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Our Story
At ELEVATE, our story is one of inclusivity and compassion. Founded with the vision of providing support to individuals from all walks of life, our team of eleven dedicated professionals have a shared commitment to creating a safe and welcoming space for healing and growth. Our center embraces diversity and believes in the power of collaboration, where each of us brings unique expertise to ensure that every person who walks through our doors feels understood, valued, and empowered on their mental health journey.
Melissa Craig
LCSW, LIMHP
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Melissa is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner (LIMHP) with extensive experience working with adults, adolescents, children ages 12 and older, families, and couples. She earned her Master’s degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and has dedicated her career to helping individuals and families navigate life’s challenges with compassion, insight, and evidence-based care.
Melissa has specialized training in the areas of trauma, behavior, couples and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Her clinical experience includes working with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties, relationship concerns, and trauma-related issues. She is able to accept most major insurance plans, including Medicare.
Using a strength-based and client-centered approach, Melissa works collaboratively with clients to build resilience, develop effective coping strategies, and create meaningful change. She incorporates a variety of evidence-based therapeutic modalities into treatment, including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (A.R.T.).
Melissa is known for creating a supportive and welcoming environment where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered in their healing process. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys spending time with her three children, family, and friends, as well as traveling and reading.
Erica Edwards
LCSW, LIMHP
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I believe that most people are doing the best they can with the tools, experiences, and support they have at the time. Sometimes those tools stop working.
Life can be hard. Sometimes it's because of a major loss, trauma, relationship challenge, or unexpected life change. Other times, it's harder to explain. You may find yourself feeling anxious, overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, disconnected from yourself, stuck in patterns you can't seem to change, or simply carrying more than anyone was meant to carry alone. Whatever brings you to therapy, it can provide a space to slow down, gain perspective, and begin moving forward again.
I provide counseling services for children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families in Kearney, Nebraska, as well as telehealth services for individuals throughout Nebraska. I work alongside my clients to help them better understand themselves, navigate life's challenges, build on their strengths, and create meaningful and lasting change.
I believe therapy works best when there is a genuine connection between therapist and client. My approach is warm, authentic, collaborative, and practical. I will meet you where you are, but I will also challenge you when needed, celebrate your progress, and help you recognize strengths you may not yet see in yourself. Some days therapy is about learning new skills. Some days it's about healing old wounds. Often it's about both.
Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with individuals facing some of life's most difficult challenges, including complex trauma, PTSD, dissociation, borderline personality disorder, chronic pain, anxiety disorders, depression, grief, relationship concerns, and major life transitions. I have extensive training in EMDR, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, somatic and body-based approaches, pain reprocessing techniques, attachment-focused work, and trauma-informed care.
While training and techniques are important, I believe effective therapy is about more than any particular approach. At its core, therapy is about helping people make sense of their experiences, reconnect with themselves, strengthen their relationships, and build a life that feels more manageable, meaningful, and aligned with who they want to be.
Clients often tell me they appreciate having a therapist who is approachable, down-to-earth, and easy to talk to. I value honesty, authenticity, curiosity, humor, and creating an environment where people feel comfortable showing up exactly as they are.
Outside of the office, you'll usually find me spending time with my husband and two boys, at the lake, wake surfing, traveling, listening to live music, or making memories with family and friends.
I accept most major insurance plans.
If you're looking for a therapist in Kearney, Nebraska, or a telehealth therapist serving anywhere in Nebraska, I'd be honored to be part of your story.
Jeff Lange
LIMHP
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Jeff has been providing outpatient therapy services since 2006 in the Kearney area. He currently holds licensure as a mental health practitioner and is also on the State Provider List to provide substance abuse evaluations. Jeff is able to provide individual and family therapy as well as substance abuse evaluations. He specializes in working with adolescent individuals or families of adolescents struggling with behavioral issues (defiance) in home or school. He also provides treatment for anxiety, relationship issues, depression, and other mental health issues.​
Jeff provides services for individuals with insurance and self pay. Referrals can be made directly or contact him through the information provided in the contact section. Scheduling is flexible.
