ACC Independent Contractors
& Employees
Dinetta Morris, LPC
Independent Contractor
(telehealth only)
I am a native Houstonian and am partial to the beauty that Alaska's culture has offered me over the past 4 years. My background is heavily rooted in education and mental health. I often use my love for teaching within my approach to talk therapy. My nature is to make sure that I am open, honest, authentic and non-judgmental which are traits that help me build great rapport with anyone that I work with.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor in both Alaska and Texas I offer psychotherapy to individuals, families and couples who are struggling with life stressors. It is my belief that everyone possesses valuable strengths and experiences needed to heal from within. My hope and desires are to help people learn how to become the best version of themselves. My mission is to empower individuals and families to live healthier, and more fulfilled and well balanced lives. Together we will work toward developing a stronger sense of self-worth, making sense of your history, improving your relationships and meeting your specific therapeutic goals.
I have worked with many concerns over the years including depression, anxiety, grief & loss, trauma, family conflicts, ADHD, relationships, and more. My vision of helping others work through these challenges is accomplished not only by providing psychoeducation, but also using therapeutic approaches such as Solution Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Gottman's Theory to help individuals, couples and families work through life challenges.
Charlotte Gruber, LCSW
Independent Contractor
(telehealth only)
I am originally from Dallas and have lived in several other states including Alaska. After receiving my undergraduate degree, I worked at an emergency shelter for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. I learned a lot from this job, including how much I enjoyed working directly with individuals on fostering and maintaining mental health and well-being.
Part of what excites me about being a therapist is that mental health needs and concerns are universal experiences. If we learn the right information, like neuroscience and evidence based treatments for example, we discover that issues such as anxiety and depression are not about our character or identities. Rather, many mental health concerns are a result of unhelpful patterns of thinking and behavior that become a barrier to well-being.
My job is to work with you on getting unstuck by changing these patterns. Therapy is about processing, healing, and making healthy changes in behavior. It is a great sign of growth when you no longer feel the need for therapy sessions; it means you were successful in making the changes you wanted. I take this approach to the therapeutic process to make sessions the most effective and most efficient they can be for you.
Specialties include: Trauma/EMDR, Safety Learning of Anxiety, and Domestic Violence.
Rozette Pegues, LPC
Independent Contractor
(telehealth only)
I have lived in both Bethel and Anchorage and currently live in Texas. I come from a military family and understand the challenges that come from family members being deployed, and in high stress and high risk jobs. As a Licensed Professional Counselor in both Alaska and Texas I provide individual counseling to adults and youth.
I specialize in working with adults experiencing trauma, depression, and stressful life events and transitions. In my work with children, I specialize in helping them, and their caregivers, learn how to recognize and cope with their emotions, communicate their needs, and improve their ability to solve problems.
I have worked with adults, adolescents, and children in various settings including hospital and community clinic settings. I have experience working with the LGBTQIA+ community and their families.
I think you’re the expert in what is and is not working for you and will work with you to achieve what wellness means to you using multiple therapeutic approaches including person-centered approach, EMDR, play & filial therapy, and solution focused therapy.
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Renee Sullivan, LPC, PMH-C
Independent Contractor
(Juneau in-person and telehealth)
I completed my Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Lesley University located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. I am licensed in the state of Massachusetts as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and in the state of Alaska as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).
I am originally from the east coast but now call Alaska home. As a result of being a military spouse, I have moved throughout the country, from major metropolitan cities, to rural Alaska and the Pacific Islands. Through this experience I understand firsthand the struggles of change, building new relationships, and staying connected to family and other support systems.
I have experience working with children, parents, and families in a variety of settings including school, clinics, hospitals and in-home care. Regardless of the setting, I have worked to help children, parents, and families strengthen in times of adversity. Using techniques including talk therapy, play therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, I provide clients the opportunity for a honest and trusting connection. Together we will work to identify and process life challenges and develop effective communication, healthy routines, and increase self-confidence.
Throughout life we will all encounter events that disrupt our happiness. I can offer you a safe space to process those life challenges. We can look at stressors and unhealthy patterns that may be holding you or your family back. We can develop new, healthy approaches that will allow you to accomplish goals, increase self-awareness and develop healthy patterns to live a happy and fulfilled life.
I have a passion for working with youth, moms, postpartum concerns, and families in transition. I have advanced training in working with this population and am certified in Perinatal Mental Health through Postpartum Support International.
Carol Altepeter, LCSW, CCPT-II
Independent Contractor
(telehealth only)
I have been in the field of social work for over twenty years. I moved from Ohio to Alaska in 2006 and have lived and worked in Bethel, Sitka, and now Fairbanks. I have extensive experience working with military families at Fort Wainwright and am currently providing telehealth counseling across the state for adults age 18+.
I work with a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, life transitions, relationship issues, self-esteem, and substance abuse.
I am a member of the Alaska State Troopers Critical Incident Response Peer Support Team. As the wife of a law enforcement officer and having previously provided
crisis intervention services, I recognize the unique challenges that first responders and their families face.
I use an integrated approach that draws upon a variety of techniques tailored to your unique needs. As a Certified Clinical Complex Trauma Professional, I view things through a trauma informed and attachment-based lens. Some of the techniques I utilize include EMDR, Mindfulness-Based Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Insight-Oriented Therapy, and Motivational
Interviewing.
