Meet The Team

Dr. Gelder is the owner of CNS and is a practicing neuropsychologist specializing in the neuropsychological assessment of individuals who have been prenatally exposed to toxins (alcohol, drugs, etc.), who have chromosomal/genetic abnormalities, head injuries, issues related to chemotherapy, trauma (abuse/neglect/loss) and complex behavioral disorders as well as adults with issues involving attention/concentration and aging.
 

Dr. Gelder has been the co-founder of several support groups dealing with Alzheimer’s ADHD, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, and genetic syndromes. She has co-authored several articles dealing with issues of children prenatally exposed to alcohol and has presented to numerous audiences on a variety of topics. She does not accept forensic, child custody, or civil litigation cases.
 

Education: Ph.D from Ball State University

Nicole is a licensed clinical social worker who has been with CNS since 2019 and has worked with clients in multiple settings in Fort Wayne and surrounding areas over the last 28 years. She provides both therapy and assessment services for children, young adults, individuals, and families using an integrated approach tailored to the unique needs of each new client. Nicole believes that change happens when people are given the support they need to draw on their own strengths and realize their potential to live fulfilling happy lives. Nicole approaches both therapy and assessment as healing processes, helping to answer deep-seated questions that individuals have about themselves, their experiences, and their relationships. With a passion for supporting diversity, Nicole provides an environment of compassion and support to help individuals and families overcome obstacles to move forward and thrive. If looking for guidance with anxiety, depression, loss, traumatic life experiences and/or family strain, it takes courage to ask for help. Admitting you can't do everything on your own, is the first step in achieving wellness in a fast-paced and demanding world.
 

Education: Master's Degree in Social Work from Indiana University

Bernadine is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) who has over 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents, teens, adults, the elderly, and couples. Clinical settings include inpatient psychiatric hospitals outpatient psychiatric offices, and immigrant and refugee community agencies.
Clinical Experience includes clients experiencing depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, couples conflict, family conflict, self-esteem issues, and grief and loss issues.
Therapeutic approaches include CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-focused Therapy, Narrative therapy, and therapy-informed play therapy.
 

Education: Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Work from Ball State University
Master’s Degree from Indiana University Purdue University – Fort Wayne IN

Kaitlin is a licensed clinical social worker and has been with CNS since 2019. She works with children (0-18) and women who are faced with challenges related to attachment and bonding concerns, behavioral concerns, anxiety, depression, Post-Partum Depression/Anxiety, trauma, and medical trauma and specializes in development delays in children. In addition to applying therapeutic techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Person-Centered therapy, play therapy, and art therapy, Kaitlin believes in utilizing a full family approach to create a healing environment for the family as well as the overall well-being of the client. Kaitlin has a combined experience of over 10 years working with women and their children.
 

Education Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – Oakland University
Master of Social Science Administration – Case Western Reserve University

Since 2016, Gabrielle has worked with children and adolescents, adults, veterans, and victims of domestic violence, and accepts clients from various other diverse populations. As an existential-humanistic therapist with an eclectic approach to therapy, she believes in utilizing tools from multiple therapeutic theories including, cognitive-behavioral, acceptance-commitment, dialectical behavioral, and other modalities and therapeutic interventions while remaining focused on processing and working through the strife and anxieties that life presents.
Gabrielle believes individual human experiences are innately fraught with adversity along life’s exciting and perilous journey. However, with self-awareness (including awareness of emotions, behaviors, and thoughts), appropriate coping skills, and a strong therapeutic/personal support system, every person can attain their individual goals. The quote, “There is no better than adversity. Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss, contains its own seed, its own lesson on how to improve your performance” is a great expression of what Gabrielle strives to impart to all of her clients on their journey forward in life.
 

Education: Bachelor of Science in Human Services (concentration in Youth and Families)
Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling

Debb is a Christian provider who understands the importance of being compassionate and what it means to accept grace. She would not consider herself a passive or laid-back provider but understands one's need to move at one's own pace. She believes everyone is given a certain amount of time for each season of their lives and the importance of moving forward. Life isn't always easy. One of her favorite psychologists and authors is Ram Dass. He shared the following quote "We're all just walking each other home.” Debb would consider it an honor to walk with you toward a better life.
 

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Indiana Institute of Technology
Master's Degree in Psychology from Crown College

Vicki has been a counselor for 20+ years. She has worked with adolescent males and females, helping them to work through trauma, anxiety, depression, and some deviant sexual behaviors.  In the last 10 years, Vicki has worked with adults who are working through trauma, anxiety, depression, and marital problems. Her office with CNS is in a church in Jonesboro. She uses a Great Dane/Lab mix therapy dog as part of her practice. He helps people feel comfortable and comforted when they are working on difficult issues. 
 

Education: Master’s Degree from Indiana Wesleyan University

Michele is qualified to practice both primary care and psychiatry, allowing her to care for her patients' body and mind. She has a strong passion for helping those who struggle with mental health, especially within the adolescent population. Michele feels it is important to provide a caring environment that makes an otherwise vulnerable situation of discussing mental health concerns feel comfortable. She takes the time to listen and incorporate the opinions of her patients when making decisions regarding their care, making it a truly patient-centered care. She absolutely loves what she does and looks forward to meeting you!
 

