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Our Philosophy

WHY TRUE NORTH?

The majority of us envision a traditional compass with the directional markings of North, South, East, and West. However, a true compass also has an additional marking of True North. This marking parallels the North Star providing us with the purest Northern path. It is unique because it is completely unaffected by the constant pull of the elements existing within the Earth ’s core. Stripped down to its essence, True North is the most authentic and purposeful direction we can travel.

Our treatment approach is derived from the concept that each of us has our own True North. The ideal path we desire to travel guided by our ideas of how we want to live our lives. As we all know, life offers much adversity that easily pulls us in directions that are off our desired course. The emotional hardships and life transitions we are faced with can certainly lead us away from our True North. Staying true to yourself, as you cope with such adversity, is made easier with support and guidance. We have built our team with the highest caliber of specialized clinicians who all want to help you and your family re-discover your True North.

Clear blue water and large rocks on the shore at Lake Tahoe
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Our Team

Dave Briggs, LMFT, LCADC, Owner/Director of Clinical Services

Dave Briggs

LCSW, LCADC
Owner / Director of Clinical Services

Dave began his career 35 years ago, as he spent his summers working with youth-at-risk in Southern Illinois. He spent many years helping urban teens discover their strengths and abilities while canoeing and hiking in remote wilderness settings. He spent much of his downtime traveling, rock climbing, and mountaineering in places such as Columbia, Ecuador, Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Tibet, and Nepal. Throughout all his travels and adventures, Dave gained a deep awareness as to the importance of living life in a genuine and authentic manner. This eventually led Dave to choose a unique path for himself.

Dave and his family set roots in Nevada over 20 years ago, and he has dedicated those years to serving children and families in need. He was the Program Director of Catherine Freer Wilderness Therapy Expeditions, for several years before returning to graduate school. He earned his Bachelor’s of Science in Criminal Justice at the University of Phoenix and immediately went on to achieve his Masters of Social Work at the University of Nevada, Reno. While furthering his education, Dave served at Washoe County Juvenile Services where he led educational and counseling sessions, trained probation officers, aided in program evaluation, and held the position of the Alcohol and Drug Program Coordinator. It was during his time working with adjudicated youth when Dave truly realized the purpose of his life’s work.

Prior to starting True North, Dave dedicated close to a decade helping children and families at Willow Springs Center where he created, implemented, and managed a multitude of successful programs, including the Dialectal Behavioral Therapy Program. His success led him to become the Director of Clinical Services for the entire hospital (residential and outpatient). While he enjoyed his time serving others at Willow Springs Center, Dave always has a desire to establish his own comprehensive treatment center with the intention of meeting the specific needs of children and families within his own community. He is continuously collaborating with his colleagues to provide innovative and accessible treatment services within the Great Basin.

He has been involved with the Washoe County Mental Health Consortium, the Washoe County Child Fatality Review Committee, and continues his strong working relationships with Washoe County Juvenile Services, Washoe County Social Services., and the Washoe County School District. He is an adjunct professor with The University of Reno, Nevada School of Social Work and was recently nominated by the ECHO Project in representing First Episode Psychosis Team. He has presented at numerous professional conferences and institutes, and is an active member of the National Association of Social Work in a leadership role. Dave is also trained and certified in DBT, CISM, CPI, and CPR (just in case:). He also supervises many clinical interns pursuing careers in both the social work and substance abuse professions, as he believes in a growth mindset. Dave is constantly working towards raising the bar in the behavioral health profession and leading his team in serving others to the highest caliber.

Calli Clinton

BCBA, LBA
Behavior Analyst
Director of Operations

Calli has always had a desire to help children and adolescents overcome challenges they are faced with in their growth and development. She understands that sometimes such challenges can cause children to behave in different ways that are hard for parents to understand and manage. She believes that with the right tools, parents can support their children in overcoming the challenges they are faced with. Calli has helped many families in developing individual behavior plans, creating healthy routines, and teaching the importance of consistency while parenting.

As a Behavior Analyst, Calli is adept at discovering why a child engages in a specific behavior. She understands and can visualize the bigger picture in treatment. She is able to create and implement specific plans that cater to improved social interactions, increased academic skills and enhanced emotional well being for a child/teenager. She also works closely with parents in providing them the knowledge and skills they need in supporting their child.

