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Meet The Team

MEET THE TEAM

SHARON A. BELL, PsyD

Founder and Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Bell has worked in a medical diagnostic setting for over 30 years and is formally trained as a Health Psychologist. She obtained a Master’s Degree in Psychology and a Doctorate in Health Psychology from the Colorado School of Professional Psychology. In addition, she continues advanced training and mentoring from renowned experts in research, medicine, psychology, and theology. She has authored several articles, published book chapters, and lectured both nationally and internationally on chronic pain, stress management, healthy aging, obesity and cognitive-behavioral therapy.

If there is one thing that separates Dr. Bell from other psychologists it is her exceptional ability to bridge the gap between research, medicine, psychology, and theology. She has great faith in the human spirit’s ability to communicate issues and then pulls from her vast knowledge and external resources to explain the impact on health, work, or family and recommend real solutions that work for you.

A personal note:
I remain grounded in the morals, values, and experiences from my childhood growing up in Oklahoma. I view all people as existing on an equal playing field, each with personal genius/value, and deserving of feeling important, loved, and safe. I respect that we can have varying experiences during our lifetime and some of them can be painful. It is both brave and vulnerable for you to step into a nonjudgmental setting where you can be open about your thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors to seek relief and create a future that is as peaceful and exciting as you dream it to be. Thank you for trusting me with your future.

WILLIAM RATHER, LPC, NCC

Licensed Professional Counselor

William is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Bachelor’s degree in psychology from Arizona State University and a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Argosy University. He has obtained further training in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy and enjoys working with adolescents and adults. He specializes in assisting with a variety of issues to include trauma, stress, anxiety, self-esteem, depression, and emotional regulation. William primarily works with individuals and also offers family and group counseling based on client needs to provide the best care.

A personal note:

My hope is that I can help individuals and their families become more attuned to each other’s needs in order to create a genuine and supportive environment. Within this collaborative framework, it is my job to create a safe, caring, and non-judgmental atmosphere in which we can work together to identify your most pressing concerns. I am honored to work alongside you and support you in this journey.

Kelsi Rather, LPC, NCC

Licensed Professional Counselor

Kelsi is a Licensed Associate Counselor with a Bachelor’s degree in psychology from Arizona State University and a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Argosy University. She is an EMDRIA trained EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) provider, which has been shown to be quite useful for resolution of trauma, anxiety, and a variety of other issues. Her areas of specialization include trauma, anxiety, & LGBTQ+ issues with a focus on TGNC individuals. Kelsi works exclusively with adults over the age of 18 and believes in a strength-based, non-judgmental approach.

A personal note:

My belief is that you are the greatest expert in your own life. My role is to help you listen to that authentic and intuitive voice in order to bring about change, contentment, and effectiveness in your life.

I entered this field with a genuine and open heart that listens to others, excited to see people live whole and healthy lives. The counseling relationship can be thought of as the pathway to growth, problem-solving, and restoration. It is an opportunity for you to explore options in a safe environment. Although experiencing change can be uncomfortable at times, it is my goal to guide you in this process and establish a foundation of respect and trust; a relationship in which we collaborate to achieve the desired outcome.

Overall, my personal philosophy of counseling involves helping the client reconnect with the present moment. I utilize a multimodal approach that is unique to you as an individual. It is my wish to work beside you, gently challenge, and encourage you to restore your physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

MARIA VOLAKIS, LPC, NCC

Licensed Associate Counselor

Maria Volakis is a Licensed Associate Counselor, Nationally Certified Counselor, and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. She earned her bachelor of arts at the University of Wisconsin and her masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in forensics from Argosy University. She specializes in adolescent trauma, substance, depression, and anxiety related issues and has consistently been in the field of case management and counseling with various organizations for over 8 years.

Maria has gained additional training with a focus on anger management, emotional regulation, group therapy, and marriage/relationship dynamics with both mandated and self-referred individuals. She is also a Blue belt focused in Taekwondo/mixed martial arts from Youn Wha United of Arizona and enjoys integrating art into the therapeutic relationship. 

She has found immense joy working collaboratively with an adolescent and adult population. Overall, she focuses on helping those in need find their path, and this is especially true for her current position at Associates in Health Psychology.