HOLLY SCHMIDT, LIMHP
Holly spent her childhood years riding dirt bikes, swimming, playing sports, climbing trees and helping her dad with fix-it projects around the house. Today, she claims this is why she can proficiently use every tool in the garage and exactly nothing in the kitchen!
Holly went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree from UNMC, followed by a Master’s in Community Counseling from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. She is passionate about mental health and supporting her clients as they work through past trauma and find hope, healing, restoration and wellness through therapy.
Based on her previous experience at another agency, Holly launched the Intensive Family Preservation program at Compass. The IFP program is designed to provide support and mental health services for families, children and teens who have experienced extreme trauma and need help navigating a crisis. Holly continues to study neurochemistry and the physiology of the brain and hopes to expand her knowledge of how trauma, emotions and behaviors impact the body and brain.
Holly’s family includes her husband Dan, her daughters Madyson and McKenna and the family cat, Gunner. Madyson is currently deployed overseas on the USS Gonzalez with the U.S. Navy. McKenna is pursuing a degree in pre-med and nutrition at UNL. In her free time, Holly enjoys interior decorating, sporting events and golf.
MARLENE KNERL
Marlene grew up in a little mountain town in southern Oregon, about 18 miles from the coast. The population of her hometown was 600 people and she estimates that at least a quarter of the residents were her own relatives! She remembers the fun and freedom of getting to roam and play through the whole town and surrounding countryside.
After relocating to Nebraska from Oregon, Marlene earned her Master’s in Community Counseling from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. She chose to work in the family services field because her dream is to advocate for families in need and help them create stable home environments where children receive the love and care they need.
Marlene’s own family includes her husband, two sons, three daughters and many precious grandchildren. In between her work with Compass and spending time with her family, she also makes time to play with and care for all the animals and pets in her life! Marlene enjoys construction projects and is currently restoring an old barn. She also rides dirt bikes and is hoping to get her own go-kart someday.
HEIDI MILLER
Heidi brings a variety of expertise cultivated over two decades of dedicated work with children to her role at Compass.
Heidi earned a Bachelor’s in Family and Consumer Science from the University of Nebraska at Kearney, followed by a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Chadron State College.
Heidi’s experience extends to treating adults, teens and children coping with anxiety, depression, diverse mood-related disorders and handling daily stressors. She has a deep-seated dedication to listen, support as she empowers and supports others through their emotional journeys.
Heidi enjoys working with couples and parents as well as children and adolescents. Heidi is skilled in treating anxiety, depression, and diverse mood-related disorders.
Heidi firmly believes that small changes can make the biggest difference on a person’s thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Heidi utilizes CBT, DBT, Mindfulness training, and play interventions in her work. Heidi’s passion for mindfulness, personal growth, and unconditional positive regard allows her to serve her clients in achieving their goals.
CHERI THEESEN
When Cheri was young she loved playing sports and helping her dad on the farm! She felt called by God to the family services field, which led to her earning a Bachelor’s in Social Work with a minor in gerontology. She then went on to earn her Master’s in Social Work and is currently licensed as a provisional LMHP as well as a provisional CMSW.
Cheri has facilitated groups in the community and in private settings for several years. Cheri was a part of a Townsend Leadership Group in Dallas for 6 years and has developed skills in using groups as a tool to support healing. Cheri is currently training in Psychodrama and uses this in individual and group settings.
Cheri works with kids, teens, and adults. She specializes in working with clients struggling with symptoms of depression, anxiety, trauma, and grief. Cheri is skilled in working on rebuilding relationships and working with leaders to develop their skills.
Cheri is passionate about showing people the love of God and coming alongside others to support them in finding hope and freedom.
PATRICIA RUPPERT
Patricia Ruppert earned her Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health from University of Nebraska in Kearney. Patricia has a broad range of experience and has a unique ability to connect with others with genuine warmth and honesty.
