Alisa Ryan
LMHP, M.S. Ed,
Clinical Director
Alisa is a Licensed Mental Health Practitioner (LMHP) and serves as Clinical Director at Compass. She specializes in working with individuals, teens, and children, offering both in-person and telecounseling services, as well as school-based counseling.
Alisa’s therapeutic approach is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and enhanced by Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) techniques. She focuses on helping clients build emotional resilience, develop practical coping skills, and shift unhelpful thought and behavior patterns. Her goal is to provide a supportive and collaborative environment where clients feel empowered to make meaningful, lasting change.
Alisa holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Family Studies and a Master of Science in Education in Community Counseling. Her professional training includes specialized work in CBT, DBT, ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Trust-Based Relational Interventions (TBRI), trauma, self-harming behaviors, and adoption-related challenges.
With over 15 years of experience in the foster care and child welfare system, five years working in an inpatient setting at Richard Young Hospital, and two years as an Intensive Family Preservation therapist, Alisa brings a wealth of expertise and compassion to her practice.
She accepts Medicaid, BCBS, Aetna, and Medicare insurance plans. Alisa provides in-person and telecounseling support.
Cheri Theesen
PLMHP, PCMSW
Cheri Theesen is a Provisionally Licensed Mental Health Provider (PLMHP) and Provisionally Certified Master Social Worker (PCMSW) who works with individuals, children, teens, and families. She specializes in supporting clients experiencing PTSD, anxiety, depression, grief, and relationship challenges, and also facilitates group therapy sessions.
Cheri’s therapeutic approach is rooted in attachment theory while integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), interpersonal techniques, and somatic practices. Her goal is to create a safe, supportive space where clients can explore personal challenges, develop emotional awareness, and build healthier connections with themselves and others.
Cheri earned her Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of Nebraska at Kearney and her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
She offers in-person and telehealth counseling, as well as group therapy. Cheri accepts insurance, self-pay, sliding scale options, and offers community assistance through Compass.
John Dutton
MS, LIMHP
John is a Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner (LIMHP) who works with individuals, children, and teens. He specializes in treating trauma, anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder.
John takes a collaborative approach to therapy, meeting clients where they are in life and working alongside them to develop personalized plans and practical steps toward their goals. His focus is to empower clients as they navigate challenges and build a healthier, more fulfilling life.
John earned his Master’s degree in Community Counseling and is trained in Trauma-Focused Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
He offers both in-person and telecounseling sessions and accepts insurance, sliding scale fees, and self-pay options.
Elizabeth (Liz) Conrad
Intern
Elizabeth (Liz) is a Clinical Social Work Therapy Intern who works with individuals, children, teens, and families. She is trained in trauma-informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI), play therapy, and Gottman Level 1 Couples Therapy.
Liz’s therapeutic approach is rooted in creating a supportive, honest, and respectful environment where clients feel safe to explore their challenges. She integrates attachment-based and trauma-informed techniques to help clients build resilience, develop healthy relationships, and move toward personal growth.
Liz holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and is currently completing her Master’s in Clinical Social Work. She is also a Provisionally Licensed Mental Health Practitioner (PLMHP) and Provisionally Certified Social Worker (PCSW), effective August 2025.
Our counseling interns are currently accepting new clients and provide services at no cost during their internship. This offers clients an opportunity to receive support while helping interns gain valuable, supervised clinical experience.
Ashlea Denton
Intern
Ashlea is a Clinical Mental Health Counseling Intern currently completing her training through the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Starting in August, she will work with individuals, couples, families, teens, and children, offering both in-person and tele-counseling services at no cost.
Ashlea takes a flexible, client-centered approach to counseling, blending various techniques to meet each person’s unique needs. She draws from Internal Family Systems (IFS) to help individuals explore and heal different parts of themselves, incorporates somatic practices to connect the mind and body—especially in processing trauma—and uses elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to challenge negative thoughts and patterns. Her goal is to create a safe and supportive space for healing and growth.
Ashlea holds a B.A. in Religion and Cultural Studies from Northwestern College and an M.A. in Children, Youth, and Family Ministry from Luther Seminary. Her background gives her a rich foundation for understanding the spiritual, emotional, and relational needs of those she serves.
Ashlea is honored to walk alongside clients on their journey toward healing—offering presence, compassion, and support every step of the way.
Our counseling interns are currently accepting new clients and provide services at no cost during their internship. This offers clients an opportunity to receive support while helping interns gain valuable, supervised clinical experience.
Elizabeth Neukirch
Intern
Elizabeth is a Clinical Mental Health Counseling student at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. She is completing her counseling practicum with Compass from August 2025 – May 2026. She is passionate about helping families and adults navigate life’s challenges and explore personal growth. Elizabeth offers in-person, group, and virtual tele-counseling services.
Her therapeutic approach is rooted in humanistic principles, incorporating Gestalt and Existential therapies to help clients explore their free will, uncover deeper meaning, and create positive change. She is also trained in WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) and emphasizes the importance of life balance and healthy routines — especially when it comes to sleep and overall wellness.
For individuals who have experienced trauma, Elizabeth understands that healing is a journey. She is committed to providing a supportive and compassionate space for clients to process their experiences and move forward with confidence.
Elizabeth looks forward to meeting you and partnering with you on your path to healing and self-discovery.
Our counseling interns are currently accepting new clients and provide services at no cost during their internship. This offers clients an opportunity to receive support while helping interns gain valuable, supervised clinical experience.