Roz Sheldon
LCSW, LIMHP
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Roz has several years of experience working with teens, adults, couples and families. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner, she works with a variety of emotional and mental health issues.
Roz specializes in the treatment of individuals that experience an eating disorder. Her work also includes other disordered eating patterns such as binge eating or restrictive eating. She has received additional training in this area and worked with medical providers in the community and in treatment programs to assist clients.
As a cancer survivor, Roz has a unique perspective working with those struggling with cancer survivorship, grief, and medical and/or disability issues. Another area of focus is relationship counseling for all stages of a relationship. She has been trained in Gottman Method for Couples Therapy and Discernment Counseling.
Roz believes in creating an inviting environment and a working relationship so clients can grow and evolve. Therapeutic goals are always tailored to the individual and their needs. She has had the privilege to teach as a adjunct faculty for undergraduate and graduate level students and believes in life long learning.
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Roz is trained in the eye movement processing therapy, Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) ART addresses many mental health problems including Post Traumatic Stress. Among the things ART can deal with are OCD, Eating Disorders, Generalized Anxiety and Generalized Depressive Disorders , etc. ART uses eye movements that are calming, therapeutic and evidenced-based.
Brittany Sulu
MS, LIMHP, LADC
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Brittany approaches her work with warmth and sincerity, bringing her genuine self into each session. She cultivates an atmosphere that feels relaxed and inviting, with a natural, conversational style that puts people at ease. Instead of positioning herself as having everything figured out, she values open, meaningful conversation, shares thoughtful and practical guidance, and creates a setting where clients feel safe to be fully themselves.
She works with teens and adults navigating anxiety, trauma, depression, grief, relationship struggles, identity shifts, substance use, and the messy in-between seasons of life that nobody really prepares you for. Brittany also has experience working with adolescents struggling with behavioral challenges, emotional regulation, and family conflict, as well as individuals involved in the criminal justice system.
As a Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner (LIMHP), Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) Brittany can complete substance use and co-occurring evaluations. She is also trained in EMDR for trauma processing and healing.
Her approach is real, direct, compassionate, and collaborative. Brittany uses strengths-based, solution-focused, and DBT-informed approaches to help clients better understand themselves, break unhealthy patterns, regulate emotions, and create lasting change. Therapy with Brittany is less about “fixing” you and more about helping you reconnect with who you are underneath the stress, survival mode, and expectations.
Derek Schweitzer
LCSW, LIMHP
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Before entering outpatient mental health, Derek worked in hospice and long-term Alzheimer’s care, experiences that deeply shaped his understanding of grief, family systems, aging, identity, and the emotional weight people quietly carry through life.
Derek approaches therapy from a strengths-based perspective, believing that people are often far more capable, resilient, and self-aware than they give themselves credit for. Derek is not afraid to challenge unhealthy thinking, avoidance, self-defeating behaviors, or cycles that continue to create distress in someone’s life. At the same time, he believes growth happens best through honesty, trust, accountability, and practical support rather than judgment or shame. His work is grounded in the values of faith, purpose, perseverance, and connection, while respecting each client’s individual background and beliefs.
Derek also has a passion for working with athletes, teams and individuals focused on performance, discipline, confidence, and mental resilience both on and off the field.
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His approach combines direct conversation with evidence-based interventions including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Structural Family Therapy (SFT).
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Outside of work, Derek enjoys spending time with his family, being outdoors, hunting, working on cars and motorcycles, staying active, and following athletics and competition.
Joseph Knott
LMHP
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Joe is a Licensed Mental Health Practitioner (LMHP) who provides counseling services to adolescents and adults. With nearly a decade of professional experience working with children, young adults, and families, Joe brings a compassionate and knowledgeable approach to his work. He believes in meeting clients where they are and creating a safe, supportive environment that fosters trust, growth, and healing.
