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Female Patient

Our Therapists

Meet Our Therapists

Jess Harder Beacon of Hope therapist

Jess Harder

t-LMHC

Clint Cunningham Beacon of Hope therapist

Clinton Cunningham

LMFT, LMSW

Quinn Hartman Beacon of Hope therapist

Quinn Hartman

LMSW

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Tucker

Certified Therapy Dog in Training

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Bobby Jo Salm

LISW, RPT

Bobby Jo Salm Tucker Beacon of Hope therapist
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Bobby Jo Salm
LISW, RPT

Specialties
  • Play Therapy 

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy 

  • Interpersonal Therapy

  • Psychodynamic Therapy

  • Gestalt Therapy

  • Compassion-Focused Therapy

  • Solution-Focused Therapy

  • Neurodiversity Affirming

Niches
  • Individuals newly entering the workforce experiencing anxiety.

  • Individuals, both adults and children, are afflicted with chronic medical conditions.

  • Underprivileged members of society with a history of addiction, abuse, and divorce spanning generations.

  • Family members designated as scapegoats within their familial dynamic.

Availability: Not currently accepting new clients

Contact: bobby@beaconofhopejourney.com

About Bobby

Bobby is an experienced therapist specializing in therapy for children and adults. She holds degrees from Mount Mercy University and the University of Iowa. Bobby is a Licensed Independent Social Worker. Bobby is a Registered Play Therapist and Aut-Play therapist. Bobby is also certified in Sand Tray Therapy.

 

Bobby has worked in hospitals, non-profit sectors, and private practices and now runs her own practice in Coralville and Rural Wilton. In her practice, Bobby utilizes a range of therapeutic approaches, including Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and Holistic Therapy. She customizes her approach to address the unique requirements of each client. For children, she employs Directive and Non-Directive play therapy techniques. 

 

Clients say they appreciate Bobby's empathetic, compassionate nature and innovative and imaginative mindset. Bobby incorporates expressive therapies like art and music therapy to help clients explore their emotions and experiences. Bobby values personal connections and strives to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Having faced limitations and emotional trauma, Bobby understands the challenges of confronting these issues and addressing the root cause. 

Working with children has inspired Bobby, as she has discovered their incredible insights and creativity within the therapeutic process. When working with adults, she emphasizes building a genuine connection with clients, understanding that this personal connection is critical to impactful therapy rather than relying solely on textbooks.

Tucker therapy dog Beacon of Hope

Tucker
Certified Therapy Dog in Training

Meet Tucker
 

Introducing Tucker, a lovable 10-month-old Sheepadoodle who is becoming an integral member of our mental health team at Beacon. With his gentle demeanor and playful spirit, Tucker is here to provide comfort, companionship, and support to those in need.

Tucker is currently in his third and final stage of certification as a Therapy dog, working diligently to become a fully certified therapy dog. His training focuses on creating a calming presence, helping clients feel safe and open during their therapeutic sessions. Research shows that therapy dogs can significantly reduce anxiety and stress, making therapy more effective and enjoyable.

Tucker’s warm and friendly nature is sure to brighten the days of everyone he meets. We are excited for him to join our team and provide the unique support that only a therapy dog can offer. Whether it's snuggling up during sessions or bringing a smile to someone's face, Tucker is ready to make a positive impact in the lives of our clients. Welcome, Tucker!

 

For More Information Contact: 

Bobby@beaconofhopejourney.com

Cayla Smith Beacon of Hope therapist
 Availability: 
Mondays: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Tuesdays: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Wednesdays: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Thursdays: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Fridays: 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.


 

Cayla Smith
t-LMFT

Specialties
 

  • ​Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
  • Narrative Therapy
  • Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT)
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
 
Niches
 
  • ​Couples and Partnerships
  • Blended Families
  • Parent-Child Relationships
  • Child & Adolescent Development and Mental Health
  • Post-partum maternal and Paternal Mental Health
  • Healthcare Workers
  • Medical Family Therapy
  • Older Adults
  • Family Caregivers and Dementia Care
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Grief and Loss
  • Neurodivergence

Openings: Accepting New Clients

 

Contact: Cayla@beaconofhopejourney.com

About Cayla

Cayla is a temporarily licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (tLMFT) with a Master of Arts Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy (MA-MFT) from Mount Mercy University. She approaches the therapeutic process through a systemic and holistic lens and believes that the client is the expert in their own life. She leans into her personal values of authenticity, compassion, and connection to meet people where they are at in their journey of life.

 

She places high value and commitment on the development of an authentic therapeutic relationship built on trust, safety, and genuine curiosity and serves as a guide for clients throughout their journey of self-discovery, growth, and healing. She strives to cultivate a non-judgmental, culturally sensitive, and gender-affirming space where each client may feel seen, heard, and valued. Cayla works collaboratively with the client to explore areas of attachment, strengths, and resources to identify possibilities built upon hope for a brighter future. Cayla’s understanding of human development, relational dynamics, and challenges throughout the lifespan did not just begin in graduate school.

 

Cayla has served 10+ years in the healthcare field in various roles including Nursing Home Administrator, Social Worker, and Caregiver Support Specialist. In addition, Cayla’s personal experiences with trauma have provided her with a deeper understanding of and compassion for others going through difficult circumstances. These professional and personal experiences have provided Cayla with a vast array of knowledge and experiences in navigating many of life’s challenges throughout all facets of life.

