Desert Counseling & Recovery Services, PLLC

928-373-8041

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928-373-8041

  • Home
  • Who We Are
  • Counseling Services
  • DUI Program
  • Your First Visit

M. Isabel Valtierra M.A., LPC NCC

Maria A. McKivergan LPC, LPCC, NCC

M. Isabel Valtierra M.A., LPC NCC

TELETHERAPY ONLY

 Isabel is a bilingual Licensed Professional Counselor with over 15 years of experience working in behavioral, mental and social services.  Isabel worked providing group services to a non- profit organization that assisted field workers of South Yuma County with chronic illness.  Isabel has experience in providing individual, group and family therapy services to address a variety of issues, such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, anger management, child behavioral problems, and parenting and relationship problems.  Isabel obtained a Master’s of Arts degree in Community Counseling through Northern Arizona University in 2012. 

Isabel also has experience working in corrections as a Psychology Associate, providing brief therapy services to low and high risk male patients as well as severely mentally ill individuals.   

Evelyn C. Trone M.S.W., LCSW R.N.

Maria A. McKivergan LPC, LPCC, NCC

M. Isabel Valtierra M.A., LPC NCC

Evelyn is a Licensed Certified Social Worker with over 20 yrs experience in mental health care, health care, medical social work and mental health counseling. She received her Masters in Social Work from Arizona State University. She completed her nursing education from the Hospital for Joint Diseases in New York.  Evelyn has a broad base of experience  in both inpatient, out patient and Veterans Administration community outpatient clinic settings. She has worked with a wide variety of populations  including depression, anxiety, trauma, addictions, grief and loss, couples therapy, post traumatic stress disorders, anger management, pain management, and serious mental illness. 

Maria A. McKivergan LPC, LPCC, NCC

Maria A. McKivergan LPC, LPCC, NCC

Maria A. McKivergan LPC, LPCC, NCC

 Maria is a Licensed Professional Counselor with experience working with children, couples, and adult populations. She received a Masters in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Massachusetts in Boston. Maria has experience working with populations ranging from those with severe mental illness to addictions, mood and thought disorders, trauma, depression, grief and loss, post traumatic stress, anger, developmental disabilities, and anxiety disorders. She provides treatment for individuals in both English and Spanish speaking capacities. Maria has been providing treatment in Yuma for over 17 years.

Maria has experience working in inpatient psychiatric hospitals as well as outpatient treatment centers. Her professional experiences include research and fellowships with Boston Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Cambridge Hospital in Cambridge MA, University of Massachusetts and collaborations with Harvard and Tufts University.  She has been published several times in peer reviewed journals with regards to psychological research .  Maria has over 4 years of teaching experience in the College of Social Sciences and Humanities at the University of Phoenix, Southern Arizona Campus. 

Maria is also licensed in the state of California and is able to provide tele-therapy services for California based clients.

Tawnya Swenson M.A., LPC

Tawnya Swenson M.A., LPC

Tawnya Swenson M.A., LPC

  Tawnya is a Licensed Professional Counselor with experience working with adolescents, couples, and adult populations. She received a Masters in Counseling from the University of North Dakota. Tawnya has experience providing therapy services for a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, grief and loss, self-compassion, stress management, and trauma. 

 Tawnya works from a person centered perspective while using other empirically validated modules to guide therapy. Tawnya has clinical experience working in outpatient and inpatient settings. She has experience providing educational classes for the community.  

Lisett Figueroa MS, LPC

Tawnya Swenson M.A., LPC

Tawnya Swenson M.A., LPC

Lisett is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She has provided over 15 years of service to the Yuma community, in various capacities, within the social services field. She gained years of experience within the justice and judicial field prior to transitioning to adult education as an assistive technology instructor for the blind and visually impaired.

Lisett receive her Master of Science in Professional Counseling from Grand Canyon University. She also has a Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology and Bachelor’s of Science in Sociology from Arizona State University.

