• A woman with long, wavy brown hair wearing a green blazer and a white top standing against a light gray background.

    Stacey Demarey, LCSW

    I have been in practice for almost 15 years and am passionate about helping people achieve the best version of themselves. I believe that life and happiness is all about balance. I utilize a variety of therapeutic approaches such as EMDR, CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, Family Systems, and Gottman Therapy to address my client’s concerns. I also provide therapeutic yoga sessions individually or in small groups.

  • A young woman with long wavy brown hair wearing a black blazer and white top, smiling at the camera against a gray background.

    Hannah Apodaca, LPCC

    I specialize in working with individuals, couples, and families facing a variety of concerns, including depression, anxiety, trauma, attachment issues, addiction, grief and loss, relational conflicts, divorce, and life transitions. I believe that everyone has a unique story shaped by their experiences, and I am committed to helping clients navigate feelings of shame, fear, and low self-worth to build resilience and self-acceptance. I have extensive training in CBT,ACT, TFCBT, DBT, EMDR, Faith-Informed Therapy, and the Gottman Method for Couples.

    I earned her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University and have experience working with diverse populations, including men, women, young adults, teens, and children. As an LGBTQ+ ally, I am committed to creating an inclusive and affirming space for all clients. My goal is to provide a respectful, encouraging, and empowering therapeutic space where individuals can process life’s challenges, rediscover their inner strength, and cultivate hope, self-worth, and a sense of belonging.

  • A professional headshot of a man with blond hair, wearing a dark suit, light blue dress shirt, and blue tie, smiling against a gray background.

    Benjamin Harris, LPCC

    I specialize working with adolescents, teens, adults, couples and families. My goal is to help you find purpose and enjoyment in life again. Our experiences teach us ways to view and interact with the world and ourselves. These patterns of thinking and behavior can keep us emotionally stuck where we don’t want to be. Working together, I will give you the space to share your story without judgement and support you in identifying and changing the thoughts, behaviors, beliefs, and situations that are getting in the way of what you want and need in your life. I will teach you the skills to approach situations more effectively, cope with difficult emotions, and achieve what you want in life. I use evidence-based specialties in my care such as EMDR, ACT, DBT, CBT, and EFT.

  • Smiling woman with long brown hair, wearing a black T-shirt with an image of a man on it, sitting in front of a plain light-colored wall.

    Tina Sparks, BFA, MA, LMHC

    I graduated from Southwestern College in Santa Fe, NM with a Master’s Degree in both Counseling and Art Therapy. I also hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Art from the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe. I am a Certified Grief Counselor, and carry certifications in Trauma, ACT, Grief & Renewal, Eco-Therapy, and Dream Tending.

    As people move through life, trauma to the heart, mind, body and soul can cause us to lose connection to our truest Self. This disconnect, or “splintering” can leave a residue of painful memories, dissociation from the body and disturbed energy within the soul. I help people learn to reconnect to their bodies, explore ways to release the energetic residue of trauma, investigate the wisdom of their dreams, and return to themselves through the use of creative and holistic approaches for well being.

  • Headshot of a young woman with shoulder-length brown hair, wearing a navy blazer over a white top, smiling softly, with a neutral gray background.

    Emily Lee, LMHC

    I am a graduate of Walden University's Master’s degree program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I specialize in working with teenagers and adults struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, sleep disturbances, family conflict, and life stressors. I also have experience working with clients with neurodivergence as well as military members and families.

    I employ evidence-based techniques such as CBT, DBT, ACT, EFT, Mindfulness, Trauma-Informed Care, and ADHD informed care to help individuals, couples, and families recognize and break negative patterns, fostering healthier behaviors. By exploring relationship dynamics and interpersonal connections, I guide clients toward building stronger bonds and a more empowered sense of self. Through empathy-driven interventions and a humanistic approach, I help clients embrace change, cultivate acceptance, and develop adaptive strategies for personal growth.

  • Samantha Decker- Hoppen, LMHC/LAT

    I believe in the mind, body, and spirit connection. I am a person-centered counselor who will work with you to find the tools and resources that best fit your personality and situation. I offer an integrated approach to counseling that includes art therapy, CBT, ACT, DBT, EFT, somatic and mindfulness techniques, attachment repair and compassionate non-judgmental reflective listening. I am culturally sensitive, LGQBTIA+ friendly and provide a trauma informed safe space to process your unique circumstance. I offer both in person and online counseling for individuals 15 and older as well as couples and families. If you are struggling with overwhelming stress, depression, anxiety, trauma or are seeking ways to better your life, together we can create attainable goals to bring you back in balance with your life’s purpose.

  • Headshot of a smiling man with blonde hair, blue eyes, wearing a light blue button-down shirt, against a light gray background.

    Jens Brakenhoff, LPCC

    I believe that our life experiences can shape us in many ways. Together we can work through healing old wounds, processing through difficult life experiences and work together to specialize in EMDR Therapy, Trauma-Informed Therapy, CBT, ACT, DBT, as well as Faith-Informed Therapy, if requested. I specialize in helping clients work through anxiety, depression, trauma, co-parenting and couples’ concerns as well as family conflict. My expertise is working with teens, couples, adults and veterans. I graduated from Liberty University with a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling.


