Be Well Counseling Services Counselor and Social Worker Staff

Amy Britton graduated from the University of North Texas with her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education in 2013. After teaching elementary school, she decided to pursue her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Troy University graduating in 2018.  Amy has completed the requirements to receive her License in Mental Health Counseling (LMHC) in New Mexico. She has experience working with children of all ages and women. Areas of focus include trauma, PTSD, anxiety, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and behavioral concerns. While in the office, Amy utilizes Animal-Assisted Psychotherapy with her registered therapy dog, Daisy.  Amy is trained in the EAGALA method, utilizing Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy with her horse therapy team; Minnie, Dixie, and Peaches. Amy is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing and Trust-Based Relational Intervention Caregiver Training. Amy currently practices at the Portales office.

Gary Cox graduated from Lubbock Christian University in 1990 with a Liberal Arts degree and a Bachelor’s Degree in Education.  He earned a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling at Eastern New Mexico University in 2005.  Gary worked as a teacher and coach in public and private schools for 12 years.  He was a houseparent, case-worker, counselor, single-parent-minister, and director in a children’s home for 18 years.  He is currently a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New Mexico and a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate in Texas. Gary is trained in trauma-focused approaches, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, and has gained experience in Marriage Counseling through the Gottman Institute. Gary prefers working with adult clients. Gary uses various approaches for counseling which include Trauma Focused Therapy, Person-Centered, Strength-Based, Cognitive-Behavioral, and Marriage Therapy. When requested by clients, Gary will incorporate faith into his counseling practice. Gary currently practices at the Portales and Clovis office, and he can schedule online counseling as well. 

Deborah Chavez graduated from Eastern New Mexico University with a bachelor’s degree in social work in 2012. She then completed and graduated from Western New Mexico University in 2018 with a master’s degree in social work. Deborah is currently a Licensed Master Social Worker and is completing her requirements to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Deborah’s work history includes working with abused and neglected children, foster parents, and youth aging out of the foster care system. She is also an instructor of Social Work at Eastern New Mexico University. Deborah is trained in sand tray therapy and focuses on Person-Centered, Strengths-Based, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy helping to empower clients who suffer from anxiety, depression, and stressful life events. She enjoys working with clients ranging in age from adolescents to senior adults. Her approach for every client is based on their individual needs and goals and she practices at both the Clovis and Portales locations. 

Riley Everson graduated from the University of Maryland in 2013 with her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and then graduated with her Master’s in Social Work in 2017.  Riley then completed the requirements to receive her clinical licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in New Mexico, Florida, and Utah.  Riley has experience working with a variety of different populations and her work experience includes; community mental health, children in the foster care system, sexual assault survivors, and more recently, the military population.  She has a focus in young to senior adults and utilizes a combination of person-centered, strength-based, and cognitive approaches in therapy but believes that each person is at a different starting point when attending therapy and will tailor the approach to best fit the person in that time.  Riley is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Prolonged Exposure, and Cognitive Processing Therapy and uses these modalities to work through resolving any past trauma, causing present issues. 

Christian Garcia graduated from Eastern New Mexico University with his bachelor’s degree in Social Work in 2017, and graduated with a master’s degree in social work from Walden University in 2020. Christian is currently a Licensed Master’s Social Worker (LMSW). Christian is working towards fulfilling the requirements to receive his licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of New Mexico. Christians’ work history includes working in the acute care medical settings for five years at Covenant Medical Center in Lubbock, TX. Christian also has experience in the behavioral health setting completing crisis emergency psychiatric assessments in the emergency room at Covenant Medical Center, as well as experience working in an inpatient behavioral health hospital as a social worker. Christians’ current full-time job is as a school social worker with the Portales Municipal School District. Christian focuses on a variety of treatment modalities to include depression, anxiety, substance use, and behavioral problems for Be Well Counseling Services. Christian uses CBT, DBT, and is in the process of gaining experience in sand tray and play therapy. However, each client is seen and treated on a case-by-case basis, and therapy modalities may be changed to suit an individual's particular needs. Christian currently practices at the Portales office in person and via TeleVideo.

Olivia Garcia graduated from Eastern New Mexico University in 2017 with a bachelor's degree in psychology. She then attended Colorado Christian University where she graduated with a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling in 2020. Olivia has met the state requirements and is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) working towards becoming a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). Olivia enjoys working with people of all ages and backgrounds and has experience counseling children, adolescents, and adults. Her work history includes working with severe mental illnesses within the community mental health setting, addiction, leading adolescent counseling groups, along with experience with adolescents with eating disorders in an intensive outpatient setting. Olivia seeks to empower and provide all clients with individualized care but tends to approach counseling from an integrative perspective, often drawing from strength-based, person centered, or cognitive behavioral modalities. She has training in Child Centered Play Therapy, Eating Disorders, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Trauma-Focused CBT. When requested by clients, Olivia is happy to incorporate faith into sessions. She currently practices out of both the Clovis and Portales offices. 

