Experienced Staff
Learn more about the experienced staff at Mercy Family Counseling below. The asterisk mark (*) designates an EAP provider.
Rene Duregger, MD
Dr. Duregger provides assessment and treatment of mental, emotional and behavioral disorders through a combination of evaluations and medication management for children ages 5 through 18. Learn more about Dr. Duregger.
Bruce Sieleni, MD
Dr. Sieleni obtained his MD from the University of Minnesota School of Medicine. He will provide diagnosis and treatment to patients 16 or older with mental, emotional and behavioral disorders, using medication management and psychotherapeutic treatments. Learn more about Dr. Sieleni.
Scott Eilers, PsyD
Dr. Eilers is a graduate of the Minnesota School of Professional Psychology in the Twin Cities. He provides psychodiagnostic testing including assessment of intellectual disabilities, learning disorders and ADHD. He also provides psychotherapy for individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder and/or eating disorders. He works with individuals age 6 and up. He offers cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, exposure therapies, and Christian integration into psychotherapy if desired. Learn more about Dr. Eilers.
Caroline Moniza, PsyD
Dr. Moniza is a child clinical psychologist specializing in early childhood mental health and development.
Special interests include: assessment and intervention for children ages 2 through adolescents with autism spectrum disorders. Learn more about Dr. Moniza.
Nancy Howe, ARNP
Nancy is an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner licensed by the State of Iowa.
Special interests include: a full range of primary mental health services, including diagnostic assessment and ongoing medication management.
Brittany Smelser, PA-C
Brittany holds a Master of Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Allied Health and has a Bachelor of Science from South Dakota State University. She is a fellow member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, is part of the Iowa Physician Assistant Society and holds an Iowa Board of Physician Assistants license. She specialized in adult psychiatry. Learn more about Brittany.
Jamie Smith, ARNP
Jamie is certified by American Nurse’s Credentialing Center as a Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
Special interests include: mental health diagnostic assessments and treatment to individuals of all ages and ongoing medication management.
Michael Caudill, MSW, LISW*
Mike is a Licensed Independent Social Worker with the State of Iowa.
Special interests include: depression, anxiety, veterans’ issues, substance abuse and marital and family issues.
Cynthia Hemesath, LISW*
Cyndi is a Licensed Independent Social Worker with the State of Iowa.
Special interests include: children, adolescents, adults and families struggling with abuse, ADHD, anxiety, depression, grief, parenting, stress and trauma.
Aubrey Hepker, LMHC(t), NCC*
Aubrey is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with the State of Iowa working with adolescents and adults.
Special interests include: anxiety, depression, addiction and stress management.
Brenda Keenan, LISW, RPT, CADC*
Brenda is a Licensed Independent Social Worker, Registered Play Therapist and Drug and Alcohol Counselor with the State of Iowa. She works with adults, children and adolescents.
Special interests include: post-trauma work, depression, anxiety, grief/loss, women’s concerns, substance abuse issues and spirituality.
Lisa Lahr, LMHC(t), IADC*
Lisa is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor and Substance Abuse Professional with the State of Iowa, working with adults, couples and families.
Areas of interest include: depression, anxiety, grief, life transitions, addiction and couples counseling.
Katie Moon, LMHC, CADC*
Katie is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor working with adults, children, and adolescents.
Special interests include: depression, anxiety, couples counseling, addiction, grief, and stress management.
Shawn Stepp, LMHC, CADC*
Shawn is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor.
Special interests include: Hypnotherapy, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) with adults, addiction issues and stress reduction.
Tamara Taylor-Hillyer, LISW*
Tamara is a Licensed Independent Social Worker who works with adults and adolescents.
Special interests include: couples and family counseling, depression, anxiety, stress management, grief and trauma.
Mary Tharp, LISW*
Mary is a Licensed Independent Social Worker with the State of Iowa, and she works with children and families.
Special interests include: individuals, children, families and adolescents.
Gretchen Thompson, LISW*
Gretchen is a Licensed Independent Social Worker and trained EMDR therapist. She is skilled in working with adolescents, adults and couples.
Special interests: family of origin issues, trauma, mood disturbances, chemical dependence and grief issues.
