HOPE GROWS - Key Persons


Alyssa Smith

Alyssa graduated from Eastern Washington University in 2014, and has been providing mental health counseling for over 10 years.She is licensed in Nevada and Washington States, and currently works with adults, adolescents, and couples via telehealth. She prides herself in being a compassionate advocate for her clients, and is passionate about providing personalized counseling tailored to their unique needs. She has extensive experience in trauma informed care, and utilizing evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectic Behavior Therapy, and Acceptance Commitment Therapy. She is also a trained EMDR therapist, is certified in modalities for treating insomnia, and psychosis, and enjoys integrating therapeutic art and mindfulness practices into her work.

Ana Cervantes Tippit

Ana is a Native Nevadan focused on rural Nevada communities. She has 18 years of providing services for rural community members in a variety of provider roles. Ana has a passion for working with children and families. She also has experience working with victims of domestic violence and other forms of trauma. She has enjoyed her time working in schools which was a motivator for working towards her mental health licensure. Ana is bi-lingual in English and Spanish and loves to bridge the communication barriers in mental health. She is married with 2 kiddos and a slew of animals that keep her busy. She loves animals, the outdoors, and cooking.

Dakota Howard

Dakota is a therapist who has several years working in therapeutic environments as he works towards his own independent Clinical Social Work licensure. Dakota enjoys working with clients from all backgrounds and ages and has experience working with those who struggle with trauma. Dakota graduated with his Master of Social Work from the University of Nevada, Reno, in 2022 and began practicing therapy right away. Dakota is dedicated to assisting his clients making positive, lasting changes for their own lives. Dakota has experience with trauma-informed care, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and is trained in EMDR. In his free time, Dakota enjoys spending time with his wife and family, lifting heavy weights, playing role-playing games, competing in strongman events and Scottish Highland Games.

Kimberly Luthy

Kimberly is a gender-affirming therapist who made Nevada her home a few years ago. Engrossed by the city's diverse cultural scene and vibrant energy, she feels exactly where she should be to pursue her licensure in Clinical Social Work. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Family Relations, and a Master in Social Work. Her previous experience includes working with high acuity, disabilities, trauma, depression and anxiety. Kimberly has a passion for working with couples, adults and adolescence. Kimberly is here to provide a safe, judgement free space that is conducive to growing and furthering your mental health journey based on your personal goals and needs. In her free time, Kimberly enjoys exploring the local businesses in the community while practicing mindfulness. She also grounds herself by spending time with her loved ones including her American bull dog, engaging in her spirituality, or listening to audio books.

Marcus Teissedre LCSW

Kept alive through a constant IV drip of pumpkin spice lattes, Marcus is a therapist with a sarcastic sense of humor and a strong dedication to evidence-based research. Having been practicing clinical social work since 2017, Marcus has been dedicating his practice to focus on interventions to treat trauma with other strong focuses on the LGBTQ+ community and men's health. While not in his office, Marcus is often seen in the wild critically failing his Dungeons and Dragons dice rolls or re-watching old horror movies waiting for it to be fall again.

Sarah Braswell

Sarah Is a self proclaimed redneck hippie with a heart of gold. With her formal education in the field of social work she has her LCSW, CADC and a bevy of real world experience. Sarah Is here to help guide clients on their journey. In her free time Sarah likes tride her 4-wheeler while keeping her chakras aligned with a gentle ohm chant. She has raised her four children and a husband and somehow managed to maintain her wicked sense of humor.

Troy Baltes

As a dedicated mental health therapist, I bring a wealth of experience and compassion to my practice. With a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master's in Social Work from the University of Nevada, Reno, my academic background laid the foundation for my journey in supporting individuals on their paths to healing. In my practice, I am dedicated to promoting holistic wellness and empowering individuals to lead lives that are aligned with their values and aspirations. Together, we can embark on a journey of growth, healing, and transformation.

Xochitl Salinas

Xochitl sees the value in a therapeutic space to discuss the impacts of generational traumas, adverse environments, and adverse life experiences that are at the root of emotional distress. Xochitl specializes in holding a safe space for BIPOC and LGBTQ2S individuals utilizing evidence-based practice to meet their therapeutic goals. Xochitl is a member of the Yurok Tribe from Klamath, CA. She moved to Reno, NV 12 years ago, fell in love with the area and never left. Xochitl received her Bachelor and Master of Social Work at UNR. When she is not being a therapist she spends her free time with loved ones or practicing one of her many hobbies. Her all time favorite hobby is beading.