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, and making a big difference is goal one. 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.
- Great Basin donates to the Crisis Call Center as a means to provide 24/7 crisis support for our local community.
- Great Basin's Anjie Silveira provides her time annually and at a significantly reduced cost teaching sexual health, interpersonal boundaries, and bullying prevention at Mountainview Montessori in Reno, Nevada.
About Our Founders
Rudy von Ravensberg, PsyD, LMFT
The founder and co-owner of Great Basin Behavioral Health, Dr. Rudy von Ravensberg is a Native Nevadan and a two time graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno.
Rudy completed his PsyD at California Southern University, with a focus on the modification of lifestyle as an adjunct to CBT and uses his knowledge as a basis for interventions for agency programs, as well as his clientele.
Further, Rudy has Trained with Aaron and Judith Beck, Robert Hindeman, and Amy Wenzel while completing Core 1 and 2 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.
Rudy is a Nevada Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, was previously a Board Certified Counselor through the NBCC (self resigned), 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.
Rudy lives in Reno with his spouse and two kids, enjoys trail running, CrossFit, camping, reading, travel, and a good book.
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. Further, Chris has completed Core 2 Intensive Training in Anxiety disorders with Amy Wenzel, PhD, from The Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Chris and his wife enjoy domestic and international travel, as well as everything outdoors for fun, especially camping in the woods while listening to a good audiobook or playing his banjo well into the evening.
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. Further, Anjie is an AAMFT approved supervisor in training and is the primary supervisor for our clinical interns at Great Basin.
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 focusing on CBT, including a multi-day intensive through The Beck Institute with a focus on anxiety. Furthermore, Anjie has training in risk assessment and working with trauma, as well as in Prolonged Exposure Therapy for PTSD and DBT through several years of supervision with Alan Fruzetti, PhD.
In addition to the above, Anjie is also a Certified Positive Discipline Parenting Educator and has led parenting groups based on this philosophy. Anjie now continues in her quest to earn her doctorate and is near completion of her PsyD through California Southern University.
Anjie enjoys spending her time outside, is an accomplished plant lover, 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 dual 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, such as CBT (intensively trained), 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.
Sharlene Hill, MA, LMFT
A graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno, Sharlene works with both children and adults and has received comprehensive training by both Drs. Burns and Wenzel 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.
Haley Hoffman, MSW, LCSW
After completion of her MSW from the University of Kansas, Haley worked for several years with kids and adolescents in residential and outpatient settings, and focusing on integrated mental health care, involving the use of PSR workers, coordination of care between providers, and involving herself with CPS, Social Services, and other entities to create wrap around care for her clientele. Additionally, Haley used to be a level 9 gymnast and later a girls gymnastics coach, which has given her a firsthand perspective of the challenges involved with competitive sports as a teen.
Haley works often with abuse, neglect, trauma and more severe anxiety with youth and adults. Further, Haley was intensively trained in CBT by the Beck Institute, as well as in Trauma Focused CBT (TF-CBT), has been trained in DBT, and applies a strength based emphasis in her work.
Looking for a change and as a way to have better access to the outdoors, Haley moved to the Reno/Tahoe area with her long term partner and her Golden Retriever Tioga. For recreation, Haley enjoys all things outdoors, including paddle boarding, long boarding, surfing, hiking, camping, snowboarding, yoga, aerial silks, and painting.
Andrea Johnson, MA, LCPC, NCC
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 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 appreciates finding common elements between DBT and CBT in her work with both mood and anxiety disorders. Andrea has been intensively trained in CBT for anxiety disorders by The Beck Institute.
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.
Cashmier Broten, MA, LCPC
Cashmier is originally from the Chicago area and completed her graduate training at Western Michigan University, including both her MA and a Graduate Certificate in Alcohol and Drug Abuse. Further, Cashmier has graduate level training in secondary education.
Cashmier enjoys working with teens and adults from a variety of backgrounds.
Cashmier has additional training in the use of Trauma Focused CBT, as well as family systems and substance abuse.
Further, Cashmier has a history of working with sexual abuse survivors and adults with sexual behavior problems. As a specialty area, Cashmier works toward increasing her involvement with survivors of sexual trauma and anxiety disorders.
For enjoyment, Cashmier loves spending time traveling and being outside and is an avid hiker and paddle boarder. Further, Cashmier enjoys fishing and camping with her family and friends and enjoys cooking healthy meals from scratch.
Rachel Martinez, MSW, LCSW
Born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, Rachel attended the University of Nevada, Reno where she received her bachelors and masters degree in Social Work. During her own teen years, Rachel recognized the importance of mental health and made it her goal to give back to others. Following graduation from UNR, Rachel continued her career focusing on direct work with children, adolescents, and their families in residential placement.
Rachel primarily utilizes Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and is always open to new learning opportunities to best support her clientele. Prior to her graduate training, Rachel advocated and worked with teens at risk of dropping out in Washoe County School District which allowed her to have a closer look and understanding of the difficulties several teens and families endure.
