Meet Our Counseling Clinic Therapists

EMILY FEESE, LMHP, LADC

EMILY FEESE, LIMHP, LADC

Emily Feese is a Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner (LIMHP) and a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC). 

"As a counselor, I believe that everyone deserves an opportunity to be heard, supported in navigating life’s challenges and encouraged to create positive change. I strive to create a strong and nurturing relationship between client and counselor to create a dynamic for connection, change and healing. I approach this through compassionate person-centered care, while meeting people where they are on life’s journey."

Emily holds a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Psychology and a Master’s of Science Degree in Education with an emphasis in Clinical Mental Health, both from the University of Nebraska, Kearney.

"During my time with the Friendship House Counseling Clinic, I have grown as a practitioner and utilized several different evidence based techniques to meet the needs and goals of my clients. I provide services for individuals, adolescents and children as well as services for those struggling with addictions." 


ADRIANA ARROYO-HERRERA, LIMHP, LADC

ADRIANA ARROYO-HERRERA,

 LIMHP, LADC

Adriana Arroyo-Herrera is a bilingual Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner (LIMHP) and a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC). She holds an Associate’s degree of Drug in Alcohol Counseling from Central Community College, a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Bellevue University and from Master of Science degree in Clinical Counseling from Doane College.


Previous to joining the Friendship House, Ms. Arroyo-Herrera gained experience working in outpatient mental health and substance abuse therapy in the Grand Island area. 


Ms. Arroyo-Herrera provides solution-focused, DBT, CBT and positive-based psychotherapy to teens, adults, and families. Her areas of expertise include substance abuse, crisis and suicide intervention, depression, self-harm behaviors and anxiety with a compassionate approach of meeting people where they are in their stage of life. She is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) for trauma, as well as has training in substance abuse evaluations.


I can do all of this though Him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13) 


CRISTIAN RODRIGUEZ, LIMHP

CRISTIAN RODRIGUEZ, LIMHP



Cristian Rodriguez is a bilingual Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner (LIMHP). She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Communication Disorders and a Master's Degree in Clinical Counseling from the University of Nebraska Kearney.

Prior to joining the Friendship House, Ms. Rodriguez gained experience working with families and youth in the schools. She also has experience working in various mental health outpatient settings in the Grand Island area.

Ms. Rodriguez provides Cognitive Behavioral, Solution-Focused, and Play Therapy using a strengths-based and client-centered approach. Areas of expertise include crisis and suicide intervention, anxiety, and depression. Her key areas of focus include working with culturally diverse children and families.

Kelly Ward, LIMHP, LPC

Kelly Ward is a Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner (LIMHP) and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). She holds an Associate of Science degree in Biology from CCC – Grand Island, a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Psychology from the University of Nebraska – Kearney and a Master of Arts in Education with an emphasis in Clinical Mental Health from Chadron State College.


Prior to joining the Friendship House, Kelly gained experience working in outpatient settings with adults with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI), substance abuse and taught a DBT class. She also worked with uninsured and underinsured children in the Grand Island Public School system for two years providing mental health services. Most recently, Kelly worked for a virtual therapy service offering intensive outpatient therapy to adults and teens coming out of inpatient settings for suicidal ideation and/or suicide attempts.


Kelly provides client-centered, strength-based TF-CBT, DBT, MI, art therapy techniques and play therapy techniques to children, teens and adults. She also provides parent-child and family counseling. Kelly is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) for trauma. Her areas of expertise include crisis and suicide intervention, depression, anxiety, trauma, bipolar disorders and substance abuse.