About Meliora Counseling and Wellness | Scottsdale, Peoria and Phoenix Arizona
At Meliora Counseling and Wellness, we are passionate about providing compassionate, client-centered mental health services to individuals, couples, and families throughout Scottsdale, Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa, Glendale, and surrounding areas. Our experienced team of licensed therapists is committed to supporting the mental health needs of our local Arizona communities.
Meet Our Scottsdale, Peoria and Phoenix-Based Team
Layla Noland, MS LPC - Licensed Mental Health Counselor & Therapist
I am an Independently Licensed Therapist in the state of Arizona who has years of experience partnering with teens and adults seeking help with anxiety, depression, anger, trauma issues, life transitions, self- esteem issues and more. The framework I practice from is dynamic and it continues to evolve, allowing client-centered opportunities for healing to take place. I believe in a whole body approach to therapy. This means, a healthy body equals a healthy mind. Mental health is still health. I believe clients’ resilience and ability to determine what works for them is key. Every client has their own strengths and needs, which I help to identify and address to help them feel empowered. By utilizing multiple clinical tools as a provider, I hope to increase the likelihood for developing a collaborative and therapeutic relationship.
Olivia Johnson, Pre-Licensed Therapist
I am a pre-licensed professional counselor dedicated to supporting individuals as they navigate life’s challenges and work toward personal growth and emotional well-being. Currently working under supervision as I pursue full licensure, I am committed to providing a safe, nonjudgmental, and compassionate space where clients feel heard and empowered. My approach to counseling is collaborative and person-centered, integrating evidence-based practices tailored to each individual’s needs and goals. I work with clients facing a range of concerns including anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship challenges, and self-esteem issues. I believe therapy is a space for you to reconnect with your strengths, deepen your self-awareness, and begin making the changes you want to see. Whether you're beginning therapy for the first time or continuing your journey, my goal is to support you with empathy, respect, and a deep commitment to your healing and growth
Megan Kaiser-Southwick MA LAMFT - Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
My name is Megan Kaiser-Southwick and I am a licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. I graduated from Capella University in 2020 with my Master’s and completed a graduate certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis from ASU in 2023. I have training in Solution-Focused Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy, and Medical Family Therapy. I have worked in the mental health field for 14 years in outpatient behavioral health, inpatient behavioral health, and counseling settings. This has given me the opportunity to work with substance abuse, domestic violence, trauma, grief, life transitions, depression, and anxiety.I always strive to provide a safe, non-judgmental space for my clients. It is important to me that my clients feel seen, heard, and supported. Life can be challenging at times and my goal is to empower my clients to heal in the way that is right for them. I work with clients of all ages and enjoy using a strengths-based approach as well as increasing effective communication.Although time is sometimes limited with 4 children at home, I love to learn when I can. One of my kiddos is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and learning everything I can to assist has been my latest life’s passion. I also enjoy volunteering with special needs organizations and brainstorming with other special needs parents on how to continue to advocate for the population.
Danielle Weeks MS LAC - Licensed Associate Counselor
“Where there is judgment, there is no space for growth.”Danielle offers a safe and nonjudgmental space for clients to explore, heal, and thrive without fear of criticism or bias.Danielle received her Bachelor of Science degree in Humans Services with a concentration in Addictions. She then went on to complete her Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.Danielle has over 15-years experience in the field and is looking forward to continued work with individuals to help them achieve their goals.Danielle is a Licensed Associate Counselor who utilizes an eclectic approach, weaving in various different techniques to best fit an individuals needs. She has training in various therapeutic modalities, including CBT, DBT, REBT, MI, client-centered, and strength-based; specializing in the treatment of mental health and addictions.
Sarah Deats MS LCSW - Licensed Master Social Worker
Sarah is an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) who's all about putting my clients first. With a trauma-informed approach, I strive to create a safe and supportive environment where individuals can heal and grow. I firmly believe that everyone has the power to overcome their challenges, and I'm here to guide them through their journey utilizing EMDR, CBT, psychotherapy and much more!My passion for helping others led me to pursue a career in social work. I'm dedicated to understanding the unique needs of each person I work with and tailoring my approach accordingly. I'm committed to empowering individuals to reclaim their lives and find their inner strength. When not wearing my therapist hat I work on mental health advocacy, writing inspirational readings and spending time with family.
