SPIRITUALLY FORMED, CLINICALLY EXCELLENT
Meet the CTA Board
DAVID EDWARDS, LPC
President and Interim Director of Membership
David Edwards is the founder of St. Joseph Counseling in Gilbert, AZ. He earned his Master’s degree from Divine Mercy University in 2019 and has been working in private practice ever since. David works with adolescents and adults but has a particular passion for supporting Catholic men who aspire to become the husbands, fathers, sons, and brothers they are called to be. His primary focus is helping men overcome unwanted sexual behaviors, utilizing Internal Family Systems (IFS), or parts work, thoughtfully adapted to align with a Catholic understanding of the human person.
David’s journey into psychotherapy was shaped by his own path to healing and his time as a seminarian for the Diocese of Phoenix. These experiences deepened his understanding of himself and God, inspiring a desire to work closely with men—especially seminarians and priests—on a deeper level.
In his free time, David enjoys pursuing side projects (such as building CTA!), competing in triathlons, flying remote-controlled helicopters, and roughhousing with his children. He has been happily married to his wife of 10 years, and together they have three daughters and, at last, a son (thank you, Jesus!). The Edwards family attends St. Timothy Parish in Mesa.
MICHELLE GOODWILL, LPC
Treasurer and Interim Secretary
In 2016, after a successful 27-year career in the insurance industry, Michelle completed a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling at the University of Phoenix and transitioned into a career centered on authentic human connection. Michelle is founder of Saint Raphael Counseling in Gilbert, AZ. Grateful for the opportunity to work with couples and individuals, Michelle considers it a profound blessing to be invited into the most significant parts of their lives to facilitate healing.
Michelle is trained in a variety of therapeutic modalities, specializing in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) for trauma and anxiety and EFCT (Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy) for couples. Both approaches align with a client-centered philosophy, respecting each individual’s unique experiences, thoughts, and emotions.
Michelle and her family attend St. Anne's Parish in Gilbert.
NATE VERSCHAETSE, PsyD
Director of Formation & Training
Dr. Nate Verschaetse is a licensed clinical psychologist and received his doctorate in clinical psychology from the Institute for the Psychological Sciences at Divine Mercy University—a graduate school with a focus on the integration of faith and therapy. He provides therapy and psychological assessments to those seeking treatment. He is also a psychological assessor for religious, seminarians, and deacon candidates seeking entry into formal vocational discernment. Dr. Nate has been involved with speaking engagements and workshops around marital bonding, communication, compassion fatigue, and addressing classroom behaviors in schools. He has a background in healing ministry that helps him integrate the healing work of both faith and therapy.
Dr. Nate owns the group practice Journey to Peace in Mesa, Arizona.
CHRISTINA MCSHANE, PsyD
Director of Fundraising
Dr. Christina McShane is a licensed Clinical Psychologist. Her training included special emphasis on the integration of Psychology and a Catholic Anthropology. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts and Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville and her Masters and Doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology from the Institute for Psychological Sciences at Divine Mercy University. Dr. McShane works at the Nazareth Seminary in Phoenix, Arizona, where she has provided counseling to seminarians and consultation to the vocations and formation team for the past five years. She also works in private practice at Journeys Counseling Center where she provides therapy and consultation services to individuals, families, groups, leaders, and spiritual directors.
NICOLE RIZKALLAH, LMFT
Director of Communications & Marketing
Nicole Rizkallah is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and certified in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and EMDR. She works with individuals, couples, and families navigating relationship struggles, trauma, identity, and life transitions—with a deep respect for cultural complexity and emotional nuance.
Nicole brings an extensive background in nonprofit consulting and offers supervision and clinical consultation to therapists. She is the founder of Orari Healing Therapy, a private practice in Central Phoenix, where she provides thoughtful, client-centered care. She regularly publishes on several topics from spirituality, trauma, emotional healing, and cross-cultural identity. Nicole has her bachelor's degree in business, and master's degrees in philosophy and marriage and family therapy.
CINDY BIRD, LAC
Director of Community Outreach
Cindy Bird is a Licensed Associate Counselor based at Journey to Peace in Mesa. Cindy is dedicated to supporting couples, families, and individuals at various stages of life. She earned her Master of Science in Clinical Counseling with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy from Grand Canyon University. As an undergraduate, she obtained a degree in Psychology and authored a thesis exploring the factors that contribute to successful marriages. Cindy applies CBT, REBT, SFT, EMDR, and EFT in her work with clients. She is passionate about walking alongside clients as they navigate their healing journey and work toward becoming the person they are meant to be.
Cindy’s background includes years of teaching Baptism and Marriage preparation classes for the Diocese of Phoenix, reflecting her deep connection to her faith and her Arizona community.
FR. MATT LOWRY
Chaplain
Fr. Matt Lowry is a Catholic priest passionate about accompanying others on their journey of faith, healing, and purpose. He currently serves as a chaplain and pastor, offering spiritual guidance and sacramental care to students, young adults, and the wider community at the Newman Center, Northern Arizona University.
Ordained for the Diocese of Phoenix, Fr. Matt has spent over a decade in campus ministry, helping young people encounter Christ. Known for his relatable preaching and pastoral presence, he brings both theological insight and a heart for accompaniment to his ministry. Fr. Matt is also a trained spiritual director and retreat leader, walking with individuals through seasons of discernment, suffering, and growth.
Fr. Matt is currently a graduate student in the counseling program at Divine Mercy University. When he's not preaching or ministering, Fr. Matt enjoys hiking, coffee shop conversations, and cheering on college sports—always with an open heart and a listening ear.
Aaron Hartman
Student Representative
Aaron is a dedicated counseling intern at Witness to Hope and is committed to walking with individuals on their journey toward healing, growth, and holistic well-being. Grounded in evidence-based practices and a Catholic Christian understanding of the human person, Aaron offers a compassionate, client-centered approach in every session.
Aaron holds a degree from Arizona State University and is currently pursuing his graduate studies at Divine Mercy University. He and his wife of four years share a deep desire to adopt in the future. His favorite place is a sunny park—perfect for playing sports with friends, reading, or simply enjoying God’s creation.
Contact
1921 S Alma School Rd Ste 212
Mesa, AZ 85210
admin@ctaz.org
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