Treating Trauma, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse
Fax: (800) 988-1650
Meet the Team
We are a team of highly trained clinicians and support staff whose experience and compassion enable us to provide the highest quality and level of care in Alaska. Read more about us below!
Gunnar Ebbesson, Owner
LPCS, MAC
Telemedicine only
Gunnar is co-founder and CEO of Turning Point Counseling Services. He has been a therapist and researcher in Fairbanks since 2002. Throughout Gunnar’s career, he has been an advocate for access to excellent services by people who experience Mental Health and Substance Use disorders. He graduated from the University of Alaska Fairbanks with a Masters Degree in Community Psychology with an indigenous focus. He has worked as a Child and Family Therapist at Community Mental Health, Program Director for a Suicide and Substance Abuse Prevention Project at the University called Qunaasvik and formed and developed Turning Point along side Joseph Nowell as a leading provider of Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Treatment in the state. Gunnar has served on on Governor’s Advisory Board for Alcohol and Drug Abuse (ABADA) for 8 years. He also co chaired the Alaska Opioid Policy Task Force which developed guidance for the Legislature, Governor and Public health to address the Opioid Epidemic. Gunnar was one of the founding members and instigator in developing the Fairbanks Opioid Work Group. He has trained and lectured around the state on issues surrounding the intersection of Trauma, SUD and Mental Health. Gunnar is a trainer and practitioner of Brainspotting, a powerful tool to bring about significant change in people’s response to trauma. His clinical passion is around the intersection of addiction and trauma and has extensive and broad experience working with this.
His passions include being in the outdoors, his two children, and sailing. He also feels very privileged to work with an amazing staff of caring people who truly take their work to heart, are keen clinicians and staff members who understand and are effective in helping people to move in the direction of healing.
Joseph Nowell, Owner
LPCS, MAC
Clinical Director Joseph holds two Master's Degrees, Master of Science in Counseling Psychology and Master of Education in Adult Education, both received from the University of Southern Mississippi. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Alaska, a Nationally Certified Master Addiction Counselor by the National Association for Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Counselors, and a National Certified Counselor by the National Board of Certified Counselors. He has worked in the field of addictions treatment since 1998 and has been a practicing mental health clinician and psychotherapist since 2003. He has worked in the public sector in inpatient, residential and outpatient Substance Abuse treatment programs as a Chemical Dependency Counselor and Clinician, as a Crisis Stabilization Unit Coordinator, and as a Mental Health Clinician and Clinical Supervisor. Joseph has 21 years of experience in helping people heal from Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders. He approaches therapy as a solution oriented therapist with a strong cognitive behavioral flavor. Joseph is an International trainer in Brainspotting (BSP) trauma-focused reprocessing therapy, which he often utilizes to facilitate client healing from trauma effect. He is experienced in treating a wide variety of issues but specializes in the treatment of addictions, trauma effect, depression and other mood disturbances, and anxiety syndromes. Joseph is also one of our cofounders, and provides clinical supervision for many of our counseling staff.
NICOLETTE CARRASCO
Chief Operating and Finance Officer, BS
Nicolette holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Purdue University, where she developed a strong foundation in organizational management and strategic planning. With her educational background and a deep sense of empathy, Nicolette is committed to implementing effective strategies and policies that promote mental health awareness and provide valuable resources to those in need. She understands the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive environment that fosters growth, healing, and resilience. Nicolette’s dedication to mental health operations is rooted in her belief that everyone deserves access to quality care and support. She strives to make a positive impact by working collaboratively with diverse teams and utilizing her skills in administration, communication, and problem-solving.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Nicolette finds solace and joy in nature. Her love for kayaking, fishing, and being outdoors allows her to recharge and connect with the natural world. Spending quality time with her daughter is her top priority, as she believes in the importance of nurturing strong family bonds and creating lasting memories.
Jonathan Miller, LPCS
Clinical Director
Jonathan holds a Master’s Degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University and has been providing counseling for individuals and families for over 12 years. He brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his role as clinical director and clinician here at Turning Point and specializes in working with anxiety and trauma in both children and adults. He has advanced training in Brainspotting and is certified as a consultant in that modality, supervising and coaching other clinicians in this cutting-edge approach that helps address the neurobiological roots of trauma and anxiety symptoms. Jonathan is also trained in CBT and mindfulness techniques, and his approach to couples therapy is based on the principles and research of EFT and the Gottman Method.
Before becoming a therapist, Jonathan was a high school teacher and youth ministry leader. From that background, children and adolescents have naturally been a strong focus of his mental health work, but he also enjoys counseling adults and couples. Part of what makes this career so fulfilling for him is being able to help people identify and overcome experiences that have kept them stuck in anger, fear, or hurt. Jonathan works with the team here at Turning Point to make sure each client is paired with a clinician that feels like a good fit to ensure the counseling experience can be meaningful and helpful.