Calli earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of Nevada, Reno. After gaining several years experience in working with children in a multitude of different settings, Calli earned her Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology specializing in Applied Behavior at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Returning home to Nevada, she has spent the past seven years working as a Behavior Analyst throughout the Great Basin. Calli is Board Certified in Behavior Analysis and is a member of the Association for Behavior Analysis International.

Calli brings with her a wide range of experiences, which lend themselves to her natural ability to connect with children and adolescents in a nurturing and compassionate manner. She has served children and families at Willow Springs Center, Sierra Regional Center of Sparks, Maple Star Specialized Foster Care, Turning Point School, and the Early Childhood Autism Program at the University of Nevada, Reno. She brings these experiences and more to True North Treatment Center.

Cali Clinton
Sarah Lowrey

Sarah Lowrey

LCSW
Therapist
IOP Manager

Sarah grew up in Reno, Nevada and has been an active member of her community throughout her life. Her authentic local perspective allows her to have a deeply rooted understanding of our area and a strong desire to give back to it. As a therapist, Sarah creates a balanced atmosphere of compassion, trust, and understanding. She believes that these components build an empathetic and supportive environment allowing individuals and families to feel safe and respected. Her ability to help families build a mutual language that instills empathy and support is remarkable.

Sarah earned her Masters in Social Work from the University of Nevada, Reno where she focused on working with children and families. She has spent a significant amount of time working with the Washoe County School District’s Early Head Start Program, the State of Nevada Welfare Programs, as well as serving as an evaluator for substance abuse prevention programs throughout the 12 Western states. Sarah is extremely knowledgeable in helping families navigate resources to receive the best assistance and support possible for their individual circumstances.

Sarah is a professionally trained Dialectical Behavior Therapist (DBT), and prior to coming to True North Treatment Center, she was the Lead DBT Therapist at Willow Springs Center. One of Sarah’s greatest strengths is her ability to help adolescents over come numerous afflictions and difficulties with interpersonal relationships through the use of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Her passion and dedication to her clients in helping them to cope with daily challenges is outstanding.

Crystal Grayson

LCSW
Therapist
Clinical Manager

Crystal has spent over 30 years helping individuals, children, and families overcome obstacles to achieve a quality of life. Her vast experience in working with individuals in multiple settings, speaks volumes to her deeply rooted understanding and knowledge within the helping profession. Crystal brings with her a high caliber of clinical expertise and an innate ability to quickly build an authentic therapeutic relationship with her clients. She believes in creating a relaxed client focused atmosphere that will lend itself to creating and sustaining her genuine connection with her clients. Crystal strives to help her clients identify their own strengths, thus empowering them to create change in their own lives while feeling supported on their path to healing.

Crystal has also spent time as an adjunct profession at the University of Nevada, Reno teaching courses within the Social Work Program. She is passionate about giving back to her profession and values a growth mindset in working with other professionals. Crystal serves as a clinical supervisor for social workers who have earned their Masters of Social Work and are beginning their professional career. She also continues her education on a regular basis so that she can keep current with best practices and continue to grow as a clinician.

Crystal earned her Bachelor of Social Work at University of Nevada, Las Vegas where she also received her Masters of Social work. While she has worked at many agencies throughout Nevada, most of her work has been focused here in Northern Nevada. She has extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, treating anxiety and depression, crisis intervention and Solution Focused Therapy. Having had the opportunity to work in both inpatient and outpatient settings she is able to adapt to the therapeutic needs of her clients.

Crystal is grounded in child and adolescent development and specializes in helping children and families work through adversity. True North Treatment Center is fortunate to have Crystal on our team, as she brings a level of professionalism and expertise to our agency. She is also has a wonderful sense of humor and is a joy to be around.

Crystal Grayson
Matthew Parra, M.D.

Matthew Parra, M.D.

Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist

Dr. Parra was born and raised in Nevada, making him a true native to our area. He has a deeply rooted connection to Northern Nevada community and an instinctual awareness of the many issues our local youth are faced with on a daily basis. He has chosen to spend his life’s work helping children and adolescents cope with the challenges and adversities that accompany human growth and development. Dr. Parra is incredibly personable and creates a naturally supportive environment in which his patients can express themselves freely. He is innately aware of the unique and individual needs of his patients and is committed to the longevitiy of his therapeutic relationships.

