determine a plan to help them make steps towards the desired outcome they are hoping for.”
Throughout her various years in the field Amy has been trained in multiple modalities including but not limited to: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Informed Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Seeking Safety, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Along with these modalities, Amy is trained in various interventions such as emotion regulation, feelings identification, marital reconciliation, and challenging behavior modification programs. Amy has a growing passion for helping those who have experienced a significant loss and are grieving.
In her free time, Amy enjoys spending time with family and friends, spending time with her pets, and cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes!
What’s it like to work with Amy? Here’s what her clients have to say.
“Amy Ondler has been an amazing therapist. Our time together has honestly changed the trajectory of my life. There is just something about her easy going and straight forward way of communicating that makes you sit up and listen. i carry her voice around with me as I make decisions on how to move forward. She is empathetic but honest. She is not afraid to call me out on my old habits. I trust her with all my heart.”
Deb Estes, LISW
Therapist
Deb is a Licensed Independent Social Worker in the State of Iowa (LISW). She earned her Master of Social Work at the University of Iowa School of Social Work. She is a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa with her Bachelors Degree in Social Work. Deb has practiced in the social work field for over 35 years in various settings. Most recently, she practiced in the mental health field as a psychiatric social worker/therapist for 22 years. Her practice included adults with severe and chronic mental illness as well as individuals with depression, anxiety, trauma and grief challenges.
Deb considers it a privilege to be allowed to walk alongside those who seek her services. She believes we all have strengths and weaknesses and that at times our strengths can also be our weaknesses! She's especially passionate about building the therapeutic relationship while assisting others in identifying their own unique steps in reaching their desired goals. Deb rejoices in their triumphs!
Deb grew up on a family farm in Cherokee County and has returned to Northwest Iowa. She and her husband enjoy their country home with their two dogs and three cats. And that's not counting the outside felines! She treasures time with their grown children and spouses and young grandchild. Deb relishes time outside in nature with long walks, digging in the dirt and NOT wearing a watch!
What’s it like to work with Deb? Here’s what her clients have to say.
“Deb is wonderful to work with. She guides me through tough times. She helps me to give myself some grace and peace in this crazy world.”
“Deb is an absolutely amazing therapist. She listens, encourages, and makes you feel heard. Her compassion and commitment towards others makes her one of the best. From the first appointment on she has helped me so much!”
Kristen Triplett, tLMHC
Therapist
Kristen is a highly qualified and experienced mental health counselor passionate about helping individuals of all ages overcome their emotional and psychological challenges. She holds a Bachelor's degree from Iowa State University and a Master's degree from Buena Vista, and she will soon be licensed in the state of Iowa as a clinical mental health counselor.
With extensive training in Adlerian play therapy, Kristen has a unique and highly effective approach to working with youth clients. She also has experience working with adults and is committed to providing personalized, compassionate care to each and every client.
In addition to her expertise in play therapy, Kristen is trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), a highly effective technique for treating trauma and other mental health conditions. She combines this with other evidence-based therapies to create a holistic treatment plan tailored to each individual's unique needs.
With a warm and empathetic approach, Kristen creates a safe and nurturing environment where clients can feel comfortable exploring their thoughts and feelings. She is dedicated to helping each client achieve their full potential and live a fulfilling life.
Kristen lives with her husband and three children on a farm near Primghar, Iowa. She enjoys going on adventures with her family, being outside, cooking, and cheering on the Iowa State Cyclones.
What’s it like to work with Kristen? Here’s what her clients have to say.
“I have never felt so happy to see a therapist before I found Kristen. I love how personal she gets and how involved with my life and journey she is. It's great to have Kristen in my corner. She always has my back, and even when she doesn't approve of my choices, she will guide me to the right choices.”
Heather (Howell) Beschorner, tLMFT
Therapist
Heather is working towards her full licensure in the state of Iowa as a Marriage and Family Therapist. Heather has a great passion in supporting couples. Her dedication is to assist individuals in acquiring the skills necessary to create healthy relationships and communication patterns. Heather’s focus is on addressing anxiety and problems in relationships, while fostering a secure environment for her clients. Heather takes a cooperative approach with her clients. Heather holds expertise in working with adults, couples, and families. She also provides a safe space for individuals from the LGBTQ+ community. She specializes in utilizing Solution-Focused Brief Therapy and Narrative Therapy.
Heather is committed to helping individuals recognize their own strengths. She firmly believes people possess an inherent resilience that they often underestimate. To promote mindfulness and encourage a fulfilling life, Heather guides her clients to be present in their thoughts, emotions, and actions. She encourages her clients to trust their instincts and explore various options when navigating challenging situations. Above all, she stresses the importance of recognizing the need for change and taking the first step towards making it a reality.
When Heather is not at work, she takes pleasure in spending time with her family and cows. She also enjoys attending events in her local community and exploring new and trendy activities and concepts. Heather is a huge advocate of self-care and strongly urges everyone to incorporate it into their daily routine.
What’s it like to work with Heather? Here’s what her clients have to say.
“We started our journey of marriage counseling in a dark place. After steps in the right direction were made, Heather placed a lighted, calming and positive path for us to follow. Marriage counseling is not an easy choice to make but Heather has made this the right choice. Having an overall feeling of a non-judgmental and relatable conversation with a therapist is beyond reassuring. The environment which Heather makes each time we've met has provided just that. Our dark place has now become light again.”
Melissa Mugge, LMHC
Therapist
Melissa is a licensed Mental Health Therapist in Iowa and South Dakota. For the last 9 years, She’s been working in the outpatient therapy and emergency psychiatric worlds. She specializes in trauma, both developmental and adult on-set, neglect, stress and anxiety, family dynamics and parenting issues, depression, and grief. In therapy, she utilizes EMDR and Internal Family Systems, along with narrative therapy and somatic work, as you learn to tolerate and work through difficult emotions, and become an intentional and active participant in your healing, and the emotional alchemy that will come. Melissa is happy to see clients in an individual or family setting, both in-person and/or through teletherapy.
