About Us
Kati Wells Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Staff
Kati Wells
I began my career with a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy and Community Counseling from John Brown University (2015). I became a Licensed Professional Counselor by the Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling that same year. I am certified in Critical Incident Stress Debriefing, Psychological Effects of Divorce, and Technology Assisted Counseling. I also have extensive post-graduate studies in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as well as over 3,000 treatment hours in structured CBT. In 2019, I became a Certified Cognitive and Behavioral Therapist from the Academy of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies of Philadelphia, PN.
Over the past 10 years in the mental health field, I have developed a strong personal value in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Anyone can benefit from mental health services, and CBT is the gold standard of treatment in the world, generating outcomes desired in psychotherapy. This evidence based approach is key in treating areas like anxiety, depression, self-esteem or relationship issues. CBT allows us to problem solve, even when our thoughts and emotions are distressing.
Why Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
CBT has the capacity to change your life in ways that I want to be your reality, but it is labor-intensive. I want to collaborate with you in your treatment and provide structure, while also remaining flexible. I have learned in my career, especially in my five years of private practice, that both structure and flexibility are necessary for long term success in the therapeutic process. I expect dedicated participation from you, but I also expect you to challenge me as well so that you will receive the best possible service.
My goal is for patients to learn and implement skills that would allow themselves to eventually act as their own therapist so that therapy is no longer needed once these skills are attained. Together, we can achieve this goal and the goals you set for yourself. It is normal to feel nervous, but I am ready and able to work with you. Whatever it is you are facing, we will get through it with no judgment.
Stephanie Steele-Wren
Dr. Steele-Wren is a graduate of Springfield College in Springfield, Massachusetts, with a Counseling Psychology doctorate. She is a Licensed Psychologist in the state of Arkansas. In addition to her extensive education, Dr. Steele-Wren has 10 years of clinical experience in various settings. Dr. Steele-Wren believes the patient is the expert in their own experience and collaborates with them to bring empirically-based testing and intervention to produce clarity and change in her patient’s lives. Dr. Steele-Wren boasted a national certification in anger management and completed her dissertation on women’s mental health during chronic illness. Dr. Steele-Wren provides psychological testing for ADHD, diagnostic clarity, court evaluation, and academic IQ testing, to name a few. She is an LGBTQ+ affirming provider, as well as an advocate for individuals that identify as LGBTQ+. Dr. Steele-Wren is most effective in understanding challenges facing this population primarily due to her personal experience as a community member. Other specialty areas of Dr. Steele-Wren include anxiety, depression, chronic illness, grief, stress, and women’s issues. In her free time, Dr. Steele-Wren enjoys weight lifting, the great outdoors of the Natural State, cooking, painting, and photography. She is also passionate about travel, spending time with her two dogs, friends, and family.
Stephanie Steele-Wren
Dr. Steele-Wren is a graduate of Springfield College in Springfield, Massachusetts, with a Counseling Psychology doctorate. She is a Licensed Psychologist in the state of Arkansas. In addition to her extensive education, Dr. Steele-Wren has 10 years of clinical experience in various settings. Dr. Steele-Wren believes the patient is the expert in their own experience and collaborates with them to bring empirically-based testing and intervention to produce clarity and change in her patient’s lives. Dr. Steele-Wren boasted a national certification in anger management and completed her dissertation on women’s mental health during chronic illness. Dr. Steele-Wren provides psychological testing for ADHD, diagnostic clarity, court evaluation, and academic IQ testing, to name a few. She is an LGBTQ+ affirming provider, as well as an advocate for individuals that identify as LGBTQ+. Dr. Steele-Wren is most effective in understanding challenges facing this population primarily due to her personal experience as a community member. Other specialty areas of Dr. Steele-Wren include anxiety, depression, chronic illness, grief, stress, and women’s issues. In her free time, Dr. Steele-Wren enjoys weight lifting, the great outdoors of the Natural State, cooking, painting, and photography. She is also passionate about travel, spending time with her two dogs, friends, and family.
Sarah Godlewski
Sarah is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), with a Master’s Degree in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling. Sarah also completed a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education and taught for five years before joining the mental health field. She has worked with clients of all ages, from preschool through adulthood. She enjoys working with individuals, families, and couples. Sarah has experience using TF-CBT (Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and is currently attending training from the Gottman Institute, which focuses on marriage counseling interventions and techniques. Other areas she has worked with are anxiety, depression, family blending, LGBTQ+, grief, stress, trauma, and marital concerns. Sarah strives as a therapist to guide and support her clients in a safe and non-judgemental environment. She focuses on the whole picture of mental health, and takes time to separate and process the many Google tabs we tend to keep open at once. By implementing various interventions and techniques, the client is able to gain insight into their strengths, as well as discover new coping skills. Sarah enjoys helping the client gain insight into themselves, and their family system. She is passionate about mental health, and is happy to offer support wherever she can.
