About Us

As the Founder of Champion State of Mind, PLLC (CSM) in June 2016, you will find Amanda and Murphy among many areas with CSM. From administrative work to psychotherapy, Amanda thrives on building a Team of Champions that provides the best Mental Health and Substance Use services through the use of scientifically based treatments, constructed advocacy, and servant leadership. Born and raised in Iowa, Amanda felt it important to continue to stay and serve her local communities when opening CSM. She completed her Masters in Science degree in Mental Health Counseling with an emphasis in Crisis and Trauma Interventions from Walden University in 2013. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and Religion with minors in Communication Arts, Women's Studies and Leadership Development from Wartburg College, Iowa in 2008.

Through her years of experience, Amanda has worked with hundreds of clients from all walks of life. This has provided Amanda with a deep insight and a practical view of contemporary issues and has allowed her to develop a unique combination of interpersonal psychoanalysis, mind-body stimulation, cognitive behavioral techniques, and the ability to diagnose and treat clients in a detailed manner. Both professionally and therapeutically, Amanda also works to provide an environment where the whole-person is considered: striving for the Champion Mindset through the balance of the Mind, Body, Soul and Spirit. Amanda holds great pride in Champion State of Mind, CSM’s phenomenal team and all the hard work that goes into helping local communities.

Murphy, CTD a youthful black Labrador Retriever, joined with Amanda in May 2016 as a re-careered service dog in training from the Puppy Jake Foundation in Des Moines, Iowa. The Puppy Jake Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to help wounded military veterans with the assistance of well-bred and professionally trained PTSD service dogs.

Since his infancy, Murphy was part of the Puppy Jake training program. Upon hitting his one-year birthday, Murphy had learned may important skills such as basic canine training, temperament testing and other extensive skills required for service animal work. In a few areas, however, Murphy continued to score average than the expected high standards set forth service dog certification. Overall, Murphy’s personality leaned more towards human interaction and play than extensive work and attention. Thus, the Puppy Jake Foundation felt Murphy would be a perfect fit as a therapy dog and they were right! Murphy’s training and loveable personality has been a seamless fit into the mental health therapy field!

If a client meets qualifications for AAT (Animal Assisted Therapy), Murphy is welcome to join in the therapy session with the client. The goal of AAT is to improve a client’s social, emotional or cognitive functioning. Interacting with an animal in a therapy session can enhance a client's experience of therapy and provide a different way to acquire and improve important life skills. Research has shown that individuals who experiencing stress, depression, anxiety, autism-related issues, dementia, mental disorders, chronic diseases and neurological disorders can be effectively treated with the help of an animal.

In Murphy’s spare time he enjoys playing outside, running, chewing on bones, and belly rubs. He also enjoys meeting new people, giving “puppy kisses” and exploring his surroundings. If you happen to see Murphy around, feel free to come up and meet him! He loves to say Hi!

Heather is currently enrolled in a master’s program for Marriage and Family Therapy through Capella University. She also earned her undergraduate degree through Mankato State University. Heather's therapeutic focus leans towards a holistic perspective with additional training among the topics of hoarding and anger management. She is also proud to be a part of and a supporter of the LGBTQ+ community. Additionally, Heather is a licensed foster parent (since 2017) with the State of Iowa and has a well-rounded understanding of the foster care system and the Department of Human Services (DHS). Heather’s involvement with the foster care system empowered her to continue her education to help children develop healthy attachments, recognize and evaluate environmental living conditions, as well as process past traumatic experiences. At this time, Heather is facilitating group therapy in a volunteering position with Champion State of Mind.

Bobbi joined the CSM staff in August of 2019. She is the Billing and Credentialing Specialist for all of CSM’s office locations. Her work includes case coordination, billing operations, credentialing providers and accounts receivable overview. In her free time, Bobbi enjoys camping and spending time with her grandchildren.

Kasey joined the Champion State of Mind staff in March 2021 as the Substance Use Disorder Treatment Clinical Supervisor. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Addiction Studies and Community Based Corrections in 2007 from Minnesota State University-Mankato. Kasey has worked in the field of Substance Use Disorders since graduation and has experience working with Iowa Licensure and CARF accreditation. She also has an interest in policy, procedures, and compliance within organizations. In the past, Kasey has worked as a Substance Use Counselor, Iowa Domestic Abuse Program Coordinator and as a Substance Use Clinical Supervisor within various outpatient programs. Kasey is trained in Motivational Interviewing, ACTV, Moving On, ACT therapy, and Clinical Supervision.

