top of page
summer-landscape-mountains-blue-sky.jpg

OUR MISSION

Our goal is to create a collaborative of passionate healthcare professionals with the intent to create a healing culture through integrity, respect, and transparency.

OUR PRACTITIONERS

How We Can Help You

​We are here for you.
Independent Professionals who
truly care about you and your journey.
Dr. Gina Oliveto

M.D. Psychiatrist

Dr. Gina Oliveto

Gina is child and adolescent psychiatrist with over twenty years of experience. She is happy to be serving patients and their families in the greater Omaha area.

Dr. Hannah Beran

DC

Dr. Hannah Beran

Dr. Hannah loves utilizing a holistic approach to healthcare in order to help her patients achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle. She enjoys working with children and pregnant patients and is happy to see patients at all stages of life.

Beth Bernthaler

LIMHP, LADC

Beth Bernthaler

Beth has over 25 years experience in the mental health and behavioral health fields.  She is licensed as a mental health therapist and is a licensed drug and alcohol counselor. She has worked at various levels of care, from outpatient therapy to residential treatment. She has worked with people who experience depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, substance use, suicidality, self-harming, self-esteem, and those working through life situations.

Annie Bertsch

PLMHP

Annie Bertsch

Annie specializes in anxiety, depression, emotional disturbances and more. She is now accepting clients 10 and older who are interested in learning how to better understand and help themselves through life's challenges.

Kristi Bose

PMHNP-BC, Co-Founder, Director of Clinical Operations

Kristi Bose

Kristi is one of the founding partners of Verve Collaborative Health. She is experienced in many areas, including depression, anxiety, mood disorders, ADHD, and peripartum concerns.

Kristi’s passion is functional medicine/psychiatry and strives to provide care to the entire person, collaborating with a variety of providers to offer the best service and to help you find the best version of yourself.

Melissa Brown

LIMHP, LADC

Melissa Brown

Melissa Brown graduated from the University of Nebraska - Kearney with her BS (Bachelors of Science in Criminal Justice and Psychology) and MSEd (Masters of Science in Education) Degree in Community Counseling. She is a Licensed Independent Mental Health Provider, Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor. She has worked in outpatient and residential treatment settings with adolescents and adults struggling with co-occurring disorders, depression, stress, anxiety, anger management, social skill deficiencies, substance use and trauma. Melissa believes it is important to work collaboratively with individuals on identifying treatment goals and empowering them to successfully overcome struggles they may face in their lives. She utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Solution-focused techniques to help individuals identify and replace any self-sabotaging behaviors or substance use, improve self-care and find balance in their lives with a holistic approach.

Natalie Bussing

LICSW, LISW, CHt

Natalie Bussing

Trauma-informed and specialized therapist. Certified in Clinical Hypnosis. Trained in CBT, PCIT, TF-CBT, and EMDR. Special training in past-life regression therapy. The primary focus of her practice is ages 8 to adult. She also has experience working with LBGTQIA+ providing Gender affirming care.

Margaret Chipendo

MSN, APRN, FNP/PMHNP-BC

Margaret Chipendo

Margaret is passionate about caring for patients with severe mental illnesses across the lifespan (from ages 5 to 80), anxiety disorders, depression, ADHD, personality disorders, and substance use disorders. Her primary role is medication management and helping patients live healthy lives knowing that they can live with mental illness, not in mental illness.

“I think it’s really important to take the stigma away from mental health…My brain and my heart are really important to me. I don’t know why I would not seek help to have those things be as healthy as my teeth.”

-Kerry Washington from the Huffington Post.

Dr. Amber Chohon

DC, CACCP

Dr. Amber Chohon

Dr. Amber wants you to make the best decisions for you and your family. She believes getting good chiropractic care is one thing that can help everyone be healthier and more comfortable.

Lauren Christensen

LIMHP, PLADC, LPC

Lauren Christensen

A down to earth, cognitive behavioral and solution-focused based professional committed to helping you instigate lasting change. Utilizing a direct and compassionate approach, Lauren can guide you to achieve your therapeutic goals and ultimately change your life.

CJ Elliott

PLMHP, PCMSW

CJ Elliott

CJ is a mental health practitioner currently specializing in work with the LGBTQ+ community at Omaha ForUs Community Center.

Kathleen Gauthier

MA, PLMHP

Kathleen Gauthier

Our deepest longing is to be known, explored, discovered, and touched. But often we live alone and thirsty in the wilderness. Relationships with families, friends, co-workers, and our community may be filled with trauma, anxiety, betrayal, pain, or ongoing stress. We may be in a state of brokenness, completely shut down, filled with anger, wrestling with grief, or stuck in a meaningless life. Strategies that once managed life may be working against the relief hoped for. Efforts to protect ourselves keep relationships from being authentic and close. As a result, there is a deep thirst in our soul that nothing seems to satisfy.

Alesha Graves

MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC

Alesha Graves

Alesha works with you to meet the goals that you have to improve your mental health. She provides
medication management to adults 19 and older. She has experience in treating mood disorders, anxiety,
PTSD, and ADHD.

