Our multi-disciplinary team creates a wonderful and creative learning environment bringing together several different types of counselors to care for the needs of our clients.
Leadership Team
Mark Whelchel
Jennifer Antonucci
Samantha Winters
Michelle Parker
Patricia Meye
Our Therapists
Ann Allen
Ann Allen
Ann Allen, Ed.D., is a Licensed Psychologist who has 30 years experience in the field. Her educational background includes a B.A. in Philosophy from St. Norbert College, a diploma from Moody Bible Institute in the Advanced Studies Program, an M.S. in Counseling and Guidance Services from Eastern Washington University, a doctorate in Counseling and Educational Psychology from the University of South Dakota, and a diploma in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy from the Pittsburgh Psychoanalytic Institute. She has a special emphasis in individual therapy with adults. Ann and her husband Dan have been married for 32 years and have two children.
Jennifer Antonucci
Jennifer Antonucci
Jennifer Antonucci is the Director of the Renewing Life Center. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor. She received her M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Liberty University. Jennifer and her husband Vince have started two churches. Through her years of counseling and ministry, Jennifer has seen amazing transformations in people's lives and knows real change is possible. She is passionate about partnering with her clients to give them hope in their journey towards healing and growth. Jennifer enjoys working with couples, individuals, families, and children. She offers EMDR therapy for clients that have been impacted by trauma. Jennifer and her husband Vince have been married for thirty years and have two children.
Stacy Carpenter
Stacy Carpenter
Stacy Carpenter’s professional background includes degrees from Nevada State College and UNLV. Stacy served nearly 20 years in education, as an educator, a Licensed Professional School Counselor and a Licensed Mental Health Professional.
As a therapist, Stacy’s empathy allows her to come alongside her clients, giving them a safe place to show up authentically, explore their emotions, challenges and goals; then work together to implement mindsets and tools in order to journey towards health and wellness.
Stacy enjoys working with children, teens, family systems, couples and individuals. Stacy is trained in utilizing Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to help clients effectively process and heal from traumatic experiences, including PTSD, complex trauma, and significant life stressors. She is committed to a client-centered approach, incorporating a play based therapeutic approach when working with children, with teens offering a safe place to face developmental challenges. Stacy is passionate about supporting marginalized populations to facilitate lasting positive change.
Stacy recognizes that therapy is a vulnerable process and it is her compassion, experience, real talk and love of people experiencing hard places that may make her the therapist you need to get started.
Stacy has been married for 30 years, having been blessed by the therapeutic process individually, as a couple, as parents raising their now 3 adult children and as a foster family. Working through the joys and heartbreak of life has been filled with God’s loving mercies and therapy! Stacy enjoys camping, hiking, reading, country music, dancing and all things family and friends.
Lawana Chapman
Lawana Chapman
Lawana is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Intern who recently graduated with her master’s degree from Walden University. Lawana has had a passion to work with couples, women, and families for many years. She believes that she was called to the field of counseling for the purpose of ministry in helping individuals heal from their trauma and build healthy relationships in their personal and spiritual lives. Lawana is trained in EMDR therapy and pulls from other theories such as Solution Focused Therapy, Intergenerational Family Therapy, and life experiences to meet the needs of her clients. Lawana and her husband Kevin are Pastors at Broken Chains Outreach Ministry where they minister to the homeless and the poor. They provide resources to them and others in need. Lawana and Kevin have been married for 1 year and have a blended family.
Judi Davis
Judi Davis
Judi Davis has been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist since 2002. She received her B.A. in Education from the University of Denver, her M.A. in School Psychology and School Counseling, and an endorsement in Marriage and Family Therapy from UNLV. Additionally, she received her Ph.D. in School Counselor Education from UNLV. Judi works with families, couples, and children. Additionally, Judi has been trained in EMDR, Synergetic Play Therapy and The Gottman Method for Couples.
Cara Espey
Cara Espey
Cara Espey is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. She received her master’s degree in Licensed Professional Counseling from Liberty University in 2010.
