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Gabrielle HEath, Clinical Intern
Hello, my name is Gabrielle, and I am a clinical intern at Gilbert Counselors under the supervision of Terri Roman (LPC). I earned my undergraduate degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in Business from Arizona State University and am currently pursuing my Master’s in Counseling at the University of Phoenix. My blend of education gives me a unique perspective when working with clients to help them navigate through life's challenges.
A little about me: I am a proud Arizona native and feel very fortunate to call Gilbert my home. When I’m not working or studying, I love exploring new restaurants, playing with my Australian Shepherd, and spending time with my friends and family.
My goal is to create a safe, supportive, and empowering environment where individuals feel encouraged to explore personal growth. I strive to provide a warm and welcoming space where clients can develop new skills, build resilience, and gain the confidence needed to navigate life's challenges with greater ease.
Jessica Smith, Clinical Intern
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.
Kelsea Rakotz, Clinical Intern
My name is Kelsea. I am a clinical intern at Gilbert Counselors under the supervision of Terri Roman (LPC). I received my Bachelors of Science in Psychology and Counseling from Southwestern Christian University. I am currently pursuing a dual Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling from Colorado Christian University.
A little about me: I am originally from Oklahoma and moved to Arizona in 2022 with my husband and 3 huskies. In my free time, I love to travel, experience new places, spend quality time with my family and friends, and read a good book.
As your counselor, I value connection, collaboration, and empathy in the counseling process. I believe that the client is the expert in their own life and that therapy should be a tool that empowers them to heal and achieve their therapeutic goals. I believe that every client enters therapy with a unique story, experiences, and strengths. Throughout the counseling process, I want to support my clients and walk with them as they grow. Part of that journey is assisting clients in discovering how their story, experiences, and strengths can be harnessed to achieve their goals and live the life they want to live.
Marne Egarton, Clinical Intern
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
Ryan Backus, Clinical Intern
Hello, my name is Ryan Backus, and I am a clinical intern at Gilbert Counselors under the supervision of Terri Roman, LPC. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Health Science and am currently pursuing my Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Grand Canyon University.
I was born and raised in Arizona and enjoy spending quality time with my wife and our four boys. Family plays a central role in my life, and it is a big part of what inspires my work as a counselor. I believe in meeting people where they are and helping them uncover their strengths as they work toward meaningful change.
My approach is client-centered and goal-oriented, focusing on helping individuals develop skills to overcome challenges and reframe negative thought patterns. I strive to create a safe, understanding, and empowering space where clients can grow and see themselves in a new light. Guided by my Christian worldview, I integrate faith into the counseling process when clients are open to it, always aiming to foster healing, growth, and lasting hope.
Samantha Smith, Clinical Intern
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.