Gina

Administrative Assistant & Scheduling Coordinator
We are so excited to have Gina as the first point of contact for our practice! Whether you’re reaching out for the first time or need help finding a spot on the calendar, Gina is the person who makes the logistics happen with a lot of heart and care.
Gina is a big believer in mental health support, and her “day job” as a full-time Special Education teacher for 3rd through 5th graders gives her a unique perspective on the importance of meeting people exactly where they are. She brings that same patience and empathy to our team, helping make sure your journey into care is as smooth and welcoming as possible.
Life Outside the Office
When she isn’t supporting her students or our clients, Gina loves spending quality time with her husband—usually watching sports and cheering on their favorite teams. She’s also a proud aunt who cherishes every moment spent with her nieces.
Ready to get started?
Gina is here to help you navigate the scheduling process. You can reach out to her directly by email admin@revolutioncounseling.org 

Melissa Hummel, LMHC

My Style:
I am a person- centered therapist, which means I believe the person is an
expert on their lives and
a strong therapeutic relationship will bring change. I am a companion style
therapist; I will meet my
clients where they are and
join them on their healing journey.  I am also holistic, considering mind, body, and
soul when dealing with presenting issues. Depending on what the client needs, I draw from different modalities such as Narrative Therapy, Play Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
My Specialties/ Area of Focus:
My passion is working with children and adolescents
using Play Therapy skills; however, I have also
had success working with adults. I have experience working with trauma, grief,
anxiety, depression, ADHD, perfectionism, self-esteem issues, body dysmorphia,
behavioral issues, and life
changes.
What I want you to know about therapy:
Change is possible; it begins with an awareness that there needs to be a change and
then an acceptance of this need. Therapy can be uncomfortable; being vulnerable with your emotions, thoughts, behaviors is uncomfortable. Even though therapy can be uncomfortable, it will be empowering and healing.
Professional Background:
My professional career as a mental health counselor began in 2018 after being a stay-at-home mom for eleven years. I have worked as a school-based therapist for the majority of my career,  beginning at Jefferson Elementary School in Muscatine, Iowa. I am
currently providing services at Riverdale Heights Elementary
in Bettendorf, Iowa. While most of my experience is with children and adolescents, I have also provided individual
therapy to adult clients in a private practice.

Samantha Ricotta, LISW, LCSW

My Style
I bring a calm, compassionate, and nonjudgmental presence to therapy. My style is rooted in curiosity, collaboration, and respect for each person’s lived experience. I meet clients where they are and work alongside them to explore thoughts, emotions, and patterns with honesty and care. I try to bring a mix of validation, encouragement, and real-life tools you can actually use. We might also explore things like mindfulness, tuning into your body, and building on the strengths you already have. I was drawn to this work because I’ve seen how powerful it can be when someone feels truly heard.
 
My Specialties / Area of Focus
I specialize in supporting neurodivergent adults, including those with ADHD and autism, as well as individuals navigating anxiety, grief, life transitions, and addiction. I offer a space where clients can be their full selves while we build skills, confidence, and insight. I’m especially passionate about supporting people who’ve been made to feel misunderstood or “too much,” and helping them reconnect with the strengths and uniqueness that make them who they are. We’ll work together to explore what’s been weighing on you and figure out what actually helps, on your terms.
 
What I Want You To Know About Therapy
Therapy isn’t about fixing you – because you’re not broken. It’s about finding understanding, healing, and agency in your life. It’s okay if you don’t know where to start. My goal is to help you feel seen and supported as you move at your own pace. Whether you’re working through something painful, seeking clarity, or simply wanting to feel more like yourself again, therapy can be a powerful space to grow. It’s not always easy, but you don’t have to do it alone.
 
Professional Background
I’m a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in Iowa, working under supervision toward my LISW. I earned my Master of Social Work degree from St. Ambrose University, where I focused on clinical practice with individuals and couples. I have experience in community-based and private practice settings, and I’m continually expanding my knowledge through training in neurodivergent-affirming care and integrative mental health. I’m especially interested in integrative approaches that support both emotional and nervous system health, and I plan to incorporate movement and somatic practices into future work.
 

Aaron Thomas, LISW, LCSW

My Style

As a therapist, I offer a supportive, down-to-earth space where you can show up as your full self. I use a person-centered approach, which means therapy is guided by your values, needs, and goals. I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help you understand your thoughts, manage emotions, and build healthier patterns. I believe that therapy works best when it’s a collaboration — you’re the expert on your life, and I’m here to walk alongside you.
 

My Specialties / Area of Focus

I specialize in working with teens and young adults navigating trauma, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, anger, ADHD, and communication challenges. I also have experience supporting LGBTQI+ individuals, those in polyamorous or alternative relationship structures, and people from a variety of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. Creating an affirming and inclusive environment is central to my practice.
 

What I Want You To Know About Therapy

Therapy isn’t about having everything figured out — it’s about showing up, being honest with yourself, and taking steps (big or small) toward a more grounded and fulfilling life. Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply want something to change, therapy can help you gain clarity and confidence. We’ll move at your pace, focusing on what feels most meaningful to you. You don’t have to have it all together to start.
 

