About Us
Our staff & volunteers
Karla is a licensed mental health counselor in the state of Arizona, Washington and Alaska. She is the owner and director of East Valley Compassionate Counseling, LLC. She has been in the mental health field since 1998. Her passion as a therapist comes from believing in her clients, fostering change and having an optimistic outlook on therapy. Karla has worked with individuals and families in the private sector, Christian sector as well as the Native American community in Alaska. Her experience has allowed her to obtain great diversity and respect for different cultures and beliefs. In addition, she also enjoys working with people who are seeking counseling for life changes, parental coaching, depression and grief. Karla specializes in working with individuals, families, children-teens, couples, trauma, EMDR certified, Gottman trained, and Christian counseling. She is a supervisor for individuals seeking their independent counseling license with AZBBH.
Giselle Howard, MA LPC
Giselle believes sometimes growth can be a bit uncomfortable or painful because of past wounds. Sometimes the journey towards growth can seem confusing and overwhelming. Using empathy and reflective listening, I provide an emotionally safe place for clients to seek healing, restoration and growth. In empowering my clients to develop healthy decision making and problem solving skills, a positive, healthy mindset can be formed which will ultimately result in accomplishing personal goals. I specialize in negative thinking, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, communication skills, and assertiveness skills.
Alex Schut, MA LAC
Alex holds a Masters’ degrees in Professional Counseling and Addiction Counseling from Grand Canyon University and a Bachelor’s degree in Family Studies and Human Development through the University of Arizona. My course work included but was not limited to: Human Growth and Development, Marriage and Family, Group Therapy, Counseling Theories and Techniques, and Trauma.
I have been in the mental health field since 2010; first as a case manager and then as a counselor. I have worked mostly with those impacted by substance abuse, trauma, legal issues, and general mental health issues. Some of training and experience includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). I also believe it is important to continue my educational experience and do so through continuous training.