Meet the Team
At Journey to Peace, we listen to your story.
We do our best to pair you with the clinician who will fit your unique needs.
Read more about them below!
Dr. Nate Verschaetse, PSY.D.
Owner and Licensed Psychologist
Hello, and welcome. I am honored to walk with you on your healing journey. I am a licensed clinical psychologist and received my doctorate in clinical psychology from the Institute for the Psychological Sciences at Divine Mercy University – a graduate school with a focus on the integration of faith and therapy. I provide therapy and psychological assessments for adolescents, adults, couples, and families facing different challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, marital conflict, OCD and ADHD. I have been trained in a variety of clinical modalities and primarily use Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for both individuals and couples as well as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). I am also a psychological assessor for religious and seminarians seeking entry into formal vocational discernment. I have a background in healing ministry that helps me to integrate the healing practices of both faith and therapy.
The choice to enter therapy takes courage. I am confident that we can find a path through the difficulties that you are facing, even if you are unsure of the way forward. I believe that every individual has been given many unique strengths and that God is actively working in and through therapy to help you find healing. I look forward to working with you.
I am also available for speaking engagements and consultation to individuals or organizations (e.g., schools, parishes) for events such as workshops, conferences, and men’s or women’s groups on topics such as marriage, family life, anxiety, depression, family of origin, communication, and working through conflict.
*Dr. Nate is licensed to provide telehealth services under the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT). Please click here to see if your state is a PSYPACT participating state.
Contact Dr. Nate
Donna Schmidt, MA, LPC, NCC
Licensed Professional Counselor, Supervisor
*Please note: Donna is not accepting new clients. Please consider seeing one of the interns under her supervision.
Thank-you for visiting Journey to Peace Counseling Services. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in good standing with the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners and also am on the Board’s registry as an approved Clinical Supervisor. For several years, I have provided counseling services for non-profit organizations in the greater Phoenix area. Because of my engagement with community mental health, I have experience serving individuals with trauma, co-occurring disorders, mental illness (including SMI), substance use disorders, disordered eating, grief/loss, PTSD, depression, anxiety and life-transition issues. In my work I have served adults, adolescents and groups.
As a graduate of Denver Seminary’s Counselor Licensure Master’s Program, I have expertise in the integration of faith-based principles with a person-centered therapeutic approach.
I am a practicing Roman Catholic and am active in parish ministries; counseling is not a “job”, I see it as my vocation to which I have been called.
I make my home in the East Valley with my husband of over 37 years. My interests include: hiking, pen and ink art, reading and other creative outlets.
Contact Donna
Sonia Cano, MS, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor, Supervisor
Hi, my name is Sonia Cano. I am a licensed Professional Counselor and have over 14 years experience. My approach is strength-based and practical. I began my career in community mental health as a therapist and Clinical Supervisor. I work with children (8 years and older), adolescents, and adults. I work with individuals with an array of mental health issues and am trained in DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), CBT (Cognitively Behavioral Therapy), and EMDR (Eye-Movement Desensitization Reprocessing). As a Roman Catholic, my worldview is to see the intrinsic value and dignity in all persons as we are made in the likeness of God. I will work with each one of you, if given the opportunity, to help identify your strengths and gifts so that you can live to your fullest potential.
Areas of Experience:
I have experience working with couples to prepare them for marriage or married couples working to enrich their marriage.
I give my time as a Counselor to Rachel’s Vineyard. Rachel’s Vineyard is for both women and men post-abortive. I believe that anyone who experiences a loss, either through infertility, miscarriage or abortion, naturally encounters grief and at times trauma if not handled correctly.
I have extensive knowledge in working with First Responders, Veterans and their families. These populations, in their call to serve, often times experience circumstances if left untreated can manifest in trauma and other mental health issues and unfortunately impact those in their environment.
Contact Sonia
Emily Speck, MS, LAC
Licensed Associate Counselor
Hi, my name is Emily. I am a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC). I work under the supervision of Donna Schmidt, who is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a certified Clinical Supervisor. I am currently in the process of obtaining 3,200 hours of work experience in order to become an LPC. I also completed my student practicums at Journey to Peace Counseling Services under the supervision of Donna Schmidt. At that time, in 2019, I received my Master of Christian Counseling degree through Grand Canyon University. I am currently undergoing a certification training through Postpartum Support International in Psychotherapy for Perinatal Mood Disorders.
I have experience using psychotherapeutic models such as Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, and Child-Centered Play Therapy as well as incorporating techniques from a variety of other models such as Psychodynamic and Emotion-Focused.
I believe that all individuals are made in the image and likeness of God and we have the ability to choose joy and find peace in whatever circumstance we find ourselves. I look forward to meeting you and working with you on that journey.
Contact Emily
Mary Jane Lessard, MEd, LPC, LISAC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Licensed Independent Substance Abuse Counselor
Hello, my name is Mary Jane. The majority of my life's work and education has been in the child and family service sector. I obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree (B.S.) from Park College, with honors. Pursuing further education, I completed a master's degree in Counseling Education (M.Ed.) from Northern Arizona University. I have been a Licensed Substance Abuse counselor (LISAC) since 2003, and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) since 2015. My work experience includes ten years as a Senior Substance Abuse Counselor at Perryville State Prison; where I led an all-female group, "Women in Recovery," focusing on addiction recovery and healing from trauma; helping them pursue healthy relationships and lifestyles using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). My social work experience includes working with families in various capacities; including as a Child Protective Service worker, a School-to-Work counselor, and as a Head Start Home Visitor. In 1996, I received a Certificate of Recognition from the City of Chandler Mayor's Committee for People with Disabilities.
