About Us
Our Staff
Our staff includes licensed psychologists, licensed counselors, and licensed social workers. Master's and doctoral trainees work under the direct supervision of licensed staff. Below is a list of our current staff in our Pocatello, Idaho Falls and Meridian offices:
Pocatello Counseling and Mental Health Center (CMHC)
Clinical Staff
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Rick Pongratz, PhD, LPC; Licensed Psychologist, DirectorRick received his PhD from Arizona State University. He has served as PI or co-Investigator on several grants pertaining to prevention of mental health problems, coping with stress related to COVID-19, and HIV prevention. Rick has taught courses for the Department of Psychology and Division of Health Sciences, including but not limited to: Mindful Self-Compassion, Advanced Ethics, Human Sexuality, Fundamentals of HIV, and Theory and Method of Adult Therapy II. Rick’s areas of interest include college student mental health, the nature-mental health connection, service to diverse peoples, and ACT and IPT treatments. Away from work, Rick enjoys trail running, reading, writing, and spending time with dogs in nature. |
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Kristin Stewart Yates, PhD, LCPC; Assistant Clinical DirectorKristin is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who has worked at CMHC since 2013, and has served as Assistant Director since 2023. She has taught the Mindful Self-Compassion Course for ISU since 2018, along with other courses for the Counseling Department. Since graduate school, Kristin has researched, presented, and practiced mindfulness in several capacities. In 2021, Kristin became a Certified Mindful Self-Compassion Teacher and uses MSC principles and skills daily in her supervision and clinical practice. She also developed an MSC therapy group she runs every semester for ISU students through CMHC. When not at work, Kristin enjoys spending time with her two daughters, husband, and overly friendly labradoodle, particularly in outdoor adventures. She finds great peace and spiritual practice through trail running on the beautiful trails surrounding Pocatello. |
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Matt Ashton, PhD; Licensed Psychologist, Biofeedback Coordinator, ID-PIC SupervisorMatt graduated with a PhD in Counseling Psychology from Texas Tech University and has worked in university counseling centers since 2012. He is one of the only mental health providers in the state of Idaho that is certified in biofeedback, and enjoys helping students understand and work with their body’s natural physiological processes to bring about improved health and healing. His other interests include working with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), anxiety and OCD, stress management, pornography concerns, spirituality, mindfulness, self-compassion, and career decision-making. He enjoys spending time in his backyard garden growing fresh things to eat and spending time with his wife and seven children, playing games, and reading fun books. |
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Liva Rigney, PhD; Licensed Psychologist, ID-PIC SupervisorLiva completed her graduate training at ISU and her undergraduate degree at Boise State University, and has provided psychological services in inpatient, correctional, and community settings. She works with students using primarily Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), supervises doctoral and master’s-level clinicians-in-training, and maintains the CMHC web presence. She particularly enjoys working with students identifying as LGBTQIA+ and developing ways to integrate Mindful Self-Compassion into treatment. She loves good books, gaming, travel, and perfecting her sweep stroke. |
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Kira Adams, LCSW; Training CoordinatorKira earned her Master of Social Work (MSW) from Boise State University and has over five years of experience helping individuals with a variety of mental health concerns. Kira is certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and integrates somatic modalities, such as the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), to aid in nervous system regulation and trauma recovery. She is dedicated to creating a safe, compassionate, and collaborative environment where clients feel empowered in their healing and growth. Outside of her clinical work, Kira enjoys spending time in nature, reading, traveling, and pursuing opportunities for lifelong learning. |
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Jill Adams, LCSW; Client Care CoordinatorJill received her Master’s degree in social work from Boise State University. Her areas of interest include college student mental health, addictions, polyvagal theory, and Internal Family Systems (IFS). She is passionate about supporting students through their academic, personal, and emotional challenges and has experience in crisis intervention, student advocacy, and mental health support. Jill is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where students feel heard, empowered, and equipped to navigate their university experience. Away from work, Jill enjoys skiing, mountain biking, reading, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.