Nicole McElhaney,
Community Liaison
Nicole is the Community Liaison here at Kati Wells Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She graduated from Arkansas Tech University with her bachelor’s in History and Political Science and has been teaching high schoolers for seven years. Nicole has spent the last four years at Berryville High School, and thanks to some flexibility in her school schedule, she has been able to assist with the launch of Kati Wells CBT. Nicole’s primary role assists with patient coordination, social media, and day to day operations and tasks. Nicole is a world traveler, an avid church member, and an incredible alto singer. She has an infectious laugh and truly changes the lives of her students and others that she comes to know.
Nicole McElhaney,
Community Liaison
Nicole is the Community Liaison here at Kati Wells Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She graduated from Arkansas Tech University with her bachelor’s in History and Political Science and has been teaching high schoolers for seven years. Nicole has spent the last four years at Berryville High School, and thanks to some flexibility in her school schedule, she has been able to assist with the launch of Kati Wells CBT. Nicole’s primary role assists with patient coordination, social media, and day to day operations and tasks. Nicole is a world traveler, an avid church member, and an incredible alto singer. She has an infectious laugh and truly changes the lives of her students and others that she comes to know.
Jill Farley,
Administrative Specialist
Jill is the Administrative Specialist here at Kati Wells CBT. She recently moved to Bentonville from the Central Arkansas area. She is a graduate from the University of Central Arkansas, where she earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology. She is currently pursuing a Masters of Science Degree in Counseling at John Brown University. As the Administrative Specialist, she works with patient coordination, scheduling, and other administrative duties. She has a passion for the outdoors and enjoys hiking in her free time.
Holly Skinner,
MS-Insurance & Billing Management
Holly Skinner is our clinic insurance and billing specialist. Holly is a resident of Fort Smith, Arkansas and lives with her husband and four rescue dogs. Holly graduated from the University of Arkansas and went on to complete a Masters of Healthcare Administration degree at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in 2014. She has worked in both the hospital and clinic settings, with roles varying from patient education to clinic management and quality improvement. Holly began Skinner Solutions in 2019 to support private practice providers and help them succeed. She reads nonstop, loves yoga and champagne, and is happiest when she’s traveling. For questions related to insurance, billing, or your account, you may reach out to Holly directly at holly@kwcbt.com.
Holly Skinner,
MS-Insurance & Billing Management
Holly Skinner is our clinic insurance and billing specialist. Holly is a resident of Fort Smith, Arkansas and lives with her husband and four rescue dogs. Holly graduated from the University of Arkansas and went on to complete a Masters of Healthcare Administration degree at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in 2014. She has worked in both the hospital and clinic settings, with roles varying from patient education to clinic management and quality improvement. Holly began Skinner Solutions in 2019 to support private practice providers and help them succeed. She reads nonstop, loves yoga and champagne, and is happiest when she’s traveling. For questions related to insurance, billing, or your account, you may reach out to Holly directly at holly@kwcbt.com.
Brittnie Simon,
Creative Strategist
Brittnie is the founder and creative strategist at Collab Design Co. She graduated from the University of Arkansas with degrees in Advertising/Public Relations and Visual Design. She has worked for various agencies—small and large—before launching her own design agency.
She manages and coordinates all of Kati Wells CBT marketing efforts from concept to completion. She is the wizard behind the curtain when it comes to our content and marketing efforts.
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In the News
Once I was able to understand that what I was thinking had so much impact on how I felt and what I did, life became easier to deal with. I am happy I found tools that have equipped me in my fight against anxiety.
R.D.
Kati has a wonderful way of explaining CBT so that you are able to understand its impact. She has made several illustrations of her CBT treatment that have even help me with my way of thinking. She has been able to explain the mental health benefits and even helped me with how I approach me fear of elevators. I would highly recommend anyone with questions or that needs extra help to reach out to Kati!
Elizabeth Ledbetter
I have know Kati for 13 years in a professional, academic, and personal capacity. She is an excellent therapist and has always been dedicated to learning the best treatment approaches. I have referred my closest friends to her.
Leah Carvajal, LPC
I moved here from another part of the country where I had CBT. I found out pretty soon that not all CBT is alike and was struggling to find someone that knew how to help me in the way that I had been previously helped. I found Kati and asked a lot of questions. Her knowledge is impressive and I was able to continue with the type of therapy I wanted.
E.V.
Kati has been recognized by these professional organizations:
