Meet Our Team
Meet the Experts at CrestView Counseling Center
Our Story
At CrestView Counseling Center, we put our clients first. Founded by dedicated therapists, our team is committed to helping people navigate life’s difficult challenges. We understand that asking for help can be hard, and we’re here to provide a welcoming, safe and supportive environment for those who need it. Whether you’re experiencing anxiety, depression, or just need someone to talk to, our compassionate therapists are here to help.
Erika Smith
LISW, Owner and Therapist
I am a clinical social worker providing therapy to children, adolescents and adults who are seeking a safe and welcoming environment. I believe therapy should be a collaborative approach to reaching goals and bettering your life. I value strong therapeutic relationships so that you may find it easier to trust and gain the skills you need. I want to help you strengthen your own self-awareness and see that therapy is a place for you to improve the steps you are taking to reach your goals.
I attended the University of Northern Iowa for my undergrad in psychology and received my master’s degree in social work from the University of Iowa. I have experience providing therapy to children, adolescents, and adults. I am trained in providing EMDR Therapy as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and trauma-focused approaches. I believe therapy is a process of exploring your skills as well as discovering new ways of coping. I offer a welcoming and safe space for you to connect with me.
I look forward to helping you on your journey through therapy and watching you grow from gaining skills and benefiting from the many ways that therapy can improve your life.
Dawn Wirtz
LMHC
I received my Master of Mental Health Counseling from Drake University. I work with adolescents, adults, couples, families and have a special interest in the elderly. I have twenty years' experience working with the elderly in Des Moines area retirement communities.
My primary areas of focus are grief/loss, anxiety, depression and trauma. I utilize a positive and strength-based focus along with a cognitive behavioral approach in helping clients meet their goals. Helping clients identify and utilize their strengths in and outside of therapy is an important factor in my therapy. I also believe therapy is a collaborative approach and I aim at meeting my clients where they are while providing a safe and welcoming space to all.
Ashley Lappe
LMHC
Welcome! My name is Ashley and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Sex Offender Treatment Professional, Level II. I am so pleased that you are exploring a process that can help you become the best version of you. I believe you are the expert of your life and through collaboration, would like to walk alongside you toward healing and growth. I provide a welcoming, inclusive, nonjudgmental environment for you to start identifying the challenges in life using not only your strengths, but new skills, to address them.
I have experience providing therapy to adults and adolescents. I am trained in EMDR, as well as have experience with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solutions Focused Therapy, and a variety of modalities. I like to utilize an approach that best fits you and makes you feel comfortable and empowered. Together we can plant the seed of hope and watch it flourish through the therapeutic process. Please reach out if you have any questions and I look forward to meeting you!
Kirsten Just
LMFT
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and completed my master’s degrees in Marriage and Family Therapy, as well as Community Counseling, at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, MN. Prior to receiving my master’s degrees, I received my Bachelor of Science in Psychology at North Dakota State University. I have a background in working with all age groups, providing individual, couple, and family therapy. I enjoy working with all age groups. I utilize multiple modes of therapy including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Multidimensional Family Therapy. In addition, I have experience working as a Chemical Dependency Counselor. Outside of work, I love spending time with my family, supporting my kids in activities, traveling, and cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals and the North Dakota State Bison football team.
Kaila Silent Water
t-LMHC, NCC
I am a temporary Licensed Mental Health Counselor committed to helping you improve your mental health and reach your greatest potential. I received my master of science in clinical mental health from Grand View University. I have experience working with adolescents, adults, and families in various environments including in-home, residential/in-patient, community-based, and private practice. I enjoy working with adolescents and adults from any and all walks of life. I am especially inclined to work with individuals who struggle with anxiety disorders, childhood trauma, and parenting/family relations.
I take a person-centered approach, which essentially means that I practice with the belief that we as humans are inherently good, with an innate sense to be the best that we can be. This approach values the unique complexities of being human and understands there is no “one-size-fits-all” when it comes to mental health. It is, therefore, a very personalized experience that intends to be collaborative and empowering. My therapeutic approach is informed with a neurobiological perspective that sheds light on the habits created out of survival, and more importantly- how to tap into the neuroplasticity of the brain (capacity for the brain to change) to adapt to more optimal functioning. I also utilize acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and solution-focused therapy (SFT) techniques.
In my spare time, I enjoy the never-dull moments with my two children, husband, sister, and our pets (1 dog, 2 cats). We also have a large extended family that keeps us plenty busy. Some of my favorite things are brunch, the color forest green, water activities, audiobooks, and live music at a local restaurant on a summer evening.