 

In her personal time, Cayla enjoys spending time with her husband, her daughter, and her two dogs. She also enjoys spending time in nature, drinking coffee, cooking, reading a good book, listening to Country music, and watching movies. Cayla feels honored and privileged to be able to sit with you, your loved ones, and/or your family as you navigate all of life’s stages, phases, and transitions.

Jess Harder Beacon of Hope therapist

Jess Harder 
t-LMHC

Specialties

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
● Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
● Person-Centered Approach
● Strengths-Based
● Solution-Focused

Niches

● Life Transitions​
  • Anxiety and Depression
  • Grief/Loss/Living Loss
  • Athlete Performance Anxiety
  •  Multicultural Counseling
  • LGBTQIA+
 
Openings: Accepting new clients
Contact: Jess@beaconofhopejourney.com
Availability:
Monday: 8:00-4:00 pm
Tuesday:8:00-4:00 pm
Wednesday: 10:00-7:00 pm
Thursday: 8:00-4:00 pm
Friday: 8:00-10:00 am

 

About Jess 

Jess is a temporarily licensed mental health counselor (tLMHC) with degrees from the University of Iowa and the University of Northern Iowa. Jess’s approach is through a collaborative lens that meets individuals where they currently are. Her therapeutic style is empathetic, non-judgmental, and empowers clients toward their personal goals and well-being. Seeking counseling can be daunting and creating a safe environment is at the core of her approach. Jess has experience working in numerous settings, specifically higher academia and
community-based services.

 

Jess integrates various theoretical approaches into her practice, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Solution-Focused Therapy. Jess is particularly passionate about supporting individuals struggling with life transitions, anxiety, depression, grief, and living loss, specifically those struggling with dementia. Jess has worked with clients of all ages and a diverse range of backgrounds and cultural experiences.

 

While Jess is not working, she enjoys spending time with her golden retriever, Cooper, partaking in all things Iowa Hawkeyes, and catching up on the latest hit TV series. Jess is being supervised by: Heidi Vogel, LMHC. 

Quinn Hartman Beacon of Hope therapist
Availability: Monday- Thursday: 8:00 AM- 5:00 PM 
Contact: quinn@beaconofhopejourney.com

Quinn Hartman
LMSW

Specialties:
  • LGBTQ+
  • Identity and Sexuality
  • Teenagers
  • Children and Families
  • Young Adults
  • Life Transitions
  • Depression and Anxiety
  • Relationships and Communication
Approaches:
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • ACT
  • CBT
  • Existential Therapy
  • Emotionally-Focused Therapy
  • IFS-Informed Therapy
  • Mindfulness
  • Play Therapy
  • Expressive Arts

About Quinn

Quinn is a social worker (LMSW) with degrees from the University of Iowa, Northwestern University, and New York University. She works with individuals and families across all ages and stages of life, with a special focus on teenagers, young adults, and LGBTQ+ clients.

 

Quinn’s approach is grounded in the belief that therapy is about more than addressing symptoms or fixing problems —  it is about coming into a truly attuned and empowered sense of self. She assists her clients in developing the self-knowledge to understand their experiences, values, and identities; cultivating the self-compassion to be present with the full range of human emotions; and fostering the self-efficacy to direct the course of their own healing and growth. 

 

As a queer and transgender therapist, Quinn deeply understands the importance of feeling seen, understood, and affirmed in the therapeutic space. She works collaboratively and transparently with her clients, employing a range of strengths-based, person-centered, and emotion-focused approaches to tailor the experience of therapy to each client’s needs and priorities. Quinn’s style is compassionate and warm, yet direct, authentic, and often infused with humor, making therapy a relatable, engaging, and empowering experience. 

Clint Cunningham  Beacon of Hope therapist

Clinton Cunningham
LMFT, LBSW

Specialties

  • Narrative Therapy

  • Polyvagal Theory

  • Attachment Theory

  • Psychodynamic Therapy

  • Existential Therapy

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

 

Niches

  • Relationship Challenges

  • Depression and Anxiety

  • Chronic Medical Conditions

  • Trauma

  • Addiction

  • Weight Management

  • Men’s Issues

  • Anger Management

  • Intimacy Issues

Openings: Accepting new clients
Locations: Telehealth
Availability: 
Telehealth Only.
Flexible scheduling.

Contact: clinton@beaconofhopejourney.com

About Clinton

Clinton is a dedicated mental health professional with years of experience in counseling and therapy. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Licensed Social Worker (LBSW), Clinton has focused his career on helping individuals, couples, and families overcome challenges and achieve mental wellness.

 

Clinton's interest in mental health began at Mount Mercy University, where he initially pursued a degree in education before transitioning to social work. He continued his education by earning a master's degree in marriage and family counseling, solidifying his expertise in therapy.

Clinton Cunningham is a committed mental health practitioner who integrates his skills, empathy, and passion for the outdoors to offer exceptional care to those seeking mental well-being. 

 

Clinton offers services to individuals, couples, and families. He is dedicated to respecting your experiences and working together to achieve your therapy goals. He strives to utilize my abilities and resources to facilitate healing during our sessions, promoting genuine relationships and growth.

With over 12 years of experience, Clinton has provided counseling services in diverse settings such as inpatient units, community settings, and outpatient facilities. His areas of expertise include couples therapy, family therapy, life transitions, work-related stress, mood disorders, and substance use disorders.

 

Outside of work, Clinton values spending time with his family and engaging in outdoor activities. Whether enjoying time with his children, dogs, or gardening, he embraces the beauty of nature through activities like running and biking.

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