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 Goodyear, Scottsdale, Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa, Glendale, Peoria and surrounding areas. Our experienced team of licensed therapists and pre licensed therapists are committed to supporting the mental health needs of our local Arizona communities.
Our mission is “to support those ready for growth—even when the path isn’t clear—by integrating mental and physical wellness in the pursuit of lasting transformation.”
Meet Our Goodyear, Scottsdale, Peoria and Phoenix-Based Team
Layla Noland, MS LPC - Licensed Mental Health Counselor & Therapist and Owner
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, BS 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 Clinical Social Worker Clinical Director
Sarah is an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) and Clinical Director 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 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.
Angelique Bishop - BS Pre Licensed Therapist
I am a counselor-in-training who works with adolescents and adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, relationship challenges, and identity-related concerns. I strive to offer an affirming, inclusive space for clients of all backgrounds, including LGBTQ+ individuals, where all identities and pronouns are respected. My approach is client-centered and trauma-informed, integrating evidence-based practices while honoring each person’s values, strengths, and lived experiences. I believe deeply in the power of ordinary magic—the small, meaningful shifts in awareness, coping, and connection that create lasting change over time. With a background in behavioral health and care coordination, I understand how stress, health challenges, and systemic barriers can impact emotional well-being. I’m passionate about helping clients build self-trust, resilience, and a more grounded sense of hope through practical tools, compassion, and collaboration.
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 BS, 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- BS, 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.
Brianna Moorer MS, LMSW (Licensed Social Worker)
Amanda Ramsey BS, Pre Licensed Therapist
I am a pre-licensed therapist currently working toward my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. My approach to counseling is rooted in a humanistic, client-centered perspective, which means I believe you are the expert of your own life. I also incorporate mindfulness, helping clients develop greater awareness, presence, and connection to their thoughts and emotions. If you are experiencing stress, life transitions, or feelings of being stuck, overwhelmed, or anxious. Whether you’re adjusting to a new phase of life, managing relationships, building self-confidence and self-esteem, or simply trying to better understand yourself, I aim to provide a supportive and nonjudgmental space where you can explore your thoughts and emotions and feel heard. I am here to walk alongside you in your journey and help you develop tools to navigate life’s challenges, increase self-awareness, and foster lasting change.
Aurora Moreno BS, Pre Licensed Therapist
I am a pre licensed therapist who strives to create a safe, inclusive, and supportive space for clients. My approach is grounded in client-centered care, with an emphasis on honoring each individual’s unique experiences, identities, and needs. I believe the therapeutic journey is an opportunity for clients to feel empowered and to identify the tools needed to build a meaningful life. I have experience supporting clients through career transitions, as well as working with children, adolescents, and individuals within the special needs population. I tailor my work to meet clients where they are, collaborating with them to support their personal growth and healing in a way that feels right for them. As a pre-licensed therapist, I work under professional supervision to provide ethical and effective care while continuing to grow in my practice.
Stephanie Voelker MS, LMSW (Licensed Social Worker)
I am Stephanie, a Licensed Master Social Worker, passionate about fostering emotional well-being and authentic living to empower you to uncover your strengths, develop new coping strategies, and build lives aligned with your values. I believe that healing is not only possible—but deeply transformative when approached with openness, curiosity, and compassion. I have been practicing since 2020 and hold a master’s degree in Social Work from Arizona State University.
Joanna Fisher MS, LMSW (Licensed Social Worker)
As a Licensed Master Social Worker, I am passionate about helping children, adolescents, adults, and families navigate life’s challenges with compassion, clarity, and confidence. With over 12 years of experience in the social services field, I have worked closely with individuals and families facing behavioral challenges, anxiety, emotional stress, trauma, and major life transitions. My approach is warm, collaborative, and culturally responsive, with a strong commitment to creating a safe and empowering therapeutic environment for every client. I specialize in supporting children and teens with emotional regulation, behavioral concerns, ADHD, self-esteem challenges, and anxiety, while also helping adults work through stress, burnout, relationship concerns, and personal growth. I understand that each person’s journey is unique, which is why I tailor therapy to meet your individual needs and goals. My therapeutic approach integrates evidence-based practices including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)-informed strategies, and Motivational Interviewing (MI). I believe healing and growth begin in spaces where people feel genuinely seen, heard, and supported. Together, we focus on building practical coping skills, strengthening emotional resilience, and creating meaningful, lasting change."
Claire Erikson BS Pre Licensed Therapist
Hi there! If you are looking for a therapist to help guide you in navigating anxiety, depression, self-esteem concerns, life transitions, or relationship challenges I am here to help. You may feel overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of what’s next, and are seeking a safe, supportive space to better understand yourself. My goal is to help you find balance, build confidence, and create meaningful change while feeling heard and supported along the way. I offer a warm, collaborative, and holistic approach that is client-forward and tailored to each individual’s needs. I specialize in working with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, life transitions, and relationship concerns, and women’s issues using evidence-based practices such as Person Centered and Solution-Focused Therapy, as well as Mindfulness. Taking the first step toward therapy can feel intimidating, especially when life feels heavy or uncertain. You deserve a space where you feel seen, supported, and understood. If you’re ready to invest in yourself and explore meaningful change at your own pace, I invite you to reach out and see if we’re a good fit!
Erika Eubank MS LAC (Licensed Associate Therapist)
Hi there! If you are looking for a therapist to help guide you in navigating anxiety, depression, self-esteem concerns, life transitions, or relationship challenges I am here to help. You may feel overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of what’s next, and are seeking a safe, supportive space to better understand yourself. My goal is to help you find balance, build confidence, and create meaningful change while feeling heard and supported along the way. I offer a warm, collaborative, and holistic approach that is client-forward and tailored to each individual’s needs. I specialize in working with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, life transitions, and relationship concerns, and women’s issues using evidence-based practices such as Person Centered and Solution-Focused Therapy, as well as Mindfulness. Taking the first step toward therapy can feel intimidating, especially when life feels heavy or uncertain. You deserve a space where you feel seen, supported, and understood. If you’re ready to invest in yourself and explore meaningful change at your own pace, I invite you to reach out and see if we’re a good fit!
Denise Crawford MS LAC (Licensed Associate Therapist)
I am a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) with over 14 years of experience providing therapy for individuals struggling with trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, addiction, and co-occurring disorders. I specialize in working with veterans and understand the unique challenges related to military service, reintegration, and trauma. I help clients who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to move forward. Whether you’re dealing with substance use, mood disorders, or major life transitions, I provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space where we can work together to create lasting change.
Dulce Lara BS Pre Licensed Therapist
As a pre licensed therapist, my goal is to provide a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where individuals feel respected and heard. I believe that everyone is capable of change when given the appropriate guidance, support, and opportunity. This belief was strengthened through my work with youth in juvenile detention and individuals on probation, where I supported justice-involved individuals as they navigated accountability, trauma, and major life transitions. These experiences deepened my commitment to meeting people where they are and honoring their capacity for growth. I am also bilingual , I speak Spanish and English.
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.