Spiritually Formed & Clinically Excellent
DAVID EDWARDS, LPC, CSAT
President
David Edwards is the founder of St. Joseph Counseling in Gilbert, AZ. He earned his Master’s degree from Divine Mercy University in 2020 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
Chair of Membership & 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
Chair 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, SP
Chair 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, EFT
Chair of Communications & Marketing
David Edwards is the founder of St. Joseph Counseling in Gilbert, AZ. He earned his Master’s degree from Divine Mercy University in 2020 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.
CINDY BIRD, LAC
Chair 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
David Edwards is the founder of St. Joseph Counseling in Gilbert, AZ. He earned his Master’s degree from Divine Mercy University in 2020 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.
© Copyright 2024