Cara has several years of experience in our city’s public school system counseling pre-teens, teens, staff, and families. She creates a safe space for our youth to be open about the many challenges they face today as well as a supportive atmosphere for parents, staff, and families. Cara’s empathetic approach allows clients to build a strong rapport with her and for parents to trust her to walk alongside their children to work through their struggles.
While serving young individuals is Cara’s specialty, she works with individuals of all ages. Entering therapy is challenging for individuals. Being vulnerable and honest, even with ourselves, proves to be difficult. With Cara’s ability to build strong rapport with her clients through her compassion and servant heart, with her as your therapist, you can confidently begin your journey towards healing.
Tim Fraiser
Tim Fraiser
Tim Fraiser is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Intern. He graduated from Liberty University with his master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. He also holds a master’s degree from Western Seminary in Ministry and Leadership. Tim has been in full-time ministry since 2012 and serves as the Pastor of Spiritual Formation at Grace Point Church, one of Renewing Life’s church partners. Prior to going into ministry he served in the U.S. Air Force for 10 years. He has received advanced certifications in the Enneagram, the Judgement Index, and the Gottman Relationship Check-up. He is also trained in EMDR therapy. He uses these tools to help clients grow their self-awareness, and improve their relational and emotional health.
Personally, Tim has encountered many of the same issues that may bring his clients into counseling. He wants his clients to know that his counsel comes not just from theory or training but also from actual life experiences. In other words, he sees himself as a “wounded healer”.
Tim has spent the last 12 years working with individuals, couples, and families in various pastoral and clinical settings. As he works with clients in the counseling setting, he is continually filled with joy and amazement as people face their struggles. He looks forward to walking alongside you in your journey toward healing and wholeness.
Kathy Houston-Hencken
Kathy Houston-Hencken
Kathy Houston-Hencken has over twenty-five years of experience in counseling, both in independent private practice and with Samaritan Counseling Centers. She has been licensed in Texas as a Marriage and Family Therapist since 1996. Kathy also serves as an elder at Grace Presbyterian Church in Las Vegas where her husband Jim is the Senior Pastor. Kathy and Jim have two adult children.
Wesley King
Wesley King
Wesley is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor at the Renewing Life Center, where she previously trained as an intern. She graduated from Amberton University with a Master's Degree in Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy in 1998. Wesley is a Leadership and Development Corporate Trainer. She loves working with individuals, couples and really enjoys working with kids starting at age 5.
Jeff LaSpina
Jeff LaSpina
Jeff is only viable to see clients by phone or online.
Jeff is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor as well as a chaplain and ordained minister. He completed his graduate internship at the Renewing Life Center, and he has served as a pastoral and guidance counselor at his church for the past eight years.
Jeff has a passion to be used by God to help others and he enjoys working with adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression and addictions. He also considers it a great privilege to help people grow closer to God. Jeff and his wife have enjoyed 34 years of marriage.
Patricia Meye
Patricia Meye
Patricia Meye is the founder of the Renewing Life Center. She is currently the Director of the Spiritual Formation Institute. She has done counseling in both the church and counseling settings in California and Las Vegas for over 35 years.
Pat’s educational background includes an M.A. from Florida State University, and a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary. Pat has special focus in Crisis and Spiritual Formation from her graduate work.
In 2014 Pat founded the Spiritual Formation Institute. As Director, she invites you to explore how you can deepen your life in Christ through participation in any of the three programs. Visit www.spiritualformationinstitute.com .
Pat and her husband, Doug, have been married over 35 years and are blessed with two adult children.
Yuliana Nelson
Yuliana Nelson
Yuliana Nelson is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with 10 years of experience helping individuals, couples and families navigate life’s challenges. With a speciality in child and adolescent mental health, Yuliana provides tailored support to children, adolescents, and their families addressing emotional, behavioral, and spiritual challenges with a faith-based and clinically sound approach.
Yuliana integrates evidence-based psychological practices with biblical principles to create a holistic counseling experience. Known for her warm and approachable style, Yuliana fosters a safe space for clients to explore their struggles and discover practical, Christ-centered solutions.