In his everyday life, Jonathan is an active Alaskan resident. He lives here locally and has no plans to move anywhere else! He loves hunting and fishing, playing disc golf, hiking and camping, and playing sports with his kids. In times of solitude leisure, you’ll likely find him reading or pretending to be a carpenter.
Whatever your needs are in counseling, Jonathan firmly believes in your ability to experience healing and growth, and would be honored to be a part of your journey.
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Colleen Flynn, LPC
Colleen (she/they) holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through Bradley University. Before beginning at Turning Point, they worked as an advocate for people experiencing relationship abuse through a domestic violence shelter in Utah. Colleen began working in the intensive outpatient program (IOP) at Turning Point in 2021 and transitioned to providing individual counseling sessions in 2023.
Colleen approaches counseling from a trauma-informed lens with a focus on exploring our lived experience. She strives to create a safe and caring environment in which individuals can connect with and express their emotions while better understanding themselves. Colleen incorporates a variety of techniques including Brainspotting trauma reprocessing, Somatic Experiencing, behavioral therapies, and a strengths-based focus. She is especially interested in working with those who have experienced relationship trauma and is an LGBTQIA+ affirmative counselor.
When not at Turning Point, Colleen is generally found outside adventuring with her partner and dog, cooking unnecessarily elaborate meals, or playing music.
Krista Zody, LPC
Krista grew up in Fairbanks, enjoys being involved in community outreach, and has personal military family life experience. She values quality time with family, social connectivity, and viewing people as human beings of worth. Her education journey includes a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Linguistics with a focus in American Sign Language and holds a Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She obtained both degrees through the University of Alaska Fairbanks and is an active member of the American Counseling Association. Krista provides individual psychotherapy counseling sessions.
She strives to create a safe therapeutic environment, intentionally understand the client's internal experiences, and foster the journey of self-awareness, self-acceptance, and self-growth. Her approach to therapy utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, trauma informed care, Brainspotting trauma reprocessing, somatic experiencing, psychoeducation, and strength-based support. In her leisure time, Krista enjoys being in nature, exploring, spending time with loved ones, and attending community events.
Holly Sanborn, LPC
NOT ACCEPTING CLIENTS
Clinician Holly Sanborn holds a Master’s Degree in Art Therapy and Counseling from Southwestern College in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She was born and raised in Fairbanks, Alaska and received her bachelor’s degree from UAF in Art, with a focus in ceramics, and Psychology in 2011. Holly has always had a life-long dream of becoming an Art Therapist and views art as an integral process to healing the mind, body and soul. She enjoys working with children, frequently using art and play therapy, and holds a Children’s Mental Health Certificate from Southwestern College. Holly’s internship, in 2016, led to a very well-rounded experience with working with children and families as well as adults and adolescents struggling with eating disorders at the Eating Disorders Treatment Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Her approach to therapy is person-centered and strength-based and likes to individualize treatment for her clients so they can ultimately reach healing and well-being. Holly, herself, enjoys creating art in her spare time because she knows that creativity cultivates balance, inner-peace and helps keep her grounded. Her goal is to empower people through encouraging self-expression, compassion and self-love to meet their therapy goals and live happy lives.
Laurain Hackett, LMSW
Telemedicine only
Laurain holds a Master in Social Work (MSW) from the University of Kentucky. She is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and certified in Brainspotting, a trauma-focused reprocessing therapy. Laurain previously served as the Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) facilitator with Turning Point Counseling Services this past summer and has experience in treating those struggling with substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. Her professional strengths are substance use, relationship issues and couples counseling, trauma informed therapy (brainspotting), and working with military families. Being a veteran herself, she understands the hardships service members and their families endure. Additionally, she has a passion for working with Native and other multicultural populations, as well as adolescents and young adults with anxiety, depression and PTSD. Additionally, she has some experience working with those with ADHD and OCD.
Laurain supports her clients, whether they are wanting to work through past trauma, change patterns in relationships, address substance use, or face major life transitions! She provides individuals and couples with a safe, non-judgmental environment so they can feel seen and heard. When working with couples, her goal is to assist in navigating relationships and help resolve conflicts successfully to continue nurturing a healthy bond and connection.
It is her pleasure to work with people of all ages, especially adolescents and young adults with diverse cultural backgrounds. She has an eclectic approach to therapy, but evidenced-based modalities she most commonly uses are Attachment Theory, Gottman Couples Therapy, Trauma -informed Brain spotting, Mindfulness-based DBT, and CBT.
In her free time, she enjoys traveling, experiencing different cultures through food, live music, running outdoors, and spending time with her children and pets.
