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We are happy to support families outside our home regions through our national team and program.
OUR REGIONS
© 2024 Wonder. All Rights Reserved.
© 2024 Wonder. All Rights Reserved.
Clinical Director of National Program
Janet Levitt (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who holds Masters Degrees in both Counseling and Developmental Psychology. Janet has over 20 years of experience providing therapy to adolescents and adults in private practice. She also has extensive experience as a parent coach, providing support and guidance to parents and families as they move through times of transition and challenge. Janet has held multiple leadership roles throughout her career, including the role of Clinical Director for Vive Family Support Program. She is currently a Clinical Supervisor for Wonder. Janet has completed advanced training in mindfulness and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). DBT empowers individuals to build healthy relationships, manage stressors, cultivate solutions to challenges, and enhance emotion regulation.
Janet believes we all have the potential to heal, grow, and build connection. In therapy, she provides a safe and supportive space in which clients can move from a place of stress, struggle, or disconnection to a place of meaning, hope, and equanimity.
Amanda grew up in Tennessee and graduated from Mississippi State University with a degree in Physical Education. Her five years of work in a residential therapeutic weight loss program in North Carolina and California along with the nine years of work as a teacher, counselor, advisor, and residential administrator in a therapeutic residential program have all highlighted what her true passion is: working with families in crisis and watching them collectively reach their full potential. Amanda has been involved in sports and outdoor activities her entire life and she enjoys watching adolescents reach their full potential through sports, exercise and outdoor adventure. As a certified life, health, and wellness coach Amanda is able to weave these facets of physical health into her holistic approach to change. Amanda believes that anyone can achieve joy and satisfaction in their life. Whether honing in on physical wellness, or social and emotional struggles, everyone is capable of achieving their true goals, with a support system. Amanda especially believes a sense of structure and accountability are keys to reaching one’s goals.
When not at work, Amanda can be found enjoying the outdoors whether camping, hiking, mountain biking, or snowboarding she can always find a way to soak up nature.
Hannah Horner (she/her) is an Art Therapist and Counselor who specializes in treating Anxiety, Eating Disorders (EDs), OCD, Phobias, and Trichotillomania. Using a trauma-informed and attachment-based approach with a humanistic-existential lens, she strives to establish a safe and supportive environment that encourages self-reflection and personal growth. She offers highly effective coping strategies that are tailored to address triggers and unhelpful core beliefs. Her ultimate objective is to help the family function as a whole where authenticity is celebrated and members each hold a sense of belonging.
Fun fact: She enjoys throwing large vessels on the pottery wheel and running trails with her dog (best dog in the world).
Current favorite book: Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
She has a diverse background including working at multiple levels of care (OP, IOP, PHP, RES, IP). She studied Fine Arts/Analog Photography and Psychology in Boston before earning my masters in Chicago at Adler University for Counseling and Art Therapy. During that time she also pursued training as an EMT to gain a wider perspective of mental health emergency care. Having served as medical advocate for sexual assault survivors, volunteered at crisis hotlines, worked with children in the foster care system, and provided crisis care to those grappling with suicidality and self-harm, she brings an understanding of intersectionality to her practice. Regardless of the challenges her families may be facing, her role is to be with you at each step and offer empathy and guidance as you embark on a path towards positive change.
Training and work experience include multiple levels of care such as: Institute for Therapy Through the Arts, Boston Children’s Inpatient Psychiatric Unit, University of Chicago Comer.
Jaime is a professional coach and mentor inspiring courage, compassion, and growth. Utilizing coaching and nature, she has spent the last six years working in wilderness therapy, helping teenagers develop life skills including confidence, identity and healthy relationship dynamics. With a Masters degree in Community Health and a Bachelors in Fitness and Health, her interests have always been to improve wellbeing. While working as a wilderness guide, she recognized how important the family connection and dynamics were to the process of healing and growth. After multiple years working directly with adolescents, she stepped into various leadership roles including mentoring, management and parent coaching. Some of Jaime’s favorite memories from that time are when the really challenging teens started to recognize how their actions were affecting their lives and those around them. She enjoyed working with both parents and adolescents in developing stronger connective relationships. With a relational approach, she brings a peaceful, playful dynamic to her sessions, creating moments for awareness, acceptance and action.
Jaime currently lives in Southern Illinois where she can be found hiking, biking, trying new recipes, and swinging in her hammock reading a good book.
Brendan has worked in mental health since 2015, getting his start as a wilderness guide for a large company in Utah. During his time there, Brendan began to greatly enjoy the clinical process of helping his student’s find their potential, and he began to exclusively work with students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). After working at an outpatient facility for a time, again with ASD clients, Brendan was able to settle in a supervisor role at a long-term, inpatient treatment center for boys with ASD. During the 5 years at this program, Brendan became very accustomed to Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which promotes growth and skills through acknowledging one is doing the best they can, and can still improve. Currently, Brendan manages a short-term residential treatment center for teens with a wide array of struggles and histories, providing support to the supervisors and direct-care professionals.
