Our Local Roots
Community Involvement
Great Basin Behavioral Health, founded in 2013, is determined to provide premium therapeutic services that positively impact the members of our community. Our founders have been determined from day one to create an agency that impacts all of the residents of the Reno/Tahoe area, both directly and indirectly, one client at a time.
By Locals, For Locals
Our community is important to us. Founders Rudy von Ravensberg and Chris Edwards were both born, raised and educated in Reno, Nevada. In fact, most of our staff are from the area and a majority graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno. Northern Nevada is our home and we are committed to improving the life of all members of our community.
Giving Back
We believe giving back is at the core of our mission and drives us to work hard every day to simply do good and pay it forward. Some of our more recent commitments to our community include:
- Establishing the Great Basin Behavioral Health - Jason Walenta Memorial Scholarship through the University of Nevada, Reno. This scholarship provides financial support to graduate students preparing to work in mental health.
- Developing an agreement with the University of Nevada, Reno and other academic institutions to train student interns during their final year of study, while providing access to care for those without insurance coverage and who would otherwise be without services.
- Providing both educational and financial support to our schools, local non-profit organizations, and local athletes.
- Great Basin is a Gold Level sponsor for Swope Middle School, sponsors families in need during the holidays through the Children's Cabinet, sponsors local athletes through donations to Gymnastics Nevada, and has paid our staff to volunteer at Casa De Vida's House of Hope.
About Our Founders
Rudy von Ravensberg, MA, LMFT, NCC
The founder and co-owner of Great Basin Behavioral Health, Rudy is a Native Nevadan and a two time graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno. Rudy is a Nevada Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, a Board Certified Counselor through the NBCC, and a health and wellness enthusiast. Additionally, Rudy has completed training as a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and completed the NASM Fitness Nutrition Specialist certification program.
In early 2015, Rudy began studies for his PsyD at California Southern University and will focus on furthering his understanding of behavioral health, lifestyle, and implementing effective CBT based interventions for agency programs, as well as his clientele. Further, Rudy has completed the Core 1 CBT Intensive Training with the renowned Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Philadelphia and works toward diplomate status with the Academy of Cognitive Therapy.
Chris Edwards, MSW, LCSW
The co-founder and co-owner of Great Basin Behavioral Health, Chris Edwards grew up in the Reno/Tahoe area and graduated from UNR. He completed his graduate degree in Hawaii and is published in various journals regarding Native Hawaiian youth and substance use.
In early 2015, Chris began doctoral studies at California Southern University in order to further his understanding and integration of lifestyle and behavioral health issues, with specific focus on the use of CBT to address anxiety disorders and trauma.
Chris is a Nevada Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has been comprehensively trained in Prolonged Exposure Therapy by Dr. Foa at the University of Pennsylvania as well as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy by Dr. Alan Fruzzetti with the University of Nevada Reno and Harvard Medical School.
Lilli (aka, "The Pig")
Lilli is our local Frenchie. She's got energy, a lot of attitude, and is conviced she's in charge...
About Our Clinical Team
Anjie Silveira, MA, LMFT, LCADC, NCC
Anjie Silveira is our Clinical Manager and is licensed as both an LMFT and a LCADC in the State of Nevada with years of experience working with both adolescents and adults in a variety of capacities and in numerous levels of care, including acute, residential and outpatient practices.
Anjie completed her Masters in Counseling and Educational Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy at the University of Nevada, Reno. After graduate school, Anjie completed an Advanced Graduate Certificate in Addiction Treatment and Prevention Services at UNR.
Anjie has completed several trainings with both CBT and DBT focus, as well as in risk assessment and working with trauma. She is trained in Prolonged Exposure Therapy for PTSD as well as DBT intensive training led by Alan Fruzetti, PhD. She is also a Certified Positive Discipline Parenting Educator and has led parenting groups based on this philosophy.
Anjie enjoys spending her time outside, is an accomplished ultra trail-runner, skier, globe trotter and backpacker.
Janet Laxalt, MSW, LCSW
Janet completed her MSW at the University of Kansas, with a concentration in advanced clinical practice after her completion of a bachelors in Human Development and Family Studies at the University of Nevada, Reno. Subsequently, Janet worked in numerous environments related to mental health, including acute hospital work as a case manager, in a group home working with duel diagnosis individuals and their families, as well as a therapist in residential and outpatient environments. Further, Janet worked as the executive director for a local group home for adolescent boys.
Janet has lived in the Reno/Tahoe basin for 25+ years and could never consider leaving the Sierra Nevada mountains. Further, Janet loves her work and holds dear her family history of aiding others with life challenges, including growing up as the daughter of a prominent French psychologist, while raising a daughter who now practices therapy in Portland, Oregon.