Yuliana is committed to helping clients build resilience, strengthen relationships, and grow in faith as they overcome obstacles. Whether you’re seeking personal growth, guidance for your child and family, or relational restoration, Yuliana is honored to walk alongside you toward healing and hope.
Tamara OcampoGomez
Tamara OcampoGomez
Tamara OcampoGomez is a compassionate and dedicated Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor Intern who is deeply committed to helping individuals, couples, and families find hope, healing, and growth. With a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University, she brings both professional expertise and personal experience to her work, particularly with those who have faced the unique challenges of military and first responder life.
Tamara is especially passionate about supporting veterans, first responders, and their partners and loved ones. Drawing from her background as a United States Air Force veteran, mother of three, and spouse of a first responder and military reservist, Tamara understands the emotional and psychological toll of witnessing trauma and the challenges that arise when there is limited time or space to process these difficult experiences. She recognizes the strong resistance many individuals in these fields have toward seeking help, often prioritizing career demands, security clearances, and the well-being of others over their own mental health.
Her therapeutic approach is rooted in empathy, creating a safe and supportive environment where clients feel truly seen and heard. Tamara's goal is not only to help clients address their immediate concerns but also to guide them on a path of long-term healing and growth.
Looking to the future, Tamara plans to specialize in trauma work and is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. She is committed to developing her skills to facilitate deeper, more lasting healing for those who have experienced significant trauma.
Through her unique blend of professional training and personal insight, Tamara is a dedicated ally to those seeking healing and recovery from trauma, providing a compassionate space for them to navigate their challenges and emerge stronger on the other side.
Kevin Scott
Kevin Scott
Kevin Scott has been in full-time ministry since 1994 and is the founding pastor of The Stream in Las Vegas. Kevin's educational background includes a B.S. from Purdue University in Dietetics/Nutrition, Fitness, and Health and a Masters of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Illinois.
Prior to starting The Stream, Kevin worked in college campus ministry and served on various missions in Africa, England, and in urban areas in the U.S. He continues to serve as the pastor of The Stream and as an associate staff member with Worldwide Discipleship Association (WDA) - an organization that provides resources and training to individuals and churches to assist people in the process of spiritual formation.
Kevin and his wife Lauren have been married for almost 30 years and they have three adult children.
Carolina Villar-Mendez
Carolina Villar-Mendez
Carolina Villar-Mendez has been a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor since 2013. She earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology, as well as an Advanced Graduate Certificate in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialty in Alcohol and Drug Addictions from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Carolina considers herself to be a generalist with experience in several problem areas related to young adults, mature adults and elderly populations. She has a particular interest in the treatment of relationship concerns, sexual trauma, diversity issues, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, substance related issues, and family of origin concerns.
Her theoretical orientation is truly eclectic, integrating psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy, interpersonal, insight-oriented, and multicultural theories. She has a special emphasis in treating individuals and couples.
Carolina strives to provide a safe and non-judgmental environment for all her clients hoping to develop the trust and connection needed to promote mental health. She is passionate about being a therapist and her warmth, compassion, and her willingness to help others are truly remarkable.
She speaks Spanish and welcomes all individuals that are ready to work together to find the best approaches to improve their quality of life.
Diane Vogelzang
Diane Vogelzang
Diane is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor Intern at the Renewing Life Center, where she previously trained as a student intern. She worked as a pediatric respiratory therapist for twenty years before pursuing her Master’s Degree in clinical mental health counseling at Liberty University. The journey of personally coping with the losses of her husband and her teenage daughter gave her a passion for helping others who are dealing with grief and adjusting to the challenges of life. She offers EMDR therapy for clients that have been impacted by trauma. She is enthusiastic about joining her clients on their quests for living their best lives and seeks to find the best approaches that meet their emotional, psychological, and/or spiritual needs.