Michael O. Gilchrest graduated from Eastern New Mexico University with Bachelor’s Degrees in both Psychology and Religion in 2012, and a Master’s of Arts in Counseling in 2015.  Michael is a licensed Mental Health Counselor in the State of New Mexico.   Michael did his internship with the 9th Judicial Drug Court Program.  Michael has had experience counseling children, adolescents, and adults.  Michael enjoys helping others, but his primary focus is with men/young men of all ages, marriage and family, addictions, and veterans.  Michael utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy most of the time but is committed to using the counseling approach that is best for the individual and their success.  Every client is treated appropriately according to their needs. Michael currently practices at both the Clovis and Portales offices.       

Rebbecca Gossett graduated from Eastern New Mexico University, earning a bachelor’s degree in Family and Consumer Sciences in 2008 and a Master’s in Education in School Counseling in 2012. In 2012, she completed all the coursework to become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor as well as obtained a School Counselor License in New Mexico. She has been a School Counselor since 2012 and currently is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. Becca has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. She uses sand-tray therapy, play therapy, art therapy, EMDR, DBT, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy as some of her main therapy techniques. Becca’s focus is empowering clients of all ages by helping them to discover their strengths, learn ways to cope with stressful life events, and express feelings using techniques that are often self-guiding and healing. Becca is passionate about helping others find solutions that best fit them and will continue to help them long after counseling has ended. Becca currently practices at the Portales office.

Erika Grussendorf graduated from Western New Mexico University with a bachelor's degree in Chemical Dependency Counseling and a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice in 2011. She then completed and graduated from Western New Mexico University in 2015 with a master's degree in social work and is currently completing her Doctorate in Social Work at Walden University. Erika is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Substance Abuse Associate, and a Substance abuse professional (SAP). Erika's work history started with those incarcerated, abused, and neglected children and those with disabilities in the educational field. Erika has gained experience in Marriage Counseling through the Gottman Institute, Brain spotting, and trauma-focused approaches. Erika is also an instructor of Social Work at Eastern New Mexico University and an online instructor of Psychology at Clovis Community College. Erika focuses on Marriage Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy, Person-Centered, Strengths-Based, Cognitive-Behavioral and Systems Theory, and substance abuse assessments. However, each client is approached based on their individual needs and desires for therapy. Erika currently practices at the Portales and Clovis offices.

Katie Hall graduated from Eastern New Mexico University in 2017 with her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and completed the fast-track program at Western New Mexico University to obtain her Master’s degree in Social Work in 2018. Katie then fulfilled the requirements to receive her licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of New Mexico in 2022. Her intern experiences were in community mental health counseling & with the Children Youth & Families Department (CYFD). Katie has experience working with a variety of different populations & her work experience includes: 2 years in a community mental health facility working with children & adults with severe mental illnesses, 3 years in the school setting, & 3 years (currently) as a therapist in private practice & with ARISE Sexual Assault Services. She primarily utilizes a combination of person-centered, strengths based, & cognitive behavioral approaches for therapy, but ultimately believes that each person deserves a uniquely tailored approach for their specific situation & desires for therapy. Katie also has training in child centered play therapy & trauma-focused therapy. When requested by the client, Katie enjoys incorporating her Christian faith into her therapy practice. Katie currently practices at the Clovis office & is available for virtual therapy services. 

Alex graduated from Eastern New Mexico University in 2010 with a Bachelor’s in Animal and Dairy Science with an emphasis in Production and Management. In 2016, Alex graduated from New Mexico Highlands University with a Master of Social Work in Clinical Social Work. Alex has passed the state requirements and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Alex’s work history includes adolescents in the public school system. She is also an adjunct professor at Eastern New Mexico University in the Social Work Department. Alex focuses on person-centered, cognitive-behavioral therapy. However, every client is treated as unique, and approaches and techniques are based on the individual's needs for counseling.

Danielle Newman graduated from Eastern New Mexico University with a Bachelor’s in Psychology in 2012 and a Master of Arts in Counseling in 2015. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of New Mexico and a Licensed Professional Counselor, Intern in the state of Texas. She is currently working toward the necessary requirements to become a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. Danielle has had the opportunity to teach in several areas, including adolescent psychology, at Eastern New Mexico University. She has had experience counseling a variety of populations ranging from young children to adults. She executes cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy, career counseling, play therapy, trauma-focused counseling, and other general counseling areas. Her main focus is helping clients to cope with depression, anxiety, family and relationship issues, self-esteem building, and daily life stressors. She enjoys the opportunity to take a faith-based approach in her work as a counselor. She has a strong passion for helping people and showing the love of Christ through her daily life as well as through her practice of counseling. Danielle is currently on maternity leave.

Gerianne Ontiveros graduated from Eastern New Mexico University in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology with an emphasis in social work. She earned her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling in 2020. After graduating with her master’s degree, Gerianne pursued counseling licensure. She is currently a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New Mexico and a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate in Texas. Gerianne is trained in trauma-focused approaches, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, and has gained experience in Marriage Counseling through the Gottman Institute. Gerianne prefers working with adult clients. Gerianne uses various approaches for counseling which include Trauma Focused Therapy, Person-Centered, Strength-Based, Cognitive-Behavioral, and Marriage Therapy. When requested by clients, Gerianne will incorporate faith into her counseling practice. Gerianne currently practices at the Portales office every other week and offers online counseling services as well. 