  • Keith Denick, LMSW

    I graduated with my Master of Social Work degree from Ohio State University and completed my clinical training at Back in Balance Counseling & Wellness. I previously earned a Master’s degree in the Art of Teaching and spent several years as a middle and high school social studies teacher. My background in education helped me develop strong communication skills and a deep commitment to supporting individuals as they navigate growth, challenges, and life transitions.

    My professional interests include working with LGBTQ+ individuals, neurodivergent clients, trauma survivors, and those experiencing anxiety, identity exploration, and major life changes. I am particularly passionate about supporting autistic and LGBTQ+ clients and helping individuals develop greater self -understanding, resilience, and practical tools to improve their mental health and overall well-being. My approach emphasizes creating a safe, collaborative, and respectful environment where clients feel heard, respected and empowered as they explore their experiences and develop tools for meaningful personal growth. I am trained in CBT, ACT, DBT Skills, and Psychodynamic Theory.

    Outside of my professional work, I enjoy music, creative projects, and exploring the Southwest with my husband and our dog.

  • A woman with long, dark wavy hair smiling, wearing a black blazer over a black top, against a gray background.

    Samantha Barela, Masters of Clinical Social Work - in progress

    I am a Mental Health Therapist in training at Back in Balance Counseling. I am currently enrolled in graduate school at New Mexico Highlands University and working towards earning my Masters of Social Work Degree to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Before devoting myself to being a Mental Health Therapist, I worked as a Paramedic Firefighter for our local Fire Department, and have worked as a Paramedic in various local Emergency Departments. I am trained in CBT, DBT, ACT, the Gottman Method for couples work, and Trauma-Informed Care. I am passionate about serving our community, especially those who are under-served and underrepresented.

  • Portrait of a young woman with light skin, long wavy brown hair, and a septum piercing, wearing a white collared shirt, against a light gray background.

    Faith Bauder, Masters of Counseling - in progress

    I am currently a student at Grand Canyon University in the process of completing my Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I have completed my Bachelor's in Behavioral Health Science with honors and I have multiple years of experience in various clinical settings including psychiatric hospitals and inpatient rehab facilities. I have worked with a variety of populations and aided in the direct care or management of diverse mental health concerns including severe psychiatric disorders, addiction disorders, domestic violence, depression and anxiety. I am trained in CBT, DBT, ACT, Psychodynamic therapy as well as Trauma-Informed Care. I aim to serve in the establishment of positive mental health and facilitate the integration of comprehensive wellness strategies for my clients.

  • Mariepet Mangosing, Masters of Clinical Social Work - in progress

    I am a first-generation Filipina MSW student at Eastern New Mexico University, training in clinical social work with an emphasis on radical compassion. My background spans creative storytelling, youth mentorship, and community-based research focused on improving youth-homelessness systems in New Mexico. I approach therapy through a trauma-responsive, culturally grounded lens, honoring each client’s lived experience while supporting their capacity for healing, self-understanding, and meaningful change. I am trained in CBT, DBT, ACT, Play Therapy skills, and Trauma-Informed Care.

  • Lauren Crowder, Master's of Counseling & Art Therapy - in progress

    As a graduate student at Southwestern College pursuing a Master’s in Counseling and Art Therapy, I am committed to supporting individuals as they navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and life’s challenging transitions. I provide a safe, non-judgmental environment where healing can begin through a trauma-informed, person-centered, and collaborative approach. By integrating evidence-based practices like CBT, ACT, DBT with narrative, psychodynamic, and art therapy, I work alongside you to foster growth and resilience.

  • A woman with long brown hair, blue eyes, and fair skin, smiling in front of a gray background, dressed in a dark blazer and light blue blouse.

    Darsha Stanley, Masters of Clinical Social Work - in progress

    As a Master of Social Work candidate, I am dedicated to supporting adults, adolescents, and couples through the complexities of trauma, anxiety, depression, and relationship transitions. My approach is defined by a warm and collaborative presence, ensuring a space where every client feels safe and cared for. Rooted in humanistic and positive psychology, I value meeting individuals with genuine curiosity and respect, using my own lived experience to provide deeply empathetic and compassionate support. I am trained in Faith-Informed Therapy, CBT, DBT, ACT, the Gottman Method for couples, and Trauma-Informed Care.

  • A young woman with dark hair in a messy bun, smiling, wearing a black blazer and a pinkish-brown top, against a gray background.

    Aubrey Scharton, Masters of Clinical Social Work - in progress

    I am currently an MSW student at New Mexico Highlands University training in clinical social work and completing my practicum at Back in Balance Counseling and Wellness. I have completed a bachelor's in psychology and plan to pursue my LCSW after my MSW graduation. 

    My professional trainings are in CBT, DBT Skills, ACT, EMDR Skills, Sex Therapy-informed approaches, and Art Therapy. My approach focuses on creating a safe, non-judgmental space for clients to feel seen and heard with an emphasis on autonomy.


