GET TO KNOW OUR COUNSELORS

Hello! My name is Alana Tierno, and I am a clinical intern at Gilbert Counselors under the supervision of Terri Roman, LPC. I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology at California State University, Fullerton, and am currently completing my master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling at Concordia University Irvine. 

I am California-born and raised but have been soaking in the Arizona sun since 2024. In my free time, I like to spend quality time with friends and family, try new restaurants, catch up on my favorite shows, and hang out with my mini dachshund, Mabel. 

I have a particular interest in working with teens and young adults, and I welcome the opportunity to work with clients of all ages. Whether you are feeling stuck, overwhelmed, anxious, insecure, disconnected, down, or wanting to better understand yourself, I hope to provide a space where you feel understood and comfortable being yourself. You are the expert in your own life, and I have a genuine compassion and curiosity for your story. At the heart of my approach is our therapeutic relationship, where I value our collaboration in building greater self-awareness and working toward your goals. 

Counseling offers an opportunity to explore the “why” behind the patterns we develop while also building practical tools to respond differently in the here and now. I believe that people have the capacity for meaningful growth and change, and I would love to walk alongside you on that journey. 

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Hi, my name is Jessica Smith, and I am a clinical intern at Gilbert Counselors under the supervision of Terri Roman, LPC. I am currently completing my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Grand Canyon University.

For the past ten years, I’ve worked as a certified educator in Arizona, teaching mental health education to both teachers and students. That experience, along with my certifications as a mindfulness coach and yoga instructor, has strengthened my passion for the mind-body connection and holistic approaches to healing.

I’m also a mom of four children, ranging in age from 12 to 21, which gives me a personal understanding of the ups and downs families face. I enjoy working with children, teens, and families around concerns such as anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, and trauma. I also have a special interest in supporting neurodivergent individuals as they learn to navigate the unique differences that accompany their brains.

My goal is to create a safe and supportive space where clients can build resilience through somatic integration and gain a deeper awareness of how unconscious patterns may be holding them back—while learning to navigate the ebb and flow of life with practical regulation tools and a sense of empowerment.

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Hi there, my name is Marné (Mar-nay), and I’m a clinical intern at Gilbert Counselors under the supervision of Terri Roman, LPC. I completed my undergraduate studies at Purdue University Northwest, earning bachelor’s degrees in Sociology and Psychology in 2017. Since 2018, I have worked as a behavioral health technician in both inpatient and outpatient settings for substance use disorders, primarily opioid use disorders. I’m currently in the final stretch of my master’s program at Grand Canyon University for Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

I was born in Northern Colorado and moved to Northwest Indiana at age 15. In 2020, I relocated to Arizona—an adventure, to say the least. When I’m not enjoying the outdoors, weather permitting, I tend to my growing collection of plants and relax with my 90-pound pit mix, Murphy.

I see people as complex individuals whose thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are shaped by early experiences, attachment patterns, core beliefs, and adverse life events. As a clinical intern and future clinician, I see my role as being a dedicated ally in clients’ personal growth and healing, providing empathy, unconditional positive regard, and support to help them navigate challenges and achieve meaningful change. My goal is to continue developing an eclectic and integrative approach, drawing from psychodynamic, humanistic, cognitive-behavioral, and mind-body frameworks, while incorporating trauma-informed and multicultural perspectives to support holistic, client-centered growth and resilience.

"Being heard is so close to being loved...it’s almost indistinguishable." – David Augsburger

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Hello, I am a clinical intern at Gilbert Counselors under the supervision of Terri Roman, LPC. I earned my Bachelor's degree in Behavioral Health Science and am currently pursuing my Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Grand Canyon University. I am also trained in Level 1 of the Gottman Method, which guides much of my work with couples.

I was born and raised in Arizona and enjoy spending time with my wife and our four boys. Family is a big part of my life and what drives my passion for helping couples strengthen their relationships and reconnect during difficult seasons. My faith is also an important part of who I am and when clients are open to it, can be meaningfully integrated into the counseling process.

My approach is client-centered and goal-oriented, with a focus on helping couples improve communication, navigate conflict, and rebuild connection. I also support individuals in developing skills to manage challenges and shift unhelpful thought patterns. I strive to create a space that feels safe, supportive, and honest.

If you and your partner feel stuck, disconnected, or unsure how to move forward, you do not have to figure it out alone, I can help you find a way through.

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Hi, my name is Samantha Smith, and I am a clinical intern at Gilbert Counselors under the supervision of Terri Roman, LPC. I am currently completing my Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling specializing with Children and Adolescents at Grand Canyon University. For the past 3 years I have worked as a mental health specialist providing psychoeducation in many different environments with children adolescents and adults.

A little about me: I am originally from Wisconsin and just moved to Arizona in 2024. I have a goldendoodle named Jax and he is the best! I love reading, doing puzzles, exercising, and trying out new restaurants!

My approach as a counselor is client-centered and goal-oriented, grounded in providing an unbiased and supportive perspective. I strive to create a safe, welcoming environment where clients feel comfortable being themselves, while thoughtfully integrating each client’s preferred worldview into the counseling process. I am committed to ongoing learning, education, and personal growth, and I value fostering growth in others in any way I can.

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