With Gratitude and Confidence in the Future

Rachel Vespa on January 13, 2026

Written by Reo Menning, Outgoing Board President

As my two-year term as President of the Board of Mind & Spirit Counseling Center comes to a close, I find myself reflecting with deep gratitude—gratitude for the people, the purpose, and the shared commitment that make this Center such a vital part of our community.


Serving in this role has been both an honor and a humbling experience. Mind & Spirit exists to offer healing and hope, and that mission is not abstract—it lives in the daily work of counselors, psychiatrists, staff, volunteers, and supporters who show up with care, professionalism, and compassion. My time as Board President coincided with a season of transition, and it is during moments like these that the true strength of an organization becomes visible.


Over the past year, the Board undertook an intentional and thoughtful search for our next Executive Director. It was not a rushed process, nor was it an easy one. The Board remained united, grounded in trust, and committed to doing what was right for the long- term health of the Center. Every trustee brought their time, talents, and perspective to the table, always guided by our mission and the culture that defines Mind & Spirit. I am deeply proud of how the Board worked together—with openness, patience, and a shared sense of responsibility—to ensure strong leadership continuity.


That continuity would not have been possible without the steady leadership of Shannon Welch Groves, who stepped in as Interim Executive Director when the first round of the search did not yield the right candidate. Shannon provided far more than stability. She ensured the Center stayed on track, continued to evolve, and remained aligned with our strategic objectives during a critical period. Her leadership allowed the Board to stay focused on finding the right long-term leader rather than the quickest solution, and we are all better for it.


I am also incredibly grateful to the staff of Mind & Spirit Counseling Center. Their talent, professionalism, and commitment never wavered during this transition. They trusted the Board to do its work well, and they continued to serve clients and families with the same care and excellence that defines this organization. That trust is something I do not take lightly, and it speaks volumes about the culture that has been built here over many years.


With great confidence and excitement, we now look to the future under the leadership of our new Executive Director, Amy Doyle. She brings strategic vision, deep compassion, and a proven ability to strengthen teams, build sustainable fundraising models, and expand access to life-changing services. She is uniquely equipped to advance Mind & Spirit’s mission of healing and hope. I am confident that Amy’s leadership will help the Center continue to thrive and expand its impact across our community.

As I step out of the role of Board President, I want to say thank you—to my fellow Board members for their partnership and trust, to the staff for their unwavering dedication, and to our donors and supporters for believing in this work and in my leadership. Your support makes everything we do possible.


Mind & Spirit Counseling Center has a strong future. The Board has been instrumental in strengthening the organization’s foundation so that it can expand its ability to serve children, families, and individuals for years to come. I leave this role with confidence, gratitude, and a deep appreciation for being part of such a meaningful and mission-driven community.


Thank you for allowing me to serve.

Understanding Psychological Testing: What to Expect

Rachel Vespa on January 13, 2026

Written by Haley Williamson, MD, Predoctoral Psychology Intern & Provisionally-Licensed Psychologist

Haley Williamson, predoctoral psychology intern at Mind & Spirit Counseling Center

One of the biggest sources of anxiety I hear from clients isn’t the testing itself; it’s not knowing what to expect. Psychological testing can feel mysterious if you’ve never experienced it before. In hopes of easing this anxiety, let’s explore what psychological testing is, why someone might seek it, and what to expect.


What is Psychological Testing? Unlike a typical therapy session, where we sit and talk, psychological testing is a more structured process designed to gather specific information about how someone thinks, learns, feels, and interacts with the world. We use a combination of standardized tests, questionnaires, interviews, and observations to gather this information.