Professional Background

Before becoming a therapist, I spent years working across a variety of fields and industries, often feeling unfulfilled and disconnected from the work I was doing. That experience ultimately pushed me to pursue a career in mental health — a path that brought purpose, connection, and a deep sense of meaning. Since making that transition, I’ve supported individuals in a range of mental health settings and developed a strong focus on working with teens and young adults. My journey has shaped the empathetic, inclusive, and practical approach I bring to therapy today.

Kari Stearns-Lamb, LISW, LCSW

This is the section where I am supposed to tell you all about myself; all my accomplishments, style of therapy and methods.  If I am going to be honest I loath these sections on websites.  People will go on and on about themselves, and lets be perfectly honest, nobody is reading it. 

Here is the short version…. I graduated from St. Ambrose with my Masters in Social Work.  I have worked in the state correctional center, community mental health, and group practice.  I finally decided to do this gig on my own.  It was scary, but a good scary.  You know the one that is in the pit of your stomach and almost makes you sick with fear but you have to make the jump because you are so excited?  Yeah that kind of good scary.  I haven’t looked back and I love every minute.  Why? 

Well I get to be me.  I am not held back from anything.  I am not perfect, and I never want to be.  I don’t want to be taken seriously, we can’t take things serious.  This is our life we have to live it to our fullest.  Sure there are good times and bad times; it’s what we do in between all of that, that really matters.  I truly believe that good people make bad choices.  And I’m certain that we are not defined by that one wrong decision.

Callie Jackson, LISW

My Style

At the heart of our work together will be the therapeutic relationship we build. I believe that real change starts with connection, and I strive to create a space that’s safe, supportive, and empowering. I use a variety of approaches—strengths-based, trauma-informed care, cognitive behavioral techniques, and more—to tailor our sessions to your unique needs. I’ll always encourage you to bring your full, authentic self into our work—and I promise to do the same. I value compassion and empathy, but I’m also direct and honest. My style is bubbly, down-to-earth, and I bring humor into therapy when it feels right. Laughter can be healing, too.

What to Expect from Therapy

Starting therapy can feel intimidating—especially if it’s your first time. I get that. My goal is to help you feel safe enough to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences without fear of judgment. Therapy isn’t always easy—some sessions might feel heavy—but it can also be incredibly empowering and deeply rewarding. Finding the right therapist is a big part of that journey, and it’s okay to take your time to find the right fit.

Specialties

Anxiety, depression, self-harm, addiction, crisis intervention, grief and loss. I offer telehealth appointments only. 

My Background

I earned my master’s degree in 2022 and immediately dove into crisis work. During grad school, I worked in the community supporting individuals in acute crisis. I went on to serve as a care coordinator in an emergency room, followed by roles as a therapist in an inpatient stabilization hospital and as a group leader in an adolescent partial hospitalization program. Currently, I’m based in Florida and work full time as a behavioral health consultant.

Mariah Shaver, BSW

My Style

I work with individuals from a non-judgmental, strengths-based perspective. My goal is to provide a warm and welcoming space for you to share your story, and challenges while rediscovering your strengths. I will honor where you are and partner with you in exploring solutions or services that may be beneficial to your long-term health and wellness. I won’t do the work for you, but I will walk alongside you. Together we can work on addressing the barriers you have run into. I am here to encourage you and also challenge you to be an active participant in your growth and healing journey.

My Specialties/Areas of Focus

I am focused on providing trauma-informed care and further developing my skills in individual and group therapy with a focus on cognitive behavioral approaches. I enjoy working with diverse populations including children, families, older adults, survivors of domestic violence, individuals experiencing homelessness and those involved in the criminal justice system.

What I Want You to Know About Therapy

Therapy can feel intimidating to start and challenging to stay committed to because it requires transparency. Therapy is a process, it’s not a “one and done” session. Often, what we feel is the “main issue” is much more complex and layered than we realize. One of my favorite quotes is from Socrates, “The secret of change is to focus all of our energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new”. Exploring past and current experiences is important in understanding how we view and respond to ourselves and others. It also helps us move toward “building the new”. The therapeutic process incorporates self-reflection and reframing old narratives. Seeking out therapy is a courageous decision, and it is my hope for you that you find the process to be encouraging and healing.

Professional Background

I earned my Associate of Arts in Social and Behavioral Sciences in 2010. I spent the next 12 years working with several diverse populations. I’ve worked in special education with children who struggle with behavioral disorders. I was a correctional officer for incarcerated teens. I’ve worked with survivors of domestic and sexual abuse. I’ve volunteered working with the unhoused population. I also spent time as an administrative assistant, serving within family ministries at my church and coordinating events for women’s, men’s, children’s and married couples. In the summer of 2023, I made the decision to return to school and further my education. In May of 2025, I received my Bachelor of Social Work with a Minor in Psychology from St. Ambrose University while interning as a Caseworker for the YWCA Empowerment Center. I am currently working on obtaining my Master of Social Work while interning here at Revolution Counseling.