About Us

Stefanie Armstrong

MS, LIMHP

Hi there! I am so excited to be the co-owner of The Cord. Cathy Schweitzer and I started our professional friendship over 10 years ago and we are blessed to share a common passion: To mentor therapists in our community and provide attachment-trauma-based therapy to the Omaha/Council Bluffs communities.

I grew up in the Quad Cities, Illinois and moved to Omaha NE to attend the University of Nebraska at Omaha. I earned my undergraduate degree in secondary education with an emphasis in English/Language Arts. I was a 7th grade teacher for about 3 years before going back to UNO to earn my master’s degree in Counseling. After about 8 years as a middle school counselor and while working to get my hours towards my LMHP, Debra Wesselmann asked me, along with Cathy and other amazing clinicians, to open the Attachment and Trauma Center of Nebraska. That was in 2008, and from there I have become immersed in all things attachment-trauma.

I am a certified EMDR therapist and consultant. I am also the co-author, with Debra Wesselmann and Cathy Schweitzer, of the Integrative Team Treatment for Attachment Trauma Protocol (IATP-C) and the accompanying parent guide, Integrative Parenting. Debra, Cathy and I are owners of The Attachment and Trauma Institute, which is the training and consulting side of our work. We enjoy traveling abroad and, in the U.S., teaching the IATP-C protocol to clinicians. I also have a deep interest in Polyvagal Theory and I have completed Intermediate III of Somatic Experiencing Training. I was also blessed to have attended the 5-day intensive TBRI training at the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development, at TCU.

When I’m not seeing clients, presenting, and consulting, I absolutely love CrossFit, heavy lifting, dance, and the science of proper nutrition and exercise. I have been a certified Jazzercise instructor since 2004. I’m a wife and mom to 3 boys. We love to boat, camp and just be outdoors getting dirty!

Verses that lead me:
I am doing a Great Work and I cannot come down.-Nehemiah 6:3

Perhaps this is the moment for which you have been created.-Esther 4:14

Meet Cathy Schweitzer

Cathy Schweitzer, MS, LIMHP specializes in treating trauma resolution and attachment problems in children and adolescents. Ms. Schweitzer is a co-founder of the Attachment and Trauma Center of Nebraska in Omaha Nebraska. She is part of the treatment team that created the Integrative Attachment Trauma Protocol for the treatment of attachment trauma in children. She has co-authored books, chapters, and articles related to the treatment of attachment trauma. Ms. Schweitzer is also the co-founder of the Attachment and Trauma Training Center Institute., an organization dedicated to training clinicians in the EMDR and Family Therapy Integrative Team Treatment as well as training parents in the Integrative Parenting Approach.

Ms. Schweitzer is a certified EMDR therapist and consultant and provides consultation to professionals across the country. Ms. Schweitzer has also been invited to present at numerous professional conferences and workshops around the country and has also participated in training public school personnel in the area of trauma and attachment. Ms. Schweitzer spent 15 years in both the private and public school setting as a school counselor.

All of our therapists are Independent Contractors

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Lisa A Osler

LIMHP, PLADC

We all bear marks and scars from life’s hardships and trials. Comparison of pain can frequently keep us from reaching out for help because “someone has it worse.” I am here to help you walk through whatever pain has brought you to where you currently are, grief, anxiety, depression, or transitions in life. Taking the step to seek counseling is incredibly brave; it is stepping out and saying you are more than what may seem insurmountable right now.

I have experience working with addiction, trauma, grief, depression, anxiety, family challenges, boundary setting, burnout, career counseling, suicide, life change, self-care, spiritual fatigue, and connecting individuals to resources within the community. I also have been trained in EMDR and am able to complete Chemical Dependency Evaluations.

I believe that having compassion towards yourself allows you to begin owning your story and who you are. My focus as a practitioner is to empower you to see your strengths and meet your individual goals working with your whole person body, mind, soul, and spirit.

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Lynette Abler

MA, LMHP

Lynette Abler MA, LMHP is a licensed mental health professional and independent contractor at The Cord; Where Science Meets Connection. She works with children, teens, and adults. She works with individuals and families struggling with conflict or past trauma in their life. She uses a nurturing, therapeutic approach with her clients that is very inviting.

Her soft demeanor and sense of compassion towards her clients helps to empower them, and helps them through their difficult life experiences. Her sense of empathy and her intuitive nature helps to guide clients to where change is possible, in a non-judgemental and accepting way.