I teach clinical courses for UAA and actively seek opportunities for growth to stay up to date with the most effective interventions. I believe counseling can help you gain a deeper understanding of yourself and underlying
issues, uncover strengths, and learn skills that will help you reach your goals. I am committed to creating an authentic and healing environment for you to share your personal struggles and desires for the future. Regardless of the techniques used, the most important aspect of counseling is the relationship and connection you have with your counselor.
Please reach out to see if we would be a good fit.
Jessica Koh, LPC, ERPSCC
Independent Contractor
(telehealth only)
Throughout my life I have had the wonderful experience of living around the globe, but now call Alaska my home. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor that believes in the beauty of the human spirit. Above all else, I believe in being honest, straight forward, and genuine.
I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults in the mental and behavioral health field since 2012. I have worked with individuals with trauma, depression, anxiety, work related stress, paranoia, psychosis, and suicidal ideations.
I had the honor of working with First Responders in Arizona within police and fire departments in individual therapy as well as community crisis response settings. I consider being part of one’s journey towards wellness, regardless of the circumstances, to be a privilege. I have developed a passion for helping those who may have hesitation to attend counseling or those who have not always had the greatest counseling experience in the past.
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I believe everyone can heal if that is their desire and the bravest people I will ever meet are the people who I get to work with as clients. Everyone is unique and I do not take a one size fits all to approach to therapy. I focus on experiences, feelings, thoughts and behaviors which may inhibit oneself from living a fulfilling life.
More specifically, I utilize Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) in the treatment of trauma and emotional dysregulation. I teach skills which focus on regulating one's emotions, challenging negative thoughts, and remaining in the present. I do not believe that all forms of expression need to be through words.
I am here to support you and your journey towards wellness.
Kali Hudson, MA, CCISM
Supervised Professional
(telehealth only)
I was born and raised in Oregon in a family of first responders and I am so happy to call Alaska my home now!
After completing my undergraduate degree in Psychology & Forensic Psychology at Western Oregon University, I worked as a first responder Chaplain. Through this I cultivated my passion for working with law enforcement, firefighters, and their loved ones. While I am still a licensed Police Chaplin, I decided that I wanted to be able to help in a more long term setting, which is what led me to the counseling field. I graduated with a masters in Clinical Mental Health.
My first goal as a counselor for first responders is to establish trust and rapport that is built on the fact that I, myself, have never been a first responder, and I will never pretend to know your world as well as you do. However, I have lived in a world of first responders as a daughter, sister, wife and friend of law enforcement officers and this gives me a unique perspective that I bring to the therapeutic relationship.
While counseling can sometimes include uncomfortable conversations and painful topics, these are often important to the process of healing and growing. I believe that it is important to foster a relationship based on trust, confidentiality, care, and therapeutic techniques unique to each and every client, their situation, life story, and experiences.
My therapeutic approach is shaped and actively guided by the concepts and modalities of Psychodynamic therapy (PDT) and Adlerian Theory. I am also trained in Crisis, Trauma & Disaster Counseling and Critical Incident Stress Management -Certified, and incorporate these modalities and therapeutic outlooks and techniques in my therapy, while helping to explore how your history and experiences have shaped who you are and how to best help you. This exploration is aimed at helping patients improve their capacity to relate to themselves and others.
My hope is that at the end of therapy, clients will experience healing and increased freedom to make empowered and wise choices in all aspects of their lives.
Branden Forst, A.S., CCISM
CISM Provider
First Responder​
Born and raised in Southeast Alaska, I developed a strong foundation of integrity, work ethic, and compassion from an early age, which has led to a lifelong commitment to public safety and helping others. Starting as a volunteer with my local Fire Department’s Dive Rescue Team at 14, I later earned my Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification, a USCG captain's license and then pursued a career as an Alaska State Trooper. My career has led me many places and I have extensive experience as a first responder in both urban and rural Alaska.
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Throughout my career, I have served in diverse roles in various parts of the state. As a strong advocate for mental health and wellness I became a member of the Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) where I began formally providing Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) and Peer Support to first responders.
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As a licensed fixed and rotary wing pilot and vessel operator, I have patrolled Alaska’s rugged terrain, from Alaska's coastline and remote riverways to icy northern landscapes, bringing public safety to remote communities.
Committed to continuous growth, I hold an Associate of Applied Science degree in Aviation Administration, an Advanced Police Certificate, and am Certified in Critical Incident Stress Management.
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Using my background as a first responder, and experience being involved in multiple critical incidents, I will provide Critical Incident Stress Management services to first responder agencies across Alaska.
Devita Vaughan, DPT
Creative Marketing Specialist
I was born in Ketchikan, raised on the Oregon coast, and came back to Alaska in 2012 after finishing my Doctorate in physical therapy. I am the mother of two kids, a police wife, and licensed physical therapist. I have temporarily stepped away from treating patients to raise and homeschool my children. I facilitate a first responder wives group at my local church and am passionate about first responders and their families, mental health, and caring for others. When I am able to find free time I enjoy spending time with family, being outdoors, coaching and using my creativity including painting, crafts, photography and design. My creative side combined with my compassion for first responders and families makes Anchor Counseling & Consulting a great fit for my new role as a Creative Marketing Specialist.