Her passion is helping those reach their full potential and working to end the stigma of mental health and substance use disorder. The quote Kasey lives by is, “This can be your page, your chapter, or your whole book. You Decide.” In her free time, Kasey enjoys spending time with her busy family, drinking coffee, and watching sports. You will most likely find Kasey at the swimming pool, basketball court, or baseball field cheering on her friends and family.

Whitney earned her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University located in Lynchburg, VA. She also earned her B.A. from Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, IA while triple majoring in Human Services, Sociology, and Criminology. Whitney has a passion for working with multiple populations. Whitney has experience in working with survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, trauma, addiction, and adolescents as well as school-aged children in residential and treatment settings. She has five years of experience in working with children and adolescents ranging from working in school systems, youth shelters, and program-specific adolescent treatment programs.

Throughout her professional experiences, Whitney has practiced many modalities such as Motivational Interviewing, Seeking Safety, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Informed Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Whitney has also provided services for suicidal/crisis intervention, traumatic brain injury clients, clients in residential settings, and multiple age groups. Her main approach encompasses an eclectic stance that includes humanistic theory, a holistic view, and trauma-informed care with an overall purpose of instilling hope with each of her clients. Her theories are based on viewing an individual in their many components, but all of which equal a whole being. She values the uniqueness of each piece to a person’s whole. It is her goal to unite the body, self, and spirit through greater interpersonal insight by increasing cognitive flexibility, acceptance, self-compassion, and emotion regulation.

Perla joined the CSM staff in September of 2017. She is the Administrative Assistant for the Estherville, Sioux Center, Rock Valley and Orange City offices. Her work includes scheduling appointments, organizing files, coordinating services for clients, and much more! Perla is currently working on receiving her AA degree from Iowa Lakes and hoping to continue her education. In her free time, Perla enjoys spending time with her significant other, family and her two dogs.

Angie Kirkpatrick rejoined the Champion State of Mind staff in September 2020. She works as an Administrative Assistant for the Estherville, Sioux Center, Rock Valley and Orange City offices. Her work includes scheduling appointments, organizing files, coordinating services for clients, and administrative auditing. Angie is also a licensed massage therapist, who in her spare time, enjoys spending time with her family.

Prior to joining Champion State of Mind, Mikayla earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology and Human Services from Buena Vista University in 2020. She is currently continuing her education in graduate school at the University of South Dakota where she is majoring in Social Work. She joined Champion State of Mind as a master's Level Social Work Intern where she continues to obtain knowledge and insight through experience as she works closely with Rebecca (Becky) and our other CSM staff members. Additionally, Mikayla will be working within the Estherville Lincoln Central School District as a Behavioral Health Advisor starting in the Fall of 2021. In the future, Mikayla's goal is to become a Licensed Social Worker in the State of Iowa. Mikayla holds a strong passion for helping others with a primary focus on supporting children and their families.

Suzan Loverink holds a Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Iowa, Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner in Nebraska and a nationally Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. Suzan has experience working with a wide variety of individuals such as children and adolescents with adjustment disorders, anxiety disorders, ADD/ADHD, depression, and trauma issues. As well as adults with adjustment conditions, trauma issues, anxiety, depression, anger management, divorce and blended families, personality disorders and ADD/ADHD. Suzan is trained in PCIT (Parent-Child Interaction Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) and in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing for trauma). Suzan also enjoys learning new modalities so she can better provide individualized care to her clients. Currently, Suzan is offering individual, couple and/or family telehealth therapy services through Champion State of Mind, PLLC.

