About Us
GD Psych Services, LLC
Welcome to GD Psych Services, LLC. Our organization is comprised of the most professional licensed clinical social workers, mental health counselors, and psychologists in the community, offering a wide variety of psychological services to the greater Albuquerque and Rio Rancho, NM region.
Clients are treated by a specialized licensed mental health professional in Individual & Group sessions; Marital Counseling; Military-Specific Therapy; Substance Use Counseling; Trauma Focused Counseling; Play Therapy; Sand Tray; Yoga Therapy; Counseling Focused on Emotional Functioning and Regulation, and CYFD and Court Referred Counseling. We understand the sensitive nature of your concerns and needs and work mindfully with our clients to help them achieve a resolution.
Meet Stacey Goldstein-Dwyer, PSY.D.,MA (Owner & President)
I am a psychologist who has dedicated my professional career to understanding the psychological mind from various lenses and providing services to underserved populations. This provides me the opportunity to work with individuals from across the lifespan who have different needs and levels of diagnostic severity requiring different psychological intervention. My current focus of practice consists of forensic assessment and evaluation, expert testimony, psychological and neuropsychological testing, learning evaluation and waivers, and professional lectures with CEU eligibility. Separate from psychological services, I enjoy tutoring children of all ages in various subjects, or collaboratively develop a learning plan specific to a student’s learning style.
Academically, I received a Bachelor’s degree in both Psychology and Criminal Justice from Northeastern University, a Master’s Degree for Forensic Psychology and Counseling from Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology, as well as a Psychology Doctorate from Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology. My APA Pre-Doctoral Internship was at Tewksbury State Hospital and APA Post-Doctoral Residency was with the United States Army as a direct commission Captain.
My professional experiences include and are not limited to testing and assessment (neurological, psychological, learning), forensic practice (testimony, assessment, outpatient/inpatient therapy, evaluation, Court-mandated treatment, and correctional administrator), personnel selection, and grant writing. I have also published in academic journals and a text book, and provided CEU lectures around the country. Currently, I am pending licensure in the state of NM; however, GD Psych Services, LLC is a team of well-trained and capable Master’s level Social Workers, Mental Health Clinicians, and Licensed Psychologists who also provide these services.
Meet Mark Dwyer, Owner & COO
I have worked as an Executive Manager for 30+ years as a results driven leader. In doing so, I have specialized in training/development, talent acquisition, customer service, new market development, expense control/management, data analysis, loss prevention, budget development, project management, merchandising execution, establishment of operational excellence and exceeded sales/profit expectations. For the past three years, it has been my honor to support my wife’s career as an Army Captain and now, after her retirement, stand along side her as a proud Co-Owner of GD Psych Services, LLC. It is my continued mission to provide training services in various fields to existing professionals and ensure only the best mental health care is provided to those in need.
Meet Lisa Maria Galles, LPCC
Hi, I’m Lisa! I have a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling and am independently licensed as a counselor (LPCC) in our great state of New Mexico. I have spent most of my career working in jails, as part of a mobile crisis team, with individuals whose functioning is seriously compromised by their mental illness (such as severe depression, bipolar or schizophrenia) and in rehabilitation facilities. My primary role at GD Psych Services is conducting psychological and neuropsychological evaluations for individuals of all ages alongside a team of psychologists. These assessments are usually used to better understand an individual’s diagnosis, to clarify cognitive strengths and weaknesses, and to provide treatment recommendations.
My secondary role is as a therapist, helping those who struggle with anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. I enjoy incorporating running or walking together into therapy sessions as being alongside one another seems to allow for individuals to open up in a way that facing each other in an therapy office doesn’t. Outside of my work (which I absolutely love), I enjoy being outside, spending time with my animals (four dogs, four turtles, and one chicken), playing soccer, riding my bike, and simply doing nothing. I believe every human is beautiful and is capable of positive change. Together, let’s figure out how to improve your life! I can’t wait to meet you.
Meet Alma Babbitt, LADAC, LPCC
Alma Babbitt is from Albuquerque New Mexico. She has her Associates in Liberal Arts from Central New Mexico College, Bachelor’s Degree in Science in Psychology with an emphasis in substance abuse. After completing her Bachelor’s Degree, she obtained her LSAA and volunteered briefly at AMCI while working as a psychiatric technician at a local juvenile residential treatment facility and completing her dual Master’s Degree in Clinical and Counseling Psychology. She has both a License in Alcohol and Substance Abuse counseling (LADAC) and License in Mental Health Counseling (LMHC) providing services for both individual therapy, group therapy, and completing psychiatric assessments for appropriate referrals.
