Donald Gilbert
MS, PHD, LMHC, BCPC
I began my career as an ordained minister in the Wesleyan Church. I was passionate about helping others and gifted in serving and teaching. I soon realized that although I had this passion and gifting, I was not adequately prepared for the depth of need that people presented in dealing with different issues. Upon this recognition, I returned to school and received a Master’s of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Drake University. I continued my education at Oxford Graduate School, in Dayton, Tennessee, where I completed my Doctorate of Philosophy in Counseling Psychology and Religious Studies.
I had the privilege to counsel under the tutelage of Dr. Gary Rosberg, nationally known author, speaker, and founder of America’s Family Coaches. At this time, I began working with Mercy Hospital and Iowa Heart as a team facilitator and consultant doing management and communication training, personality testing and middle-management consulting. As my journey continued, I expanded my area
Jackie Olson Leech
MS, LMHC
I was raised in the Des Moines area, and have lived the majority of my life in central Iowa. My heart is for those who struggle with depression, feelings of inadequacies, anxiousness, trauma, or are walking through losses and other transitions in their lives. I also have a passion for counseling adults who are bound by addictions of various types. I have worked over 40 years serving people in a variety of settings. I completed my Masters of Science degree at Drake University in 2013 in order to counsel others. I am a Licensed Mental health Counselor in the State of Iowa, and work with adults individually. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), as well as Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR).
Central to my life is my relationship with Jesus. Through His love, strength, mercy, and grace, I am being continually transformed. I have attended multiple ACBC biblical counseling trainings at Faith Church in LaFayette, IN. For those who
DeAnne Negley
MA, T-LMHC, NCC
Life is a journey of mountains and valleys. As a therapist, it is my desire to walk with you through those valleys as you pursue health, growth, hope, and healing, while also celebrating your successes along the way. For me, counseling is a calling from God, and I want to use my spiritual gifts to honor Him by caring for those who are hurting.
I received my B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Chemistry from Central College, and I received my M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University. I work under the umbrella of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, utilizing REBT, EFT, Family Systems, and Motivational Interviewing. I am a certified SYMBIS facilitator for pre-marital couples and am currently working toward Gottman marriage certification.
I firmly believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship to bring about change in a safe and collaborative environment. Growth and empowerment happen through connection, hard work, and vulnerability. I look forward to partneri
Mike Hain
MA, T-LMHC
I am grateful to be serving adolescents and adults alongside an inspiring team of counselors at New Life, guided by Dr. Gilbert. In my journey to becoming a counselor, God has blessed me with several different opportunities to prepare me for this role. After graduating from a Christian University in Tennessee with a degree in Church Education, I served as a youth minister in churches in Atlanta, Tampa Bay, and Ankeny between 1995-2010. For the last decade, I have been serving youth and families in a social work capacity, providing in-home behavioral health services in addition to leading and training staff.
I have observed that people often naturally take the path of least resistance. However, avoiding the path of reality doesn’t make issues go away. The way forward is to walk through them! My passion is to support people in their reality growth of awareness and acknowledgement, leading to changes in thinking and living.
I am blessed to be married to my wife of 28 years, and w
Jessica Pottorff
MA, MS, CADC, T-LMHC
Jessica holds a Master of Arts degree in Christian Counseling of Substance Abuse and Addictive Disorders from Grand Canyon University and completed her Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University and pursuing her LMHC. She graduated from Phoenix University with her Bachelor in Human Services Management.
Jessica's experience includes working with Medication Assisted Treatment, case management, and program development and management. She has experience running psychoeducational therapy groups with adults, and has worked with both residential and outpatient levels of care, including the creation and development of an Intensive Outpatient Program. She worked at House of Mercy as a Substance Abuse Counselor in the Residential facility and has extensive knowledge and experience working with the Department of Human Services as well as Probation and Parole. She has been utilizing skills from treatment modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, C