Amy started with CSM in November of 2019 and as a Regional Case Manager. Amy has been active in the social service field for over 22 years. She began her journey at Buena Vista College obtaining her degree in Social Work. Her first job at Boys and Girls Home as a counselor was her first step in trying to help others overcome self-defeating choices and to provide replacement skills to be more successful. Amy continued her career by moving to a position within t Crittenton Center as a Remedial Service provider in the home for children and parents. She has also worked as a BHIS Mental Health Specialist with Hope Haven doing in-home family services. With each of her job changes, she stayed steadfast in her choice of career in the social work field that meant she was able to help others make positive changes in their lives. Amy has recently committed to adding more education to her wealth of experience and has continued working towards her tCADC through the Iowa Board of Certification. Overall, her education and her experience are wonderful assets to CSM, but more so is her commitment and focus as she brings in assisting her clients on their journeys to achieving more productive and healthier lives.

Becky earned her Master’s in Clinical Social Work from the University of St Thomas located in St. Paul, Minnesota, and earned her Bachelors in Human Services from Buena Vista University. In the state of Iowa, Becky is a Licensed Masters Social Worker and is a Licensed Graduate Social Worker in the state of Minnesota. Additionally, Becky is a lifelong resident of the Midwest which has provided her with a strong understanding of the hardships that local families face within rural communities; specifically, among farming families. Becky has experience working with all ages from prenatal to hospice. She has been specifically trained in diagnosing and treating children ages birth to five and believes in an all-encompassing family approach; especially with early childhood clients. Since family dynamics play a large role in everyday life, Becky holds a strong interest in working with couples and families as well.

Nosbusch details, “Regardless of age, I believe in being creative throughout the therapeutic process. The use of art, music, meditation, mindfulness and other nontraditional approaches are something that I love and truly enjoy incorporating into my work with every client.”

Becky is also trained in Natural Lifemanship. This type of therapeutic process highlights the educational components of trauma and how it affects the human brain. Natural Lifemanship, additionally, focuses individual connections and how such connections can be nurtured within a person's home, occupation and community. Regardless of where a person is in their life, from crisis to maintenance, Becky is eager to speak with you and discuss your individual needs. She believes in meeting people wherever they are in their therapeutic journey and building upon a client's strengths to achieve their overall goals.

Nosbusch will be working with clients in Estherville, Iowa as well as providing school-based therapy within the Estherville Lincoln Central School District.

Amy Ondler is a native to Northwest Iowa and has been working in the mental health field for the last 12 years. She holds a Masters Degree in Social Work from Simmons School of Social Work and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Northwestern College. Amy has experience providing therapy to various populations including but not limited to children, families, parents, adults and couples. From her 12 years of service in the field, Amy has gathered insight in working with individuals during any walk of life, dealing with various difficulties including but not limited to: anxiety, depression, trauma, challenging behaviors, intimacy, marital complications, low self-esteem, difficulty with emotional regulation, etc. When asked what specific population Amy enjoys working with most she stated “My passion is helping those in need, walking alongside them in order to aid them towards a more hopeful future. For this reason, I enjoy meeting and working with individuals from all walks of life. In my opinion, the beginning of the therapeutic relationship is one of the most important moments. It is one of my favorites because it is a moment when I can meet each individual exactly where they are and determine a plan to help them make steps towards the desired outcome they are hoping for.”

Throughout her various years in the field Amy has been trained in multiple modalities including but not limited to: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Informed Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Seeking Safety, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Along with these modalities, Amy is trained in various interventions such as emotion regulation, feelings identification, marital reconciliation, and challenging behavior modification programs.

Amy has been working with Champion for the last two years and recently opened our new satellite Spencer office. Schedule an appointment to see Amy today! She would love to meet you.

Adam joined Champion State of Mind in June 2021. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Northern Iowa in 2017, Adam worked mainly in the Des Moines area providing Behavioral Health Intervention Services (BHIS) and Care Coordination services for families in the metro. He also has experience working within residential treatment facilities and suicide prevention programs. Adam holds training certifications in Seeking Safety, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) and Motivational Interview (MI). Currently, Adam will be working within the Estherville Lincoln Central Community School District as a Behavioral Health Advisor with the long-term goal of becoming a certified Substance Use Counselor and Licensed Mental Health Therapist. Adam was raised in Estherville, Iowa and specifically moved back from Des Moines to assist more with providing mental health services in his hometown. His passion is to continue to break the stigma of mental health in Northwest Iowa and to advocate for the families in his community.