Dr. Parra earned his M.D. through University of Nevada, Reno, School of Medicine where he continued on to complete his Psychiatry Residency and eventually, his Child and Adolescent Fellowship. This is this unique specialization that distinguishes him among his colleagues. He is board certified in both General Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. He is know within the Northern Nevada community as being of the highest caliber in regard to his practice. Dr. Parra has worked with many local agencies within the Great Basin such as Willow Springs Residential Treatment Center, West Hills Hospital, Reno Behavioral Health Care Hospital, and within the Department of Corrections for adults. He is also trained in Dialectible Behavior Therapy (DBT) allowing him to support the continuity of therapeutic intervention with his clients who are involved in this modality of treatment.

In his free time, you can find Dr. Parra on the many trails in the area hiking, mountain bike riding and enjoying the all of the outdoor pursuits our area offers. In addition to being a distinguished psychiatrist, Dr. Parra promotes a healthy lifestyle and sets a wonderful example for those around him with his positive outlook on living his best life.

Farren Harrison

LCSW
Therapist

Farren is someone who values authenticity, humor, curiosity, and a genuine desire to understand and be in the moment with others. She has always dreamed of opening doors for children and adolescents to see who they are and learn to love themselves for just that. She aims to create a therapeutic atmosphere where people can exist freely, where they can find sanctuary within themselves and their world, and where they can have the courage and confidence to find personal meaning and peace. Farren aims to support everyone she works with to achieve their therapeutic goals and will challenge individuals to see their strengths and accomplishments in every situation. Farren is confident in deescalating stressful situations and is incredibly understanding, patient, and has a fantastic sense of humor.

Farren earned her Master’s of Social Work from the University of Nevada, Reno where she focused on working with children, families, and underserved populations throughout her studies.

later spending time as a classroom program director for children ages 7-12. Much of her experience also stems from teaching classes to teens about regulating emotions and anger and helping coach kids through negative thoughts.

Farren Harrison
Jessa Wagner

Jessa Wagner

LMFT
Therapist

Jessa has a passion for helping people from all backgrounds to find their own strengths in working through difficult adversities. She is incredibly patient and truly enjoys thinking though all aspects of a problem with her clients in working through the issue together. Jessa prides herself on always looking at things from a strength-based perspective and creating a space for individuals to find their own resiliency in the healing process. She believes that the healing process is enhanced by self-efficacy, and as it begins to grow, individuals will be empowered to find their personal path and voice. Jessa is kind natured, easy to connect with, and truly creates a warm environment with her genuine respect for others in their therapeutic journey.

Jessa received her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Reno, Nevada and went on to pursue her Master of Science in Marriage and Family Counseling Therapy from Capella University. She has spent the past decade working in a variety of settings and agencies focused on helping children and families. She also has advanced trauma training and is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. Jessa has a desire to continue learning and often attends continuing education trainings that allow her to stay current and be able to implement best practices into her work with families. She has also been involved in Rotary within her own community for many years focusing on working with youth services. Jessa is a very down to earth person and a joy to have at True North.

Angel Tollefsrud

LCSW
Therapist

Angel was born and raised in Reno and has always been connected and involved within her community. Her ability to place others at ease is natural and innate. She is a kind, passionate, and caring individual who is able to connect with adolescents in a multitude of ways. Angel believes in creating strong relationships and places tremendous effort in creating a space where individuals feel safe, accepted, and respected. She is incredibly positive, down-to-earth, and genuinely enjoys having conversations with others about their thoughts, interests, and perspectives (she loves to learn new things). Angel brings a fresh and vibrant energy to her work and her clients love to connect with her on current trends and issues. She is more than relatable to the individuals she works with.

Angel earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from University of Nevada, Reno, and went on to complete her Masters of Science in Psychology from University of Phoenix. She recently returned to school and earned my Masters of Social Work from University of Nevada, Reno. She has spent time working at many local agencies throughout her career such as the Eddy House, Washoe County Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program, Maple Star of Nevada, Department of Children and Family Services, and Nevada Pediatric Psychiatry Solutions. Her professional experiences have instilled a passion in her and a desire to help promote mental health access and resources in Nevada, particularly within the rural areas. Her experiences in working with children, adolescents, and adults from a variety of demographic backgrounds and mental health issues give her great knowledge in helping others discover the best tools to create their desired narrative. She brings a youthful energy and a growth mindset to our team.

