LP Curtis-Baker, MSW, LSCSW (ks), lcsw (wy, UT)
(they/she)
LP is one of our individual therapists and practice owner. LP works out of a strengths-based, trauma-informed, sex-positive, anti-oppression, 2SLGBTQIA+ affirming, feministic focus. They are skilled in a variety of different evidence-based treatment modalities and picks which modality to use with a client based on a client’s specific needs. They primarily use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) as well as EMDR with the majority of clients. LP’s goal is for every client to have access to quality therapeutic care, despite their level of income or transportation abilities. Their age of focus is 12 and above.
LP has significant experience working with treatment focused around gender and sexuality, serving many clients in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, a community which they are also a member of. LP is skilled in completing WPATH-competent assessments and letters for hormone replacement therapy and gender confirmation surgeries for her transgender clients.
LP frequently works with clients wanting to process traumatic events or compound trauma, traumatic grief and loss, and clients that are experiencing significant self-harm and suicidality and trouble with emotion regulation.
LP has over a decade of experience working in multiple areas of the field including creating programs to support clients facing homelessness and food insecurity, community mental health services, working as a foster care case manager, a foster care placement specialist, providing in-home family therapy services through Family Preservation, child abuse and domestic violence crisis intervention services through Family Advocacy Program, as well as providing therapeutic services for residents of local long-term care facilities.
LP obtained their Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Kansas State University in 2014, their Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from Washburn University in 2017, and is a Licensed Specialized Clinical Social Worker through the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board #5644. Additionally, LP is also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Wyoming where they are co-owner of 7220 Counseling Coalition, another 2SLGBTQIA+ specializing mental health practice based out of Laramie, Wyoming.
LP takes Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medicaid, Ambetter, Optum, UnitedHealthCare, and is an out-of-network provider for Tricare, and self-pay. Sliding-scale options are available for clients with no insurance.
Ari English, lmsw
(They/ Them)
Ari is one of our individual therapists that provides telehealth (video) sessions. Ari received their Bachelor’s degree in Social Work in 2019 and Master of Social Work in 2020 from Wichita State University. They are a Licensed Master Social Worker through the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board, #12456.
Ari’s education experience was heavily focused on work with 2SLGBTQ+ populations. Their academic career involved research to support removing barriers to gender-affirming medical care, including argument for eliminating requirements for a mental health professional’s approval and years of “lived experience” before receiving care. Ari interned with GLSEN Kansas in 2018-2019, where they worked closely with teachers & administrators across the state to create safe, inclusive, and competent school environments with evidence-based professional development workshops. Ari also assisted with GLSEN’s student development programs, such as the annual Equality Day event and SHINE Student Leadership Team. As a Master of Social Work student, Ari served as the 2SLGBTQ+ Coordinator for Wichita State University in 2019-2020. Ari worked with the University’s Office of Diversity & Inclusion to provide student programming specifically for 2SLGBTQIA+ students, and create curriculums for competency trainings for students, faculty, and staff. They additionally studied 2SLGBTQIA+ student experiences on the WSU campus and issued research-based guidance to campus administration in this role.
Since graduation, Ari has worked in community mental health crisis centers and 2SLGBTQIA+focused medical clinics as a therapist practicing through a feminist, client-centered, anti-racist lens. They tend to be solution-focused and serve as a guide for clients to begin the process of owning their story, rather than living in a survival state. Ari tailors their approach to each client’s story, utilizing aspects of evidence-based practices that may be effective for the individual situation. For treatment modalities, they most often utilize the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), solution-focused therapy (SFT), and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). They also have a love for Somatic-based therapy modalities, which they are exploring additional certifications in.
Ari is experienced in writing WPATH-compliant letters for insurance authorization for gender-affirming medical care, including puberty blockers, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and gender confirmation surgeries.
Ari accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medicaid, private pay, and offers an income-based sliding scale for uninsured clients
FINN kufahl, LMSW
(they/them)
Finn is one of our individual and relationship therapists that offers both telehealth and in-person sessions out of our Junction City office. Finn is a Licensed Master Social Worker working on their clinical license hours, and a lifelong Kansan with a diverse background of professional experience. Finn received their Bachelor of Arts degree in English in 2008 from Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas, and their Master of Social Work degree from Newman University in Wichita, Kansas in 2017. In addition to providing psychotherapy, throughout their career Finn has been an HIV/STD Public Health Educator, a Case Manager in a variety of settings (transitional living with teens, inpatient substance use treatment with adults, foster care services). Finn has also been a foster parent for teen girls, and has held a variety of leadership and management roles, but their “job” as a therapist has been the most rewarding role yet.
Finn has experience working with clients who are navigating a variety of life challenges: difficult family relationships and dynamics, traumatic events and PTSD (past and current), suicidal ideation, anxiety, depression, boundary setting, self-care, chronic illness, psychotic symptoms, abuse and neglect, emotion regulation, self-harming behaviors, and issues related to being part of a marginalized/oppressed group.
Finn accepts adolescent (14+) and adult clients and uses a person-centered, trauma-informed, systems theory approach. Finn is affirming and of all gender identities, sexual orientations, and relationship styles (monogamy and ethical non-monogamy), and they are knowledgeable about and affirming of kink/BDSM identities and lifestyles. Finn is a strengths-based clinician who will support and challenge you while you work to meet your goals and they will celebrate with you when you meet your milestones.
Finn is experienced in writing WPATH-compliant letters for insurance authorization for gender-affirming medical care, including puberty blockers, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and gender confirmation surgeries.
Finn recently completed the Naropa University Psychedelic Assisted Therapies Certificate Program, graduating in December 2023 and is certified to offer psychedelic integration work during individual therapy sessions for individuals who have had their own psychedelic journeys and would like to process their experiences with an experienced and trained clinician. As the laws change around psychedelic work, additional services may be added. (Stay tuned!)
Finn accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medicaid, Private pay, and has an income-based sliding scale for those that are uninsured.
PEARL TRUITT, LMSW
(sHE/they)
Pearl is one of our individual therapists providing both in-person and Telehealth sessions. Pearl’s therapeutic work centers around 2SLGBTQIA+ and BIPOC populations. Her treatment utilizes CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and she is EMDR trained.
Pearl received her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Kansas State University in 2019, and went on to receive her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Kansas in 2020.
Her educational research focused mainly on the impacts of gender and sexuality-affirming care on the mental health of 2SLGBTQIA+ adolescents, as well as the critiques of anti-LGBTQIA+ barriers in healthcare.
Pearl interned with USD 475 as a school social worker in 2018-2019 where she worked closely with teachers and other staff to provide services to students K-5 with various needs and disabilities in order to make their educational experiences were accommodating, safe, and enjoyable. During her Master’s study, Pearl interned as a medical social worker at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. There, she collaborated with medical staff and patients of all ages in order to construct quality discharge care plans.
Since graduation, Pearl has returned to work as a school social worker for the USD 475 school district where she has continued to build experience working with students K-8 with various social-emotional and mental-health related needs.
Melissa Dennison, MSW, LSCSW, lcac
(she/ her)
Melissa one of our BIP facilitators as well as one of our individual therapists that provides court-order Mental Health Evaluations and Drug and Alcohol Evaluations. Melissa is a longstanding community member that has worked with the Drug Court for the 8th Judicial District, Pawnee Mental health, the Crisis Center, and Family Care Center doing work with families impacted by domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault, addiction, along with crisis response work in various settings within the community for the past 20+ years. Melissa graduated from Kansas State University in 1998 with a Bachelors in Criminal Justice and obtained her Masters in Social Work from University of Kansas in 2005. Melissa is trained in CPT-I for insomnia, CPT and Prolonged Exposure for trauma therapy, and will soon be certified in EMDR. Melissa is trained in CAMS for Managing Suicidal Risk and Safety planning. She is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for couples who have PTSD, as well as the Gottman Method to provide couples counseling. Melissa Facilitates the BIP (Batterer’s Intervention Program) . Melissa is a Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker (LSCSW) as well as a Licensed Clinical Addiction Counselor (LCAC) and is nationally certified with MAC for substance use disorders to provide addictions therapy/treatment.