Specialties include working closely with severely mentally ill populations, trauma patients, and utilizing a psychodynamic approach (cognitive behavioral therapy, rational emotive behavioral therapy, moral reconation therapy, mindfulness practices, positive psychology, solution focused, and recovery support services).
“I believe there is no single approach for every person, and each person is unique. My passion is help others to live a better existence with guidance, and support.”
Meet Dr. Susanne Drury
One of the things I have learned in my career is that we now know how to help clients rediscover their aliveness and vitality even if they have a history of trauma. Our understanding of the neurobiology of trauma allows us to integrate all the parts of someone into new wholeness. This is the scope with which I practice and has proven effective for my clients.
I have been practicing as a licensed Psychologist for over 35-years, specializing in addictions and trauma informed care. During my time as a practitioner of mental health, I taught a five-course specialty program on trauma work for 17-years, developed and directed a residential trauma program for women, provided organizational consultion to various organizations and businesses, and conducted several team building trainings to groups needing assistance in getting past work place conflicts and dysfunctional communication patterns. Throughout my years as a practicing Psychologist, I have obtained certification and training from elite programs and instructors in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and over 400 hours of specialized training in treating trauma disorders. It is my mission to provide psychological support to individuals in need and to do so through therapeutic efforts, training, and consultation. Additionally, it is a passion of mine to teach other professionals in the field to provide these services to their clients as well.
Meet Dr. Erika Updegrove
Dr. Updegrove began her career in the field of psychology in 2001. Since then she has gained experience in many facets of psychology. Dr. Updegrove has worked with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorders, for over 15 years. She also has experience in both the assessment and treatment of individuals impacted by traumatic and acquired brain injury. Dr. Updegrove earned her M.Ed. from the University of Massachusetts Boston in 2007 and became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in 2008. She went on to obtain her Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from William James College, graduating in 2015. Dr. Updegrove completed predoctoral externships in neuropsychology at Brigham and Womens Hospital / Harvard Medical School and at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Bedford, Massachusetts. She completed her APA accredited, predoctoral internship in geropsychology and neuropsychology, with a minor in forensic psychology, at Central Regional Hospital / University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill. Dr. Updegrove went on to complete postdoctoral training in community mental health. She obtained her New York State psychology licensure and currently lives and practices in New York City. She has happily joined G-D Psych Services in the role of consultant while she obtains licensure in New Mexico.
Meet Afton Sparrow, LMHC, LPAT, Board Certified Art Therapist
“Life doesn’t get easier, we get stronger” – Those words have shaped how I approach counseling and life. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a Licensed Board Certified Art Therapist, I strive to develop a strong relationship with my clients to help them build their own strength. I have worked in several states across the country and I have extensive experience working with a variety of individuals of all ages, partners and families to improve communication, emotion regulation and coping and relaxation skills. My goals are always to work with individuals where they are at and help them identify their own needs and the best way in which to achieve their own goals. My style of therapy is not telling someone how they feel or what to do, but allowing them the space to express their thoughts and develop their own understanding of the path they wish to take. Through utilizing a variety of both verbal and non-verbal skills I work with clients across the lifespan to better understand their power to embrace the person they hope to be and develop a better understanding of how their previous life has prepared them for who they are to become.
Meet Nina Dozoretz, Practice Manager
Nina Dozoretz’ career spans over 40 years. She is a retired Captain of the United States Public Health Service and served in various senior leadership positions in the Indian Health Service, Federal Bureau of Prisons, the United States Surgeon General’s Office, and the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Ms. Dozoretz has over five (5) years project director experience in managing medium to large multi-million dollar contracts to the Department of Justice and ICE requiring extensive knowledge in policy and procedure development, organizational management, budgeting, finance, tactical deployments, responding to congressional and public media inquiries and staff development.
In addition to Ms. Dozoretz’ over thirty (30) years of health care subject matter expertise in administration, medical staffing, health information, policy development, and conducting medical and financial audits, she has extensive knowledge and expertise in the application of industry recognized standards of the American Correctional Association (ACA), the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) and the Department of Justice Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) and the Department of Homeland Security’s Standards To Prevent, Detect, and Respond to Sexual Abuse and Assault in Confinement Facilities, enacted in March 2014.
Additionally, Ms. Dozoretz was instrumental in revising the Health Records and Information standards for NCCHC, was an NCCHC surveyor and national speaker, and a former Chair of the NCCHC Board of Directors. Ms. Dozoretz is widely known and respected among her colleagues and associates in the public health, and correctional/detention fields.