My Catholic faith has been my source of strength during trials in my life. Throughout my participation in the Legion of Mary, I have been a Eucharistic Minister at Banner Hospital and at the Immanuel Care center. In addition, I have also volunteered helping the Veterans and children at public schools.
I am originally from a small town in Minnesota; however, I have spent most of my adult life in the Phoenix area. I am a widow, have two adult children, and three grandchildren. I enjoy helping people reach their goals and I look forward to working with you.
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Cindy Bird, MS, LAC
Licensed Associate Counselor
Hello and welcome! I have a Master of Science in Clinical Counseling with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy from Grand Canyon University. As an undergraduate, I received a degree in Psychology and wrote a thesis examining what makes a marriage successful. I am working under the supervision of Donna Schmidt, MA, LPC, NCC. I enjoy working with couples, families, and clients in many different stages of life. I employ cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), rational emotive behavioral therapy (REBT), and solution-focused therapy (SFT) with a person-centered, therapeutic approach. I have received specific training in EMDR to address trauma. I also have training in CBT and emotionally focused therapy (EFT) for my work with couples. I have spent many years teaching Baptism and Marriage preparation classes for the Diocese of Phoenix. I would be honored to walk with you as you work towards becoming the person you are meant to be!
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Kristi Thornton, LAC
Licensed Associate Counselor
Hello! I am a Licensed Associate Counselor and am working under the supervision of Donna Schmidt, MA, LPC, NCC. I have a BA in Psychology from the University of Kansas and a Masters in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Phoenix. I interned at Rosewood Center for Eating Disorders Intensive Outpatient Program.
In between degrees, I spent extensive time volunteering abroad in Thailand, Peru, and India, as well as mentoring Sudanese refugees here in Phoenix. I’ve spent the past thirteen years raising my four boys. I look forward to helping individuals of all ages, as well as couples. I have experience in working with trauma, addiction, depression, anxiety, postpartum, and grief/loss. I provide Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Solution Focused Therapy (SFT).
I’m a Catholic convert and feel so blessed to be able to integrate faith into guiding you towards peace and a more fulfilling path.
Contact Kristi
Romano Cedillos, MS, LAC
Licensed Associate Counselor
My name is Romano and I provide Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I counsel married and engaged couples as well as individuals experiencing challenging problems of all types. As a U.S. Air Force retiree, it is my honor and desire to serve veterans and first responders with their mental, emotional, and relationship challenges. Unfortunately, I am not fluent in Spanish. No hablo español con fluidez.
I'm a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) (temporarily licensed). I have a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Grand Canyon University. I work under the supervision of Donna Schmidt, who is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a certified Clinical Supervisor. My special focus is pornography and sexual addiction. I use a scientific therapeutic approach. I am also a therapist living out his Catholic faith. I am prepared to speak to your Christian faith if you desire a faith-based therapeutic experience.
If you are married or engaged and want to improve your relationship, please call or email me. If you are single and dealing with the stresses and challenges of life, please consider contacting me. Are you laboring under the heavy guilt and shame of porn or sexual addiction? Please reach out to me. I'm here to listen, support, and help you break free of your chains.
Contact Romano
Melanie Huyett, MC, LAC
Licensed Associate Counselor
Melanie is currently completing a Master of Counseling at Arizona State University and she is working under the supervision and license of Donna Schmidt, LPC. Melanie graduated from Pennsylvania State University in 2009 with a degree in Human Development and Family Studies.
Melanie has lived in Calcutta, India and worked as a volunteer with the Missionaries of Charity providing hospice care, medical dispensary wound care, and childcare for infants and toddlers with intellectual and physical disabilities. During her nine-year career in human services and case management, Melanie has worked with children, adolescents, adults, and families in child welfare, substance use disorder treatment, homeless services, and aging and senior independence.
Melanie’s approach to counseling is informed by psychoanalytic, attachment-based, person-centered, humanistic, and strength-based theories. Melanie believes that symptoms are signs of the hurts we have acquired through the process of the human experience. Counseling is an opportunity for accompaniment in healing wounds, particularly those obtained in the context of human relationships. Melanie firmly believes in the innate goodness, profound dignity, indomitable strength, and unlimited potential of the human spirit and this permeates her work with clients. Melanie has a special interest in the integration of faith, spiritual issues, and counseling and approaches this through the lens of a Catholic-Christian perspective. Melanie is also interested in trauma, grief, disordered eating, depression, and anxiety.
Jackie Haraksin
Administrative Assistant
Hello! I’m thrilled to be a part of the team at Journey to Peace. It is a joy to work in such a peaceful office! I help out with scheduling, billing, and phone calls, my goal is to keep things running smoothly! Regardless of who you schedule with, you can rely on me to take care of your schedule. Getting to work with our clients always brightens my day; I look forward to meeting you!
Contact Jackie
How do I start?
Sometimes the process of choosing a therapist can feel overwhelming. All of our clinicians are happy to provide a free, 15 minute phone consultation to answer any of your general questions before getting started. Please call our main office to schedule!