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Amber Greening, MS, LMSW; Outreach CoordinatorAmber received her Master’s of Social Work degree from ISU. She has experience working as a mental health practitioner in medical, academic, and correctional settings, and spent nearly seven years as a career advisor. In addition, she holds a unique background in conservation biology and environmental sociology, which further informs her holistic, systems-based approach to addressing client struggles. Amber integrates mindfulness practices with techniques from CBT, DBT, and ACT to help clients acquire the skills and tools they need to develop psychological flexibility and enable resiliency within their environment. When not working, you can usually find her outdoors—either hiking, biking, reluctantly skiing with her people, or simply enjoying the moment. |
Part-time Clinical Staff
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Jennifer Rone, LCSW; Senior Staff ClinicianJennifer is a strengths-based, trauma-informed clinical social worker, and has been providing support to individuals, couples and families since 2010. She works part-time at CMHC via telehealth and specializes in helping people navigate anxiety, depression, anger, relationship challenges, trauma, and other difficult life circumstances. She also has experience working with individuals and families in both English and Spanish. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, traveling and reading. |
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Ruby Ibarra, LCSW; Senior Staff ClinicianRuby holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Northwest Nazarene University, which she completed in 2013. Since then, she has dedicated her career to the mental health field. Her style is collaborative, affirming, and grounded in trauma-informed care. She works with clients from all walks of life, including providing culturally competent and LGBTQIA-affirming support. She is bilingual in Spanish. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Ruby has garnered valuable experience, including being trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to further enhance her therapeutic skill set. |
Administrative Staff
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Robin Nelson, Administrative Assistant IIRobin received her B.Ed (Hons) from Durham University in the North of England approximately 1,000 years ago. With a background in both educational and non-profit organizations, Robin brings her organizational A-game to ensure the department operates smoothly, efficiently, and with an emphasis on excellent client care. She loves helping with the United Way campaign both on- and off-campus and enjoys volunteering with Portneuf Valley Partners. Robin begins a three-year term on ISU's Staff Council in Fall 2025, and is excited to get to know many other areas of the university, yet unexplored. She also loves running the local trails and roads as well as spending time with her family, including Amber (dog) and Gracie & Buffy (chickens). |
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Ryan Karlson, Administrative Assistant IRyan has served in the Administrative Assistant position since 2018. Professionally, he enjoys interacting with students and helping them connect with counseling services. Ryan implemented the “Plant Pals” program at CMHC and loves seeing the smiles on students' faces when their name is drawn to win a baby plant from the counseling center. In his free time, Ryan enjoys spending time with his dogs and doing yard work. |
Practicum and Intern Providers
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- Amy Sutherland
- Kari Koon
- Emme Tucker
- Eliana Claps
- Jordan Thomas
- Jake Arbon
- Jocelyn Nichols
- Ana Stalzer
- Spencer Heindel
- Katie Stubbers
- Courtney Cutler
Idaho Falls Counseling & Testing Service
Clinical Staff
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Blaney Hanvey, M. Coun., LPC-S, Senior Staff ClinicianBlaney obtained her bachelor’s degree from Southern Utah University in Psychology. She completed a Master of Counseling Degree in Mental Health & Student Affairs at ISU in 2010. As a true lifelong learner, Blaney is currently working on her doctoral degree in Educational Leadership, emphasizing Higher Education Administration. She has worked on multiple college campuses and currently serves as the Coordinator and Counselor for Counseling & Career Services on the Idaho Falls Campus. Blaney combines her clinical counseling expertise with love of learning to offer students a unique perspective of self-discovery. Blaney’s passion is working with students as they adjust to school and incorporate education into the many other demands of their lives. Blaney is a strengths-based counselor and utilizes principles from Solution Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT, Focused-ACT, and Trauma-ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). |
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Administrative Staff
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Jennifer Jolley, Administrative Assistant IJennifer obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Health-Related Sciences from ISU and has worked for ISU on the Idaho Falls campus for the last eight years. In addition to the counseling office, she also helps with the Idaho Falls testing center and serves as the Human Resources representative. In her free time, she loves spending time with her family, sewing, quilting, and reading. |
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Meridian Counseling Service
Clinical Staff
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Clifford Rone, PhD, Licensed PsychologistCliff earned his PhD in Clinical Psychology ISU’s Pocatello campus in 2013 and has been working in university counseling centers ever since. He has worked as a staff psychologist for ISU’s Meridian campus since 2019, and loves serving the needs of ISU Meridian students. His primary role is to provide individual counseling, and he considers it very important to to meet and honor each student where they are in their journey, both as a student and as a person. |
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Yaneth Orellana Anderson, LCSW; Senior Staff ClinicianYaneth is a native Spanish speaker born in El Salvador, Central America. Her family immigrated to the United States when she was six, and she has lived in Idaho since her early teens. Yaneth earned her Master’s in Social Work from Boise State University. She has a passion to continue her practice to support the mental health needs of our diverse population. Yaneth’s therapeutic focus includes Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR). Away from work, Yaneth enjoys long road trips with her family and one very large rescue dog who is often mistaken for a pony. Other interests include attending her children’s school events and musical performances, reading, and practicing yoga. |
Administrative Staff
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Sandy Andrade, Administrative Assistant II for Disability, Counseling & Career ServicesSandy received her Bachelor’s of Art in Spanish for the Health Professions from ISU and is the front person for both Disability and Counseling Services on the Meridian campus. She enjoys welcoming and interacting with students to help them access services they are seeking. Outside of work, Sandy enjoys spending time with family and friends as well as relaxing at home and watching television. |
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The university Counseling and Mental Health Center (CMHC) serves Idaho State University and its community with a dual mission. Our counseling services mission is to support the academic, emotional, social, vocational, spiritual, cultural, and professional development of students and other members of the ISU community by offering counseling, outreach, consultation, training, and educational and health promotion services.
We support and affirm the University's core values of integrity, community, respect, teamwork, shared responsibility, and learning. In so doing, we commit to a counseling environment that is welcoming and comfortable for all individuals, regardless of race, sex, gender, ethnic background, age, sexual orientation, spiritual identification, national origin, or disability.
The University Counseling and Mental Health Center plays a critical role in the educational, health, and wellness missions of Idaho State University. Our learning outcomes reflect our commitment to the safety and success of all ISU students.
Complete a voluntary and anonymous Questionnaire to assess your current state of mental health and well-being.