Why Somone Might Seek Psychological Testing

People come to psychological testing for many different reasons, and there’s no “typical” client.
Here are some common situations where one might seek testing:

  • For children and teens: Parents might notice their child struggling with reading despite
    excelling in other areas, having difficulty focusing in school, experiencing intense anxiety, or
    showing behaviors that seem different from their peers. Testing can help clarify whether ADHD,
    a learning disability, autism, anxiety, or something else might be contributing to these challenges.
  • For adults: Maybe you’ve always felt like you had to work twice as hard as everyone else to stay
    organized. Perhaps you’re wondering if ADHD or anxiety has been affecting your work
    performance. Or you might be seeking clarity about mood patterns or memory concerns. Testing
    provides the objective information needed to understand these experiences and guide treatment.
  • For treatment planning: Sometimes individuals already in therapy find that testing helps their
    therapist better understand how to tailor treatment approaches to their specific needs.
    For accommodations: Students or employees might need documentation of a learning disability
    or ADHD to access appropriate accommodations at school or work.

What to Expect During the Testing Process


While every evaluation is unique, here’s a general overview of what the process typically
involves:

  • Initial consultation: We start with a conversation about what questions you’re hoping to answer
    and what concerns have brought you in. This helps determine which assessments will be most
    helpful.
  • Testing session(s): Depending on the scope of the evaluation, testing might take anywhere from
    two to six hours, sometimes spread across multiple appointments. During testing, you (or your
    child) will be guided through different activities such as answering questions, solving puzzles,
    remembering information, drawing, or completing questionnaires. These may be administered on
    a computer, on paper, verbally, or through hands-on tasks.
  • Feedback session: After the clinician has scored all the tests and written a comprehensive report,
    you will be scheduled for a feedback session. This is where we’ll walk you through the results,
    answer any questions you may have, and provide specific recommendations.
  • Written report: You’ll receive a detailed written report that summarizes the results, includes the
    diagnosis (if applicable), and outlines recommendations. This report is yours to keep and share
    with other providers, schools, or whoever else might need it.

What Comes Next

If you’ve been wondering whether psychological testing might help answer questions you’ve
been carrying, you don’t have to keep wondering. Testing can provide the clarity and direction
needed to move forward with confidence and the right support.

At Mind & Spirit Counseling Center, we approach psychological testing with compassion and
collaboration. We’re here to walk alongside you through the process, answer your questions, and
help you make sense of the results. If you’re curious about whether testing might be right for
your situation, reach out. Sometimes understanding begins with simply asking the question.

Questions or ready to schedule? Call (515) 274-4006 or request an appointment online. Our team at Mind & Spirit Counseling Center is here to help.

Mind & Spirit Counseling Center Announces Amy Doyle as New Executive Director

Rachel Vespa on October 27, 2025

Urbandale, IA – October 15, 2025 

The Board of Directors of Mind & Spirit Counseling Center is pleased to announce the appointment of Amy Doyle as Executive Director, effective November 1, 2025.

Doyle brings over 20 years of leadership experience across the nonprofit, corporate, and start-up sectors. She most recently served as Chief Development Officer at YSS, one of Iowa’s largest nonprofits, where she spearheaded a $20 million capital campaign to create Iowa’s first nature-based behavioral health campus. Her career also includes leadership roles at Tero International, YSS, Emory Industrial, and EMBARC, as well as experience as an attorney and executive coach.

“Amy’s strategic expertise and passion for mission-driven work make her an ideal leader for Mind & Spirit Counseling Center,” said board of directors president, Reo Menning . “Her track record in fundraising, operational excellence, and team building will help us grow our impact and serve even more individuals and families in need.”

Doyle holds a Juris Doctor from Drake University Law School and a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Iowa State University. She is also an experienced consultant and executive coach, known for aligning teams with organizational purpose and driving sustainable growth.

“I am honored to join Mind & Spirit Counseling Center,” said Doyle. “The Center’s mission of healing and hope is deeply important to me, and I look forward to working with staff, donors, and community partners to ensure its continued strength and impact.”

For more information, visit mindspiritcenter.org.

Media Contact:
Heather Stuyvesant, Director of Development
Mind & Spirit Counseling Center
(515) 574-5122 | [email protected]