Amy Frey, MA LMSW - Licensed Masters Social Worker
Amy is an LMSW( Licensed Masters of Social Worker) I believe that our past experiences for better or for worse will influence our patterns of thought and future choices. If you are searching for understanding, feeling stuck, ashamed, misunderstood, you are not alone. You are capable of change, capable of healing, capable of having a full, happy life.Choosing to seek help shows your strength and as a Clinical Social Worker/Therapist I am here to listen in a safe, supportive, nonjudgmental environment. Together we will utilize your strengths to develop a plan to achieve your goals utilizing evidence based techniques specialized to your unique needs. I have experience working with a variety of age groups and therapeutic techniques including CBT, Motivational Therapy, DBT and Psychodynamic therapy.
Kyrsten Meese - LAC Licensed Associate Counselor
Kyrsten, has a master’s degree from Grand Canyon University, specializing in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a focus on adolescents. Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, I earned my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Arizona State University in 2016. My eight years in the education profession prepared me as a counselor by developing my ability to understand diverse perspectives, communicate effectively, and provide personalized support to individuals with varying needs. Although new to the profession, I am excited to empower individuals in achieving their goals by fostering meaningful therapeutic relationships. I have a passion for helping clients navigate anxiety, depression, self-love/self-esteem issues, life transitions, eating disorders, and other mental health concerns. I am trained in CBT and Solution-Focused Therapy, and work closely with my clinical supervisor to provide effective therapeutic interventions.
David Saavedra MS LMSW (Licensed Social Worker)
David Is a Licensed Social Worker who received his Masters degree in Puerto Rico. He has been in practice for 7 years, working with children, adolescents, individuals and couples. David has a love for helping others. He is kind, compassionate, empathetic and dedicated to help with people in need. David supports Latin adults facing anxiety, trauma, migration-related stress, or difficult relationships in healing from their personal history, rebuilding their emotional identity, and restoring inner balance. All of this is provided in Spanish, in a safe, respectful, and nonjudgmental space.
If you’re going through a difficult time, feeling like life has lost its meaning or direction, I want you to know you’re not alone. At Meliora Counseling & Wellness, we help you work through unresolved issues that may be affecting your emotional well-being. We firmly believe that our thoughts influence our emotions and decisions, so we offer therapeutic tools that help transform the way you think, feel, and live.
Pamela Denny - Pre-Licensed Therapist
As a a pre licensed therapist, my professional goals reflect my personal passion to elevate the voices of young people seeking better. Better living, better communication, and better self-confidence. I have worked in homes, clinics, and schools with youth and adolescence diagnosed with autism, ADHD, and intellectual disabilities. I have also worked in high school and middle school settings working with teens facing substance use issues, personally or in their homes. My area of emphasis is on youth and adolescent disorders, including early adulthood challenges and changes. It is my mission to help people get engaged and active in the life they are living and building.
Dr Jennifer Nanson - MA PsyD
Meliora—the pursuit of better things—is fitting for my approach to both life and therapy, as I believe in constantly striving for growth, improvement, and deeper fulfillment. I specialize in treating high-performing professionals and individuals who spend much of their time in high-pressure, high-risk environments. I provide treatment to individuals navigating trauma, grief, and the emotional challenges associated with complex medical conditions. My clients seek to harness their inner strength, reduce and improve management of stress, heal from past traumas, and improve their relationship with themselves and others. I provide comprehensive mental health treatment for a wide range of emotional, psychological, and behavioral concerns. I work collaboratively with clients to address issues such as anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, life transitions, trauma, grief and loss, offering personalized care to support overall well-being and growth.
Robert Swanson- Pre-Licensed Therapist
I am dedicated to creating a compassionate, collaborative, and safe environment where clients can explore their challenges and discover their strengths. My approach integrates evidence-based methods such as Person-Centered Therapy (PCT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI). I believe counseling is a partnership that empowers clients to build resilience, self-awareness, and meaning in their lives. Guided by the ACA Code of Ethics, I desire to help individuals rediscover hope, rebuild self-sufficiency, and reclaim their capacity to lead fulfilling lives.My goal is to provide a safe, supportive, and collaborative space where individuals can explore challenges, gain clarity, and develop practical tools for lasting change. I specialize in helping individuals navigate anxiety, depression, trauma recovery, life and career transitions, relationship difficulties, and stress management.
We proudly support the mental health and well-being of Scottsdale, Peoria, Phoenix and surrounding Arizona communities. Whether you’re seeking therapy for yourself, your child, your relationship, or your family, our team is here to help.
👉 Request a Consultation Today to take the first step toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.