Arielle was born and raised in Terril and Graettinger, Iowa. While attending high school, Arielle received her Associates of Science degree from Iowa Lakes Community College. She then went on to earn her Bachelor's degree in Social Work from the University of Northern Iowa. Currently, she is obtaining her Masters in Social Work from the University of Northern Iowa, as well. Arielle hopes to graduate with her MSW degree in May of 2022. Her goal is to continue working within the mental health field, specifically with children and adolescents, as a licensed independent social worker in the State of Iowa. Arielle's life passion is to help others, especially children, with mental health struggles and to create a safe and loving environment for everyone.

Casandra joined the CSM staff in October of 2018. Her work as Administrative Assistant includes organizing and coordinating client files, scheduling appointments, client communications and much more! Casandra has worked within the Mental Health previously for 5 years at Boys and Girls Home in Sioux City, IA. She has traveled around the world to 10+ countries doing missions and has a heart for volunteering. She loves to spend time with her nephews and working with her brother at the Milford Pioneer Theater. Casandra also enjoys her backyard wildlife and feeding the birds and squirrels every morning.

Madison Sweet is a Licensed Mental Health Therapist who provides supervisory support with Champion State of Mind. She attended Iowa State University for her undergraduate degree and University of Northern Iowa for her graduate degree. Madison is trained in Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and has extensive training in play-therapy techniques, sand tray techniques, and CBT. Madison has worked as a clinician for the past five years as a school-based therapist. Her main approach is a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy and trauma informed care. She values building connections with the students and families that she works with and finding an integrated approach that fits best. She is passionate about studying trauma and how trauma affects the brain, heart, and body.

Samantha began her career by earning her Bachelor's of Science in Psychology with a minor in Alcohol and Drug Studies from Minnesota State University in Mankato, MN. Currently, Samantha is working towards her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC/LMHC) through Capella University to enhance her LADC/IADC (Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor - State of Minnesota/ International Drug and Alcohol Counselor - State of Iowa). Samantha has close to a decade of experience working in several settings in the addiction field. Ranging from intensive outpatient, women’s residential, men’s residential, co-ed residential, Drug Court, Family Dependency Treatment Court, and Celebrate Families. Her experience includes counseling clients individually and in group sessions, helping to assist clients in overcoming dependencies, adjusting to life, and/or making overall changes. She also develops client treatment plans based on research, clinical experience, and client histories. Samantha is eager to help clients succeed in recovery through individual treatment planning, life skills development and individual/group therapy. Your success is her passion.

Wanda holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Dordt College and a master’s in Counseling from Morningside College. She is licensed in the State of Iowa as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and a Licensed Masters Social Worker (LMSW). Wanda is also certified in Reality Therapy/Choice Theory (RT/CT). This specialized therapeutic certification focuses on the client’s present-tense issues while harnessing positive problem-solving skills to meet a person’s overall goals. Additionally, Wanda has training in Solution-Focused Based Therapy (SFBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Energy Tapping, sexual abuse, trauma and behavior disorders.

After working for over 45 years within the healthcare field, with over 15 of those years as a Mental Health Therapist, Wanda has acquired a broad range of experience while working among foster homes, in-home therapy services, residential and Community Mental Health services. Through these experiences, Wanda has come to enjoy working with all age groups such as children, adolescents and adults along with couples and families.

Wanda will be working with clients in Rock Valley, Orange City, and Sioux Center, Iowa as well as providing school-based therapy in the Boyden-Hall School District.

Madison Wagner is a native of Iowa. Madison holds a Master of Arts degree in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling from the University of Iowa and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Human Services from Buena Vista University. Madison has experience working with clients on trauma, sexual assault, self-esteem, adjustment issues, substance abuse, boundary setting, stress management, depression, and anxiety. Currently, Madison is working towards receiving her training to become a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) and a Certified Mental Health Integrative Medicine Provider (CMHIMP). In her own words: "It’s an ongoing privilege to empower individuals to overcome personal obstacles from the bumpy chapters of their life. It is my goal to assist clients in bringing about change, healing, growth, and acceptance in their lives. I also believe that knowledge is a powerful transformative tool, which is why I incorporate bibliotherapy and psychoeducation in my therapy sessions along with cognitive behavioral therapy. You will have the autonomy to direct your own treatment because the outcome is in your hands.”