As a Great Basin practitioner, Janet lends significant attention to lifestyle choice, spirituality, social and relational issues, while utilizing empirically proven methodology in her work. In her free time, Janet enjoys her family, her dog Biscuit, spending time outdoors, traveling, enjoying theater and practicing the ukulele around a campfire.
Betsy Ossler, MSW, LCSW
Passion best describes Betsy and her work and nothing brings her more joy than helping families heal, grow and succeed. In fact, Betsy often talks about the fact that she has "never worked a day in her life" ever since finishing her MSW at the University of Nevada Reno nearly 2 decades ago.
Betsy works primarily with kids, adolescents and younger adults, however, very much enjoys a "sprinkle of variety" in her cases, working with a small handful of older adults who present with a variety of struggles. With younger kiddo's, Betsy has significant history in her work with high conflict divorce, parenting issues, youth struggling with grief, adjustment issues, anxiety and behavioral problems.
Betsy enjoys living in the Sierra's and is very close to her two adult daughters, one of which recently graduated from UNC Chapel Hill with a degree in psychology and plans for graduate school and the other who dreams of being an equine assisted therapist.
Sharlene Hill, MA, LMFT
A graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno, Sharlene works with both children and adults and has received comprehensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Childhood Disorders, Play Therapy, and Parent Training. Furthermore, Sharlene uses an integrative approach to treat all domains of a person’s life (mental, emotional, spiritual, physical health).
Sharlene is experienced in and most enjoys working with anxiety disorders, depression, women’s issues, sleep disorders, grief and loss, child and adulthood ADHD, developmental issues, difficulty with teens launching from the home, parenting issues, blended family issues, struggles with chronic pain, issues related to self-concept, body image issues, and aging issues.
In 2017, Sharlene began training through the Nutritional Therapy Association. As a Nutritional Therapy Consultant, Sharlene will have the ability to utilize nutrition in treating a variety of issues that commonly present in her office.
A Native Nevadan, Sharlene grew up in the Sierra's camping, fishing, hiking, and spending time at Lake Tahoe. Today, Sharlene enjoys these activities with her own family and her dog Nahla. Other than being outdoors, Sharlene loves cooking, gardening, reading, and being active in church. Lastly, Sharlene is passionate about supporting and bringing awareness to children in poverty through organizations, such as Compassion International, and victims of human trafficking through Rahab’s Rope.
Andrea Johnson, MA, LCPC-Intern
Andrea is a graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno, as well as Multnomah University, where she received her MA in Counseling. Andrea utilizes an integrative, holistic approach and believes that in doing so, we are able to incorporate the whole person, rather than treating an isolated symptom.
Andrea, a Clinical Professional Counselor- Intern, works with individuals who are experiencing feelings of depression, anxiety, relational distress, spiritual issues, and grief/loss. Many of Andrea's clients are trying to cope with the effects of trauma in their life in addition to feelings of insecurity, perfectionism, self-hatred or shame.
Andrea enjoys all things outdoors and especially loves amateur photography and travel with her husband and two
children. Andrea has a strong history of international volunteer work in East Asia, Costa Rica and Africa.
Lisa Oliveto, EdS, LMFT-Intern
Lisa enjoys working with families, couples and individuals and uses an eclectic blend of theories to help people with anxiety, depression, relationship problems, adolescent behavioral problems and communication and family difficulties. Further, Lisa has been intensively trained in DBT and has significant experience working with at risk adolescents in outpatient settings, as well as juvenile detention system and residential treatment.
Spending much of her life living in the Reno/Tahoe area, Lisa received both her Masters and Educational Specialist Degrees from the University of Nevada, Reno. Her Professional paper and research addressed the issues of at risk adolescent females with a program to help with restorative justice for a community.
In addition to her work with Great Basin, Lisa enjoys golf, boating and water sports with her husband. Her loves of her life include her two grandchildren and two dogs!
Our Part Time Clinical Team
Catherine Delpizzo, MSW, LCSW
Catherine is a graduate of the University of Milan, Italy, as well as Latrobe University, located in Melbourne, Australia. Catherine is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and has an additional Family Therapy Accreditation through The Relationship Center. Catherine is a very experienced clinician and is approved by the Nevada State Board of Social Work Examiners as an intern supervisor. Catherine has a history working as clinical director of several local and state run behavioral health organizations and enjoys her work with children, adolescents and adults. Furthermore, Catherine is trilingual and is fluent in both Spanish and Italian in addition to English. Outside of her work with Great Basin, Catherine enjoys spending her time outside hiking the Sierra Nevada Mountains and enjoying her partial retirement with her husband.