Lynette has been an Elementary Teacher and is a full-time Elementary Counselor for the Omaha Public Schools. She does private practice a few nights a week and on Saturdays. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Wayne State College. She received her Master’s degree in Counseling from the University of Omaha. She received her Master’s degree in Educational Technology from Peru State College. She does hold an endorsement in Administration, which she obtained through Wayne State College.

Lynette has experience working with children, teens, and adults in the areas of attachment, addiction, PTSD, trauma resolution, depression, anxiety, and ADD-ADHD. Lynette utilizes a multi-modality approach in her therapy sessions. She uses CBT; including mindfulness techniques, Play Therapy, Animal Assisted Therapy, and TF-CBT. She is also trained as an R-Safe and EMDR therapist. She is currently doing Telehealth at this unprecedented time. You may contact her via email at lynette@thecordco.com or cell phone (402) 913.8419.

“It’s not forgetting that heals. It’s remembering.” – Amy Green, Bloodroot

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Chris Smith

PLMHP

I grew up in Lincoln, Nebraska, and have known I wanted to be a counselor since I was in high school. After high school, I earned my associate degree in human services and worked as a paraeducator and caseworker for the Head Start program. I chose to become a stay-at-home mom when my oldest son was born in 2002. In 2003, my family and I moved to Omaha and had two more sons in 2004 and 2009. In 2015, I went back to school to pursue my bachelor’s degree in psychology from Grace University.

After graduating with my bachelor’s degree in 2018, I earned my master’s in counseling from Crown College in 2021. I began my time at The Cord in August of 2020 as an intern and now have fully come on board as a licensed mental health counselor. I have learned that I enjoy working with a variety of ages and stages of life. I especially enjoy working with parents as they navigate the joys and challenges of parenting. I have a focus on trauma and attachment and am fully trained in EMDR. I am open to integrating faith into the counseling experience with those who value a Christian perspective. When I have downtime, I enjoy spending time in nature, hiking, kayaking, and camping. I believe personal growth is a lifelong process so I continually enjoy learning new things both personally and professionally.

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Taylor Dibble-Townsend

LIMHP

Omaha, NE

Life is a journey with many exciting and difficult times. Therapy is a way to navigate both of these times. As a therapist, I look to help guide my clients in discovering their own truth and learn things about themselves in order to heal. I enjoy working with children, teens, adults and families. I believe that everyone deserves their story heard and room to improve their overall wellbeing. Using a trauma and attachment focused approach, I enjoy helping individuals and families find peace and connection with a collaborative effort. Transparency and honesty mixed with empathy, a genuine care for my clients, and a little bit of humor is what you can expect in session with me.

Working in the child welfare system for many years prior to being a therapist provides me with an in-depth understanding of the child welfare system in Nebraska and Iowa. I enjoy helping clients (children, teens, bio and foster parents) navigate this system. I received my Master’s in Counseling at the end of 2020 and my Bachelor’s in Psychology with an emphasis in Developmental Psychology in 2016 both from the University of Nebraska- Omaha.

Outside of being a therapist, I am a mother and wife. I enjoy being outdoors, reading, running, and spending time with my family.

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Chelsea Best

LMHP, LMHC, NCC

EMDR Trained Clinician

HeartMath Certified Practitioner

Council Bluffs, IA

My name is Chelsea Best. I am married with three older children, three younger children, and two miniature shi tzus. I am the Board President and Founder of the non-profit organization, Share My Smile, which serves foster and adoptive families in our community. I am passionate about people and helping them reach their goals. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, trying new things, and adventure hiking. My professional career has been centered around working with children and families.

I earned my Bachelor’s degree in psychology and human services from Buena Vista University in 2012. I worked as a Youth Care Worker at Children’s Square USA in Council Bluffs for just over a year before having my first child. I stayed home with my son and worked part-time for Community Options: Individual and Family Services of Omaha as a Family Support Worker. I then worked as an Enrollment and Match Coordinator for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands for a year before deciding to go to Graduate school at the University of Nebraska at Omaha to earn my Master’s in Counseling with concentrations in Clinical Mental Health and School Counseling in the Spring of 2019.

I am a licensed school counselor in Nebraska and a provisionally licensed mental health therapist in Nebraska and Iowa and am a Nationally Certified Counselor. My clinical practicum and internships gave me a variety of experiences with substance abuse, attachment and trauma, career/professional development, and more. I served as the school counselor for Central Park Elementary in Omaha for two years before deciding to join The Cord: Where Science Meets Connection and be part of their Council Bluffs team in 2021.

I am interested in working with individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences. I specialize in emotion training, social-emotional learning, professional/career development, and attachment and trauma.

