Therapists

Ashley is an Air Force Veteran who has a dual degree in Anthropology and Psychology from Montana State University. 

She obtained her Master’s in Social Work from Northwest Nazarene University. 

She specializes in co-occurring disorders and trauma. Her graduate research focused on improving treatment modalities for offenders of domestic violence. 

She has experience working with adults with developmental disabilities, offenders of domestic violence, and refugees. 

Prior to coming to HSI she spent 3 years doing Case Management and Peer Support for refugees. 

Ashley is an outdoor enthusiast who loves to go hiking, camping, and snowboarding. 

  Nichole Oprins, LCSW provides mental health counseling for our Caldwell patrons. 

Nichole primarily utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused and Mindfulness. 

She specializes in treating emotional and environmental struggles, some of which include trauma induced symptoms, depression, anxiety, anger & stress management, communication skills and self-esteem.  

Nichole received both her Bachelor of Social Worker and Master of Social Worker at Boise State University and has worked in the Mental Health industry since 2001.  

The most favorite part of her job is to watch her clients create and experience healthier habits and coping skills.  

When Nichole is not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband and kids. 

She enjoys watching her kid’s sporting events and being outside hiking, camping and gardening.  Nichole volunteers her time as her son’s cub scout leader as well as coordinates special events for her kid’s fundraising projects.  

Nichole’s favorite self-care activity is drinking coffee and binge-watching crime shows on Netflix. 

Sarah received her Bachelor’s of Science in Social Work from NNU in 2002. 

Her Masters of Science in School Counseling from S.D.S.U. in 2009 and her Masters in Social Work from NNU in 2020. 

Sara specializes in LGBQTIA+ friendly, adults, couples, Female teenagers 14+. 

Her favorite part of the job is, being able to meet new people and building rapport with co-workers and participants.  

Working in an environment that is accepting. 

When Sarah isn’t at the office you can find her, crafting, canning, and spending time with her dogs. 

Self care for Sara looks like, quality time with her family or friends and the chance to read books.

Elena Ramirez, LMSW, specializes as a mental health therapist. Elena graduated with a Bachelor’s in Social Work from Boise State University in May of 2020. 

She continued her education and obtained her Master’s in Social Work in May of 2021. 

Elena has a passion for supporting people struggling with depression, anxiety, past traumas, and other mental health illnesses. 

In addition, Elena enjoys working with individuals from all age groups and gender orientations. 

She enjoys supporting people and helping them learn coping skills to overcome their struggles. 

When Elena is not working, she enjoys reading and watching movies and spending time with her family.   

John works in our SUD program. John received his Master of Social Work from the University of West Florida, Micro Master of Business Administration at  Boise State University School of Management Development and his Bachelor of Business Administration (business management) from Boise State University. He is also GAIN certificated.

John has worked in a number of different mental health agency's across the US.  

John sits on a  number of boards in the area; Advisory Board Member; State of Idaho Vocational Curriculum, Advisory board Member, Marsing, ID Job Corps and Chairman, and Boise State University Vocational/Technical Program.

When John isn't working or volunteering he likes to making-up for lost family time while he was working in FL & WY. He enjoys fishing & fishing with family... it may sound boring but it's what makes him happy. 

Deborah specializes in Drug and Alcohol issues, Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Co-Occurring Disorders, Severe and Persistent Mentally Ill, Geriatric issues, Women’s issues, Health issues, Clinical Supervision for Clinical License, Anger Management, Grief, Adult ADHD, End of Life issues, Smoking Cessation Specialist, Relationship issues. 

Deborah's Awards and Acknowledgements are; Distinguished Adlerian Practitioner, Women of the Year for three years for Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, President of Adlerian Society, Member of NASW, American Society of Addition Medicine and NAADAC. Her favorite part of the job is the client’s and seeing them succeed and meet their life goals.     

Things she likes to do in her free time are; color and fix up her yard.  For self-care she likes to travel, camp, and spend time with  her grandkids. 

Information coming soon!

 Tori Allen (she/her/hers), LPC, NCC provides therapy to folks of all ages. Her work is grounded in person-centered therapy and draws on a variety of interventions, including cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, play therapy, and mindfulness.  She has experience working with kids, adolescents, and adults. Her favorite part of the job is watching participants grow in confidence and self-acceptance. 

When not working, Tori enjoys spending time with her friends, family, and pets. She likes art, videogaming, and getting outside. For self-care she keeps a regular meditation and mindfulness practice.

  Dara Ezzell-Pebworth, LMSW, obtained her Bachelors degree in Social Work through Boise State University. She then obtained her Masters degree in Social Work through Boise State University, graduating in May of 2022. 

Dara specializes as a mental health and substance use disorder therapist. Dara is passionate about working with individuals with trauma, substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns. 

Dara’s favorite part of the job is working with the participants and supporting them in their growth. 

In her free time, Dara enjoys spending time with her husband and other family members, taking walks, and going on drives (dependent on gas prices). 

Self-care for Dara includes reading, watering her plants, playing with her dogs, Bruce and Coco, and her cat, Dipper. 

Information coming soon!

Ruxandra Fee is a Licensed Professional Counselor and National Certified Counselor. She received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Addiction Counseling from University of Providence Montana and a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from University of Providence Montana. Ruxandra has a holistic Adlerian perspective and specializes in co-occurring disorders and trauma. Her graduate research focused on improving treatment for individuals with reactive attachment disorders. 

Ruxandra enjoys reading, knitting, hiking, gardening, and spending time with her family and friends.