Ms. Dozoretz has a BS degree in Medical Records Administration from Daemen College in Buffalo, NY, is a Registered Health Information Administrator and has a master’s degree in Computers and Resource Information Management from Webster University.
Nina is a service-disabled veteran and a member of several veteran and uniformed services organizations, such as the Military Officers Association of America, the Commissioned Officers Association and the American Legion.
She is also an active member of the National Sheriff’s Association, the American Jail Association, the American Correctional Association and the National Commission on Correctional Health Care.
Meet Kara Tromp, LADAC, LMHC
I have a passion for helping people across the lifespan understand and heal from trauma, addiction and day-to-day stressors. I was born in Missoula, Montana, and raised in Seattle. I moved to New Mexico having visited only once, as a teenager. Later I resided in New York City, beginning my higher education at La Guardia Community College in Queens. Upon my return to New Mexico, I earned a BA from the University of New Mexico with a concentration in play therapy with children and Addiction Counseling and, after three years of practicing substance abuse counseling, I was awarded my Licensed Alcohol and Drug Addition Counselor (LADAC). In addition to my schooling at UNM, I graduated from Adams State University with a MA in Counseling in May 2019 with a concentration in play therapy with children. Currently I hold a License in Mental Health Counseling (LMHC) and am working towards independent licensure. Additionally, I am a licensed foster parent for state of NM. I have previous experience working with children in an outpatient setting and in private treatment centers. Most recently, I worked with youth struggling with substance abuse. I am a Level 4 certified Sand Tray Therapist and hold a certificate in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. I live in Albuquerque with my wife and children, and in my spare time I enjoy building furniture. My personal mission is to befriend every dog or cat I meet.
Meet Connie Cox, LCSW
I am looking forward to meeting you! Your healing will be accomplished in the container we will create through compassion, safety, flexibility, and consistency. You are needed in the world: thank you for all that you were, are, and will be!
I have a Master’s Degree from the University of Pittsburgh and have practiced as a Licensed Social Worker in several states. I am a member of the American Group Psychotherapy Association and completed 60 training hours of Dialectical Behavior Therapy with Alan Fruzzetti, Ph.D. at the University of Las Vegas in Nevada. I have studied Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with David Burns at Henry Ford Behavioral Health in Detroit, Michigan, and in conferences. My practice is focused and applicable for adolescents 14 and above, adults, geriatrics, and families.
Meet Robert Varley, Certified Yoga Instructor
I have recently relocated from Seattle Washington to Rio Rancho New Mexico. I have been practicing yoga for the past 7 years. I was first introduced to yoga as a practice to heal and strengthen my body as I have been a hairdresser for 40 plus years and needed a way to alleviate the wear and tear on my body from standing behind the chair. I have always been a physically fit and aware person but as I grew older I realized my body and my mind needed something different. When I participated in my first yoga session I knew then that this was the practice for me. Through my practice and development in YOGA I decided that I wanted to become a teacher and Instructor. I felt that I could offer those like myself a benefit and support. I am also keenly aware that my interest in art and natural landscape could also be of benefit to those needing to have an outlet from which to express and create their own sense of well being. It is with this passion I grow and offer to others the possibilities and benefits I have received and enjoyed. I currently offer private yoga sessions to all ages including youth, couples, and families.
Meet Kelsey Ullrich, LMHC
Kelsey Ullrich is a licensed psychotherapist with specialized training in art therapy and is a certified yoga teacher. Kelsey attended Watkins College of Art in Nashville, TN where she received a BFA in Graphic Design, followed by receiving her Master’s in Counseling and Art Therapy at Southwestern College in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She received her 200-hour yoga teacher certification through Blue Osa’s one-month immersion yoga teacher training in Puerto Jimenez, Costa Rica.
Kelsey is passionate about supporting clients looking to reclaim their relationship to their emotional and mental health. She has supported clients with a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, and PTSD. Her specialization is working with clients who are recovering from codependency and sex and/or love addiction—especially in women. Kelsey is trained in Post-Induction Therapy (PIT), developed by Pia Mellody–a pioneer in the field of addiction and codependency. PIT addresses childhood developmental trauma, including abuse and neglect, that is underlying most addictive and dysfunctional processes. She has also received training through the Center for Healthy Sex in treating sex and love addiction.