Carla Habrich

LIMHP, LPC, LADC

Carla Habrich

A compassionate, empathetic, solution-focused, professional dedicated to serving others.

Kathryn Hecht Weber

PLMHP

Kathryn Hecht Weber

Kathryn Hecht Weber, PLMHP is a former School Counselor with over 20 years of experience supporting the mental health of young people. Her office accepts new patients and telehealth appointments.

Kristina Jensen

LIMHP, LCSW

Kristina Jensen

Kristina has a masters of social work from university of Nebraska and have many years' experiences in the field. Kristina has worked in in-patient and out- patient setting, helping people managing symptoms of depression, anxiety and other mental health.

Much of Kristina's experience has been working with people who are recovering from domestic violence, and narcissistic abuse. Kristina works with individuals in a client-centered, trauma focused approach to help people explore their inner workings to help create the life they are envisioning. Kristina is trained in EMDR, and can help process past or present trauma to assist in healing and remove barriers that keeps you stuck.

Amber Johnson

MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC

Amber Johnson

Amber is a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who firmly believes that mental health is just as crucial as physical health, recognizing that nurturing our minds is vital for overall well-being. She has provided supportive, non-judgmental, and therapeutic mental health care to children, adolescents, and adults in inpatient settings as a nurse for many years. Her experience has enhanced her cultural competence, proficiency in crisis management, and her ability to educate and encourage patients effectively.

Jennifer M. Kelly

LIMHP, LCSW

Jennifer M. Kelly

Loving ourselves through the process of owning our story is the bravest thing we will ever do. - Brene Brown Jen is here to help you navigate the changes and challenges of life through guidance, education, motivation, unconditional support and empathy. She believes in the strength, goodness, capability and resilience of those who seek therapy. Jen’s approach in therapy is to work from a client-centered, strength based and mind/body/spirit perspective. Jen received her Master’s Degree in Social Work from University of Nebraska at Omaha. She is a Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner specializing in the areas of trauma, grief, life transitions, LGBTQ+ issues, anxiety, depression, relationships and personal growth.

Riley Mitas

PLMHP

Riley Mitas

Riley is a Provisionally Licensed Mental Health Practitioner (PLMHP) who graduated with her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She has experience working with those struggling with depression, anxiety, life transitions, grief and loss, and stress.
She believes that all people are capable of over coming the difficulties of life and provides a safe and non-judgmental space for people to work through these difficulties. Problem solving and compassion are some of Riley’s specialties. Her practice utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy.

Holly Montgomery

MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC

Holly Montgomery

Holly Montgomery is a compassionate and dedicated psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) committed to enhancing the well-being of her patients. Known for her warm and empathetic personality, Holly approaches each patient with kindness and respect, ensuring that their voices are heard, and their concerns are addressed. She believes in the power of therapeutic relationships and works tirelessly to create a supportive and empowering environment for her patients. Through her unwavering commitment to mental health, Holly Montgomery strives to make a meaningful difference in the lives of her patients, empowering them to lead fulfilling and successful lives.

Sara Murphy

MS, PLMHP

Sara Murphy

As a therapist, Sara believes that every person has their own unique perspectives and experiences. With that, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. Sara believes that everyone could benefit from someone lending a hand to help conquer the human experience. Sara has experience working with adolescents/teens and families, individuals recovering from substance abuse or with past complex trauma.

Emily Niess

MS, LMHP, CPC, NCC

Emily Niess

It's important to me that you leave my office knowing that your words matter and your feelings are
valid.

Cari Ott

MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC

Cari Ott

“You are a human being; you are not a diagnosis” Cari believes that each person deserves to find a provider who will truly listen to their story in order to achieve the best treatment and recovery possible. If you are looking for a holistic provider who will listen to your story and consider your entire symptom profile, Cari may be the perfect fit for you. Together, we can develop a treatment plan to improve your mental health and wellness.

Rojay Passley

MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC

Rojay Passley

Rojay Passley is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and currently holds a Master of Science in Nursing degree. He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The University of the West Indies School of Nursing, in Jamaica. He has experience caring with patients on Medical Unit, Critical Care Unit, Progressive Care Unit, Cardiac Cath Lab, and Mental Health.

Liz Pierce

MS, LMHP, NCC

Liz Pierce

Finding the right Therapist for yourself or a family member can be a stressful process. Liz hopes to make it easier for you. She strives to create a safe space for each client, where they can be authentic, while working through the challenges they face.

John Ramsey

MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC

John Ramsey

John provides medical management to clients 19 and older. He frequently sees clients with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, ADHD, PTSD, and difficulty with life transitions.

Emily Rokon

LIMHP, LCSW

Emily Rokon

Whether you have been in therapy before, or it’s your first time, it takes courage to reach out and share your story. Emily's goal as a therapist is to provide a compassionate, caring and safe space for individuals, couples and families to develop positive and healthy changes to improve overall wellness. Having someone to talk to is a powerful tool and you deserve a space to share your thoughts. She's not afraid to face hard things with clients. Emily can hold hope for you even if you are having difficulty accessing that hope for yourself!