Erin Levenberg, MS, LMFT
Erin has a BS in psychology from the City University of New York, Baruch College and completed her graduate and clinical training at the esteemed University of Maryland, College Park. Additionally, Erin was trained by Dr. Eliana Gil to provide play therapy techniques to her clients.
Prior to starting her graduate training, Erin held a variety of roles in the mental health and educational fields. Further, Erin has served in AmeriCorps as an adult literacy instructor and facilitated therapeutic groups and activities for adolescents at a local outpatient behavioral health facility.
Erin grew up in the Reno/Tahoe area and is grateful to have the opportunity to raise her children in Nevada's beautiful open spaces. She loves to recharge by hiking, practicing yoga, cooking, and spending time with her family.
Ariana Kyte, MA, LMFT Intern, NCC
Ariana graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with the BA in Psychology and an MA in Marriage and Family Therapy. Ariana works from a family systems perspective and enjoys using an integrative approach in therapy. Further, Ariana is a nationally board certified counselor through the NBCC.
Ariana's work history involves several years with local agencies, as well as volunteer work with non-profits. Further, Ariana has completed Phase 1 training with the Gottman Institute, as well as training in the use of Motivational Interviewing, which is particularly helpful in working with adolescents, as well as those with a substance use background.
Ariana and her husband moved to the area from Northern California and enjoys raising her 12 urban chickens, her faithful puppy, and her daughter. Further, Ariana has spent the last 20 years caring for, raising and competing horses and is happy doing anything that gets her time in the sun, out in the woods, or playing in the water.
Tina Faker, Grad Student Intern
Tina was born in Germany as a military brat and grew up all over due to her father being in the US Army. After high school Tina completed Dental Assisting School and received her license as a Registered Dental Assistant. She later decided to further her education and change careers, completing her Bachelors Degree at the University Nevada, Reno.
Currently, Tina is working on her Masters in Professional Counseling at Liberty University and hopes to pursue a career as a therapist at Great Basin upon completion, which is a good fit for Tina, as she believes in a holistic approach to counseling and believes that a healthy diet and regular exercise can make a huge impact on one’s own mental health.
Tina is currently married to Mike, who is a teacher at Spanish Springs High School. Together they have three children, her son who is 13 years old, a step-daughter who is 12 years old, and a daughter who is 22 months old. They are a soccer family; everyone plays (sans Tina). Tina stays healthy by going to the gym, going for walks, playing with her children and spouse, engaging with her church, and staying close to her extended family.
Diane Schroder, Grad Student Intern
Bio Coming Soon! We promise...
Our Admin Team
Carrie von Ravensberg, CPA - Finance/Office Manager
Carrie has lived in the Reno area since 1999 after relocating to Northern Nevada to study accounting at the University of Nevada, Reno. Upon graduation, Carrie worked in public accounting and has spent a majority of her career working in health care finance at several major local hospitals as a CPA.
In 2017, Carrie left her career in the corporate accounting world to join the team at Great Basin and take the lead on managing day to day office and finance management of the company.
In her free time, Carrie enjoys spending time outdoors camping, hiking and backpacking, as well as amateur aerial silks and, above most anything else, getting lost in a good book. Despite growing up in Montana, Carrie is very committed to our local community and finds it difficult to imagine leaving the beautiful Sierra Nevada region.
Mary Hernandez
Born and raised in Reno, Nevada (Home means Nevada!), Mary graduated with advanced standing from Galena High School and is only a short stint away from finishing her BA at the University of Nevada, Reno. Upon completion of her BA, Mary intends to enroll in grad school to become Great Basin's next therapist, planning to specialize in work with children and teens.
Beginning at the young age of 12, Mary has spent her life devoted to helping others, especially children and adolescents. In fact, Mary has volunteered thousands of hours at a local preschool, implementing a program teaching native Spanish speaking students struggling with behavior problems English.
Work is great, but fun is just as important. To unwind, Mary enjoys spending time with her husband and family, curling up at home for a good read, going for a short run while jamming to Coldplay, hiking in the Sierra Nevada mountains around Tahoe during a crisp fall or winter morning, and amateur photography.
Jen Baumgartel
Jen grew up in Northern California and relocated to the area in 2005 after finishing school and in order to follow her passion in working with animals as a licensed vet tech. As life would have it, Jen's passion changed and she decided she wanted to shift her focus toward working in healthcare with the intention on returning to school to become a therapist.
While Jen finishes her education at the University of Nevada, Reno, she assists at Great Basin and works diligintly every day as the lead scheduler.
For fun, Jen spends time with her fur babies Mohawk and Link, as well as her longterm boyfriend and son. Spending time outdoors is very important to Jen and she regularly spends time hiking, as well as weight training, yoga, cooking, and having fun as often as possible..