Katie Firedancing, M.A., LAC
Katie Firedancing is a Licensed Associate Counselor who specializes inattachment and developmental trauma, couples therapy and mooddisorders. For the past 5 years she has worked with individuals, couples andadolescents in a private practice setting. Katie has a passion for helpingpeople identify and heal core wounds. Katie is trained in both EMDR (EyeMovement and Desensitization and Reprocessing) and Emotion FocusedCouples Therapy. She received her Masters in Professional Counseling withan emphasis in Marital and Family Therapy from Grand Canyon University.Katie is passionate about couples both married and pre-marital, equippingthem to have healthier relationships through facilitating healthyattachment and vulnerable connection. Katie employs the therapeuticframeworks of Attachment Theory, Emotion Focused Couples Therapy, aswell as the Gottman Method when working with couples. She believes thatmarriage is one of the most beautiful and transformational unions, howeveras a married woman herself understands the challenges that accompanyjoining ones life with another. Katie also enjoys working with individuals,helping each person to seek healing for their trauma through theframework of EMDR Therapy. When she is not counseling Katie enjoysspending time with her husband and children
Tara Looney, M.A. LAC
Tara has been practicing counseling for five years and is working towards full licensure. She specializes in CPTSD and personality disorders by using integrated trauma-informed modalities. She has experience with individuals transitioning through major life changes, mood disorders, ADHD, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. After working with children and families in-home, she worked for the next five years with differently-abled individuals gaining what she believes are the most important tools in therapy; patience and acceptance. Tara is passionate about system issues impacting our culture, providing holistic care, and being genuine with her clients. She believes the relationship between a therapist and client is unique and works to make sure personalities match. Additionally, Tara's experience working with LGBTQIA+ clients allows her to maintain an open mind around diversity.
Wanda Deglane M.A. LAMFT
Wanda is passionate about helping others navigate the rough storms that life sometimes throws our way. She is experienced in treating clients struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, relational issues, and grief. More than anything, she wants to guide her clients to leading more peaceful, fulfilling lives, and instill a sense of hope that healing is possible.
Dr. Paula Byrne, M.A. PhD., Counseling Intern
Everybody needs somebody to talk to. A sympathetic ear. A listener, a supporter, a guide through the difficult times and along the road to a better future. I have always been a listener and supporter of this kind, gaining a wealth of experience in confronting and helping others to work through some of life’s greatest challenges. The transitions that come with marriage and with divorce. The arrival of a child, which always changes the family dynamic; the departure of a child, which brings its own anxieties. Living with a chronically ill child. Loving a rebellious adolescent. Miscarriage, menopause, bereavement. Other life changes, too: relocating to another city, even another country. All the things that can drive a couple apart, but also, with the right help, bring them closer together. I am now completing a Master’s degree in the esteemed Marriage and Family Therapy program at Arizona State University. My therapeutic approach is simply to be there for my clients and to work with them. The process is different for every client, and it is my job to find the way forward that will work for you.
Kiara Felix Intern
Kiara Felix is originally from Sacramento, California and has been living in Arizona for 4 years. She is passionate about helping couples, families, and individuals who feel “stuck.” Kiara believes our relationships to our partners and family members are the most influential and important in our lives. She finds that communication is not the only key to relationships, but also, understanding one another. Life can be overwhelming and Kiara is ready to help you navigate through adjustments, problems, and dilemmas. Kiara is a graduate student pursuing her Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy at Arizona State University.
Hannah Myler M.A. LAMFT
Hannah has years of experience working in helping professions and is passionate about having the opportunity to walk with individuals and families through their darkest hours, times of uncertainty, change, crisis, and personal/relational development. She gravitates towards a mixture of Solution-Focused and Emotion-Focused Therapies. Her approach to therapy is validating and authentic with a pinch of humor. She is experienced in working with families, youth, and children through navigating anxiety, depression, familial discord, and unprecedented times. If she could instill anything in her clients, it would be confidence and trust in themselves to triumph over their conflict and live a life they love.
Shelley Treadaway Intern
Shelley is a graduate student pursuing her Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy at Arizona State University. She offers families, couples, and individuals a safe, supportive space to for clients to gain meaningful solutions through uncertainty, crisis, relational issues, parenting, and major life changes. Shelley gravitates toward EFT, Solution-Focused, and IFS techniques. As an intern, Shelley is deeply immersed in learning the foundational principals of therapy as well as providing clients with post-modern techniques. Shelley provides emphasis on affirming all gender identities and expressions, and is accepting of all sexual orientations, spiritual beliefs. She strives to be racially and culturally responsive. Whether you are dealing with depression, or anxiety, or simply need support navigating through uncertainty, Shelley will provide direct, empathetic guidance to help you feel empowered to live to the fullest.
Xinia Pansano B.A. Administrative Assistant
Xinia Pansano is a seasoned Administrative Assistant with over 25 years in the field. She has extensive experience with all administrative tasks, including scheduling and bookkeeping. Xinia graduated from Veritas University in 2000 with a bachelor’s degree in Marketing. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and being outdoors.
Brittany McCutchan, Intake Coordinator
Brittany is a customer service professional that has worked in client services for 15 years. With a background in medical scheduling she focuses on the importance of each client's journey and handles the relationship with care and compassion. Brittany is based in Seattle and when not working enjoys spending time with her family and enjoying the great Pacific Northwest.
Shari Short M.A. LMFT Owner/Approved Supervisor
Shari Short LMFT is the founder of Aloha Counseling. LLC. She has been working in private practice since 2006 and specializes in Couples. Shari sees a small caseload and enjoys training other Therapists (she is an approved Supervisor in the state of Arizona) Shari opened her practice in Maui, Hawaii which is where the name "Aloha Counseling" comes from. She practices in Washington State and Arizona. Shari and her husband collectively have 6 adult children and 4 grandchildren.
Internships available
Aloha Counseling offers internships to enrolled Graduate Students who need to obtain Clinical and Supervision hours. These are offered for those seeking a Licensed Counselor and Marriage and Family Therapy Credential. Please reach out if you are looking for an internship site.
Jessica Wanke- Intern
Jessica Wanke is a graduate student pursuing her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Grand Canyon University. She is passionate about serving individuals, families, couples, adolescents, and groups who have mental, emotional, or behavioral challenges. She offers an encouraging and secure space for clients to establish goals and develop approaches to address emotional issues, fortify skills in coping mechanisms and communication, improve self-esteem, promote changes in behavior, and strive for improved mental health. Jessica believes it is important to not only listen to what is being said, but how it is said, why it is being said, and what it means in the context of each individualized client. Jessica gravitates towards a mixture of Cognitive Behavioral and Humanistic Approach Therapies. She is devoted towards implementing the foundational principles of counseling, while also providing clients with therapeutic counseling techniques. The stress of personal problems, issues with behavior, emotional, marital, vocational, rehabilitative, educational, or life-stage nature can be overwhelming. Jessica is ready to help you establish goals, and develop approaches to promote changed behavior and improve mental well-being.
Teen Group
If you have a teen girl 13-18 we have an ongoing support group. Email us today to join this group!
