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.

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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

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!

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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.

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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

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.

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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.  

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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.

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Brian Rollo, MA, LAC

Licensed Associate Counselor

Hello and welcome! I am a Licensed Associate Counselor working under the supervision of Donna Schmidt, MA, LPC, NCC. I graduated with a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with concentrations in Christian Counseling and Crisis and Trauma Counseling. I am also a National Certified Counselor.

“I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly” (Jn 10:10b). I wholeheartedly believe that God desires every human person to flourish in all areas of life. However, on account of different factors generally outside of our control, we find ourselves in a state of disintegration, a place where the person we are does not fully align with the person we desire to be. This lack of integration leads to distress and prevents us from living the abundant life for which we are created. As a counselor, I view myself as an instrument in the hands of the Divine Healer, a means by which God reintegrates those who seek therapy to live the abundant life.

My approach to counseling is rooted in the Catholic understanding of the human person, recognizing the inherent dignity and value that each person has. I employ a multimodal approach to counseling with a focus on cognitive therapies, such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). I have a passion for working with adolescents and young adults, but I am open to working with adults and couples as well. I have experience treating anxiety, depression, addiction, OCD/scrupulosity, grief/loss, and life transitions. I look forward to helping you live the abundant life.

Email Brian

Scott Bennion, D.Min., BCPC, ABS

Board Certified Pastoral Counselor
Certified Sexologist

Hi there, my name is Scott Bennion. I’m glad you’re here! My journey into exploring the connection between faith, love, and sexuality started with my own struggles—deep frustrations in both my single and married life. Through seasons of brokenness and the grace of profound healing, I came to understand how our longings for intimacy, meaning, and love are deeply intertwined with our spiritual lives. As a Catholic convert, I now walk alongside others who are seeking healing, freedom, and renewed purpose in their relationships and sexuality.

Driven by a desire to help others experience wholeness, I launched Faith, Love, and Sexuality - a practice and a website faithloveandsexuality.com - dedicated to helping individuals and couples integrate their faith with their most personal relationships. While my perspective is rooted in a Catholic Christian worldview, I warmly welcome people from all backgrounds, including those who are religious, spiritual but not religious, or unaffiliated.

I am a certified sexologist, a board-certified pastoral counselor, and a spiritual director, integrating spiritual formation with mental and emotional well-being. My work focuses on the sacred intersection of faith, love, and sexuality, informed by both pastoral and clinical insight. I also serve on the Board of Advisors for the Apostolate for Catholic Intimacy, partnering in its mission to promote healthy, faithful, and joyful relationships within the Church. In addition to my involvement with Journey to Peace Counseling Services, I maintain a private practice, serve as a clinical chaplain for veterans in the VA Health Care System, and offer end-of-life coaching alongside my wife, a registered nurse and death doula.

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from the University of Utah, a Master of Divinity in Leadership Development from Phoenix Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from Vanderbilt University Divinity School, where I studied the integration of faith and mental health. My doctoral thesis is titled Navigating Sexual Love in Christian Marriage: A Playful Pursuit of Purpose. 

Email Scott

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Emily Speck, MS, LAC

Licensed Associate Counselor
On Maternity Leave

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.

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Fr. Matt Lowry

Counseling Intern

Hello! I am a Roman Catholic priest for the Diocese of Phoenix and a Master of Counseling student under the supervision of Dr. Nate Verschaetse. I currently serve at Holy Trinity Newman Center in Flagstaff, where I have been for the last 16 years. I am trained in spiritual direction. I enjoy listening to people and helping them find the path forward to greater peace.

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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!

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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!