MEET OUR STAFF
Steve jones, MA, T-LMHC, Executive Director
Steve is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Executive Director of Cornerstone Counseling Center. He also serves on the pastoral team of Cornerstone Church in Ames, IA, with a primary focus on care and counseling. Steve holds a Master of Arts in Theological Studies and a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University. He is trained in Gottman Method Couples Therapy and uses a variety of theoretical approaches, including CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), Solution Focused Brief Therapy, and family systems. Steve addresses a wide variety of issues in counseling such as depression, anxiety, grief and loss, OCD, attachment issues, shame, trauma, anger management, relational conflict, and spiritual concerns. Marital counseling is a focus of Steve’s work, and along with this emphasis comes the individual issues and unresolved hurts that create relational discord. Steve helps couples develop friendship, learn skills in communication and conflict management, and find healing and renewed hope. Steve is married (Paula), has 4 adult sons, 4 daughters-in-law, and 6 grandchildren.
Nathan Barker, Ph.D, L.P., Associate director
Nathan is the Associate Director of the Cornerstone Counseling Center. He completed his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Iowa State University. He has experience working with those who are struggling with anxiety, depression, career concerns and transitions, identity issues, and adjustment issues. He also has specialized training in couples therapy. Nathan’s approach is to work collaboratively with his clients to establish goals for therapy, a clear picture of the future, and tangible steps to work towards them. He believes that people are so much more than their struggles and invites conversations about identities, experiences, and values in his work with clients. Nathan believes that there is great power and healing through attending to the hurting parts of ourselves that we often don’t share with the outside world.
Ed Ruppert, MA, LISW, Counselor
Ed Ruppert is a Licensed Independent Social Worker who entered the human services arena in 1975. His career experience includes work in residential treatment, foster care, refugee resettlement, child welfare, marriage and family counseling, as well as mental health counseling. He has extensive experience in working with those going through difficult life transitions including divorce and separation. He has offered co-parenting counseling, conciliation counseling, custody mediation, and custody evaluations. He has offered a court mandated sensitivity training class (Co-Parent Experience) for over 25 years. He has worked extensively with pastors and congregations throughout the state, offering an array of congregational support services. He has advanced training in Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) and through the National Organization for Victims Assistance (NOVA). He is the Clinical Director for the central Iowa Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT). He has worked with this local team since its inception in 1990. He has responded to critical incidents locally, statewide, and nationally. He has advanced training in “Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing” (EMDR) as a modality in working with trauma victims, as well as working with anxiety related disorders. Mr. Ruppert is married (Martha) and has 3 adult sons.
Anthony Santiago, PH.D, LMFT
Anthony is a Licensed Marital and Family Therapist. He earned his Ph.D. from Iowa State University in Human Development and Family Studies (Specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy). He earned his M.MFT (Marriage and Family Therapy) and M.A. (Psychology) from Abilene Christian University (Abilene, TX), and his B.A. in Ministry and Christian Studies from the Austin Graduate School of Theology, Austin, Texas. His areas of interest include working with couples, families, adults, adolescents, and children. Some of the issues he works with include marital, problem solving/conflict resolution, step-families, single parenting, disciplining, communication, addictions, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and behavioral issues. His overarching theoretical framework is based on a systems perspective, which sees individuals as mutually influencing one another’s behavior as opposed to focusing on a single individual. Within this overarching theory he primarily tends to use Solution Focused approaches and strategies. Solution Focused approach focuses on finding reasonable solutions and options as opposed to focusing on problems. Anthony believes that all people have strengths no matter how bad things have gone wrong. He focuses on using clients’ strengths and past abilities as a foundation to develop new skills and abilities. He also believes in providing a safe and non-judgmental environment where clients can learn, develop, grow, and realize their potential and goals.
Holly Lukasiewicz, LISW
Holly Lukasiewicz is a Licensed Independent Social Worker. She received a bachelor’s degree in Child, Adult, and Family Services from Iowa State University and a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Northern Iowa. These educational accomplishments along with personal experiences led her to a career in mental health, an excellent fit for her God-given gifts and passions. Given the Ames location, she is excited to work with more college-aged individuals, to help them better understand themselves and navigate the many choices that lay before them. Holly has clinical experience working with children, adolescents, families, and individuals utilizing multiple therapeutic techniques including cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and dialectical behavioral therapy. Within her practice, she treats individuals over the age of 14 with anxiety, depression, grief and loss, OCD, attachment issues, spiritual concerns, and women’s issues such as postpartum anxiety and depression. Holly believes in meeting people in their unique life circumstances and working to help them experience safety, hope, and healing.