Patricia enjoys working with adolescents, adults, and couples. Patricia has experience in the treatment of trauma related conditions, as well as anxiety and depressive disorders. Patricia is particularly skilled in supporting families as they manage complex family dynamics. Patricia utilizes CBT, DBT, and trauma-informed modalities in her practice with clients. Patricia provides services in English and in Spanish.
SARAH ROLFSMEYER
When Sarah was little, she loved the farm she grew up on. It allowed her to follow her agriculture passion, while also being very active in 4H as she showed beef cattle. Sarah is committed to promoting agriculture in any way possible; by being on the Buffalo County 4H Council, a 4H leader, and a mother, it has allowed her to do so well. As an adult, one of her favorite hobbies is raising show sheep and goats with her daughter, going to livestock shows and being with her family. Her family includes her husband, three children, her parents, and “a whole lot of animals.”
Sarah received her bachelor’s degree from Chadron State College in Interdisciplinary Studies with a matchup of Animal Sciences and Journalism. She feels that in a “roundabout way” it led her to her true calling in the therapy field. During her time at school, she found that her passion was to help others, especially kids. She is currently on her final stretch at Bellevue University obtaining a degree in Community Counseling.
After 14 years working in a daycare setting, and joining the Compass team, her drive to care for children has expanded to children in foster care. She believes that all children deserve their voice to be heard and guided to a journey of healing and hope. She feels that God has led her to this place in life, so that she can help children who feel muted and encourage them to achieve any goals and dreams.
RUTH JONES
Ruth grew up in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota. She was adopted as an infant, which partially pushed her towards her interest in helping others. Ruth has always loved working with people. She loves helping others see their strengths and abilities, while also being a part of someone achieving their goals.
Ruth’s family includes her husband, Matt, and their biological and adopted children. The two parent five children, ages four to seventeen. They also have two dogs, Brody and Carol, and their cat, Odin!
In 2010, Ruth earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. Which then was followed by a Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work in 2015. Ruth has experience working in several different settings while serving several different populations. As her career has progressed, she has most enjoyed working with victims of acute and chronic trauma. She has completed additional training around developmental/complex trauma, and has a specific interest in religious trauma.
She most frequently utilizes DBT, narrative therapy, polyvagal theory, attachment theory, and EDMR in her practice. Because of her love of the outdoors and interest in finding effective grounding/regulation tools for her clients, she is currently working towards developing nature-based interventions for children and adults. She is an EMDR trained clinician and am working towards full EMDR certification. She has completed level 1 AEDP training, and will continue level 2 AEDP training this year.
You can read more about these modalities below:
https://www.emdria.org/about-emdr-therapy/
https://aedpinstitute.org/about-aedp/
In her spare time, you can find Ruth reading… or talking about reading! Ruth also enjoys baking and spending time outside. Ruth and her family love to travel and are trying to make it to as many National Parks as they can!
BRITTA DOUGLASS
Britta Douglas earned her Bachelor’s in Science from the University of Nebraska at Kearney and went on to receive her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Britta has experience working with children, teens, and adults. Britta’s previous history has given her specific understanding of children with early developmental needs as well as children and families affected by abuse and neglect. Britta has additional training and experience working with teens and adults struggling with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and emerging or established Borderline Personality Disorder. Britta has a passion for helping others through difficult events and providing lifelong resources to support each individual on their own unique journey.
MEGAN MCFADDEN
Megan believes that every person has the innate capacity for healing and growth, but change can be difficult. Megan’s goal as a therapist is to join client’s on their journey to support you at every step of the way. Megan aims to create a safe and nonjudgmental environment for clients to explore emotions, and to guide them toward self-acceptance.Megan sees clients of all ages, and particularly enjoys working with adolescents and young adults. Megan is skilled in treating anxiety, depression, and has received additional training on the treatment of acute and complex trauma. Megan also enjoys working with those who are struggling through various life transitions.Megan is trained in EMDR, Gottman Level 1, and also utilizes person centered approaches in her work. Megan is currently accepting new clients.