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Joe works with individuals navigating concerns such as trauma, anxiety, depression, adjustment challenges, relational stress, and is open to seeing a variety of mental health needs. He draws from evidence-based approaches including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and trauma-informed practices, tailoring each session to meet the unique needs of his clients.
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Outside of counseling, Joe enjoys spending time with his family, staying active outdoors, and exploring new books and ideas in the mental health field.
Andrea Darr
LIMHP, LPC
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Andrea has over 15 years of experience in mental health care. She has worked in inpatient and outpatient settings. She has experience working with depression, anxiety, postpartum, grief, trauma, and relationship struggles. She enjoys working with women through pregnancy related concerns. She also enjoys working with couples and parents. As a therapist, she is warm and empathetic. She primarily uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and EMDR as treatment modalities.
Personally, Andrea enjoys time and activities with her family and friends. She also enjoys animals, reading, and travel.
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Brianna Chacon
LIMHP, LCSW
Bri works with people of all ages, primarily those 12 and older, providing both individual and couples therapy. She is a Licensed Clinical Social worker and a Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner. Bri has experience working with a variety of emotional and mental health issues including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship issues, and more. Bri uses a strength-based approach, building on each individual's skills and strengths to create a foundation for growth and change. She utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and Cognitive Processing Therapy as her primary therapeutic modalities.
In her spare time Bri enjoys spending time with family and friends, outdoor activities, traveling, and reading.
Christine Bonk
LIMHP
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Christine works with people of all ages and abilities, primarily those 12 and older, providing individual, family and couples therapy. She is a Licensed Mental Health Practitioner. Christine has experience working with survivors of domestic violence & sexual assault, victims of abuse & neglect, individuals with intellectual & developmental disabilities and those with a chronic medical diagnosis such as diabetes & traumatic brain injuries. She has treated a variety of mental health issues including adjustments, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship issues, ptsd, and more. Christine believes that creating an authentic and trusting therapeutic relationship with clients is key to help facilitate growth and change. She uses a strength-based approach, building on each individual's skills and meeting them where they are at in their journey. She utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Person Centered Therapy as her primary therapeutic modalities.
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Personally Christine loves spending time with family and friends, traveling, and watching movies. She also enjoys the season changes, holidays, and advocating for mental health awareness.
Sawyer Quinn
PLMHP
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Sawyer completed her bachelor’s degree in 2022 and her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2025, both from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. She completed her internship with Elevate Counseling and Consulting and is excited to continue being a part of the Elevate team.
She is a provisionally licensed therapist who works with children ages 5 and up, adolescents, and adults. Sawyer is especially passionate about supporting females and young adults navigating anxiety and transitional stages of life, such as adjusting to college, changing careers, moving out of the family home, or navigating new or evolving relationships.
Her approach is strengths-based and incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills to help clients understand the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Therapy focuses on building practical coping skills, improving emotional regulation, and increasing confidence while honoring each client’s existing strengths and resilience.
Sawyer also works with individuals involved in the legal system, including clients who are court-ordered to attend counseling related to probation or substance use concerns. She strives to provide a kind, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard and understood, helping them build confidence, find balance, and make meaningful progress toward their goals.
Kelsey Ross
PLMHP​
Kelsey is a Provisionally Licensed Mental Health Practitioner (PLMHP) who works with clients of all ages.
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Her work centers around authenticity, self-worth, emotional literacy, and the belief that many people have adapted so far away from themselves that they no longer know who they are without performance, people-pleasing, achievement, or external validation.
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Her approach combines genuine conversation with evidence-based practices including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), strengths-based approaches, and sand tray therapy. Kelsey creates a curious, no-pressure space where clients can show up honestly, explore hard things, and feel seen without judgment.
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Clients working with Kelsey can expect honesty, curiosity, emotional depth, and conversations that go beyond surface-level coping skills. She believes healing is not about becoming someone new, but reconnecting with the person you were before the world told you who you needed to be.