Chelsea is certified in HeartMath Training and now offers this at the Council Bluffs location.

Lindsay Sobczyk

LCSW

I grew up in Council Bluffs, Iowa and moved to Omaha, Nebraska when I was 18 to attend the Grace Abbott School of Social Work located on the University of Nebraska at Omaha campus. Throughout my undergraduate career I worked at a local shelter for youth and a group home for persons with Intellectual Disabilities.

After graduation I moved to London, UK to work as a child protection social worker for a year. Upon returning to the United States, I got a job as a Family Teacher at Boys Town. I stayed in this position for 5 years before transferring the to the Boys Town In Home Family Services where I provided Intensive Family Preservation Services to families in the Omaha area.

I obtained my Masters in Social Work degree during my tenure at Boys Town, and completed my final practicing work at the Boys Town Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (Hospital) as an in patient therapist.

Following the completion of my graduate program, I started work at Omaha Public Schools a School Social Worker at Central Park Elementary. My work within the schools helped me foster a love for helping children and families. I’m so excited to start this new chapter as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker at The Cord; Where Science meets connection.

Outside of work, I love spending time with my 4 children. We love roller skating, cycling and finding fun things happening around the city. I am the Artistic Director and Teacher for the Omaha Jitterbugs, a local 501c3 organization to promote Swing Dancing in Omaha and love to dance. I look forward to getting to know a new community and clientele in Council Bluffs at The Cord.

Helena Sanchez

Helena Sanchez

PLMHP, PLADC, NCC

Everyone deserves help, including you. It can be beneficial to talk with someone who has an independent perspective. That is where I come in!

My previous work experience includes conducting individual, family and group therapy in the emergency department at CHI Health Center – Immanuel and at Lincoln Correctional Center. I have experience working with addiction and substance abuse issues as well as clients whose gender identity, socioeconomic class, race, or ethnicity have historically been marginalized.

My main goal is to help you achieve greater independence so you can better cope with current and future issues. I use a person-centered approach that offers unconditional positivity, empathy, and authenticity. But you know yourself best, and that’s why I tailor each session to you and your mental health goals. I want to build a safe and open space where you can feel comfortable being your true self.

You’ve taken a big step getting to this point, so give yourself a pat on the back for that. We will work through the rest of it together!

Helena Sanchez

Kaitlyn Smith

MS, PLMHP, PLADC, CCTP

My name is Kaitlyn, and I’m here to listen to your whole story while learning more about you as an individual, help guide you through your present and future, as well as learning about your past. Life does not always provide you with easy steps along the way. There are things that truly cause scars which can affect us on a daily routine. I am here to remind you, you are not alone. I will be here as a support through every season of your life, one step at a time.

I have a lot of past experience with the child welfare system working for Boys Town National Research Hospital, PromiseShip and Saint Francis Ministries, which opened many doors for me and provided an ample amount of insight as to the hardships it may cause. I have always wanted to support individuals by helping them see the light at the end of the tunnel.

I received my Master in Science: Counseling Major and have my Clinical Mental Health Counseling Degree from the University of Nebraska-Omaha. I have a background in psychology, sociology and elementary education which opened my heart up more to children and young teens. I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, completed Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) training as well as having experience with substance use, probation and diversion populations.

Outside of my career as a therapist, I am a devoted wife to my amazing husband and we have three dogs who are our fur babies. Some of my hobbies are being outdoors, reading books, spending time with friends/family and traveling. I’m eager to meet and get to know you!

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Jamie Adler

MS, PLMHP

As was helpful in my personal growth and development, my goal is to encourage, empower, and equip individuals of all ages to discover their most authentic self and make the most of their lives. My experience spans from infancy through geriatrics and has shaped my understanding that it is never too early nor too late to improve and to heal. As a wife and mother, I value the family dynamic and the need for facilitating opportunities to grow healthy family relationships. I am trained in EMDR and also offer faith-based interventions for those who desire that integration in therapy.

I completed the Masters in Counseling Program at Crown College. Previously, I graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a Bachelor’s degree in Child, Youth, and Family Studies. After raising a family, I worked as a Director of Children’s Ministry, which helped me discover my desire to pursue counseling on an individual and intergenerational level, focused on attachment and trauma. I have had the opportunity to work in a skilled nursing facility with the Social Work and Residential Life department, where I focused on the psychosocial and behavioral well-being of the elderly.

Besides my interest in mental health, I enjoy traveling far and wide, shopping, getting caught up in a book or podcast, and watching documentaries. Creating quality time and seeking adventures with my husband and children is a priority of mine. I look forward to working with you and getting you to your self-care goals.

