Meet Our Staff
Always Ready to Lend a Helping Hand
Leah Weber, Director
LMHC, LMHP, LBSW, NCC
Leah Weber has been working in the field of social services for over 30 years. Leah has been with the Avalon Center since it’s inception in 2000 as the executive director. Leah received her master’s degree in mental health counseling from the University of Northern Iowa. She is proficient in foster care, adoption and attachment issues. Leah is a certified Adoption Competent Trained Therapist. Leah provides evidence based treatments such as EMDR and TF-CBT.
Kelly Smith Arickx
Kelly is an Iowa Board Certified Master Social Worker (MSW). Kelly uses a systems approach to work with children and adults. She has a specialization in trauma response and uses a variety of therapeutic interventions to meet individual client needs.
Kelly received her Bachelor’s degree in secondary education from University of Northern Iowa (1992), a Master’s degree in Behavior Disorders from Morningside College (1999), a Master’s degree in social work with a trauma specialization from University of Northern Iowa (2021) and is currently working on a Ph.D. in psychology from Liberty University. Kelly has professional experience as a youth development specialist/counselor at Gerard of Iowa, an EMT and a teacher of students in grades 6 – college.
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LMSW
Cassandra Arenas
LISW
Cassandra Arenas, LISW, has been a social worker since 2019. She started her career in child welfare before transitioning to clinical social work in 2022. Cassandra gained experience providing inpatient mental health therapy for children and adolescents. Her main goal is to provide a safe and neutral environment for clients to express their feelings and gain skills to be able to become the best version of themselves. She sees anyone from age 2+. Cassandra uses a client strength-based approach with DBT and CBT skills. She is also a Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) therapist. Hablo espanol!
Deb Blankenship
LMHC
Deb Blankenship has worked in child welfare for over 30 years. She has completed her master's degree in mental health counseling from Capella University and received her bachelor’s in social work from the University of Northern Iowa. Works with individuals 12 an older.
Eva Gutierrez
LMSW
Eva earned her Masters in Social Work from the University of Norhtern Iowa in 2021. She began the start of her clinical work shortly after. During this this she obtained her CADC certification and received training in EMDR
Eva uses a client stength-based approach incorporating DBT, CBT, and ART
Eva works with individuals ages 12 and over. She has experience in individual, family, couples and marriage counseling.
Kelsey Litterer
t-LMHC
Kelsey Litterer, t-LMHC, graduated with her master's degree in clinical mental health counseling in 2023. She received her bachelor's degree in human services from Buena Vista University and has previously worked in child welfare with families and foster parents.
Kelsey uses a strengths-based approach with clients and prioritizes rapport and a working alliance to support her clients in reaching their goals. She works primarily with those ages 12 and above and strives to create a safe environment. Kelsey is known for wearing her cowboy boots to work and also encourages each client to express their authentic self.
Becky Heilskov
LISW
becky@avaloncenter.us
Becky attended Wartburg College and obtained a degree in Social Work there in 1991. Started working for Dept Health and Human Services from 1991-present. Obtained Masters Degree in Social Work form Univ of Iowa in 1996 and LISW in 1998. Have a long history of experience working with the child welfare system, juvenile court, substance abuse issues, mental health concerns, and grief and loss issues. Have taught Children in The Middle for over 10 years in the past at NIACC. Utilizes a solution focused and cognitive behavioral module of treatment. Enjoy working with persons of all ages. Accepting new clients.
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TELEHEALTH ONLY
Vicki Arenas
Office Manager
vicki@avaloncenter.us
Vicki joined the Avalon Center as an office manager summer of 2025. She is the friendly voice you hear when the phone is answered. She makes sure and keeps all of us therapist in check. For any billing, scheduling, or questions, she is your person!