Katie Wheeler, MS, LMHC
Katie completed her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Drake University. As a therapist Katie aspires to provide a safe and nurturing environment, meeting clients where they are, and accompanying them through life and relationship concerns. Approaching counseling from a holistic framework and a strengths-based orientation that values the integration of our thoughts, emotions and behaviors, Katie utilizes a variety of therapeutic modalities to best support you in reaching your therapeutic goals. Katie works with individuals, couples and families, focusing on issues of life transitions, stress, depression, anxiety, trauma and loss. Through a collaborative therapeutic relationship, with empathy and understanding, Katie would be privileged to accompany you on your path to healing and wholeness.
Sidney Barker, LISW
Sidney is a Masters level, Licensed Independent Social Worker. She obtained her master’s degree at the University of Northern Iowa in a trauma focused program. She has experiences working with individuals, families, and groups focusing on trauma, loss, attachment, foster care and adoption, conduct issues, and many other mental health related struggles. She is trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), an evidence-based practice for addressing trauma and other mental health concerns. She also has training in DBT, Play Therapy, and Group Therapy. Sidney focuses on creating a safe therapeutic environment, to help encourage growth and healing. She advocates for the diversity and uniqueness of each individual in an effort to personalize treatment.
Brooke Woods, LISW
Brooke Woods is a Licensed Independent Social Worker. Brooke has received a Bachelor’s degree in Child, Adult, and Family Services from Iowa State University and a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Iowa. These educational accomplishments, along with personal experiences, have prepared her for a career in which her heart for others can truly shine. Brooke has many years of experience working with individuals through Iowa’s 7 different waiver programs (Elderly, Physical Disability, Health and Disability, AIDS/HIV, Brain Injury, Children’s Mental Health and Intellectual Disability) as a former Direct Support Care staff, a Workforce Development Counselor and as a Case Manager. In addition, Brooke has several years of experience as a Victim Advocate for victims and survivors of domestic violence. Brooke has clinical experience working with adolescents, individuals, couples and families. Brooke strives to help individuals, couples and families be the best and healthiest versions of themselves and as a family unit. Within her practice, she treats individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, OCD, ADD/ADHD, body image issues, faith/spirituality concerns, attachment issues, relationship concerns, family conflicts, self-harming concerns and trauma. Brooke creates a safe, comfortable, and non-judgmental environment for her clients where she can build a trusting relationship to meet people where they are at in life while assisting them to get to where they want to be. When Brooke is not helping others, she enjoys spending time with her husband and 3 children, being with her extended family, cheering loudly for the Minnesota Vikings and traveling all over the world as often as she can.
Heather Ostermann, MA, LMHC
Heather is a Licensed Mental Health Therapist with a passion for walking with others through pain and suffering, guiding them toward healing and growth through life’s journey. She has had the honor and privilege of working with a diverse group of clientele from all walks of life, serving a variety of populations with an even wider variety of presenting concerns, alongside very wise and experienced team members. She is passionate about using her skills and training to create a safe space for clients to openly discuss their fears, concerns, sadness, and joys so that they can learn to achieve their goals in life while navigating obstacles. She is trained in EMDR, TF-CBT, Family Therapy, Parent Coaching, Play Therapy Techniques, facilitating and leading therapy groups, working with clients with OCD, and utilizing ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention). With client permission, she enjoys integrating the Christian faith into sessions as a way to help them work towards their goals.
kylie sundblad, LIsw
Kylie is a Licensed Independent Social Worker. She holds a master’s degree from Walden University specializing in children and families. She has experience working with children and adolescents, alongside their families, as well as young adults, to provide support for their specific needs. Kylie works to guide individuals through the difficulties of anxiety, depression, anger issues, ADHD, and behavioral issues. Through empathy and a collaborative therapeutic relationship, she focuses on creating a comfortable and safe therapeutic space for all individuals. Kylie utilizes a variety of therapeutic frameworks to best help individuals with healing and reaching their therapeutic goals.
Sophia Bauman, T-LMHC
Sophia Bauman graduated from Grand View University with a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Sophia received her undergraduate degree in Child, Adult, and Family Services from Iowa State University. She has experience working with high school students and looks forward to working with clients from a variety of backgrounds. Sophia believes that creating a foundation of trust is the first step when walking with clients towards wellness. She aims at creating a climate of safety, trust, and understanding when working with clients
Madison Porter, T-LMHC
Madison graduated with a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Liberty University. Prior to attending Liberty, Madison received her bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University in the area of Child, Adult, and Family Services. Madison has experience working with children and families in a variety of settings, and she greatly enjoys walking alongside individuals through both the joys and challenges of life. Madison is now completing her supervised internship hours at Cornerstone Counseling Center, where she is specifically interested in providing play therapy services to children in the school setting. When working with clients, Madison strives to create a safe, accepting, and consistent environment where each child is empowered to learn, grow and achieve goals in a developmentally appropriate way.