Lisett has clinical experience facilitating outpatient therapeutic services in both English and Spanish. She has experience in providing individual and family therapy to children, adolescents and adults. Lisett also has experience working with individuals experiencing difficulties with thought, emotional, and behavioral processes; including depression, anxiety, adjustment, stress, anger, trauma and relational challenges. She also has experience as a co-facilitator to peer-support group for homeless and at-risk Veterans.

Aleksia Ramirez LCSW

Tawnya Swenson M.A., LPC

Angelica Rodriguez M.S.,LPC

 Aleksia is a Yuma native and graduated with her Master’s in Social Work from Arizona State University.  Aleksia has experience working in a private therapeutic setting and has worked with adolescent and adult populations. Aleksia has worked with clients to address challenges of anxiety, depression, trauma, parental/relational conflict, self-exploration, and life transitions. Aleksia strives to provide a stress-free and welcoming environment for the clients. She desires to work with clients to discover their inner strength and potentials to overcome their barriers. Aleksia also leads the adolescent DBT Skills Group.

Angelica Rodriguez M.S.,LPC

Angelica Rodriguez M.S.,LPC

Angelica Rodriguez M.S.,LPC

  Angelica is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Grand Canyon University. She has experience in trauma-focused interventions for children, adolescents, and adults while employing trauma-informed care. 


Angelica is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Trauma-Focused CBT. She has further experience working with adults with autism, LGBTQ+, depression, anxiety, emotional dysregulation, stress/trauma, relationship distress, grief and loss, as well as ADHD. She leverages an eclectic therapeutic approach designed to suit each client’s needs. Angelica is devoted to having a safe and comfortable environment where clients feel valued and accepted.

Anthony Corona M.S., LAC

Angelica Rodriguez M.S.,LPC

Anthony Corona M.S., LAC

Anthony is a Licensed Associate Counselor with a Master's degree in Psychology and a Master's degree in Professional Counseling with an emphasis in Childhood and Adolescents, both from Grand Canyon University. He has over 10 years of experience working with children and adolescents. With this experience, Anthony has a deep understanding of the unique challenges they face and how best to support them. Anthony focuses on building a strong rapport with his clients, which creates a safe and trust environment for his clients, helping them feel heard and valued. Furthermore, Anthony has experience working with clients, from all ages and backgrounds, who struggle with anxiety, depression, and relationship concerns. 

Roxanna Perez M.S., LAC

Roxanna Perez M.S., LAC

Roxanna Perez M.S., LAC

 

Roxanna is bilingual clinician and recent master graduate in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an emphasis in marriage and family therapy from Grand Canyon University and has a Bachelor in Education. She is a certified elementary teacher in the states of Utah and Arizona. She has experience working with children, teens, young adults, and parents for over 14 years. Roxanna sees the importance of creating a safe space for clients and awaits the opportunity to work with different populations to help them become more resilient in their lives. 

Reyna Bonilla M.S., LAC

Roxanna Perez M.S., LAC

Roxanna Perez M.S., LAC

 

Reyna is a Licensed Associate Counselor with a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, from the University of Phoenix. She has been working in the mental health field for over 10 years. Reyna has experience in group work, supervision, chemical dependency, residential settings, Drug Court, Mental Health Court, in addition to extensive outpatient treatment experience. She has experience with people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and belief systems.

Reyna incorporates an eclectic therapeutic approach that is person-centered, solution-focused, and strengths-based; this includes psychodynamic, conflict resolution, and cognitive behavioral techniques. Her genuineness, empathy, and warmth help to create a safe, nonjudgmental space, where clients feel accepted, respected, and can process and heal.  She has experience working with anxiety, depression, grief and loss, addiction, relationship concerns, and other life experiences.