Kelsey primarily works with women, men, couples, families, and the LGBTQ+ community (ages 18+). She uses a holistic approach when working with her clients and incorporates a blend of talk therapy, art therapy, and mindfulness techniques in her sessions. In her free time, Kelsey enjoys writing, art-making, being physically active, spending time with her dog, spending time with loved ones, and educating others on the importance of normalizing mental health issues and receiving mental health support.
Meet Averi Gleason, Clinical Office Manager
Averi Gleason is our Clinical Office Manager. She has a foundational career in customer service administration, patient onboarding, data management, and care coordination. In her position with GD Psych Services, Averi is responsible for helping with new patients, scheduling, verifying insurances, marketing and more. She enjoys interacting with the patients and their families and serving as the kind and helpful voice that will answer the call of someone in need or crisis. She loves leaving work each day knowing that what she contributes truly impacts the lives of our patients.
Averi began her career as an intern for a rehabilitation in-patient program. She then served as an intern for Make-A-Wish before being hired to serve as the in-take coordinator. She has spent the last few years working in mental health as an office manager overseeing client onboarding, billing, and navigation of benefits. Averi is currently attending Liberty University seeking a bachelor degree in social work. Averi has a passion for serving others and assisting them in their journey to complete health.
Averi is married with three children and three four-legged friends. Her husband is a member of the New Mexico National Guard and also works as a police officer with APD. In her free time, Averi enjoys hiking with her family and doing animal rescue work. She also does freelance work for independent business owners who need help with starting up their facilities, business planning, operational processes, and marketing.
Meet Dr. Jerry Traylor, LMHC
Dr. Traylor is a doctor of clinical psychology, licensed in Missouri and New Mexico as a mental health clinician with over 30 years of experience empowering his patients to choose to make their lives different using different approaches to the therapeutic process and content. Patients who see Dr. Traylor are exposed to a very different way of looking at their individual issues for seeking treatment and works to empower the patient to become their own therapist so they can take charge of their lives.
Dr. Traylor enjoys observing the patient experience an “Aha Moment” and say, “I’ve never looked at my issues that way, or nobody has ever explained it that way.” His patients frequently tell him, “I have been to a lot of counselors but nobody has ever explained it the way you did.” “Why haven’t I been shown this before?” Dr. Traylor sees children, adolescents, adults, and older adults, using unique therapeutic approaches specific to each patient.
Meet Emily Ceballos, LMSW
I am a Hispanic native New Mexican, a graduate of NMSU, a mother and a proud social worker. I strive to be a safe space for my clients as they embark on their personal journey of healing. I am a licensed Clinical Therapist in NM, to include the treatment of individuals ranging from adolescence through late adulthood. My goal is to guide the therapeutic process of healing to those who struggle with anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, sexuality, relationship issues, stress, addictions, self-esteem, career issues and a desire to increase their sense of happiness, well-being and overall personal growth. I aspire to help people discover their dignity and self-worth and my purpose is to provide you with support and empowerment in becoming your best self.
Meet Lauren Herrel, LMHC
I am a licensed mental health counselor who believes we all have our own truth. I am from Ohio and graduated with a master’s in counseling and art therapy from Southwestern College. I fit into the category of a cat lady. My favorite thing to do is laugh. Spending time in nature and creating art is how I recharge to make sure I am fully present with myself and my clients.
I have worked in a residential setting for substance abuse for the last two years, gaining experience supporting clients with addiction, trauma, co-dependency, self-worth struggles, anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Working in this setting has allowed me to work with a spectrum of people. LGBTQ+ community, sex workers, women, men, and people of many different ages.
I take a non-judgmental approach to help support you in creating a life that is true to your own values. Together we can explore how to build skills and tools that support your goals and what is best for you. Providing art as therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Seeking Safety, and nature are just some of the tools that can be utilized in session to explore new ways of processing and living.
Meet Nicole Ortiz, LMHC
Hello, I am Nicole “Nico” Ortiz, and from a very young age I have had a passion for helping others. I took this passion to the United States Air Force where I served for 7 years. After discharge I discovered my next “sense of purpose” and began pursuing my degree in social services – Psychology. I believe in working with people from a Humanistic-Existentialist perspective, which simply put promotes self-awareness and personal growth by examining your current reality and altering specific patterns of response to help you realize your potential, discover your life’s purpose, and internal happiness. As a therapist I work closely with clients to facilitate mental health, self-acceptance, authenticity, and growth.