Melody McDowall, msw, LSCSW
(she/ her)
Melody is our BIP (Batterer Intervention Program) Manager. Melody completes all the Domestic Violence Assessments. Melody completed her Criminology/Sociology degree from Kansas State University in 1997. She completed her Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from Washburn University in 2012. She is a Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker through the Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board #4450. Melody has assisted prosecutors in providing testimony as an expert witness in domestic/child/sexual violence. Melody has provided DV/SA training to hundreds of multi-disciplinary professionals. Melody has worked with Domestic/Sexual Violence Survivors for 24 years in various ways to include in a shelter setting, outreach services, within DCF (Department Children/Families) police response advocate, therapeutic services and managing a sexual assault program for the Army. Melody has also co-facilitated BIP, completed DV Assessments and worked with offenders of domestic violence for over 11 years.
Darin volwiler, LMFT-T
(HE/HIM)
Darin is a dedicated therapist with a Marriage and Family Therapist Temporary License, offering both in-person sessions in Junction City and telehealth services. He earned his Master’s in Couple and Family Therapy from Kansas State University in 2024, with a focused study on the unique experiences of 2SLGBTQIA+ clients. His background includes significant non-profit work in Washington, DC, where he utilized that experience during graduate school to look at the legislative impact of anti-2SLGBTQIA+ policies and the crucial role therapists play in such contexts.
Darin views therapy as a collaborative process that builds on clients' lived experiences to foster understanding and drive meaningful change. His approach integrates a Narrative framework with elements from Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Experiential Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS) to address a wide range of challenges.
Prior to graduate school, Darin has been a yoga teacher since 2013 and a Forrest Yoga Guardian since 2018. He has an understanding on how the body responds to trauma and how to move and breathe through challenging moments. Darin brings this mindfulness into sessions in order to assist clients gain greater insights.
With experience working with individuals, adolescents (13+), families, and couples, Darin is committed to helping clients navigate and overcome difficulties in a supportive and empathetic manner.
Darin accepts Medicaid, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Private Pay, and offers an income-based sliding scale for clients without insurance
Laura Gunderson, LMSW
(She/her)
Laura is one of our individual therapists who provides both telehealth (video) sessions, and in-person sessions out of our Junction City office. Laura received her Bachelor’s degree in Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies from Kansas State University in 2019, and her Master of Social Justice and Human Rights and Master of Social Work from Arizona State University in 2023 and 2024, respectively. She is a Licensed Master Social Worker through the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (#13918).
Laura is a queer clinician and has centered 2SLGBTQIA+ advocacy, social justice, intersectional feminism, and her passion for mental health throughout her education and career. Laura’s academic interests led her to study topics including U.S.-based anti-2SLGBTQIA+ regimes and risk and protective factors of 2SLGBTQIA+ youth. Laura interned and worked at Pawnee Mental Health Services in Manhattan, Kansas, from 2022-2024 as a School Based Services intern and Youth Community Services Client Support Provider. She gained a deep understanding of community mental health and youth mental health needs. Laura also interned with True Colors Flint Hills and Curtis-Baker Therapeutic Services in 2024. She gained clinical experience working with clients, as well as writing grant proposals and engaging in Kansas political advocacy.
Laura is excited to work with clients and support them in meeting their personalized treatment goals. Laura primarily uses a combination of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) in her work with clients. Laura has been trained in writing WPATH-compliant letters of support for clients seeking insurance authorization for gender-affirming care.
Laura accepts Medicaid, Blue Cross Blue Shield, private pay, and offers an income-based sliding scale for uninsured clients.
Dale Dennison, BS
(HE/HIM)
Dale is one of our Batterer Intervention Program facilitators. Dale received his Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Upper Iowa University in 2009. Dale has led BIP since 2015. He has held positions in various roles related to the criminal justice system since 2010, is an active member of the Junction City community, a member of the CASA Board of Directors, and also has experience in parent education as a Parent Project Facilitator. Dale has gained numerous certifications working with both youth and adults through judicial services.
Alyssa Saverud
(she/ her)
Alyssa is our background support! She is our insurance and billing specialist. Alyssa is local to Wichita and resides with her partner and daughter. She is the guru to insurance and billing issues and is often who patients speak to when it comes to accounts.
Alyssa may be reached directly for questions about insurance benefits and to make payments, here.