Alex Ruh

MS, LIMHP, BC-TMH

Alex Ruh

Everyone has experienced challenges in their lives, and at times, need help navigating and understanding their trauma.

Each time you have an appointment with Alex, she hopes to give you a sense of hope for healing and newfound ways of thinking, behaving, and being.

Paige Seier

LIMHP, CMSW

Paige Seier

Taking the first step to start therapy can be overwhelming. Paige strives to help her clients feel
understood and comfortable by creating a therapy environment where clients can feel
empowered to make positive changes in their personal lives. Paige believes that healing is
possible, even after the most difficult experiences. The important thing for her clients to know
is that they do not have to do it alone.

R. Dawn Slominski

DNP, APRN

R. Dawn Slominski

(Rebecca) Dawn Slominski is a nurse practitioner with a doctorate degree specializing in behavioral/mental health treatment. She has more than 3 years of experience as a nurse practitioner, 25+ years in the nursing field. Dawn believes in providing individualized treatment plans based on the unique circumstances of each client. She does this by treating each individual with respect, kindness, and compassion. Dawn believes people have innate healing abilities, clients are people not illnesses, recovery involves addressing causes not just symptoms, and healing takes a collaborative approach. She seeks to empower individuals and families through intervention, treatment, education, support, and advocacy. In doing this an individual’s balance and quality of life can be improved.

Melissa Smith

DNP, APRN-NP, PMHNP-BC

Melissa Smith

Melissa has a variety of nursing and life experience that she brings to her role as Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She worked as an adult oncology nurse for 5 years and appreciates the unique experiences she had while working with patients with chronic illnesses and near death.

Melissa has spent the last 10 years working with teenagers as a school nurse and has won state and regional awards for her nursing care of adolescents. She earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Creighton University.

She also earned two bachelors degrees in nursing and in health science, with an emphasis in community health. Her doctoral work focused on adolescent anxiety and the importance of adolescent mental health. Melissa finds joy in being with her family, the outdoors, visiting the beach and mountains, playing the piano, and crafting.

Peter Tudor

PMHNP

Peter Tudor

Peter is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), he graduated with a Master’s in the Science of Nursing from the University of Nebraska Medical Center and has been honing his skills and refining his approach ever since. Prior to becoming a PMHNP, Peter was an inpatient psychiatric nurse for 5 years. Peter’s expertise is providing psychiatric treatment to adult populations (between 19 and 70).

Anya Universe

MSc, PLMHP

Anya Universe

Anya loves helping people find themselves and the life that they want to live. She believes that
everyone has the power within themselves to change, grow, and improve—if they just have a safe space to do so. That's why she works collaboratively with her clients (and their families) to create a trusting environment where we can nurture personal growth together.

Megan VanBenCoten

PLMHP

Megan VanBenCoten

“Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity and change.” -Brene Brown

As a therapist, Megan believes everyone deserves the chance to improve our mental health and develop into the best version of ourselves. Life challenges everyone with physical and mental obstacles, but she will help you break those down and overcome them as we enter this therapeutic journey together.

Marisha VanVleet

APRN-CNP PMHNP-BC

Marisha VanVleet

Marisha enjoys helping people...period. She is credentialed for all ages from very young to the elderly and has worked with all ages. For patients that do need medication, she uses a conservative approach and monitors them closely until stable. Her medication management patients do get some therapy in their follow-up sessions because this assists her in evaluating the effectiveness of the medication. If she is not able to help a patient, she'll try to find someone else who is a better fit for them. She believes in a community approach for patients, it does take us all working together!

Jackie Wayman

APRN, PMHNP-BC

Jackie Wayman

You are the architect of your own life. Jackie partners with you to ensure you have a solid foundation to build on.

With nearly a decade in healthcare, Jackie has dedicated her career to helping people feel their best. She is a firm believer that mental health is a complex balance of physical, emotional, and social wellbeing. She empowers you to start today on a new journey, regardless of where you are beginning. Jackie enjoys getting to know people and prioritizes their values, preferences, and needs in creating a comprehensive care plan.

Sara Wolfe

MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC

Sara Wolfe

Having good mental health can be challenging at times. I would like to help you be the best version of yourself. Sometimes it can take more than what we can do for ourselves, but as long as we are willing, we can overcome many challenges life has in store for us.

Julie Zulkosky

DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, Co-Founder

Julie Zulkosky

Julie grew up primarily in the Pacific Northwest and moved to Omaha to attend Creighton University and because of numerous opportunities, she now calls Omaha home. Professionally, Julie has worked in acute care for over a decade. Those years have helped her shape her definition of holistic care and the impact it can have on physical and mental patient outcomes. Academically, she is a proud graduate of Creighton University where she received her bachelor’s, master's, and doctorate degrees. That training helped to reinforce her holistic approach by translating evidence-based practice and alternative medicine into plans of care that can maximize patient outcomes.

bottom of page