Elizabeth Nicaise, LMSW
Elizabeth holds a Master in Social Work (MSW) from the University of Denver. She is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Elizabeth believes in a client-led, strengths-based approach to therapy utilizing concepts and strategies rooted in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and mindfulness-based therapies. Elizabeth is passionate about serving those struggling with substance use and co-occurring mental health and personality disorders, as well as those with loved one’s suffering. Elizabeth also has experience working with families and adolescents struggling with PTSD, grief, and severe depression and anxiety. Elizabeth has a passion for active-duty military, veterans, and their families as she herself is a military veteran and spouse and understands the hardships, opportunities, and services associated within the military community. Elizabeth advocates for her clients no matter where they are in their mental health and wellness journey. As a certified Yoga instructor, Elizabeth believes that every movement on the path to wellness is significant and everyone is unique and requires an individualized, holistic approach to reaching their self-identified goals. Elizabeth offers individual and family counseling and has experience working with clients of all ages, cultures, and abilities. She believes in evidence-based approaches and utilizes a diverse array of modalities to best support and honor the unique individual
and family dynamic. You will find Elizabeth spending time with her family, on her yoga mat, reading fiction, and online enjoying her video games!
Melodee Morris, M.Ed
Melodee Morris, a Connecticut native raised in Colorado, moved to Alaska in 1994. There, she started a family, earned her bachelor's degree, launched a business, and completed her Master's in Community Counseling in 2011. Her graduate thesis explored the connection between mental and physical health.
During her research, Melodee established a local fitness business, Simply Core Alaska. This venture allowed her to be a full-time mother while pursuing her passions for choreography, dance, and promoting holistic wellness. With her children now grown and starting their own families, Melodee returned to clinical practice in 2021.
Melodee is a licensed professional counselor specializing in trauma work. She has received training in Internal Family Systems (IFS) from the IFS Institute. In her practice, Melodee utilizes the IFS framework, which posits that our internal system comprises multiple parts, and our core Self inherently knows what is needed for complete healing. This approach fosters deeper internal awareness, guiding individuals toward integration and wholeness.
Daniel Tanner, MA
Clinician
Daniel (he/him) was raised in Alaska and has lived in the Fairbanks/North Pole area since 1989 with the exception of short ventures to the Lower 48 while in the Army and more recently during his internship. He holds a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University and during that program he worked in residential treatment for clients with severe mental illness as well as in mobile crisis. Daniel enjoys working with clients of all ages, and employs a trauma informed lens in all of his work, with the goal of helping his clients develop a stronger sense of self and self-worth. To this end, he employs a variety of modalities with a focus on integrating Narrative Therapy with behavioral therapies as well as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Brainspotting. Since joining Turning Point he has also developed a passion for group therapy while facilitating the Intensive Outpatient Program and is working towards certification as a therapeutic game master to integrate additional group work.
When not in the office, Dan enjoys spending time with friends and family, collaborative storytelling, fishing, and spending time in nature.
Rachel Castaneda, MFTA
Rachel was born in Bandon, Oregon. She enlisted in the Air Force in 2004 and worked in Medical Logistics for 8 years. Following her time in the military, she attended and Graduated from Park University in Missouri, earning her BS in Social Psychology. During this time, she enjoyed traveling with her spouse of 20 years and raising her daughters. Rachel has worked with children and teens for 3 years in the DOD CYP Program. Rachel earned her Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy through Capella University and holds an Associate License with the Alaska Board of Marital and Family Therapy. Marriage and family therapy focuses on deep, long-term change, connection, and repair with a focus on building expectations, boundaries, and values. Rachel examines each individual within a larger systemic context, helping them understand not only their own psychological state but how it impacts (and is impacted) by their relationships and the world around them. Rachel uses the following models: Emotion-Focused Therapy, Structured Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Bowenian (Intergenerational) Family Therapy, Strategic Family Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Collaborative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Brain Spotting.
Victoria Avery, M. Ed
Vicky completed her M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and her MA in English from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and is a member of the American Counseling Association. She is driven to support those who are healing from trauma, depression, overwhelming emotions, and anxiety in a collaborative and respectful way. She grounds her practice in a person-centered approach to care, in concert with narrative therapy and DBT skill-building. When Vicky is not in the office, she enjoys traveling, yoga, reading, playing board games, and learning to bake. She is a military spouse with two very lively rescue dogs that also keep her busy.
Simi Skipps, MSW
Simi is a compassionate and dedicated Social Worker with 10 years of experience in behavioral and mental health care, as well as community advocacy. He values the importance of self-determination, cultural humility, and treating the whole person. With a strong belief that every individual holds the capacity for growth and healing. Simi approaches therapy by honoring each client’s unique story, strengths, and lived experiences. Simi earned a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Missouri Baptist University and is committed to ongoing professional development to best support the diverse needs of clients. He provides individual psychotherapy sessions, focusing on creating a safe, inclusive, and collaborative space where clients feel empowered and respected. His therapeutic approach is person-centered, integrating skills from Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. He emphasizes cultural competence and responsiveness, ensuring that therapy reflects each client’s values, identity, and environment. He utilizes strength-based practices, trauma-informed care, and holistic strategies to foster resilience, balance, and long-term well-being. Outside of work, Simi enjoys coaching high school football, spending time in the community, and connecting with loved ones.