David Reynoso MDiv, MSW, LMSW

David Reynoso MDiv, MSW, LMSW

David Reynoso MDiv, MSW, LMSW

 David is a bilingual (English and Spanish) Licensed Master Social Worker with dual graduate degrees—a Master of Social Work (MSW) and a Master of Divinity (MDiv)—from Liberty University. He brings a unique and deeply service-oriented background that blends clinical expertise, spiritual care, and public safety experience. With a career spanning school-based mental health, adult probation, military chaplaincy, and community outreach, David is committed to restoring hope, purpose, and resilience in the lives of those he serves.

David currently serves as a high school social worker, where he provides individual counseling, crisis intervention, and wraparound support to students and families navigating trauma, homelessness, behavioral challenges, and academic barriers. He leads reentry planning, serves as the district McKinney-Vento liaison, and actively supports IEP/504 teams to promote student success. His broader professional background includes serving as an adult probation officer, helping justice-involved individuals with rehabilitation and reintegration, and as a Chaplain in the U.S. Air Force Reserves, where he offered spiritual care, grief counseling, and crisis response to service members and their families. Continuing his commitment to public service, David also serves as a volunteer chaplain with the San Luis Police Department, providing emotional and spiritual support to officers, participating in ride-alongs, and responding to high-stress situations with compassion and presence.

David is especially passionate about serving children, military and veterans, and law enforcement personnel. His trauma-informed, culturally competent approach integrates evidence-based practices like cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused therapy. Whether working in schools, correctional settings, or alongside first responders, David is committed to walking alongside others in their healing journey—providing care that is grounded in respect, purpose, and hope.

Rafael Rodriguez MSW

David Reynoso MDiv, MSW, LMSW

David Reynoso MDiv, MSW, LMSW

 Rafael is a bilingual (English and Spanish) Master’s-level Social Worker from Arizona State University with over five years of experience in the mental health field. He specializes in working with adults and children facing substance abuse issues, including those in court-ordered treatment, adult and juvenile probation, and high-security correctional settings. He is MRT group certified and conducts DUI screenings and domestic violence assessments.

Rafael has extensive clinical experience in both individual and group therapy, working with clients struggling with addiction, trauma, anxiety, depression, and co-occurring disorders. He has provided crisis intervention, risk assessments, and relapse prevention planning. His work in correctional and outpatient settings has strengthened his ability to navigate complex cases, coordinate care with multidisciplinary teams, and develop individualized treatment plans tailored to each client’s needs. His therapeutic strengths include cognitive behavioral therapy, grief therapy, mindfulness-based therapy, and other evidence-based modalities.

In addition to his work with children, Rafael has experience providing therapeutic services such as play therapy, child-parent relationship therapy, and art therapy. He has supported children and families facing behavioral challenges, grief, and family conflict. 

Rafael has significant experience working with the Department of Child Safety (DCS), providing therapeutic support for families involved in the child welfare system. He has worked with parents seeking reunification, conducting parenting assessments, and offering interventions focused on strengthening parent-child relationships. He has also provided trauma-informed therapy for children who have experienced abuse, neglect, and family disruptions. His collaboration with caseworkers and court systems ensures that families receive comprehensive support aimed at long-term stability and healing.

Kate Maehler

Kate received her undergraduate degree in counseling and is nearing completion of her clinical mental health master's degree from Liberty University. She employs a person-centered approach and integrates counseling interventions through an ACT and CBT lens that emphasizes a strengths-based perspective. Kate has valuable experience working with clients struggling with substance abuse. She conducts DUI screening and substance use education sessions in support for those going through the DUI or court mandated counseling process. She has experience helping clients adjust through difficult life transitions and learning healthy coping skills for stress management. She facilitates client growth by raising self-awareness to grow confidence, learning to identify resilience and hope, and how to build healthy support systems. She has experience helping clients in the military, families, children, and moms in the trenches of motherhood.

Desert Counseling & Recovery Services

3970 W 24th St SUITE 204, Yuma, AZ 85364, US

(928) 373-8041

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Fax 928-259-2501

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