What’s it like to work with Melissa? Here’s what her clients have to say.
“Melissa is a great active listener, making me feel seen, heard and understood. Melissa provides an environment that is soothing, comforting, setting a tone for a productive session. Melissa helped me, personally, with regaining my self worth and pride in the things I do, even if they aren't preferred things to do. Melissa has helped me learn how to show up for myself, and is very aware of what I need as a client, always gently pushing me to grow and learn. She makes it exciting to go through the healing journey, and I feel as though for the first time, I'm making great strides that will stick with me. She's provided me with tools I use on a daily basis, such as breathing exercises, DBT modalities that have been groundbreaking for me. I've never been happier, with the results of my treatment, and I am proud to have gained the ability to see the light in the dark, no matter how the day shows up.”
Ashley Reineke-Spencer, tLMHC
Therapist
Ashley Reineke-Spencer is a dedicated therapist specializing in trauma-informed care for teens and adults, blending her background in forensic science with clinical counseling. With a focus on crisis and trauma care, she works with clients on complex issues, including adolescent sexual behavior concerns, support for adults with disabilities, and affirming care for LGBT+ individuals. Ashley provides therapy services in the Spencer School District, serving Fairview Elementary, Spencer Middle School, and Spencer High School, as well as seeing clients in-office.
Ashley holds a Bachelor’s degree in Forensic Science from Purdue University and a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Forensic Counseling from Walden University. This academic foundation enhances her nuanced approach to cases involving trauma and behavioral concerns. Guided by the philosophy, “A therapist doesn’t carry you up the mountain but walks alongside you, helping you find your own strength to climb,” she believes healing is a collaborative journey. Her sessions often include a touch of humor, creating a comforting environment for clients.
Outside of work, Ashley enjoys time with her family, five dogs, and a cat. She’s passionate about motorcycles, video games, reading, and writing. Ashley’s commitment to growth, warm humor, and broad expertise make her a well-rounded therapist that can connect with clients of all ages and backgrounds.
What’s it like to work with Ashley? Here’s what her clients have to say.
“Ashley makes me feel heard and validated and I always leave her office feeling like I've gotten a piece of myself back that I've been missing.”
“Ashley’s ability to provide in-person therapy at the school has been incredibly beneficial for our students and families, helping to minimize the amount of school missed while addressing important therapeutic needs. She excels at communicating and collaborating with both the school staff and parents, ensuring the well-being of each student. We feel very fortunate to have Ashley and to be able to offer this invaluable service to our families.”
Tanner Carlson
Therapy Intern
Tanner is a dedicated and experienced behavioral health provider with over 15 years of experience in the field. He has honed his expertise in a residential treatment-based facility setting, where he developed a deep passion for assisting adolescents, teens, young adults, and families in finding their voice and achieving their goals. His approach is centered on healing, empowerment, and fostering a positive self-concept.
Tanner holds a Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of South Dakota and a Master’s degree from Buena Vista University in clinical mental health counseling. He is currently pursuing full licensure as a clinical mental health counselor. Tanner’s intention is to continue working at NW Iowa Counseling after graduation in summer 2025.
In his practice, Tanner’s focus is on addressing problematic behaviors through trauma-informed care, emphasizing the impact of trauma on mental health and emotional well-being. He employs a strength-based approach to help clients overcome various struggles, bringing clarity, strength, and growth into their lives. Tanner’s primary therapeutic techniques include trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy and choice theory, which he integrates to assist clients of all ages in overcoming depression, anxiety, aggression, anger, life transitions, and other mental health challenges.
A native of Cherokee, Tanner lives just outside of town with his family. An active community member, he volunteers as a youth sports coach and enjoys golf, outdoor activities with his sons, and traveling the world with his wife. Tanner is an avid fan of the Cherokee Braves, Iowa State Cyclones, and the Dallas Cowboys and is known for his competitive spirit.
What’s it like to work with Tanner? Here’s what his clients have to say.
“Finding the right counselor can be challenging, especially when you're seeking someone who truly understands and supports your unique journey. From my very first session with Tanner, I felt seen, heard, and valued in a way I hadn’t experienced before. His genuine, judgment-free approach created a safe space where I could fully be myself. Tanner’s depth of knowledge and compassion have been pivotal in helping me work through challenges, embrace self-love, and align my authentic self with the person I aspire to be. If you're ready to grow and make meaningful life changes, Tanner is the kind of counselor who will stand by you every step of the way.”
Melissa Bendlin
Receptionist
Melissa holds years of experience working in an office setting and thrives on the hustle and bustle of the office. The busier, the better! Melissa’s favorite part of her job is talking to the clients that come in and getting to know them. Melissa was born and raised in Spencer and is now raising her own family here, too. When Melissa is not at the office, she enjoys spending time with her family - boating, swimming, playing games, golfing, and traveling. As her children grow, she loves to attend their activities.
Melissa is often the first voice our clients hear on the phone and the first face they see when they walk through our doors. She truly cares about each client and each employee at NW Iowa Counseling, and it’s so present in the work she does.
Vickie Peters
Administrative Assistant
Vickie came to us with years of experience working in the banking world, and worked in the collections department of a local bank for many years. Vickie is our part-time administrative assistant and helps us with a variety of tasks, specifically processing new client requests, scheduling, and keeping our office in order. Her sense of humor is second to none.
In her free time, Vickie enjoys spending time with her beloved granddaughter, caring for her pets, and baking - especially her homemade dog treats!