Meeting the needs of children, youth,

adults and families…

                      ...one step at a time

NEXT

         STEP

  COUNSELING

                  SERVICES

To contact us:

3812 Ingersoll

Des Moines, IA 50312

Phone: (515) 255-2500

Fax: (515)255-7989

We are a provider of Title XIX, most private insurances, fee for service, Child Mental Health Waiver and BHIS Services.

Meet Our Staff

The Next Step staff is a diverse group of high quality, ethically minded, skilled practitioners that strive to provide professional services which demonstrate sensitivity and respect for human differences.  Our educated and experienced service providers offer quality services to best meet the needs of our clients and their families.

To contact staff directly, click name

Email: info@nscsiowa.com

Mike Koch, MSW, LISW   Clinical Director, Therapist

 

Mike earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Child and Family Services from Iowa State University, and continued his education at the University of Iowa, where he received his Masters in Social Work degree, emphasizing on integrated practice.

 

Mike has been working in the social services field for over eighteen years, focusing on youth and families.  He specializes in treating mood disorders, depression, emotion management, behavior management, and has experience treating a wide variety of mental health disorders.

 

Mike is a Licensed Independent Social Worker in the State of Iowa.  He is a member of the National Association of Social Workers and participates in a variety of training sessions and task forces annually.

Scott Willsey, BS  Personnel/Program Administrator, Agency Trainer

 

Scott has worked in the counseling and human services fields for over 22 years.  He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration at Upper Iowa University and has also studied at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.  Scott's expertise is in program development,  staff development/training and business management. 

 

An author of three books, Scott has written on the subjects of social skill development, staff development and daily meditation.

 

Scott has led training groups for teachers, residential and day treatment staffs on strategies to deal with challenging youth.  He is a national speaker/trainer on personal and professional development.

Sharon D. Sickles, MSW, LISW  Therapist

 

Sharon earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Grand View College, focusing on Human Services.  She earned her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Iowa.  She continues to further her education to give the people the best assistance possible.

 

In her twenty years of experience, Sharon has worked with a wide variety of clients of all ages and abilities.  Her strengths include in-home family therapy and outpatient mental health.  She specializes in treating mood disorders, depression, emotion management, behavior management, and has experience treating a wide variety of mental health disorders.

 

Sharon is a Licensed Independent Social Worker in the State of Iowa.

Lisa Walton, MSW, LISW  Therapist

 

Lisa obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Central College in Pella, Iowa.  She continued her education at the University of Iowa where she earned her Master of Social Work.

 

Lisa has been working in the social services field for twenty years.  She specializes in working with children, adolescents, and families.    She specializes in treating mood disorders, depression, emotion management, behavior management, and has experience treating a wide variety of mental health disorders.

 

Lisa is a Licensed Independent Social Worker in the State of Iowa.

Sarah McNew, MSW, LMSW  Therapist

 

Sarah earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work and her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Iowa. 

 

She has been volunteering and working with people for over ten years, assisting children, adolescents, and parents, focusing on in-home family therapy.  She specializes in treating mood disorders, depression, emotion management, behavior management, and has experience treating a wide variety of mental health disorders.

 

Sarah is a Licensed Master Social Worker in the State of Iowa.

Adam Keonin, MA, LMHC provisional  Therapist

 

After earning a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Northwest Missouri State University, Adam went on to complete his Master of Arts in Counseling from Oakland University. 

 

With over ten years of experience in the field of counseling, Adam’s education concentrated in the area of Child and Adolescent Counseling.  His expertise is in behavior management, emotional regulation, and individual counseling for at risk youth and autism spectrum disorder populations.

 

He is currently completing the requirements to earn his independent License in Mental Health Counseling from the State of Iowa.

Michele Skaggs, MSW, LMSW  Therapist

 

Michele received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication/Public Relations from the University of Northern Iowa.  Her Master of Social Work is from the University of Iowa.

 

She has experience in the public school setting and specializes in anxiety disorders and marriage and family therapy.  Michele has also utilized play therapy techniques and is trained in EMDR therapy.

 

Michele is a Licensed Master Social Worker in the State of Iowa.

Jeremy Nau, BA  Team Lead Interventionist

 

Jeremy studied at Iowa State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology.

 

Jeremy has over ten years of experience working with families and children.  He works with adolescents and families on problem solving skills, coping skills, and anger management skills.

Kolleen Hill, BS  Interventionist

 

Kolleen received her Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration from Upper Iowa University. 

 

She has over ten years of experience in the Human Services industry.  Her strengths include teaching coping skills, decision making skills, and social skills with adolescents and families.

Dana Willis, BA  Interventionist

 

Dana earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Services from Grand View College.

 

She has over ten years of experience in the social services field, where she has worked with children, adolescents, and families.  She specializes in assisting them to manage their emotions, manage their behaviors, and social skill development.

Charles Zanders, BS  Interventionist, Group Facilitator

 

Charles earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Upper Iowa University.  He has over five years of experience in the social services field.

 

Charles works with adolescents in an individual and group setting, focusing on social skills, problem-solving skills, and coping skills.

Frank Lee III,  BS  Interventionist

 

Frank received his Bachelor of Science degree from Lincoln University of Pennsylvania in Health Promotion. 

 

Frank has been working in the field for almost five years and has experience working with  youth from a variety of different backgrounds, developmental levels, and mental health diagnoses.  Frank specializes in crisis intervention, behavior management, skill building, and the development of individualized treatment plans.

Heidi Keefer, MA  Interventionist

 

Heidi has earned two Bachelor of Art degrees; one in Sociology from Iowa State University and the other in Psychology from the University of Iowa.  She received her Master of Sociology degree from the University of Nebraska.

 

She has six years experience working with children and adolescents.  Her strengths are children with special educational needs and autism.  Heidi’s focus is on behavior management, skill building, and family support services.

Dwight Jackson, MPA  Interventionist

 

Dwight received his Bachelor of Science degree from Upper Iowa University in Business Administration, and continued his education at Drake University earning a Master of Public Administration degree.

 

Dwight has experience mentoring youth in both the Chicago area and in Des Moines, and taught at the collegiate level at Des Moines Area Community College’s Urban Campus.  He focuses on skill building, emotional regulation, and behavior management for youth and families experiencing mental health issues.

Angie Riepe, BA  Interventionist

 

Angie attended Buena Vista University in 2011 and obtained a Bachelor of Art degree in Psychology and Human Services.  She is currently attending the University of Iowa in pursuance of a Master of Social Work degree.

 

Angie has been serving and working in the field for eight years.  Her expertise is in skill building, anger management, and emotional regulation.  She has experience providing family services, group work, and individual counseling focusing on youth with special needs and issues of loss.

Tony Griffin, Habilitation Worker

 

Tony is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree from Upper Iowa University with a major in Human Services.

 

Tony’s strengths are helping individuals who have a chronic mental illness with daily living skills, community inclusion and social skill development.

Tiffany Walker, Habilitation Worker

 

Tiffany earned her Associate of Science degree in Human Services from Des Moines Area Community College.

 

She has several years of experience working with youth of all ages and specializes in outreach services to at risk youth, including group and individual services.  Tiffany focuses on helping individuals with adaptive skill development, social skill building, and coping skills.

Will Holmes,  Habilitation Worker, Group Co-facilitator

 

After years of experience mentoring young men, Will joins the field of mental health services.

 

He assists licensed facilitators in a group therapy setting that focuses on emotional regulation, anger management and developing coping skills.  Will also aids individuals with activities of daily living and social skill development.