Self care, physical, mental, and emotional health are huge priorities for Rachel and she continues to practice these daily. In her free time, Rachel enjoys weightlifting, yoga, crafting, baking, walking and playing with her dog, spending time outdoors, traveling, and of course Netflix.
Haley Joy McSweeney, MA, LMFT
Haley Joy is originally from Southern California, but most recently spent time living and working on the Redwood coast of Humboldt County. Haley Joy earned her BA in Psychology and her MA in Counseling Psychology at Humboldt State University.
Haley Joy is a Licensed Marriage& Family Therapist in both Nevada and California, and has been working in public mental and behavioral health since 2012. She initially worked as a behavioral therapist with individuals who have autism and children who have severe/high behavioral and emotional needs. As a counselor, Haley Joy has worked with a diverse population of clients, including at-risk youth and families, individuals who have experienced trauma, LGBTQ, college students, and blended families and co-parents.
Haley Joy’s therapeutic approach is integrative, intersectional, and primarily CBT/Behavioral. Though Haley Joy has a strong work history with kids and teens, she also works with adults of all ages. She sees great value in educating clients and providing them with tools to improve and maintain their mental, social, and behavioral health. Haley Joy is passionate about supporting her clients in achieving sustainable lifestyle changes, especially related to anxiety, depression and mood disorders, self-care, and family dynamics.
A climber of 9 years, Haley Joy came to Reno/Tahoe chasing sunshine and all the hiking, backpacking, climbing, and fishing the area has to offer. When enjoying the great indoors, Haley Joy enjoys making hand-crafted soap, crocheting, baking, and all things creative.
Diane Schroder, MA, LCPC-Intern, LCADC-Intern, LSC
Diane completed her clinical internship with Great Basin Behavioral while enrolled as a Masters in Counseling student at UNR with a dual emphasis in School Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Diane is currently completing her post graduate internship with our agency and will be working with teens and adults under the direct supervision of our Clinical Manager, Anjie Silveira and other clinical leadership at Great Basin. Further, Diane is a fully licensed Nevada School Counselor and a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor Intern.
Prior to starting her graduate training, Diane held a variety of roles in Human Resources and Organizational Development. She finds it rewarding to work with both children and adults who are experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, and grief & loss. With her extensive Human Resources experience, she also enjoys working with clients in need of career counseling.
As a long-term resident of the Reno/Tahoe area, Diane loves camping, hiking, and spending time with her extended family. Diane loves to travel with her husband, enjoys walks with her dog Toby, and exploring her creativity.
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 both CBT and 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!
Shanley Melody, MA, LMFT Intern
Shanley was born and raised in Reno, Nevada to parents who were both coaches and teachers in Washoe County. This created a love for health and wellness and an eagerness to play several different sports to stay active, eventually leading her toward becoming a gymnastics coach for 6 years while privately coaching autistic children. This experience sparked interest in the world of psychology for Shanley and shaped her career decisions to come.
Shanley earned her undergraduate degree in psychology and minored in theater at the University of Nevada, Reno. Shortly thereafter, Shanley returned to school and completed her graduate degree in clinical psychology while living in the bay area. While working toward her Master's degree, Shanley nannied 3 girls who had intellectual and emotional disabilities, further exposing her to her career interests and solidifying her determination to work with children in addition to adults.
Prior to graduation, Shanley was exposed to several treatment settings, including the Marin Treatment Center (a methadone clinic), and at the Downing Clinic at UNR. After receiving her Master's degree, Shanley worked at West Hills Hospital for 6 years then continued her journey within crisis to Mobile Crisis Response Team and worked at Wooster High School through the Peace Grant as a Safe School Professional. Further, Shanley worked as a member of clinical management at a local mental health agency, which led to additional training and experience trauma, depression, anxiety, psychosis, and mood disorders. Particular areas of interest for Shanley include work grief, as well as client's who struggle with chronic or acute medical issues.
Shanley offers a spiritual approach in session upon request. She loves all things nature, animals, nutrition, working out and connecting with the mind, body and soul.
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 diligently 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..
Desiree Schumann
Desi was born and raised in the deep south, but definitely calls Nevada her longtime home and couldn't imagine life without the mountains. Presently, Desi assists with scheduling and helps resolve billing related concerns for Great Basin's clients... a job that can often be quite frustrating in today's healthcare environment!
Desi hasn't always worked behind the scenes and spent 5 years working directly with challenging youth as a PSR worker. Currently, Desi continues her education and one day plans to complete her education and work as a therapist/LCSW and returning to her passion and work with children and families, especially those who may have run into trouble with the criminal justice system.
Desi strives to never take life too seriously and prefers to spend her free time camping, hiking, fishing and snowboarding in the Sierra's. When preferring more quiet activities and to decompress, Desi turns to spending time with her kids, life partner, and her German Shepard, cooking, paining, drawing, or taking it slow while practicing yoga.