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Lisa Fisher

MA TLMHC

As a licensed mental health professional, I am excited to join The Cord! Life situations, transitions, and navigating the state of the world can be challenging and cause overwhelming feelings of insecurity, shame, or anger. Anxiety around relationship disruptions, existential concerns, or traumatic memories can surface and run the show. Taking the step toward healing, therapy can help you align with the infinitely whole and undamaged healing essence within. No matter what you’ve been through, you are not broken, and healing is possible.

For many years, I have had the privilege of working with a variety of populations and settings within the mental health field. Helping families and children navigate the probation and child welfare systems, residential treatment programs, and the public education system has provided me with many amazing experiences. Utilizing a client-centered and trauma-informed lens, my primary goal is to help you to understand your core values and personality, and to support you in aligning your actions with your authentic self. My practice includes a somatic (body-based) approach to trauma healing using mindfulness and holistic tools that integrate the mind, body, and spirit for connection and self-healing.

Throughout my career, I have always viewed the kids and families with whom I have worked as pretty amazing and courageous individuals. Together, we can work through the release of trauma and limiting narratives to empower your true story of inherent worthiness.

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Emily Wiemers

MA, PLMHP

I believe people grow when they are meaningfully connected to people they can trust. I desire to offer a place of rest where we can work together to solve problems to gain clarity and insight which will allow you to move forward and achieve your goals. Change is possible, especially when you invite others in to help.

As a counselor, I have received training in attachment trauma and EMDR and desire to work with children, teens, and adults. As a wife and mother of three adult children, I see the value of strong family connections among individuals and family members. I want to help you find joy and gratification by turning brokenness or trauma into hope.

I want my approach to counseling to be grounded in my Christian faith and therapeutic focus that is rooted in compassion and client-centeredness. I desire to help my clients move towards the best version of themselves, recognizing faulty belief systems and securing life-giving truths.

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Aubre Powers

PLMHC

Hi there, my name is Aubre Powers. I am married to my husband, and together, we have a dog named Zoey! I enjoy coffee, spending time in my hammock, and being around family. Before becoming a therapist, I worked for Youth For Christ, a non-profit with at-risk students in the Omaha/Council Bluffs area, to build relationships that encourage students to grow into their authentic selves. Since I was a little girl, I have dreamed of working alongside hurting individuals and families to offer them hope in the midst of suffering. My approach is centered on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. As a therapist, my desire for my clients is that they would feel deeply loved, heard, and understood. I believe that every person’s story matters and deserves an equal opportunity to be heard. I enjoy working with children, teens, adults, and families.

I earned my Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Crown College. Through my internship, I came to enjoy working with teenagers the most. I am open to integrating faith into the counseling experience with clients who value a Christian perspective. I have over seven years of experience working with at-risk youth. I hope to assist my clients in filling their “toolbox” with healthy coping skills, different forms of communication, ways to express their emotions, navigating family strains, and practicing good self-care.

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Mollie Stehl

PLMHP

“The truest story – the one that will always be truest – is that I am a human being, being human. Sometimes, I am my best self. Sometimes, not so much. But goshdarn, I am trying to do better. I am always trying to do better. My guess is that you are, too.”
– Laura McKowen

Life is a mixed bag of wonderful and weird. I believe therapy is a collaborative effort between client and clinician that consists of making sense of past experiences and being able to “re-story” our lives. You are the expert in your own life, and I am honored to be on this journey with you.

I earned my Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. I spent the last semester of my schooling at The Cord: Where Science Meets Connection, where I was introduced to attachment trauma. I have experience working with individuals suffering from addiction, anxiety, and depression. Using a trauma and attachment-focused approach, we can work together to unravel trauma and help you feel closer to your most authentic self.

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Erika Hanna

Intern

Hello! I am a graduate intern at The Cord. I am currently pursuing my master’s degree in clinical mental health at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Education and previously taught at an Omaha elementary school. That is where I found my love for connecting with families and partnering alongside the child, and the caregiver. I knew I wanted to go beyond the classroom to gain deeper relationships and give further support, especially in difficult life situations.

It is an honor to work alongside people as they share their own journeys and take the next steps to better themselves. We all deserve a space free of judgment and worry. My goal is to provide that to my clients.

When I am not practicing, I enjoy spending time with my family and our pets. Fun fact- our black lab is also a future therapist, and will be completing his therapy dog certification in the next few months. I also love attending sporting events (from little league to the big leagues!), reading, exercising, and baking.