Angel Tollefsrud
Diana Ramirez

Diana Ramirez

CSW Intern
Therapist

Diana has always loved working with kids and spent much of her younger years mentoring her peers, volunteering at her local community centers, and helping kids within her own community. She is incredibly passionate about the mental health and emotional well-being of children. She genuinely understands that children and adolescents need a safe and nurturing space to explore feelings, navigate challenges, and develop skills they need to thrive. She has a deep respect for allowing people to work through challenges at their own pace and her unconditional patience is one of her greatest attributes. Diana is kind-hearted, fun to be around, and incredibly professional in her work. She is also able to naturally connect with children and adolescents creating an environment where they feel welcome and supported right off the bat.

Diana earned her Bachelor of Science in Social Work at the University of Nevada, Reno and continued to earn her Master of Social Work with an emphasis on Human Development and Family Studies from University of Reno, Nevada. She is also a first-generation graduate which she is very proud of. She has worked in a variety of agencies including Washoe County School District, Safe Embrace, DCFS Child & Adolescent Services, Saint Mary’s Medical Center, and the University of Nevada School of Social Work. She brings much experience to our clinical team and continues to learn and grow professionally to ensue she is providing the highest caliber of care.

Patrice Boyakins

MFT Intern
Therapist

Patrice brings a tremendous amount of passion and energy to working with children and adolescents. She has always invested all of her efforts into what she believes to be true which is the ability people have to change, grow, and reach their potential. Patrice was surrounded by great love and support in her life which eventually led her to recognize natural ability to help others and pursue her life’s work. She genuinely believes in passing this gift on and her compassion is one of her biggest attributes which has been infectious with our team. She has a wonderful sense of humor, is relatable, and is incredibly authentic in her nature.

Patrice also has a natural tendency to put others immediately at ease and create a supportive environment where individuals feel safe and accepted. She understands the therapeutic process is fluid and is able to meet individuals where they are at on any given day. Patrice is highly trained in many different therapeutic modalities and able to utilize her knowledge in meeting the unique needs of those she works with. She is truly appreciative of the privilege she has in being part of the growth and positive change she helps facilitate.

Patrice initially earned her Bachelor in English Literature from the University of Nevada, Reno. She was accepted into law school and ready to join the corporate world of law when she realized that her true passion was to help others. She began working the field and went back to school to earn her Master of Science Psychology from University of Phoenix, and eventually went on to earn her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from University of Nevada, Reno. She has spent time working with many different organizations such as Job Corp, China Springs Youth Camp, Women and Children’s Center of the Sierra, Safe Embrace, and many others. Patrice is also a professor at Truckee Meadows Community College within the Social Science Department specializing in teaching courses related to drug and alcohol abuse. She is an advocate in keeping up with best practices and furthering her trainings and education within the profession.

Patrice Boyakins
Yiota Panagiota

Yiota Panagiota

LMFT
Therapist

Yiota is one of the most down-to-earth and unpretentious individuals who is deeply grateful for her opportunity to help others. She believes that the therapeutic journey is more tolerable, successful, and maybe even more enjoyable when it’s done with someone by your side. In an atmosphere of warmth and caring, she helps her clients develop new coping skills and strategies. Yiota believes that there is truth to the thinking that mental, physical, emotional, spiritual, financial, and general health go hand-in-hand. Her joy comes from helping others find that big AH-HA moment when they connect those aspects of their lives together in a way that is meaningful. Her clients appreciate her honesty, patience, and willingness to explore whatever thoughts and ideas arise.

Dr. Yiota earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Northeastern Illinois University with majors in Mental Retardation and Education, and went on to earn her Masters in Education, in Educational Leadership from the University of South Florida. She additionally furthered her education through the University of Nevada, Reno earning her Masters in School Counseling and Marriage & Family Therapy. She is also faith based and holds a Ph.D. in Christian Counseling from Christian Bible Study. She adds a wealth of life experience to our team along with her clinical expertise she had gained throughout her professional career.