Brendan has a strong passion in helping clients with a neurodiverse background, and enjoys exploring and helping clients enhance their quality of life through subtle tweaks throughout their day. Executive functioning and developing self-efficacy are two topics he enjoys exploring with clients whenever possible, through the lens of DBT. Brendan is a big believer that the right kind of scaffolding can lead to huge break-throughs.
Brendan currently resides in Salt Lake City with his wife and two young boys, and one needy Australian shepherd. He is a lover of good coffee, mountain biking, backpacking, and best of all, time with his wife and boys. He is actively working toward a Masters in Social Work at Utah State University.
Ashley is passionate about supporting families. Her desire is to empower families to navigate challenges with resilience and build lasting connections.
Ashley received her B.A. from Duke University and her Masters of Science in Public Health from Harvard University. She received her coach training, as well as training in mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), through Duke Integrative Medicine. Ashley is a nationally board-certified health and wellbeing coach (NBC-HWC). She is also a public health consultant for a primary care organization.
Ashley has spent more than 10 years working with teens and their families first as an educator, later as a Director of Health and Wellness for a school district, and now as a private coach. She believes the foundation to successful coaching is built on trust and mutual respect. Ashley creates a safe space for clients to explore and gain self-awareness. She incorporates mindfulness to encourage curiosity and self-compassion. Ashley is committed to meeting families where they are and offering support and accountability along the journey.
When she is not working, Ashley enjoys spending time with her husband, four children, two dogs and one cat. She loves being surrounded by nature, can get lost in a good book, and is often found in her kitchen trying new recipes.
Austin Presas (she/her) has been working with adolescents, young adults, and families in the field of mental health for close to a decade. She brings a rich history of wilderness therapy and outdoor education to her work at Wonder and has spent the last few years immersed in therapeutic and transition coaching. Austin has extensive experience as an instructor, mentor, guide, coach, and teacher. She knows first-hand the power of relationships to foster growth, connection, and healing.
Known for bringing warmth and clarity to her work with others, Austin seeks to understand the unique needs of each person she works with. This stems from her vast curiosity for human nature, human experience, and the adaptive and resilient ways people overcome life challenges. She strives to show up as a compassionate journey-companion, walking with clients along their own paths toward their own version of thriving, holistic health, and long-term well-being. Her commitment to care is exemplified by the positive relationships she has cultivated throughout her career. Austin is both personable and direct as she builds trust and rapport though her open, non-judgmental, and relational approach. She considers supporting people, on this transformative and reparative path, to be sacred.
Living in Durango, Colorado, Austin spends free time on the countless trails of the Southwest. She loves exploring desert canyons, soaking in hot springs along rivers, and admiring wildflowers in the high country with her therapy dog, Zia. She especially enjoys traveling, hiking, white-water rafting, dancing, making pottery in her backyard studio, and spending intentional quality time with her loved ones. She is also currently attending Prescott College working towards her MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
Sam Elmore (he/him) received his MA in Somatic Counseling Psychology from Naropa University in Boulder Colorado. He has been working with teens and young men for over 15 years. His approach is grounded in the theory and science of change and is highly experiential. His work as a Mentor also draws upon his certificate in Authentic Leadership and his training in MatrixWorks, a methodology for working with individuals and groups. Sam is also an accomplished artist. His acting, dancing, directing, painting and photography inform his work as a mentor as well. Sam always begins in the same way with every client: awareness. Through experiential exercises, engaging conversations and reflection Sam inquires about how we pay attention and what we pay attention to. He helps his clients understand and appreciate their strengths and aptitudes, and then assists them in leveraging these assets in their lives. His method is equal parts science, play, awareness, discovery, and experience. Sam’s work has traversed the terrain of the stage, the boardroom and many natural landscapes across North America. Sam currently lives near Seattle with his wife, their daughter and 2 mischievous cats.
Jesus (he/him) is a dedicated and versatile mental health professional with a Master of Arts in Counseling from San Diego State University. He holds a certificate in working with Native American & Indigenous youth and is also certified in breathwork, meditation, yoga, and weightlifting, integrating these healing modalities into his practice to meet the diverse needs of his clients.
Jesus brings a wealth of experience to his work, having supported young adults in cultural and professional development at the university level, provided behavioral and academic support to middle and high school students, and currently, working with individuals and families across the country through a crisis line. His passion lies in working with teens and young adults, particularly middle schoolers, where he takes great pride in addressing their unique challenges and helping them grow.
At the core of Jesus’ approach is a commitment to authenticity and the belief that every human being deserves to feel seen, validated, and connected. He is a strong advocate for men’s mental health, encouraging healthier ways to cope with stress and fostering meaningful connections. His clinical practice is client-centered, focusing on building authentic rapport through a strength-based and growth mindset while taking practical steps to create lasting change. Jesus believes that everyone has a story worth hearing and a dream worth pursuing.