Joel Jorgenson, MA, T-LMHC
Joel is a Licensed Mental Health provider for Cornerstone Counseling Center. He has an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University as well as an M.A. in theological studies from Bethel University. Prior to joining Cornerstone, he provided part-time lay counseling for individuals and couples (engaged couples, married couples, and single again). He is a certified Prepare-Enrich facilitator (for engaged and married couples) and has received training in the Gottman Method (couples therapy) and SYMBIS (Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts). He primarily uses a solution-focused approach to therapy; other theories include CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and narrative therapy. He and his wife, Debbie, have four adult children.
Sarah Potter, MS, T-LMHC
Sarah received a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Grand View University and a Bachelor of Science in Ministry Leadership with a concentration in Ministry to Women from Moody Bible Institute. She emphasizes the resiliency of her clients, prioritizes listening empathetically, meets her clients where they're at, and works collaboratively with them in reaching their goals. While flexible in using other modalities, Sarah primarily utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy in her work with adolescents and adults. Professional interests include areas of: Trauma & PTSD, Mothering and Women's Issues, Life Adjustment, Anxiety, Depression, and Shame & Self-Worth.
Sarah considers it an extension of her counseling work and a privilege to also work part- time at Assault Care Center Extending Shelter and Support (ACCESS) in Ames as an on- call victim advocate. She responds to hospitals and law enforcement centers, advocating for the needs of sexual assault and domestic violence victims. As part of this position, she is a certified victim counselor with training in trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, various types of abuse, the civil and criminal justice systems, and more as it relates to sexual and domestic violence.
Hannah McFarland, MA, T-LMHC
Hannah is a temporary licensed mental health counselor, currently under supervision while obtaining clinical hours and experience at Cornerstone Counseling. She studied at Crown College where she received both her BA in Psychology and her MA in Counseling. In her experience, everyone has a story, whether it was last week or years ago, and she is ready to hear that story. While most of her training has been in CBT, she also utilizes Narrative Therapy. While she has had experience working with many ages in various stages of life and from many backgrounds, she especially enjoys working with school aged children. Her goal is to continue working with children and gaining experience in Play Therapy. Outside of work she can be found hanging out with her parents and younger siblings, crocheting, playing the piano, or practicing Taekwondo.
Molli Butler, MA, T-LMHC
Molli is a temporary-licensed mental health counselor working towards full licensure and practicing under the supervision of Ed Ruppert. She holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Iowa State University as well as a Master of Arts in clinical mental health counseling from Liberty University. In addition to her work in the counseling field, Molli continues to work in the engineering industry managing a diverse team and fostering personal and professional development. Her overall theoretical framework stems from an Existential and Narrative mindset considering what drives individuals in their unique passion and purpose. She integrates this framework with a variety of approaches including ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) and CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). Molli works with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, grief and loss, OCD, trauma, life adjustment stress, career path navigation, faith and spirituality as well as other mental health concerns. Molli enjoys spending time outdoors, being with family and traveling.
Emily Ernst, MA, T-LMHC
Emily is a temporary licensed mental health counselor at Cornerstone Counseling. She has a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Colorado Christian University. Emily has experience working in outpatient settings with a wide range of populations and diagnoses. Emily loves helping young adults find their identity and calling in life. She believes that if we know who we truly are, we are better able to know our calling and purpose in life. Emily is passionate about assisting others in healing from the wounds of their past, as our woundings have a tendency to prevent us from living life fully as our true, authentic selves. She is interested in working with couples to assist them in connecting on a deeper, more emotional level. Emily takes a very relational, spiritual (as desired) and holistic approach to counseling - wanting to get to know her clients to best be able to assist them in growing into a more genuine version of themselves. In addition, she takes into consideration the influence of emotions and neuroscience when helping clients. In her free time, Emily likes the outdoors and being active, preferably hiking, dancing or camping.
PAULA JONES, ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY AND INSURANCE
Paula provides front desk, client scheduling, and insurance billing services for the counseling center. She has worked both in retail and as a Business Office Administrator at Edward Jones for the past 16 years. Paula is married (Steve) and has 4 adult sons, 4 daughters-in-law, and 6 grandchildren.