Mark Whelchel
Mark Whelchel
Mark Whelchel is the Director of the Renewing Life Center. He has served as a pastor in Las Vegas for over twenty-nine years and he has served on several non-profit boards. Mark is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and his educational background includes a B.A. in Church Growth from Hope International University and an M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He has a special emphasis in treating couples, but he also enjoys working with individuals and families. Mark and his wife Christie have been married for over 30 years and they have been blessed with four children.
Valerie Williams-Goss
Valerie Williams-Goss
Valerie Williams-Goss, PhD, has been working as a consultant in private practice for 29 years. Dr. Williams-Goss received her doctorate in 2014. Dr. Williams-Goss joined the Renewing Life Center as a consultant who specializes in the following areas: Family Crisis, Domestic Violence, Reunification, Court Advocate for Children/Families, Consulting for bi-racial children and their families, Individuals - Couples - Families, Athletic Departments at schools and universities.
Dr. Williams-Goss worked as a consultant for battered women for five years prior to receiving her Masters degree. She specializes in working with families in their own homes, as a way to extend trust and respect, and has had a phenomenal track record with the success rate of her clients.
Stacy Carpenter’s professional background includes degrees from Nevada State College and UNLV. Stacy served nearly 20 years in education, as an educator, a Licensed Professional School Counselor and a Licensed Mental Health Professional. As a therapist, Stacy’s empathy allows her to come alongside her clients, giving them a safe place to show up authentically, explore their emotions, challenges and goals; then work together to implement mindsets and tools in order to journey towards health and wellness.
Stacy enjoys working with children, teens, family systems, couples and individuals. Stacy is trained in utilizing Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to help clients effectively process and heal from traumatic experiences, including PTSD, complex trauma, and significant life stressors. She is committed to a client-centered approach, incorporating a play based therapeutic approach when working with children, with teens offering a safe place to face developmental challenges. Stacy is passionate about supporting marginalized populations to facilitate lasting positive change.
Stacy recognizes that therapy is a vulnerable process and it is her compassion, experience, real talk and love of people experiencing hard places that may make her the therapist you need to get started.
Stacy has been married for 30 years, having been blessed by the therapeutic process individually, as a couple, as parents raising their now 3 adult children and as a foster family. Working through the joys and heartbreak of life has been filled with God’s loving mercies and therapy! Stacy enjoys camping, hiking, reading, country music, dancing and all things family and friends.
Samantha Winters
Samantha Winters
Samantha Winters is the Assistant Director of the Renewing Life Center. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist that provides a safe place to explore and expand awareness. She helps individuals, couples, and families learn practical tools that they can implement in their lives daily. These tools, provided on an individual and relational level, can create a more positive and healthier outlook regarding the challenges that life presents. Samantha is trained in EMDR therapy, assisting clients in overcoming negative emotions and behaviors related to past trauma.
Samantha approaches therapy from an Emotionally Focused perspective where understanding and experiencing underlying emotions can often lead to change and growth on a personal level as well as in relationships. In working with couples, she focuses on helping the couple understand the "dance" that leads to a disconnect in the relationship.
Samantha works with families and children in the midst of high conflict circumstances, approaching family therapy from a structural perspective, helping realign the hierarchy within the home. She is certified in a positive discipline parenting course that provides parent and family coaching to enhance respect and understanding amongst family members. She also has experience working with children in the foster care system who have been exposed to extensive trauma.
Student Interns
Mayson Algeyer
Mayson Algeyer
Mayson Algeyer is a Marriage and Family Therapy Student Intern pursuing his master’s degree at Touro University Worldwide. He has seven years of experience in public safety, including three years in peer support. Mayson has worked with first responders, providing crisis intervention, critical incident stress management, and psychological first aid.
In addition to his therapy work, Mayson serves as an elder and Worship Director at The Stream in Las Vegas. Mayson enjoys working with individuals, couples, first responders, and young men. He assists people in exploring their lives and concerns while guiding them to learn and practice new skills, enabling them to approach life’s challenges with greater peace and freedom.