Kristen Schiemer

LCSW
Therapist

Kristen believes she is best able to connect with her clients by maintaining genuineness, empathy, authenticity in her work. She aims to promote a therapeutic environment that allows clients to tell their stories and speak their minds without fear or worry of judgment. Kristen recognizes each individual is the expert of their own life, and endeavors to support clients by helping them identify their strengths and celebrating their progress as they engage in the therapeutic process. With compassion and optimism, Kristen works with her clients to assist in the accomplishment of their treatment goals.

Born and raised in Las Vegas before making Northern Nevada her home, Kristen has been drawn to the helping professions throughout the duration of her life, and has wanted to give back to her community. After receiving her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and her Master of Social Work degrees at the University of Nevada, Reno, Kristen is able to engage in the work she is passionate about. Though she has experience in working with a variety of populations, including adults with developmental disorders and geriatric adults, Kristen has found she feels tremendously rewarded and humbled when working with children and adolescents. It was through her work at Willow Springs Center that she found her passion for working with children and adolescents and has committed to continue supporting this unique population.

Kristen’s value in knowledge and continuing education enables her to consistently grow and develop as a professional in order to best serve her clients. With her open-minded and curious nature, as well as a lively sense of humor, Kristen strives to create a safe space in which clients are able to engage in their work effectively.

Kristen Schiemer
Gabrielle Marangi

Gabrielle Marangi

CSW Intern
Therapist

Gabbi is a compassionate and excels in creating a warm and welcoming environment. She naturally provides a comfortable and non-judgmental space where she radiates calmness and acceptance, as she places others at ease when they first meet her. She is dedicated and passionate in helping individuals work through challenges and her kind demeanor and empathetic nature make her invaluable. Gabbi was born and raised in Reno, Nevada, and has a dynamic understanding of our community, the needs that exist within it, and where to access current resources that are relevant and effective in helping those that need it. Her extensive experiences working with youth combined with her ability to create avenues for self-growth and discovery make her a wonderful part of our team.

Gabbi received her Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Nevada, Reno and continued to earn her and Master of Social Work as well. She has spent time working at The Children’s Cabinet, Kids Kottage, and with Northern Nevada Veterans Resource Center. She has also spent time working abroad working with children in Brazil and brings much knowledge that allows her to be highly effective in working with children adolescents, and families.

Mitchell Marsala

LCSW
Therapist

Mitchell was raised in Reno and believes in giving back to the community that has given him so much. He considers every individual to have the capacity to make positive changes and he uses sincere authenticity with curiosity to connect with his clients and their families. He considers his work with clients a collaboration in which he helps them work towards their mutually established goals. Mitchell places value in listening to others about their life experiences which enables him to quickly establish connections. His kind and calm demeanor helps to ensure a comfortable environment in which a therapeutic bond can be established. His natural ability to connect with children and adolescents keeps him motivated in creating a safe and accepting space where individuals can be vulnerable in expressing themselves. He is genuine acceptance of others is amazing and he is an authentic individual who cares deeply about his life’s work.

Mitchell earned his Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience from the University of Nevada, Reno while volunteering for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Nevada and coaching Cross Country and Track and Field at the high school level. He has always been involved in his community and drawn to the younger generations. He recently earned his Masters of Social Work from the University of Nevada, Reno. He interned at the UNR Family Medicine Center in which he helped to ensure physician’s patients were connected to community resources and services entitled to them. He also spent the past year interning at True North Treatment center, working with our clinical team where he provided significant clinical insights. Mitchell found his passion to work with children and adolescents through his work experiences along with having a large family filled with young kids. He is well-versed in the development of children and the struggles they encounter long the way. He believes that everyone is an expert on their own lives, and his role is to help guide them towards where they want to belong through goal achievement.

Mitchell Marsala
Nicole Howes

Nicole Howes

MFT Intern
Therapist

Nicole has invested much of her time throughout many years teaching, writing, and sharing the knowledge she has gained throughout her life, her spirituality, and her trials and tribulations of raising her own 7 children with her husband. She is passionate about helping families, and individuals of all ages experience hope during difficult times. She has helped countless families navigate complex issues by creating safe spaces to examine family dynamics in healthy and productive ways. She has also helped many couples address adversity in a way that strengthens their relationship and/or marriage. Nicole is unique in that most of her therapeutic experience comes not from clinical settings, but from her own experiences as a traditional wife and mother. She pursued her higher education later in her life, while raising her children, as she realized she could help more families in a professional setting. She is incredibly kind, nurturing, and able to relate to others in the most authentic and genuine manner. Nicole has natural insight into family dynamics and sharing techniques that allow families the ability learn to thrive.