  • Headshot of a woman with shoulder-length curly brown hair, wearing a dark blazer and black top, smiling subtly, against a neutral background.

    Bianca Castro, Master's of Social Work - in progress

    I am a Master of Social Work student at New Mexico Highlands University, currently completing my clinical practicum at Back in Balance Counseling. I approach therapy with warmth, curiosity, and the belief that each person is the expert on their own lived experiences.

    I have a particular interest in trauma-informed care, women’s mental health, and anxiety. My clinical approach is person-centered and strengths-based, with a focus on understanding and supporting the whole person rather than defining someone by a diagnosis. I am trained in CBT, DBT Skills, ACT, and Psychodynamic Therapy. I strive to create a welcoming, nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard, respected, and supported as they navigate challenges, build on their strengths, and work toward meaningful change.

  • Portrait of a smiling woman with long dark hair, glasses, earrings, and a necklace, wearing a sleeveless black top, against a dark grey background.

    Franky Carrizoza, Master's of Social Work - in progress

    I am a second-year graduate intern pursuing my Master of Social Work at New Mexico State University. I earned my Bachelor of Social Work in 2024 and bring a compassionate, holistic approach to supporting individuals and families.

    As an Indigenous practitioner, I value the importance of culture, connection, and community in the healing process. I am passionate about supporting students and families as they navigate life’s challenges, strengthen relationships, and build resilience. My goal is to create a welcoming and supportive space where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered throughout their healing journey.

  • Headshot of a woman with long dark hair, wearing a black and white striped shirt, smiling, against a gray background.

    Nikki Sjoblom, Master's in Mental Health Counseling - in progress

    I am currently pursuing a dual master’s degree in School Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling at New Mexico Highlands University. My clinical interests include supporting individuals experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, and suicidal ideation. I incorporate evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Skills, Faith-Informed Therapy, and Trauma-Informed Care, to help clients develop practical coping skills, process difficult emotions, and build resilience.

    I believe therapy should be a compassionate, nonjudgmental space where you feel genuinely seen, supported, and empowered in your healing journey. Outside of counseling, I enjoy spending time with my husband and sons, reading, crocheting, and relaxing with a family movie night.

  • A professional woman with curly brown hair, wearing a black blazer and a peach-colored blouse, smiling against a gray background.

    Danielle Furfaro

    I am currently pursuing my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at New Mexico Highlands University. Before entering the counseling field, I worked as a journalist, an experience that deepened my curiosity about people, their stories, and the experiences that shape their lives.

    I am passionate about supporting individuals as they navigate life’s challenges, develop a deeper understanding of themselves, and work toward meaningful change. I believe therapy is a collaborative process grounded in empathy, authenticity, and respect for each person’s unique experiences and strengths.

    My professional interests include group therapy, person-centered therapy, trauma-informed care, Faith-Informed Therapy, and walk-and-talk therapy. I am trained in CBT, ACT, DBT Skills, and MI. I strive to create a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered in their therapeutic journey.

  • A woman with long wavy black hair, wearing a blue blouse and a silver necklace, smiling against a plain beige background.

    Angelina Lara, Master's Degree in Social Work - in progress

    I am currently pursuing my Master of Social Work at the Facundo Valdez School of Social Work at New Mexico Highlands University while completing my clinical training at Back In Balance Counseling & Wellness. I hold a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in Community Health Education. My passion for helping others led me to pursue a career in social work and clinical practice. After earning my MSW, I plan to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and continue growing as a clinician.

    My therapeutic interests include humanistic and relational approaches, mindfulness, and creative interventions such as art-based activities. I am trained in evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Skills, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Skills, and Trauma-Informed Care. I strive to integrate these approaches thoughtfully to meet each client’s unique needs and support their growth and overall well-being.

    I have experience working with children and adolescents of all ages and feel especially called to serve young people. I am passionate about helping them develop the skills, confidence, and support needed to overcome challenges and build a successful future.

  • A smiling older woman with shoulder-length gray hair, wearing glasses, pearl earrings, a black blazer, and a white top against a gray background.

    Dianne Franklin, Business Office Manager

    As Business Office Manager at Back in Balance Counseling & Wellness, I am directly involved with most aspects of managing a small business.  My experience is derived from 38 years of employment with the Department of Veterans Administration (VA) where, during the last 30 years of my tenure, I held multiple managerial positions, to include personnel management, resource management, program management and budgeting.  I supervised a team of information technology specialists concerned with the development and implementation of information systems.  I was hand-selected as project lead for multiple process improvement and systems redesign initiatives.  I come to Back in Balance Counseling & Wellness with in-depth knowledge of administrative and clinical processes.  My experience in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology specific to clinical disciplines, knowledge of efficient scheduling procedures as well as complete understanding of billing practices and procedures has proven to be invaluable in this position.

  • Professional headshot of a woman with long black hair, wearing a black blazer and a gold earring, smiling against a gray background.

    Ari Hernandez, Licensed Massage Therapist

  • Close-up of a person holding a oval-shaped stone with colorful striped patterns, with fingers gently gripping the stone.

    Guadalupe Torrez, Licensed Massage Therapist