Kelsey Penix graduated from the University of Michigan-Flint with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 2013. While teaching in the public school system, she recognized the lack of mental health resources available to her students. For that reason, she earned her master’s degree in both clinical mental health counseling and school counseling from Spring Arbor University in 2017. Shortly after graduating with her master’s degree, Kelsey pursued counseling licensure in Michigan and New Mexico. She has worked in both school and clinical settings since then and is currently licensed as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LPCC) in New Mexico. To continue learning, Kelsey recently completed her doctoral degree in counselor education and supervision from the University of the Cumberlands. She also completed a graduate certificate in play therapy, a specialty that is particularly effective with children and adolescents. Kelsey enjoys working with clients of all different ages and backgrounds. She approaches counseling from a cognitive-behavioral perspective but seeks to meet the needs of each individual client. Kelsey is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, as well as sand tray therapy, both of which are therapeutic interventions used to address trauma. When requested by clients, Kelsey enjoys incorporating faith into her counseling practice. She currently practices at both the Clovis and Portales offices. Additionally, she is a Board-Certified Telemental Health Counselor, so she regularly offers online counseling services.

Marcus Smith graduated from Eastern New Mexico University with his bachelor’s degree in 2003 and graduated with a master’s degree in counseling from Eastern New Mexico University in 2009. Marcus then fulfilled the requirements to receive his licensure as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LPCC) in the state of New Mexico. Marcus’ work history includes working in the college counseling and advising setting, and he has extensive work dealing with sexual assault victims as he currently serves as the Clinical Coordinator for ARISE Sexual Assault Services. Marcus focuses on men’s issues, including depression, anxiety, and educational and behavioral problems, for Be Well Counseling Services. Marcus uses reality therapy as his dominant approach; however, each client is seen and treated as a unique individual, and each person’s particular needs and desires are accounted for in the counseling relationship. Marcus currently practices at both the Clovis and Portales offices.

Rossi Terry graduated from New Mexico State University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1999 and graduated with a master’s degree in school guidance counseling from Eastern New Mexico University in 2002. Rossi then went on to fulfill the requirements for mental health licensure for the state of New Mexico. Rossi is currently a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and a Clinical Supervisor. Rossi’s work history includes working in a children’s behavioral counseling program, working in the public school system, and working with sexual assault victims. In her counseling practice, Rossi focuses on women, children, and adolescent issues, including trauma, depression, anxiety, and behavioral problems. Trauma-informed care is important in Rossi's approach, and each client is seen and treated as a unique individual. Rossi is a trained Brain Spotting therapist and uses this modality to assist clients in resolving present issues and addressing unresolved past trauma. Rossi currently practices in the Portales office and offers online Telehealth sessions.

Jazmin Trujillo began her undergraduate career at Eastern New Mexico University where she graduated with a Bachelor's degree in psychology in 2015. Later in 2017, Jazmin continued her education in Communicative Disorders by completing a full rotation of leveling courses, emphasizing in childhood speech and language pathology. Jazmin then pursued and attained a Master's degree in counseling from West Texas A&M University in 2024. During her Master's program, Jazmin completed a 6 month internship at Be Well Counseling where she gained first hand experience in individual counseling and child-centered play therapy. Jazmin's work history includes 4 years of special certification in early intervention and child development, 3 years of community-based care coordination for people with mild to severe mental illness, and 3 years of upper management in a corporate setting. Jazmin's professional history has prepared her for high stress scenarios and understanding the sensitive nature of inter/intrapersonal relationships among all ages. Jazmin tends to use integrative perspectives from cognitive behavioral, solution-based, person-centered, and play therapy; however, each individual client is treated in accordance with their own needs. Jazmin currently practices at both the Portales and Clovis locations for English and Spanish speaking clientele. 

Sandra (Sandy) Whiting graduated from Eastern New Mexico University in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and in 2014 with a master of arts in counseling. Sandy spent much of her counseling internship here at Be Well Counseling Services and has since passed the National Counseling Examination and is now a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Sandy is currently working toward the necessary requirements to become a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. Sandy’s main focus is on women's and children’s issues, and her approach is mostly cognitive behavioral. However, every client is treated appropriately according to their individual needs. Sandy currently practices at both the Clovis and Portales offices.

 Jonathan P. Brunk graduated from University of New Mexico in 2010 with a bachelor's degree in criminology, and from Eastern New Mexico University with a master's degree in counseling in 2013.  He is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the state of New Mexico.  He has worked as a community mental health counselor for over ten years and has had experience working with trauma related disorders, sexual assault trauma and concerns, mood disorders, psychosis, substance abuse related disorders and concerns, and depression/anxiety disorders.  He has had experience working with children, adolescents, and adults of all ages.  He primarily makes use of person-centered approach in a therapeutic setting and will frequently make use of cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, and/or the therapeutic approach that is best suited to the individual.  He currently practices in the Portales office.