Monique Purdy
Monique Purdy
Monique Purdy is a graduate student intern pursuing a counseling degree in marriage and family therapy through Messiah University. She will complete her master’s degree in May 2025. Monique has a passion to support and journey alongside people and help them discover hope, skills, and solutions to improve their well-being and interpersonal relationships. She values studying and utilizing various theoretical approaches that best meet the client’s needs, such as the Gottman method, dialectical behavior therapy, and internal and structural family systems.
Monique has been married for 21 years and has three children. Serving with her husband, she has 10 years of youth ministry experience and enjoys mission trips with her family.
Rhianon Simon
Rhianon Simon
Rhianon Simon is a Las Vegas native and a second-year graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling master’s program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in neuroscience from UNLV, where she also worked as a research assistant in an auditory cognitive lab.
Currently, she is gaining hands-on experience as a clinical student intern at the Renewing Life Center. She’s looking forward to graduating soon and continuing her work in the counseling field.
Client Care Team
Autumn Goucher
Autumn Goucher
Autumn Goucher is the Billing Coordinator at the Renewing Life Center. You may have seen her a few years ago working at the front desk. After she moved out of state, Autumn began working remotely part time to assist our director of finance. As we have grown, we were able to hire her back on for full time to become the billing coordinator!
Autumn attended Manhattan Christian College in Manhattan, KS (the little apple) where she received a degree in Counseling. In the future, she plans to continue her education and pursue counseling to work with young children. Some of her favorite activities are reading, puzzles, going to the movies, and having fun outdoors with her family. Autumn has been married for 8 years and has a daughter.
Adryenne Johnson
Adryenne Johnson
Adryenne Johnson is one of our Client Care Coordinators in the front office of the Renewing Life Center. She is dedicated to making a meaningful impact and ensuring that others feel
understood and supported. With a natural talent for connecting with people, she strives to create a safe and comfortable environment for everyone.
She is a proud parent of four children and has been happily married for 20 years. In her free time, she enjoys watching football, especially cheering for the Raiders. Above all, her faith remains the cornerstone of her life.
Michelle Parker
Michelle Parker
Michelle Parker is the Director of Finance & Operations at Renewing Life Center (RLC), where she has been a dedicated member of the team since 2020. Her expertise in creating effective structures and systems reinforces RLC's mission to care for both clients and staff.
Outside of work, Michelle enjoys quality time with her husband, David, and their three grown children, as well as cherishing her role as a grandmother to six energetic grandchildren. In her personal time, she loves cooking, crafting, and soaking up the sunshine to recharge.
Dottie Zelenski
Dottie Zelenski
Dottie Zelenski is one of our Client Care Coordinators in the front office of the Renewing Life Center. With a background of working in ministry she has a heart for people and for creating welcoming spaces for people to connect and thrive.
Born and raised in Las Vegas, she is married to her best friend John, and they have two wonderful children. Dottie enjoys spending time with her family, diving into a good book, and planning and hosting dinner parties, games nights, and get-togethers in their home and in the community.
Marshall the Therapy Dog
Marshall Winters
Marshall has been given an innate gift from God to serve, connect, and bring smiles to faces; the moment Marshall walks into a room the mood changes. Other than being naturally handsome and adorable, he has been trained to invite clients into a safe space for healing and growth. He continues to practice his skillset of providing affection, comfort, and support to those in need of emotional support. While Marshall works pro bono, he enjoys lots of attention, pets, and treats while he listens intently in session. Marshall works predominantly in session with Samantha Winters but is available upon request to join sessions with other therapists at the Renewing Life Center.
Marshall Winters
Marshall has been given an innate gift from God to serve, connect, and bring smiles to faces; the moment Marshall walks into a room the mood changes. Other than being naturally handsome and adorable, he has been trained to invite clients into a safe space for healing and growth. He continues to practice his skillset of providing affection, comfort, and support to those in need of emotional support. While Marshall works pro bono, he enjoys lots of attention, pets, and treats while he listens intently in session. Marshall works predominantly in session with Samantha Winters but is available upon request to join sessions with other therapists at the Renewing Life Center.