Drawn to Wonder’s innovative and dynamic approach, Jesus appreciates the integration of activity-based support and therapeutic experiences as a natural way to embed healing into everyday life. His authenticity, curiosity, and willingness to explore new avenues—whether through tough conversations or new hobbies—allow him to connect deeply with clients. During his time at the University of Iowa, he focused on supporting students in exploring their cultural identities, and in his work with middle and high school students, he helped them cultivate self-efficacy by recognizing their everyday achievements. As a crisis counselor, he is passionate about holding space for individuals struggling with grief, loss, anxiety, depression, and relationship concerns.
Originally from Chicago, Jesus was born and raised there, but after completing his graduate studies at SDSU, he chose to make California his permanent home. In his free time, Jesus enjoys playing beach volleyball, bouldering, outdoor climbing, and walking along the bay and beach at night. He also loves visiting his retired parents near Las Vegas. His next adventures include learning how to sail and practicing jiu-jitsu. With an extensive background in boxing and Muay Thai, Jesus appreciates the emotional, physical, and mental discipline required to master these arts. He also enjoys indulging in tacos, pho, sushi, and soul food and has recently discovered a newfound interest in sweets.
Jesus’ broad skill set and deep passion for mental health make him a valuable resource for the families he works with. His certifications in yoga, breathwork, meditation, sound bath practices, and weightlifting provide him with a holistic approach to healing, tailored to the needs of young adults and their families.
Laurel Phillips holds both a Bachelor and a Master’s degree in Social Work from Southeastern University and recently earned her Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) certification in 2024. From an early age, Laurel has always found joy in listening to and helping others. Her passion for social work was ignited during her education, where she was introduced to the diverse aspects of the mental health field.
As an individual coach at Wonder, Laurel is known for her dynamic and creative approach to meeting clients. She embraces the flexibility to engage with clients in various environments, whether playing basketball outdoors, sharing a meal at a restaurant, or sitting outside together. This method fosters a more authentic space for processing and connection, bringing therapy into real-world settings and creating in-the-moment opportunities for coaching. Wonder’s model, which incorporates experiential therapy through role-play, music, and creative arts, aligns perfectly with Laurel’s approach. She also effectively employs motivational interviewing, enabling clients to explore their experiences, perspectives, and ideas.
As a clinician, Laurel prioritizes a strength-based perspective, working to enhance her clients’ confidence and self-identity. She provides support with neutrality and challenges with curiosity, fostering growth and self-discovery. Laurel is particularly passionate about assisting individuals in finding their self-identity, boosting their confidence, and improving social pragmatics. She has extensive experience working with individuals on the Autism Spectrum, as well as those dealing with anxiety-related disorders, depression, and post-high school transition challenges. One of her favorite experiential activities involved taking an exercise class with a client, which was a novel experience for both and allowed them to navigate and bond through this new journey together, aligning with the client’s goal of improving wellness.
Originally from Florida, Laurel moved to Georgia in 2019, where she developed a love for hiking, kayaking, and outdoor activities. She and her husband enjoy exploring trails and discovering new hiking spots. At home, Laurel’s Chocolate Labrador Retriever commands much of her attention, adding joy and companionship to her life.
Julia Albrecht (she/her) is an Integrative Health and Wellbeing Coach with focuses in supporting neurodivergent folks, highly spirited young people, dynamic family systems, resilience, disconnection and relational repair. Her style is a culmination of modern therapeutic and behavioral techniques weaved together with threads of nervous system regulation, earth-based care, and a body-based trauma approach that incorporates multiple levels of the human experience. Julia’s spaces are a sanctuary for self-generation, growth, and a place to hear and be heard. As a multi-disciplinary practitioner, she offers a colorful range of sturdy tools to clear the path forward when life gets stretchy. Julia’s greatest intention is to strengthen safety, connection, and acceptance within the internal and external family landscape.
Outside of session you’ll find Julia spending time with horses, making short films with her old
style camcorder, or barefoot in the park or at the beach looking for little treasures. She’s
currently learning how to quilt and write.
Julia’s background includes a Bachelor’s in Science from Hamline University in Biology, a
Masters Degree in Integrative Health and Wellbeing Coaching and Lifestyle Medicine from the
University of Minnesota, and Somatic education and mentorship experience with Veronica
Rottman. For 10 years, Julia worked with young people in Wilderness Survival Instruction and
Horsemanship then went on to start her own program in Wilderness Guiding with young adults in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Northern Minnesota. She has both
Wilderness First Aid Training and is a registered Wilderness First Responder. Julia has spent
quite some time studying yoga, Traditional Chinese Medicine, meditation, mind-body healing, reiki, herbalism, movement therapies and nutrition. She has spent an equal amount of time in the traditional medical systems working in hospice, sexual health, mental health, and clinical research spaces. Julia loves cooking and nourishment, she’s got a Plant-Based Nutrition Certification from Cornell University and extra training from the Harvard School of Public Health’s Healthy Kitchen’s Healthy Lives program. Wherever families or young folks are in their process, Julia walks alongside providing sturdy support and holding space for all the nuance that comes along with being human.