Meet The Team

Jennifer Scott is a graduate of the University of Idaho, holding a Master’s Degree in Counseling and Human Services. Her work with adolescents, at-risk youth, adults, and families in crisis is extensive. She also enjoys working with couples who are experiencing difficulty within their marriage. She has advanced professional training in FST (Family Systems Trauma).  In addition to her educational and professional experience, Ms. Scott draws heavily from the resources of her own life, which is helpful in connecting with her clients.

 

Over the years, Ms. Scott has served as a volunteer for Kootenai County Juvenile Detention, Youth for Christ, homeless shelters, community outreach events, and as the overseer of Celebrate Recovery and other ministries that focus on personal growth. She has both personal and professional experience in the arena of addictions, and is an active prison ministry correspondent where she gives encouragement to inmates who desire change in their lives.

 

In addition to evidence-based therapeutic approaches, Ms. Scott’s draws heavily on faith-based principles in working with her clients. Her counseling style is supportive and compassionate, yet direct, as she takes her clients beyond their symptoms to identify the root issues that are contributing to their distress, dysfunction, hopelessness, and maladaptive behaviors. Ms. Scott enjoys working alongside her clients, as they experience freedom, healing, restoration, and growth in their lives and relationships.

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When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you pass through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. - ISAIAH 43:2

Roberta Boyd is a dedicated mental health counselor with extensive experience working with troubled teens facing multiple diagnoses. With a deep understanding of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) across all levels and ages, Roberta, provides compassionate care and support. She has also worked with individuals who have experienced head injuries or physical disabilities, offering tailored interventions to meet their unique needs.

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Roberta is passionate about helping children with special needs and creating a nurturing and inclusive environment for growth and development. Additionally, she specializes in working with adults who have learning disabilities, and ADHD, including those diagnosed later in life. She is also a highly skilled provider who is capable of supporting couples, and families with an emphasis on individuals dealing with grief and end-of-life issues, offering a comforting presence during difficult times.

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Roberta offers individual counseling for couples and families, focusing on strengthening the family unit and fostering healthy relationships.

Outside of work, Roberta loves the outdoors and enjoys skiing, biking, hiking, and camping whenever possible. She has a passion for knitting and is always up for playing with a dog.

 

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." - Psalm 34:18

Marie Phillipson holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology. She is a Nationally Certified Substance Use Disorders Professional with more than 18 years of experience in addiction treatment. She is also a court approved evaluator and has strong knowledge and experience in treating co-occurring disorders. Ms. Phillipson is skilled in all aspects of substance use disorders treatment and specializes in trauma-informed care.

 

Ms. Phillipson is also an experienced Christian Counselor. She received her counseling certificate from Liberty University and is certified by the American Christian Counseling Association as a Certified Counselor. Marie loves to engage in the heart and soul of what she loves, which is helping her clients live their best lives through getting to the root issues associated with whatever challenges they are experiencing through compassionate inquiry and self-reflection. She believes that everyone deserves a life that includes purpose, satisfaction, and fulfillment.

 

Marie enjoys lake days with her family on Rockford Bay, traveling, and a good cheeseburger! 

 

Ecclesiastes 3:11 “He will make all things beautiful in His time.”

Roni Melton is a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor. She is extremely skilled and passionate about adolescent and adult therapy. Most of her career has been spent working with youth and their families through school-based programs and at-risk youth within the juvenile justice system. Roni is passionate about helping children, adults and families find hope and healing.

 

Through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy, and other treatment approaches, Roni is skilled in helping her clients work through anxiety, depression, grief and loss, disruptive behaviors, relationship challenges, self-esteem, anger issues, trauma, and suicidal ideation. She strongly believes in utilizing an evidence-based, faith-based focus, and person-centered approach as she engages with her clients and helps them heal and grow. 

 

Roni’s professional development includes certifications as a Sources of Strength Instructor, Trust-Based Relational Intervention Practitioner, Making Sense of Your Worth Facilitator, Non-violent Crisis Intervention, Non-Suicidal Self Harm, QPR Gatekeeper, International Institute for Restorative Practices and Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR). 

 

Roni brings additional experience through volunteering with Respite for Foster Families, Suicide Prevention Action Network (SPAN), the Crisis Action Team, Cd’A Backpack Program, YoungLife, Hope for Hadza, and serving in church ministries. 

 

On a personal note, Roni enjoys travel, fitness, and spending quality time with family and friends. 

 

Psalm 119:50 “Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles.” 

Peter Gourley, ARNP is a dedicated Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner with expertise in child and adult psychiatry.  With 25 years of experience, he is committed to fostering a compassionate, supportive environment and evidence-based care to all his patients. Peter specializes in medication management and is overall proficient in all areas of psychiatry.  He has significant experience with diagnosing and treatment of ADHD.

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Peter received his education from Cal State Long Beach and Gonzaga University. 

 

Peter is very personable and takes time with each of his patients, ensuring they are understood.  

Zach Couch is a master’s level student from Grand Canyon University. Zach is in the final stretch of his education, prior to state licensure. Currently, he is completing his internship at Ascent Counseling.  

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Please note that Ascent Counseling has only had one (1) other intern in the past 14 years because our selection criteria is high. Zach has rare talent and a counseling disposition that was recognized by our agency owner, years ago.

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He will complete his internship under the clinical supervision of Jennifer Scott, LCPC who is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a State Approved Clinical Supervisor by the Idaho Department of Professional Licensing for Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists. To ensure quality care, Zach’s supervised sessions are held to the same standards as a licensed professional counselor. 

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Zach is kind, compassionate, and personable. He utilizes evidenced-based practices, Christ-centered principles, and his approach is strength based, as he helps his clients identify and work through the struggles they are experiencing. He has a heart and a passion to see people walk in freedom, victory, and truth. 

Prior to pursuing his master’s degree in counseling, Zach served for many years as a mentor, ran small groups, lead young adult groups at church.

As the Front Office Manager Marissa serves as the welcoming face of our organization and the cornerstone of our day-to-day operations. With a passion for creating a warm and efficient environment, she ensures that every patient experience is smooth, professional, and compassionate from start to finish.  

 

With 8 years of experience in healthcare administration, Marissa is a highly skilled Front Office and Billing Manager dedicated to delivering exceptional administrative support and optimizing billing processes. She brings a unique blend of leadership, organizational expertise, and a patient-focused mindset to ensure the smooth day-to-day functioning of the front office while maintaining accurate and efficient billing procedures.  

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She manages front office operations, coordinating schedules, and overseeing a team dedicated to excellence. She takes pride in fostering a patient-centered atmosphere while maintaining seamless communication between patients and providers.  

 

When not at the office, she enjoys spending time with family, traveling, hiking, and volunteering on multiple nonprofit boards in the community. She is committed to building strong relationships and supporting the community.  

 

“Let all that you do be done in love.” — 1 Corinthians 16:14