Meet The Staff


Sandra S. Siemens, L.I.S.W.
Founder and CEO of Family Foundations of Iowa, Inc.

Sandra Siemens, L.I.S.W., is the founder and President of Family Foundations of Iowa, Inc., a community of Christian clinicians providing quality, professional and ethical mental/behavioral health services.  Services are based on biblical principles, and are provided in a caring environment. 

Sandy is an experienced therapist and supervisor.  From the initial assessment and evaluation to establishing goals and objectives, Sandy has over 20 years experience working with couples integrating Christian values and beliefs into her practice.

Sandy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology from Regis University in Denver, Colorado and a Master of Social Work degree from St. Ambrose University.  She is a Charter Member of the American Association of Social Workers, and the Association of Family Life Professionals.


Steve Sullivan M.S.W., L.I.S.W.
 Steve is a therapist with Christian values who has over 15 years of experience in providing counseling & psychological services.  Steve offers a relaxed and private setting for anyone wishing to explore personal growth; and options for renewal and change. As a practicing psycho-therapist, he enjoys working with people feeling overwhelmed by the complexities of their current life circumstances including those suffering from depression, anxiety, ADHD, post-traumatic stress, personality disorders, and other severe mental health issues.

“I work from the assumption that the clients are the expert in their life. With that as our starting point, it is my job to help clients first identify, and then create the kinds of lasting, positive changes they desire in their life and relationships.”  
 (S. Sullivan)

Steve obtained his Bachelor’s degree in  Sociology with a minor in psychology from
St. Ambrose University in 1999 and later returned to receive his Master’s in Social Work in 2002.
 
Giorgio-Cahalan, M.S. MFT Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy

Christine provides individual and family therapy for children, adolescents and adults. She specializes in helping women of all ages build healthy relationships, develop a positive self-image and manage mental health symptoms.

Christine works with women on issues related to motherhood, marriage, sexuality and intimate relationships. Providing a safe and supportive environment, she helps survivors of abuse and trauma heal past wounds and build a strong foundation for the future. Christine works with adolescents and young women who are going through difficult life transitions and dealing with issues related to body image, identity development and peer relationships. Her goal is to help clients develop their existing strengths while utilizing new information to provide insight and personal growth. Christine respects cultural beliefs and traditions while working with families of diverse cultural backgrounds. She tailors the therapeutic process to meet each person’s unique and individual needs.

Christine earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology at University of Northern Iowa and a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy at University of Wisconsin-Stout.


Lori Pedersen, L.M.S.W.,

Lori earned her Master of Social work degree from the University of Northern Iowa and joined Family Foundations of Iowa in 2008. Her extensive training in social work provides her with a holistic approach to therapy taking into account a person’s entire environment.

Lori’s special interests include adolescent issues, positive parenting skills, divorce recovery and grief counseling. She believes all people have the ability to change and ineffective behavior is something which develops over time, and therefore takes time to work through. Lori’s training is in Solution Focused Brief Therapy, with the goal being to discover the strengths within you and reaching resolutions in a timely manner.

Lori is experienced serving those who are striving to overcome multiple stressors. Her goal is to provide a safe, caring space for you to relax, be supported and empowered while exploring your thoughts and concerns freely. She will be honest with you and help you develop your abilities to handle life’s challenges which at times may seem overwhelming.


Marla Voss, L.M.S.W.

Marla Voss provides individual and group therapy for adults and adolescents with bipolar disorder, depression, and other mood disorders.  She also specializes in  substance abuse and chemical dependency issues. 

Marla has worked in health care for over fifteen years. Her experience includes working with clients in community mental health and substance abuse agencies in both Iowa and Illinois.  She recognizes the importance of how mental and emotional well-being impacts overall health.  Marla's goal as your therapist is to help you define and move toward the goals you establish for your life.

Marla earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology at Benedictine University and her Master of Social Work degree at St. Ambrose University.  She is a member of the North American Association of Christians in Social Work.  


Joyce Hart M.F.T.

Joyce Hart is a seasoned human services provider in both the health-care and mental health arena. She has a Masters Degree in Marriage & Family Therapy from Pacific Oaks College located in Pasadena, California, is licensed with the Iowa Department of Public Health (Board of Behavioral Sciences) and Registered with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences, the American Association of Marriage & Family Therapists, and the Iowa Association of Marriage & Family Therapists among others.

She is a Registered and Licensed Health-care Professional and provides a holistic approach to mental health which encompasses therapy for individuals, groups, couples, children, elderly, multicultural issues, life skills teaching, at-risk youth counseling, caring for people with severe mental illnesses, personality disorders, substance abuse issues, vocational rehabilitation, crisis intervention and family therapy. Joyce specializes in children and teenagers. Joyce is skilled in art therapy, play therapy, music therapy, aroma therapy, bio-feedback, and yoga therapy. Interests include reading, bicycling, yoga, hiking, traveling, gardening, watching old movie classics, music, and cooking.


  Jennifer V. Zaichenko P.A. Physician Assistant
   

Jennifer is licensed by the Iowa State Board of Physician Assistant Examiners. She has 28 years of experience in the medical field, 13 of which have been spent providing community mental health care. She provides psychiatric evaluations and medication management to adults and adolescents. She will evaluate patients with mood, thought and personality disorders as well as developmental and behavioral disorders.

She received her education from the Community College of Allegheny County Physician Assistant Program in Pittsburgh, PA., and the University of Iowa. She is certified by the Neuroscience Education Institute for advanced training in psycho pharmacology.

Jennifer is available for the patients of Family Foundations when referred by our therapist or by outside sources.


Doug Freitag L.M.S.W.

Doug has over 25 years of counseling experience.  Believing in using the most practical means to foster change, Doug offers assistance with relational counseling, divorce recovery, men's issues, depression and anxiety, substance abuse, parenting, stress management, conflict resolution and many other issues, done within a strong spiritual context.  He has also worked with graduate social work/counseling interns from various local universities the last fifteen years.
 
"In my experience, people often are aware of answers, but need help in transforming the answers into practical solutions to enjoy better living."
 
Doug earned his bachelor's degree from Calvin College, Grand Rapids, Michigan and his master's degree from Bethel, St. Paul, Minnesota. He has also completed doctoral work in counseling at Trinity International University, Deerfield, Illinois, plus countless seminars in counseling.


 

Administrative Staff



Janet Huber
President
Barb Dunbar
  Vice President
Melissa Bone
Client Services Manager

Chrissy Banks
Muscatine Administrative Assistant
Staci Clay
Website Coordinator