Kristten Buttermore, LMHC (She/Her) Interim Executive Director
Kristten earned her Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Iowa State University and her Master of Science of Education in Community Counseling from Drake University. She has been a Licensed Mental Health Counselor since 2005. Kristten is basic trained in EMDR. She also serves as the president for the Iowa Mental Health Counselors Association.
Stephanie Vela, LMHC, CADC (She/Her) Therapist
Stephanie obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in sociology from Northern Illinois University. She worked in a variety of positions in the field, including working with at-risk youth, working in an adolescent shelter, child-welfare, and counseling individuals with addictions and co-occurring disorders. She obtained her Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University in 2015. Stephanie is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) has been a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) since 2011. Stephanie provides individual mental health assessment and therapy sessions. In addition, Stephanie completed EMDR basic training.
Eli Dohrn (They/Them) Master’s Level Intern
Eli is a current student in Drake University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program completing their master’s degree. They are currently interned at Creative Counseling under the supervision of Kristten Buttermore. Previously, they completed their practicum at House of Mercy in Des Moines. As such, Eli has experience working with a variety of women and nonbinary folk who struggled with addiction and trauma. Eli has a passion for working with the LGBTQ+ community and is trained in gender affirming care.
Eli’s services are available at no cost. To make an appointment call 515-233-1699.