We will work together to discover clarity, heal the limiting wounds, and cultivate the true self. I specialize in working with individuals, couples, and families impacted by PTSD, Trauma, Addiction, Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Negative Thought Patterns & Distortions, Life-transitions and Performance Anxiety. I have worked extensively with clients from all walks of life; from Veterans, Athletes, and Professionals to Students and Families.
I believe that effective therapeutic relationships can be one of the keys to a happier, healthier life and my job is to give clients the tools and techniques to achieve balanced and fulfilling lives. Therapy can allow the space necessary to become emotionally healthy and well-versed at handling issues whenever and wherever they arise.
I believe that all people are full of light and wellness, discovering your inner truth will allow that light to shine through. I feel that working with people dealing with these difficult issues is my life’s calling and after receiving an undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of New Mexico, I earned my Masters of Arts in Counseling with a specialization in Grief, Loss & Trauma from Southwestern College in Santa Fe. I have worked extensively with those suffering from trauma and addiction at the agency and residential treatment levels; as well as taught the medical community about Bipolar Disorder. I look forward to working with you in the future.
Meet Roslyn Pursley, LPCC
Roslyn Pursley, I have a Master’s In Counseling Psychology from Avila University In Kansas City Missouri. I completed my undergraduate degree in Psychology from Ottawa University. I started on this road to being a clinician as a parent who wanted to better understand my children and became an Early Childhood Educator. It was through working with kids with special needs and emotional and behavioral issues that I went on for higher education. I have worked in a variety of settings from outpatient to hospital, crisis, and a prison.
I believe that changes take place through healing relationships. My job as your counselor is to listen and understand what you are going through and what changes you are seeking. I offer to hold hope for you when times are dark, or you feel lost or confused and to share in your progress too! I work from a Person-Centered approach and use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Attachment Based Perspective to help you learn and grow and make the changes you want to make. I also work with people who have been through a traumatic event and help them go from feeling like a victim and being afraid to learning how to live with it and experiencing growth. I work with individuals of all ages from 3 to 100! I have a master’s in counseling psychology and have been practicing since 2007. I also have a heart for First Responders and Military families and have experience providing support to these individuals as well.
I have experience working in a wide variety of settings with people of all ages and requests for help in a wide range of things. I’d like to help you find your purpose in life and have deeper more meaningful relationships. Some of the issues that I help with include trauma, loss of a pregnancy, loss due to suicide, adjusting as a widow(er), adjusting to moves across country, loss of independence due to aging, response to tragedy such as a sudden loss of life in the family, and healing from physical and sexual abuse or domestic violence. I consider myself a moderate individual who is considerate of all spiritual beliefs. I will help you explore your personal value system. I hope that I will help you find meaning and joy again after trauma.
Meet Jessica Sanchez, PHD
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist specializing in Health Psychology, which focuses on working with individuals from their own Biological-Psychological-Social-Cultural-Spiritual frameworks and backgrounds. I was born and raised in Albuquerque, and I am grateful to be serving my community as a proud New Mexican after receiving my BA in Psychology from Loyola Marymount University, MA and PhD in Clinical Health Psychology from California School of Professional Psychology in Los Angeles, CA. I have over 19 years of clinical experience working with children, adolescents, adults, families, couples, military members and veterans, and students within collegiate mental health. I provide strategic, evidenced based services that guide clients toward self empowerment, self discovery, self understanding, acceptance, and the development of healthy coping skills to improve, create, manage, and maintain overall health and wellness. I utilize a combination of interventions including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Positive Psychology, Seeking Safety, mindfulness and induced relaxation to treat individuals from various cultural, ethnic, spiritual, gender, sexual orientations and backgrounds.
Meet Alyssa Butler, LPCC
I am an independently licensed therapist trained in art therapy, motivational interviewing, and trauma informed cognitive behavioral therapy. My goal as a therapist is to help clients learn about themselves and create growth in their lives. I am here to learn about you and support you on your journey. I believe you are the expert of your life; I am here to offer guidance.
I have my LPCC, received my graduate degree in Art therapy and counseling from Southwestern College, and received my bachelor’s degree in fine arts from The School at the Art Institute of Chicago. I have primarily worked with children in treatment foster care since entering this field. I have in depth knowledge of trauma, how it impacts our ability to form healthy and lasting attachments, and how it impacts a person’s ability to live their day to day lives. I also have experience working with people who have addictions, grief and loss, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and people on the Autism spectrum. I am an LGBTQ+ ally.
I believe humans are incredibly resilient and courageous and have the capacity to move through challenges. I am honored to walk beside the humans I work with and help them move towards a life of greater self-acceptance, self love, and understanding.