meet our team
“Helping someone else through difficulty is where civilization starts... We are at our best when we serve others.”
-Margaret Mead
Dr. Mona Martinez
PhD, CPC // Owner & Clinical Director
Background
Dr. Mona Martinez is the founder and owner of The Counseling Exchange. Her goal was to create an agency focused on supporting therapists to reduce therapist burnout, in order to promote quality client services. She obtained PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of Nevada, Reno and has her M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She previously worked in the Master's program at UNR as the Director of the Downing Counseling Clinic, Field Site Supervisor, and taught counseling classes to Master's students. Mona is also a board-approved clinical supervisor. She is EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) trained and currently engaging in extra training to become certified.
Views on Counseling
I believe that counseling is a process of self-growth and understanding that can be beneficial for anyone. Life can sometimes be confusing and difficult, I seek to provide support and understanding to clients during these times. I aim to provide counseling interventions that work best for each unique client. I have extensive experience in working with teens and understand that this is a unique phase of life that takes a lot of support. I also work with identity development issues, both LGBTQ+ and racial. I work diligently to provide a safe, comfortable, respectful counseling setting where clients focus on goals important to them.
Specialty Areas
LGBTQ+, Adolescents, Self-harm/suicidality, Identity Development (cultural, LGBTQ+), EMDR (childhood trauma, religious trauma)
Lindsay Funston
MA // CPC-Intern
Administrative Supervisor
Mind/Body Exchange Director
Background
Lindsay Funston has her Bachelor's degree in Interpersonal Communication from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and her Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Nevada, Reno. Lindsay previously lived in Australia for 8 years before moving back to Reno to pursue her Master's degree. She also has a background in managing administrative responsibilities within the hospitality industry. Lindsay's long-term goal includes combining counseling with physical fitness to help individuals address both physical and mental health; she is certified as a yoga instructor and personal trainer. In addition, she also serves as a team consultant on health and wellness for both staff and clients. She is also an invaluable part of the team that supports agency staff with burnout prevention and guidance in self-care, in both their work and personal lives.
Views on Counseling
I believe that counseling is an ongoing process of self-acceptance and personal growth. Counseling can be beneficial for situational challenges, mental health struggles, and personal exploration. I provide an environment free from judgment, biases, or agendas; while also cultivating a trusting environment to help clients feel supported and understood. I believe that the client and counselor work together to create client goals and change; change is best nourished when a client is given compassion, grace, and understanding. I also provide client-centered play therapy for children (ages 2 and up) to assist with processing emotions.
Specialty Areas
Play Therapy (ages 3-10), Childhood Trauma, Adolescents, CBT, EMDR (negative core beliefs)
Cyndi Woodburn
MA // LMFT
Mental Health Therapist
Background
Cyndi Woodburn was born and raised in Reno, Nevada. She attended the University of Nevada, Reno, where she received her B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies and her M.A. in Marriage and Family Counseling. She has worked extensively with adolescents in rural Nevada communities experiencing anxiety, depression, and navigating trauma. She is passionate about working with teens, as she believes it is a pivotal time for identity development. Cyndi enjoys utilizing the creative arts in her work with individuals and families. She consistently engages in education and training to further her knowledge of counseling interventions and provide quality counseling for clients.
Views on Counseling
At times, life can be challenging and can cause us to feel stuck or lost. I believe that the counseling relationship between therapist and client allows for a partnership to help you navigate challenges you may be facing. There is power and support in finding someone to walk with you through the weeds, especially when done in a safe environment that is built on trust and understanding. I believe that everyone is equipped with the skills and tools they need to be the best version of themselves; through the use of connection and collaboration, individuals are able to reignite those skills to facilitate the change they desire.
Specialty Areas
Military and First Responders, Adolescents, Couples, EMDR (sexual trauma, PTSD, religious trauma)
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Background
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Views on Counseling
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Specialty Areas
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Julia Negrete
BS // Admin and Billing Support
University of Maryland
Background
Julia has her Bachelor's degree is Social Science. She was previously in the Air Force for 20 years before retiring. She then taught elementary school briefly before coming to work at The Counseling Exchange. Julia currently assists with billing and manages the agency phone calls and emails. She currently works remotely from Las Vegas and visits the agency in Reno often.
Quirky ("Q")
Therapy Dog-in-Training // Office Greeter
Background
Quirky was adopted from a rescue in Bakersfield, CA when she was a puppy and is now 1.5 years old with lots of energy! She is currently going through training classes to become a certified therapy dog. Quirky enjoys saying hello to clients in the office and enjoys when anyone will play fetch with her. She is often in session with Dr. Mona Martinez and is great at providing comfort and affection to clients when they need it.
Gizmo
Emotional Support Dog // Office Greeter
Background
Gizmo was adopted as a puppy from a rescue in Las Vegas, NV, where he lived for for the first 6 years of his life. He is now 14 years old and loves to say hi to clients when they come into the office and asks for pets. He is often in session with Dr. Mona Martinez where he enjoys getting pets from clients and then promptly goes back to napping.
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Background
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Views on Counseling
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Specialty Areas
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Background
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Views on Counseling
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Specialty Areas
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