Nicole earned her Bachelor of Arts in Leadership and Ministry from Asbury University and continued to earn her Masters of Marriage and Family Therapy from Liberty University. She has contributed to many parenting blogs and workshops on a variety of topics and has spent the past year at True North during her graduate practicum studies. She is incredibly motived and always looking for ways to grow and continue to develop both personally and professionally.

Kelly Stanley

LCSW
Therapist

Kelly has a strong desire to help individuals find relief and reassurance by providing support with compassion and empathy. She has successfully helped children and adolescents, at all stages of the therapeutic process, work through complex issues, multifaceted problems, and highly dynamic family systems. She understands that developing trust can be difficult for individuals within the therapeutic setting and is able to create a space where others learn to lean on her for guidance. Kelly is a seasoned clinician well versed helping adolescents navigate through complicated issues and experiences. Her clinical expertise coupled with her dynamic (and fun) personality allow others to be naturally drawn to her making the therapeutic relationship effortless.

Kelly earned her Bachelor of Science in Community Health Sciences, at University of Nevada, Reno. She continued her education and received her Master of Social Work University of Nevada, Reno. She has worked in a variety of settings such as the Crisis Call Center, The Eddy House, and has spent the last 5 years working at Willow Springs Center. She has specialized training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), DBT Prolonged Exposure (DBT PE), and DBT Family Connections, through the National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorder. Kelly’s recent years in her professional career lend themselves to her clinical expertise of complex issues and family systems.

Kelly Stanley
Alonso Tamayo-Pietro

Alonso Tamayo-Pietro

LCSW
Therapist

Alonso is a native Nevadan and has spent his life as an active part of the Reno/Sparks community over the years. He has a rich sense of the history of his community and all the resources it has to offer families. He has always had a passion for advocacy and working with marginalized communities and the individuals within them. He loves to hear the stories, experiences, perspectives of others and prides himself on being an incredible listener. Alonso genuinely values what individuals choose to share in the validating and safe environment he creates. His kind and honest manner allows individuals to find their own motivation in making positive change. He believes that a desire for change comes from an open and trusting therapeutic relationship. He takes joy in helping individuals learn to embrace a growth mindset and loves being silly when possible.  

Alonso earned his Bachelor of Science in Social work from University of Nevada, Reno and continued to earn his Master of Social Work. He has spent the last 5 years working at Willow Springs Center, specializing in children and adolescent in-patient treatment. Alonso is highly skilled and professionally trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). He is always seeking learning opportunities to advance his skills and be the best clinician he can in helping individuals achieve their goals. His experience over the past 5 years lends itself to being effective and successful at True North.

Noemi Ortiz

CSW Intern
Therapist

More info on Noemi coming soon.

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Jazmine Moran Garcia

Jazmine Moran Garcia

IOP Coordinator

Jazmine’s natural ability to quickly form supportive relationships with children and adolescents is remarkable. She is relatable, approachable, and cares deeply about individuals as they work through adversity. She recognizes that on any given day, adolescents in our IOP Program may need additional support and attention and is able to meet those individual needs. She is calm, grounded, and her patience is remarkable. Jazmine has spent much time caring for others in her family and her community. She understands that everyone has their own therapeutic process and can adapt her style of communication to help meet others in their process. She engages with kids in a genuine manner and is often laughing with them appreciating their sometimes-corky senses of humor. Jazmine is the anchor of our IOP Program and we are lucky to have her! Jazmine is currently working towards her degree in psychology at Truckee Meadows Community College. She has spent time working at Willow Springs Center, as both the Activity Coordinator and a Resident Mentor which has allowed her to gain significant experience and knowledge in working with adolescents struggling with significant mental health issues. She is insightful, bright, and has a deep commitment to her education and growth as a mental health professional.

Olivia Caldera

Billing Specialist

Olivia is a Certified Nurse Assistant and Medical Assistant and has been working within the billing and insurance profession since 2003. She is incredibly knowledgeable and able to answer pretty much any question regarding insurance claims and billing issues (which can be confusing). She goes above and beyond in helping others work through issues and always takes ample time to explain the process of whatever billing issue presents itself. She is patient, kind, and understands that financial issues can be stressful for others. She is also a mother of 4 children, so she fully understands the demands of parenthood and juggling life. While Olivia enjoys working with people in gaining a better understanding of insurance and billing, she would rather own her own food truck and cook for people all day!

