Meet the Team

                                                                                     At Journey to Peace, we listen to your story.
                                              We do our best to pair you with the clinician  who will fit your unique needs.
                                                                                                  Read more about them below!

Dr. Nate Verschaetse, PSY.D.

Owner and Licensed Psychologist

Hello, and welcome. I am honored to walk with you on your healing journey. I am a licensed clinical psychologist and received my doctorate in clinical psychology from the Institute for the Psychological Sciences at Divine Mercy University – a graduate school with a focus on the integration of faith and therapy. I provide therapy and psychological assessments for adolescents, adults, couples, and families facing different challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, marital conflict, OCD and ADHD. I have been trained in a variety of clinical modalities and primarily use Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for both individuals and couples as well as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).  I am also a psychological assessor for religious and seminarians seeking entry into formal vocational discernment. I have a background in healing ministry that helps me to integrate the healing practices of both faith and therapy.

The choice to enter therapy takes courage. I am confident that we can find a path through the difficulties that you are facing, even if you are unsure of the way forward.  I believe that every individual has been given many unique strengths and that God is actively working in and through therapy to help you find healing. I look forward to working with you.

I am also available for speaking engagements and consultation to individuals or organizations (e.g., schools, parishes) for events such as workshops, conferences, and men’s or women’s groups on topics such as marriage, family life, anxiety, depression, family of origin issues, communication, and working through relational conflict.

*Dr. Nate is licensed to provide telehealth services under the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT). Please click here to see if your state is a PSYPACT participating state.

Contact Dr. Nate

Donna Schmidt, MA, LPC, NCC

Licensed Professional Counselor, Supervisor

*Please note: Donna is not accepting new clients. Please consider seeing one of the interns under her supervision.

Thank-you for visiting Journey to Peace Counseling Services. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in good standing with the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners and also am on the Board’s registry as an approved Clinical Supervisor. For several years, I have provided counseling services for non-profit organizations in the greater Phoenix area. Because of my engagement with community mental health, I have experience serving individuals with trauma, co-occurring disorders, mental illness (including SMI), substance use disorders, disordered eating, grief/loss, PTSD, depression, anxiety and life-transition issues. In my work I have served adults, adolescents and groups. As a graduate of Denver Seminary’s Counselor Licensure Master’s Program, I have expertise in the integration of faith-based principles with a person-centered therapeutic approach.

I am a practicing Roman Catholic and am active in parish ministries; counseling is not a “job”, I see it as my vocation to which I have been called. I make my home in the East Valley with my husband of over 37 years. My interests include: hiking, pen and ink art, reading and other creative outlets.

Contact Donna

Sonia Cano, MA, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor, Supervisor

Welcome! I have over 18 years of experience and work with adolescents, adults, and couples with a variety of issues. I provide Cognitively Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and am certified in Eye-Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy. As a Roman Catholic, I understand that we are a composite of body and soul, and the importance of incorporating the true essence of our being into therapy. I am trained in Thomistic approach to counseling by Fr. Chad Ripperger and his team. I will work with each one of you, if given the opportunity, to help identify your strengths and weakness, to help you recognize injurious habits that cause more pain and suffering and assist with developing a discipline in thought and activity to live out your inherited value.

Areas of Experience:

1. Couples to prepare them for marriage or married couples working to enrich their marriage. My husband and I are currently FOCCUS facilitators at our parish.

2. Couples with infertility, miscarriage, and abortion.  Post-abortive:  I am a Counselor for Rachel’s Vineyard, Tucson.

3. First Responders, Veterans, and their families. My husband is a retired Police Officer, 24 years.

Contact Sonia

Emily Speck, MS, LAC

Licensed Associate Counselor

Hi, my name is Emily. I am a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC). I work under the supervision of Donna Schmidt, who is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a certified Clinical Supervisor. I am currently in the process of obtaining 3,200 hours of work experience in order to become an LPC. I also completed my student practicums at Journey to Peace Counseling Services under the supervision of Donna Schmidt. At that time, in 2019, I received my Master of Christian Counseling degree through Grand Canyon University. I am currently undergoing a certification training through Postpartum Support International in Psychotherapy for Perinatal Mood Disorders.

I have experience using psychotherapeutic models such as Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, and Child-Centered Play Therapy as well as incorporating techniques from a variety of other models such as Psychodynamic and Emotion-Focused. I believe that all individuals are made in the image and likeness of God and we have the ability to choose joy and find peace in whatever circumstance we find ourselves. I look forward to meeting you and working with you on that journey.

Contact Emily

Mary Jane Lessard, MEd, LPC, LISAC

Licensed Professional Counselor
Licensed Independent Substance Abuse Counselor

Hello, my name is Mary Jane. The majority of my life's work and education has been in the child and family service sector. I obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree (B.S.) from Park College, with honors. Pursuing further education, I completed a master's degree in Counseling Education (M.Ed.) from Northern Arizona University. I have been a Licensed Substance Abuse counselor (LISAC) since 2003, and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) since 2015. My work experience includes ten years as a Senior Substance Abuse Counselor at Perryville State Prison; where I led an all-female group, "Women in Recovery," focusing on addiction recovery and healing from trauma; helping them pursue healthy relationships and lifestyles using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). My social work experience includes working with families in various capacities; including as a Child Protective Service worker, a School-to-Work counselor, and as a Head Start Home Visitor. In 1996, I received a Certificate of Recognition from the City of Chandler Mayor's Committee for People with Disabilities. My Catholic faith has been my source of strength during trials in my life. Throughout my participation in the Legion of Mary, I have been a Eucharistic Minister at Banner Hospital and at the Immanuel Care center.  In addition, I have also volunteered helping the Veterans and children at public schools. I am originally from a small town in Minnesota; however, I have spent most of my adult life in the Phoenix area. I am a widow, have two adult children, and three grandchildren. I enjoy helping people reach their goals and I look forward to working with you.

Contact Mary Jane

Cindy Bird, MS, LAC

Licensed Associate Counselor

Hello and welcome! I have a Master of Science in Clinical Counseling with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy from Grand Canyon University. As an undergraduate, I received a degree in Psychology and wrote a thesis examining what makes a marriage successful. I am working under the supervision of Donna Schmidt, MA, LPC, NCC. I enjoy working with couples, families, and clients in many different stages of life. I employ cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), rational emotive behavioral therapy (REBT), and solution-focused therapy (SFT) with a person-centered, therapeutic approach. I have received specific training in EMDR to address trauma. I also have training in CBT and emotionally focused therapy (EFT) for my work with couples. I have spent many years teaching Baptism and Marriage preparation classes for the Diocese of Phoenix. I would be honored to walk with you as you work towards becoming the person you are meant to be!

Contact Cindy

Kristi Thornton, LAC

Licensed Associate Counselor

Hello!  I am a Licensed Associate Counselor and am working under the supervision of Donna Schmidt, MA, LPC, NCC. I have a BA in Psychology from the University of Kansas and a Masters in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Phoenix. I interned at Rosewood Center for Eating Disorders Intensive Outpatient Program. In between degrees, I spent extensive time volunteering abroad in Thailand, Peru, and India, as well as mentoring Sudanese refugees here in Phoenix. I’ve spent the past thirteen years raising my four boys. I look forward to helping individuals of all ages, as well as couples. I have experience in working with trauma, addiction, depression, anxiety, postpartum, and grief/loss. I provide Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Solution Focused Therapy (SFT). I’m a Catholic convert and feel so blessed to be able to integrate faith into guiding you towards peace and a more fulfilling path.

Contact Kristi

Romano Cedillos, MS, LAC

Licensed Associate Counselor

My name is Romano and I provide Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I counsel married and engaged couples as well as individuals experiencing challenging problems of all types. As a U.S. Air Force retiree, it is my honor and desire to serve veterans and first responders with their mental, emotional, and relationship challenges. Unfortunately, I am not fluent in Spanish. No hablo español con fluidez.

I'm a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC).  I have a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Grand Canyon University. I work under the supervision of Sonia Cano, who is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a certified Clinical Supervisor. My special focus is pornography and sexual addiction. I use a scientific therapeutic approach. I am also a therapist living out his Catholic faith. I am prepared to speak to your Christian faith if you desire a faith-based therapeutic experience.

If you are married or engaged and want to improve your relationship, please call or email me. If you are single and dealing with the stresses and challenges of life, please consider contacting me. Are you laboring under the heavy guilt and shame of porn or sexual addiction? Please reach out to me. I'm here to listen, support, and help you break free of your chains.

Contact Romano

Melanie Huyett, MC, LAC

Licensed Associate Counselor

I would be honored to accompany you on your path to healing and wholeness. I am a Licensed Associate Counselor working under the supervision of Donna Schmidt, MA, LPC, NCC. I have a Master of Counseling from Arizona State University and a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies from Pennsylvania State University.

Following my undergraduate studies, I lived in Calcutta, India and worked as a volunteer with the Missionaries of Charity providing hospice care, medical dispensary wound care, and childcare for infants and toddlers with intellectual and physical disabilities. During my nine-year career in human services and case management, I have worked with children, adolescents, adults, and families in child welfare, substance use disorder treatment, housing and homeless services, and aging and senior independence.

My approach to counseling is informed by psychoanalytic, person-centered, attachment-based, trauma-focused, and strength-based theories. I believe that symptoms are signs of the hurts we have acquired through the process of the human experience. Counseling is an opportunity for accompaniment in healing wounds, particularly those obtained in the context of human relationships. If you are seeking to understand or heal from your past as a path to living more fully and joyfully in the present moment, let's look at it together. I firmly believe in the innate goodness, profound dignity, indomitable strength, and unlimited potential of the human spirit and this permeates my work with clients. I have a special interest in the integration of faith, spiritual issues, and counseling, and I approach this through the lens of a Catholic-Christian perspective. I am also interested in trauma and PTSD, grief and loss, disordered eating, anxiety, depression, and infertility, among other treatment concerns. I have experience working with adults, adolescents and their families, and couples. I look forward to supporting you.  

Contact Melanie

Gabriela Helms, MA, LAC

Licensed Associate Counselor

Welcome! My name is Gabriela Helms, and I’m a Licensed Associate Counselor working under the supervision of Sonia Cano, MA, LPC. I received my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Franciscan University of Steubenville, and I also hold a Bachelor of Arts in English from University of Dallas.

My experience includes working with children, adolescents, and adults, especially individuals with the following challenges: anxiety, depression, panic disorder, separation anxiety, trauma, addiction, grief, and life transitions. I employ a variety of modalities in my therapeutic approach, with a special focus on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

My personal counseling philosophy is grounded in an unconditional respect and reverence for every client I encounter. I believe that a strong therapeutic relationship will help lead the client to a deeper sense of self-awareness, more meaningful relationships with others, and a greater understanding of one’s God-given potential. It is an honor to journey with you on your path to healing.

Contact Gabriela

Michael Keenan, MS, LAMFT

Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist

Hello, I’m Michael Keenan, a board Certified Marriage and Family Therapist. I know what it's like to suffer relational trauma and feel hopeless. I spent my childhood studying to be a doctor and once landing my spot in medical school, my efforts shifted. Then, my long-term romantic relationship suffered. This ended in a traumatic car accident, which almost broke me. I trudged through the aftermath of medical recovery, betrayal and infidelity until God fully entered my life. A therapist then helped guide me into forgiving myself and living my life fully. Once the woman of my dreams entered and a secure attachment was built, I knew how to keep this new reality thriving. We are all built to live in thriving connection.

Whether you've just experienced a betrayal, are considering a separation, or aren't sure if you should get married at all, there is still hope. I am here to help you get where you want to go. You may be feeling overwhelmed, but I believe if you are motivated and committed to working on the relationship, a thriving love is the story already written for us all. Don't keep repeating the same fight and not knowing what to do or how to change. As a practicing Catholic, it is my honor to help you head towards the joy of your love story. Let’s get to work rebuilding trust and creating the secure, loving relationship you want and deserve.

I specialize in working with those who have a desire to live his or her marriage in line with the will of God and those who have had trauma-inducing head injuries that have led to distinct changes affecting the relationship. I can help you navigate this path, as I have walked it myself.  

Education & Training:
• Bachelor’s of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Fuller Seminary
• Gottman Method Couples Therapy – Level 1 & 2
• 2 year Preceptorship in DBT
• Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT)
• Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT) for Attachment Trauma

Contact Michael

Dr. Charity Emeka, PhD

Counseling Intern

Hello, I am honored to be part of your  your healing journey here at Journey to Peace Counseling Services. I am an intern and received my doctorate in Counseling from Amridge University in Alabama – a graduate school with a focus on the integration of faith and therapy. During my internship and practicum with Journey to Peace, I plan to provide therapy alongside with my supervisor Sonia Cano, LPC to gain an in-depth experience in working with adolescents, adults, couples, and families facing different challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, and life transitions.

I have been working in mental health field for over 26 years.  I have worked alongside Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Psych-Nurses, and Therapists in different capacities.

I desire to help others in need and encourage individuals in their daily life struggles to build hope, faith, and gratitude in order to succeed in life. 

Contact Charity

Jackie Haraksin

Administrative Assistant

Hello! I’m thrilled to be a part of the team at Journey to Peace. It is a joy to work in such a peaceful office! I help out with scheduling, billing, and phone calls, my goal is to keep things running smoothly! Regardless of who you schedule with, you can rely on me to take care of your schedule. Getting to work with our clients always brightens my day; I look forward to meeting you!

Contact Jackie

How do I start?

Sometimes the process of choosing a therapist can feel overwhelming. All of our clinicians are happy to provide a free, 15 minute phone consultation to answer any of your general questions before getting started. Please call our main office to schedule!