




Hello! I'm Dr. Lauren...
(and resident horses Star and Josie)
I hold a Ph.D. in industrial and organizational psychology from Grand Canyon University and a Masters in clinical social work from Arizona State University. I have been a clinical psychotherapist for over 10 years and enjoyed a brief stent as the executive director of a nationwide not-for-profit organization from 2014-2015.
When I am not in the office, I enjoy spending time with my amazing daughter and husband, who are also neurodiverse. We are passionate about health and wellness, enjoy rock climbing, watching baseball, being creative, and goofing around with our 2 horses named Star and Josie, 2 Great Danes named Benny and Bunny, our 3 cats named Fifi, Ninjago, and Squints, and a ball python named Monty Python.
In the past few years, I, too, have struggled to figure out how to navigate pandemic and post-pandemic life. As an AuDHD person, I, too, can struggle with balancing the demands of everyday life and managing my EF skills, demand avoidance, and social battery. I have worked hard to create a new process and pattern that makes the work-life balance feel manageable and allows me to be the best person and therapist I can be.
To say that neurodiversity is my special interest feels like an understatement, but it's true. I am passionate about helping people learn to understand their neurodivergence, and how to proactively create the life they want. I love my work and I love my career field. As a neurodiverse individual myself, as well as a parent of a neurodiverse child and the spouse of a neurodiverse person, I have a unique and in-depth perspective and ability to help our amazing community! Please feel free to contact me to discuss how I can help you and your family!
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Ph.D. Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Grand Canyon University, 2019
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Masters in Social Work, Arizona State University, 2009
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Bachelors in Psychology, The University of Rhode Island, 2003
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Independent Licensed Clinical Social Worker AZ
Meet Christina...
Christina Patera is a multi-talented wonder who serves not only as our new office manager but she is also as an equine specialist, academic success and executive functioning coach and certified life coach focusing on health and wellness. She has a diverse background spanning sales, business management, and education sectors, with a degree in international relations and French language from the University of Washington. With over 15 years of experience helping people maximize their habits, Christina, who is neurodiverse herself, is passionate about helping people understand and support themselves. She has also carved out a niche as a successful health coach, herbal wellness expert, and yoga and Pilates instructor.
Christina finds fulfillment in inspiring and empowering individuals to reach their wellness and productivity goals. Her approach integrates physical health, mental well-being, and lifestyle balance, making her a trusted mentor in her clients' wellness journeys. Beyond her professional achievements, Christina is a mother to 3 amazing and high-spirited daughters and 1 bearded dragon and enjoys making her own teas and lotions.
Meet Mandy...
Mandy Pluntke is our resident horse whisperer and certified life coach. She specializes both in neurodiversity in working with equestrians who ant to improve their skills and connection with their horse. With a degree in equine science, she has been a riding instructor and equine specialist working in equine therapy and equine-assisted learning for years. She focuses on equine-guided coaching, which is an extremely powerful personal coaching program that focuses on self-development and profound personal transformation. She is passionate about helping others to understand themselves, set and achieve goals, and learn to love themself. She is the mother to 4 amazing children, 4 horses, 1 donkey, 2 cats, and 3 dogs.


