Behavioral Health Program

Naheim Rida, LMSW
(he/him)

I view therapy as a unique opportunity to reflect on your identity and experiences, and to lay the foundations for healing and thriving. I hope together we can co-create a space that is safe, inviting, and accepting where you can truly express yourself. I have a passion for offering LGBTQ+ affirming services and helping you navigate through life changes, grief, anxiety, depression, and overcoming trauma. I take a holistic and narrative approach to therapy, using multiple evidence-based practices including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. In my free time, I enjoy watching films, drawing, and journaling.

Profile Details:

Naheim has a Masters in Social Work, 2 years of experience (excluding internship), and specializes in LGBTQ+ issues, Grief and Loss, Anxiety, Life Transitions. Methods used in his practice include CBT, ACT, DBT, IFS, Motivational Interviewing, Strengths Based, Narrative Therapy, Problem-solving and Solution Oriented Therapy.

Lizz Baarman, LLMSW
(she/they)

Hi there! I’m Lizz, I am a Social Worker who uses a client centered approach mixed with CBT techniques. I have an upbeat, warm, and friendly personality and focus on personal connections while building solutions together. I am particularly helpful for clients struggling with anxiety, codependency, people pleasing tendencies, ADHD, as well as a variety of other issues. I also offer counseling for sexual health or couples, including ethically non-monogamous or polyamorous couples/individuals. I am experienced in serving the LGBTQIA+ community as well as working with individuals of all ages and backgrounds. I believe each person has their own unique journey in life and see it as an honor to help someone find their path.

Profile Details:

Lizz has a BA in Psychology, Masters in Social Work, and 2 years of experience (excluding internship). They see clients ranging from young adults to seniors (15-108 years). Areas of expertise include Anxiety, Codependency, People Pleasing, Relationship issues, Sexual Health, Polyamory and Ethical non-monogamy, Depression, Trauma, LGBTQ issues, Couples. 

Yawen Ning (preferred name- Ning), LMSW

(she/her) 

Not currently accepting new clients

Hello! I’m Ning. I am deeply committed to providing culturally competent and inclusive care. My clinical approach integrates evidence-based techniques like EMDR, DBT, and CBT, tailored to meet each client’s unique needs. I specialize in sexual health, trauma, serving the LGBTQIA+ community, and individuals practicing ethical non-monogamy. Beyond clinical practice, I am actively involved in research aimed at enhancing our understanding of how sexual health and trauma impact diverse populations.

I am particularly skilled in assisting adults with PTSD, depression, and other mental health challenges, and I support young adults in their identity exploration journeys. My human-centered practice fosters autonomy and collaboration to create a safe and non-judgmental space for growth and healing.

If you’re seeking a therapist who values your individuality and is dedicated to your well-being, I look forward to helping you navigate your path to healing and personal growth.

I am an adventurer who embraces and enjoys many interests, such as clay, drawing, reading, writing, yoga, workouts, medication, running, reality TV shows, travel, mixology, camping, good food, and photography. Outside of my therapy practice, I volunteer for the Chinese Rainable Society and support the Chinese kink community in the US. I also have a social media platform for psychoeducation.

Profile Details:

Ning has a BA in Psychology with a minor in Sociology, Masters in Social Work, and 6 years of experience. Ages served are 18-60 years. Certification and specialized training include sex therapy, EMDR and complex trauma certification, doctoral research on sexual health and trauma, and cultural adaptive Motivation Interviewing training.

Ariel Gant, LPC 
(she/her)

Hey, I’m Ariel. My therapy practice focuses on client-centered, strengths-based approach. I am finishing my EMDR certification (training completed in 2022) and hope to eventually obtain certification in DBT and LPC supervision. I serve clients ages 12+ with focuses on anxiety, depression, self-harm, and trauma. My intervention methods include EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing), CBT (cognitive behavior therapy), Motivational interviewing, and TF-CBT (trauma focused cognitive behavior therapy). In my free time, I enjoy traveling, photography, arts/crafts, video games, and writing. I hope to someday write a book!

Profile Details:

Ariel has a Masters in Counseling and 7+ years of experience. She serves clients 12+ years.

Stacey Molinaro, LMSW, Supervising Therapist
(she/her)

Hello! I’m Stacey, the Supervising Therapist at Affirmations. In addition to supervising our wonderful social work students, I support the Behavioral Health program at Affirmations through program development and networking.
As a therapist, I focus on adults (18+), with a special interest in older adults (65+). I have spent 15 years helping those with dementia and their families. While I’m passionate about serving this population, I am also interested in helping clients who are struggling with anxiety, depression, BiPolar and interpersonal challenges.

My therapeutic philosophy is that the client and therapist are a team, working together to identify personal strengths, abilities and goals. Together we will identify barriers to personal growth, look for ways to address those barriers, and support change through a mix of methods like CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Solutions-Focused treatment and narrative therapy. I believe you are the expert in your needs and my role is to support your journey by offering tools and feedback along the way.

I am child-free by choice, but a pet mother to my cat, Luna, and my dog, Vito (whom you may encounter if you visit the center in person.) I enjoy photography, trying new breweries and restaurants, and I’m a big true crime and paranormal nerd. I love making people laugh and find humor to be healing.

Profile Details:

Stacey has a Bachelor of Social Work, Masters in Social Work, and 15 years of experience. She sees clients 18+ and is certified as a Dementia Practitioner. Methods used in her practice include Strengths Based, Solutions-Focused, MI, and CBT.

Cate Spinney, Director of Health and Human Services, LMSW, CAADC, CCS
(she/her)

Welcome! We are so happy to have you here.

My practice is rooted in the belief that therapy is a partnership based on trust, understanding, and authenticity. My expertise lies in trauma-informed care, substance use and addiction, and gender-affirming care. I am currently training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) with plans on pursuing full certification. My 17+ years of experience in this field has taught me that, more often than not, the hardest step is the first one. If you’re ready to take the next step toward positive change, I invite you to reach out!

Profile Details:

Cate has a Bachelor of Psychology, Masters in Social Work, and 17 years of experience. She sees clients of all ages. Her specializations include Alcohol and Drug Addiction (Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Certified Clinical Supervisor – MCBAP), EMDR Trained, TF-CBT Certified, Child and Family Services. Methods used in her practice include CBT, MI, EMDR, LGBTQ+ CBT (in progress), Gender Identity.