Education: Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Purdue University
Masters of Science in Nursing from Indiana Wesleyan University; Board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner
Primary Mental Health Certificate from Purdue

Nicci graduated from Indiana University with a degree in psychology with an emphasis in neuroscience. She has worked in various research and clinical settings studying brain imaging, PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and neuropsychology. Currently, she specializes in neuropsychological assessment as a testing technician for both children and adults.
 

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Indiana University

Ben is a licensed school psychologist who works for a local school district in the Fort Wayne area.  He has worked at CNS at least part-time since 2017 completing neuropsychological testing as a testing technician.  He is also interested in children who may have an autism spectrum condition.  He is married and has three children.  He and his family enjoy going to the zoo, swimming, and playing family games.  
 

Education: School Psychology Ed.S. from Valparaiso University

Lori has over 20 years of experience in healthcare administration/management, medical billing, coding, human resource management, obtaining prior authorizations, employee training, and customer service. She is dually certified by the American Academy of Professional Coders in medical coding and medical billing. She has worked as the financial manager for CNS for the last 3 years assisting team members in billing/insurance protocol and account collections. Lori loves spending time with her family, siblings, and her 2 shepherd puppies.
 

Education: CPC: Certified Professional Coder
CPB: Certified Professional Biller

Jamie Barrett is a dedicated and compassionate clinical mental health counselor. With over a decade of experience working with individuals in various capacities, Jamie brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the field. Employing an eclectic approach to therapy, Jamie integrates principles from Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Positive Psychology to provide tailored and effective treatment. This multifaceted approach ensures that each individual receives personalized care that aligns with their unique needs and preferences. Jamie works with men and women over the age of 15. Her commitment to fostering a safe and supportive therapeutic environment helps clients navigate difficult times and achieve meaningful personal growth. Jamie empowers clients to explore their strengths, develop coping strategies, and cultivate resilience in adversity. Jamie is passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of others and is honored to accompany clients on their journey towards healing and self-discovery.
 

Education: Masters of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling—Huntington University

My name is Alexandra LeRoy. I am excited to provide therapy services to those in the Fort Wayne area. I have been working in human services for many years, with one of my first jobs being in disaster recovery work for Hurricane Katrina in Mississippi. I am a graduate of the University of St. Francis mental health counseling program as well as studying in their rehabilitation counseling program. I have worked in group home settings with a diverse service population from developmental needs to mental health and addiction needs. I have been a case manager as well as a therapist, and have recently provided DBT therapy services as well as home-based therapy for families.
 

Education: University of St. Francis 

Dr. Cooper is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) and post-doctoral fellow with over 10 years of therapy and assessment experience in both clinical and school settings. Although she works with people across the lifespan, her focus is primarily on working with children and adolescents. Dr. Cooper's therapeutic style is collaborative, strength-based, and goal-oriented. She takes an integrated approach with techniques from psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and Adlerian therapies. Dr. Cooper believes that assessment can be both informative and therapeutic as she aims to answer questions that people may have about themselves and use data to inform the next steps in building a healthier and more fulfilling life. 
 

Education: Ph.D. in School Psychology from Ball State University, MA in School Psychology from University of Toledo, MS in Clinical Psychology from Eastern Michigan University

Dr. Khalil is a licensed psychologist who specializes in neurodevelopmental assessments and evidence-based interventions for children. She has extensive experience conducting comprehensive psychological and autism evaluations and providing families with clear diagnostic insights and individualized recommendations. 

 

Dr. Khalil is certified in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), helping caregivers strengthen relationships and manage challenging behaviors in young children ages 2-7. Her Clinical expertise includes working with individuals with autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disabilities, ADHD, and behavioral concerns.

 

Education: PhD in Counseling Psychology from Purdue University, MSEd in Counseling Psychology from Purdue University, BS in Psychology and Child Learning and Develpment from the University of Texas at Dallas.

Dr. Desiree Moore is a wanderlust-driven soul with a deep passion for supporting others in the mental health journeys. With a nomadic spirit, she travels the world, advocating for mind-body connectivity and promoting the return to natural, holistic practices for cocomplete human well-being.

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With a rich background in international social work, Desiree has worked with children in diverse settings, including Ghana and South Korea. There, she taught children essential life skills such as emotion regulation, yoga, coping mechanisms, and how the brain processes emotions. Today, she continues her work children ages 3-18, guiding them on their paths towards emotional resilience. 

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Desiree is also trained postpartum doula, combining her expertise in birth and family dynamics with therapeutic practices. with 13 years of experience in the Health and Human Services field, she brings a unique blend of compassion, knowledge, and skill to her work. Her areas of specialization include mind-body connectivity, somatic coping techniques, EMDR, mindfulness, meditation, Attachment theory, Family Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and empowerment. Desiree is deeply committed to helping individuals and families navigate their wellness journeys and would be honored to guide you and your children towards greater mental and emotional well-being.

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Education: Bachelor's in Psychology & Dance from Stephens College

Master's in Social Work from the University of Nebraska at Omaha

Emily graduated from Manchester University in 2017, receiving a BA in psychology with a concentration in cognitive neuroscience. She later graduated from Ball State University with an EdS in School Psychology. Emily has worked as a licensed school psychologist at a local school district since 2020.

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Education: Bachelor's in Psychology with a concentration in Cognitive Neuroscience

EdS in School Psychology from Ball State University