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Meet Our Team
Nurse Practitioners
Jenna Z. Berendzen, ARNP, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-C
Co-Founder and Clinical Director
Jenna (she/her) is a double board-certified nurse practitioner in both psychiatry/mental health and family medicine. She received her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from the University of Minnesota in 2019, Master of Nursing Practice from Allen College in 2011, and her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Luther College in 1998.
Extensive practice experience in psychiatry and reproductive health has helped Jenna gain knowledge and expertise in how hormones and life-changes, such as pregnancy, postpartum and menopause, play a role in one's mental health. She has post-graduate training in perinatal mental health including the 12-hour post-graduate PPD training and the Master Clinician Summit at the Postpartum Stress Center. She helped to found, and is a former board member of, the Iowa chapter of Postpartum Support International.
She has a life-long interest in integrative medicine, having earned a certificate in holistic health from St. Catherine's University in 2000 and continued training throughout her career and doctoral studies.
She collaborates with therapists and other members of the healthcare team to help patients achieve a state of well-being, and find hope and purpose in their lives.
Jenna is available for public speaking engagements on the topics of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, reproductive mental health, and integrative health and wellness.
Jenna welcomes all people, genders, and members of the LGBTQIA community 18 years and up.
Kathleen Holden, ARNP, MSN, PMHNP-BC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Kathleen (she/hers) is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She received her Master of Nursing Practice from Allen College in 2021, Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Allen College in 2012, and Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Wartburg College in 2002.
She has worked in diverse settings including inpatient, mental health urgent care, and community mental health. Practice experience includes working with anxiety, substance use disorders, bipolar disorder, PTSD, treatment-resistant depression,and personality disorders.
She is thrilled to be part of The Nightingale Center as maternal well-being and support of new parents is a core reason she became a clinician.
Committed to patient empowerment, Kathleen fosters safe healing spaces and upholds patients' dignity. She welcomes individuals of all genders and members of the LGBTQIA community aged 18 and up.
Therapists
Joanna Primus, tLMHC, CADC
Mental Health Counselor
Joanna (she/her) received her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the
University of Northern Iowa in 2022, Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor license in 2019,
Master of Arts in Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2011,
Master of Library and Information Science in 2005, and Bachelor of Arts in English in 1999.
She has experience working with clients dealing with a wide range of concerns including
women’s health issues, eating disorders, relationship problems, self-esteem concerns, mental
health issues and substance use disorders. She provides a comfortable atmosphere free from
judgment that encourages self-discovery. Joanna values the relationship she establishes with
her clients and strives to provide a warm and genuine therapeutic experience.
Joanna provides mental health treatment from an existential perspective, focusing on creating meaning in the lives of her clients. She believes each client has within them the tools they need to heal, and uses a strengths-based approach.
Joanna welcomes all people, genders, and members of the LGBTQIA community 18 years and up.
Joanna is under the direct supervision of Dr. Darcie Davis-Gage.
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Karin Mills, tLMHC, MEd
Mental Health Counselor
Karin (she/her) received her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Northern Iowa in 2023. She received her BA from the University of Iowa in 2004, her teaching license from Iowa State University in 2006, and her Master of Education in School Counseling in 2011.
Karin's personal experiences with low fertility, infant loss, pre-eclampsia/HELLP syndrome, and her daughter's NICU stay inspired her passion for working with women and families who have had life experiences in these areas. She also enjoys working with clients with a wide range of concerns including ADHD, anxiety, depression, grief, and working with teens and young adults.
Karin welcomes all people, genders, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community 18 years and up.
Karin is under the direct supervision of Dr. Darcie Davis-Gage.
Darcie Davis-Gage, PhD, LMHC
Counseling Clinical Supervisor
Darcie Davis-Gage is a licensed mental health counselor. She currently serves as Chair of the UNI Graduate Council and Division Chair of the Counseling Program. Dr. Davis-Gage has over 20 years experience as a counselor, clinical supervisor, and counselor educator. She is currently in the process of gaining their credential as a Registered Expressive Art Therapist. She trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART-Basic) which is an evidenced based eye movement treatment for trauma and other mental health issues. She is the clinical consultant for Hero Haven, a non-profit agency providing support and services to volunteer firefighters and first responders. Dr. Davis-Gage actively collaborates in numerous interdisciplinary research and service endeavors and frequently presents nationally and internationally on expressive art therapy, wellness, and trauma informed design. She currently provides pro bono expressive art counseling and wellness services in the community and is active as a clinical supervisor. She also enjoys an active art practice in dance, movement, drama, and mixed media.
Administrative
Noelle Else, BS
Co-Founder and Administrative Director
Noelle (she/her) received her Bachelor of Science degree with a double major in Business Administration and Healthcare Management in 2010. Additionally, she practiced as a Licensed Massage Therapist from 2007-2011.
Her diverse work experience and desire to get back to her healthcare roots provided the expertise and foundation for her role as Co-Founder and Administrative Director. As a mama of three, she understands the need to support other mothers and parents through their important journey.
Anna Shaull, BS
Patient Care Coordinator
Anna (she/her) received her Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education with a minor in special education, from the University of Northern Iowa in 2016. Anna previously worked as an educator at Waterloo CSD and Clarksville CSD. Anna is a mom of three who is passionate about helping others and being a positive light for each person who walks through the doors of our clinic.
Jennifer Fitzgerald, MAE
Program Development Coordinator
Jennifer (she/her) completed her Master of Arts in Education degree with an emphasis in Postsecondary Education: Student Affairs in 2013. She completed her Bachelor of Arts degree with an emphasis in Studio Art: Graphic Design in 2000.
Jennifer has dedicated the past 20 years to education, growth and development. She hopes to utilize her passion for learning and development to educate others about the severity and ubiquity of mental health disorders, and how their pernicious ways can invade our lives, and our loved ones. Jennifer wants patients to know that we are here to help and together we can end the stigma that surrounds issues of mental health.
Jenn Wiegmann, BS
Administrative Coordinator
Jenn (she/her) received her Bachelor's degree from the University of Northern Iowa in 2007.
Through personal experiences and work in a diverse range of healthcare/human service settings, she has grown in her passion to be a part of helping individuals with the support and resources they need to live an engaging and purposeful life.