Olivia Caldera
Kristie Johnson

Kristie Johnson

Intake Coordinator

Kristie has been in the behavioral health profession for many years and has a deep understanding of the many issues related to stress, anxiety, and the many different pressures of life. She is Registered Behavior Technician and has been working in the mental health arena for over 15 years in different agencies within California, Utah, and Nevada. She is deeply committed to making others feel comfortable and welcome when arrive at True North. Kristie always makes sure she has time to answer any questions or concerns of regardless of where people are at in their treatment process. She feels that despite coming from different backgrounds, we all have the same end game in sight which is to live a healthier life. She understands that the initial intake process can feel overwhelming, and she does a wonderful job at putting others at ease in walking them through the process. She is an incredible resource on the services within the community, able to troubleshoot any issue that may arise, and a wonderful communicator. Kristie’s sense of humor and smile are infectious, and she is fun to be around!

Michelle Alvarado

Intake Coordinator

Michelle has extensive knowledge of the profession, as she has over 30 years of experience in the insurance and medical billing field. She recognizes that dealing with insurance can be overwhelming when seeking mental health services and enjoys alleviating that stressor for others. As a parent, she relates to many of the individuals who reach out to inquire about beginning the therapeutic process. She connects with others in a genuine and understanding way allowing others a safe space to address their concerns. Michelle is always kind, clam natured, and not much seems to rattle her. She is a great problem solver and has a wonderful attention to details which is fantastic! While she has spent most of her years in California, she calls Nevada home now and has made it her community. Michelle is a great resource and will pause whatever she is working on to help others throughout the day.
Michelle Alvarado
Jen Briggs

Jen Briggs

MSW
Community Liaison

Jen has spent the past 35 years working with children, adolescents, and families in a variety of settings and roles. She began her career working with at-risk teens in a variety of wilderness therapy programs throughout Utah, Oregon, and Washington before finally settling roots in Nevada. It was in the remote wilderness setting, that Jen realized her sincere desire to help adolescents and their families work through life’s adversity.

While lately, Jen has devoted the majority of her time to her children and family, she has continued to stay involved in her profession and continues to help children and families work through life challenges within her community. As a mother, Jen can certainly relate to the many challenges of parenthood. Her experience in working with parents of troubled teens throughout her career allows her to offer much insight and perspective. As one of the owners of True North, and the Community Liaison, she is a great resource and would love to talk with you about any questions you may have regarding True North Treatment Center and the services we provide.

Murph & Crash

Emotional Pup Support

Murph and Crash have both been spending many of their days at True North since they were both 6 weeks old and have become quite accustomed to greeting everyone who walks through the door with a friendly wag of their tails. They show up most days and get right to work in meeting everyone’s emotional needs by putting themselves on the receiving end of endless pets and belly scratches, engaging in a quick game of fetch, and occasionally enjoying sessions (if they are being good boys)! Murph and Crash are also available upon request and are often found hanging out in our IOP Group room in the afternoons. Murph is a black Labrador and Border Collie mix making him a pretty mellow and happy-go-lucky pup. Crash is a McNab which makes him high energy, but also a huge cuddler who will nudge under your arm for a snuggle. While both pups are not officially certified therapy canines, they are both well versed to being emotionally supportive as they have been at True North since they were born. We are all very proud of how hard Murph and Crash make people feel welcome and we all believe they are highly valued members of our True North Team! Woof Woof!

Murph and Crash, office dogs at True North Treatment Center
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Join Our Team

Blue and green compass

True North is always looking to expand and grow our team!

We are a group of high-caliber clinicians who work together, as a treatment team, in creating the best possible care for each of our clients. We support one another, encourage self-care among our team, and believe in each of our unique abilities in making a difference. Our team has a lot of positive energy, fun personality, and personal drive to be the best we possibly can in meeting the specific needs of all of our clients we work with. We also tend to laugh a lot, get together socially outside of work, and there may or may not be an occasional practical joke. We are always looking for individuals who are passionate about helping others, and who believe in a growth mindset as a mental health professional.

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