Meet the Team
Kristy Meeks
Founder & Director | MS MAC-234 LAT-267
Kristy holds a BS in Psychology from the University of Wyoming and an MS from Kansas State University. Her clinical foundation was shaped through training with renowned family therapist Virginia Satir and psychologist Albert Ellis, whose work influenced modern cognitive-behavioral approaches.
Kristy began her career in Kansas, developing statewide programs that strengthened families and supported at-risk youth. Her leadership earned multiple honors, including two Kansas Governor’s Recognition Awards, the National Outstanding Community Health Promotion Award, the National Teens as Teachers Award, and additional national awards for parent training and community partnerships.
In 1997, Kristy became Clinical Director of a large outpatient substance use program in Kenai, Alaska, where she developed gender-specific services for women and children. Her work contributed to the agency receiving the Alaska State Recognition Award.
Returning to Wyoming in 2002, she served as an independent case manager for the Division of Disabilities before launching ABC in 2009. Kristy specializes
Raised in Big Piney, Wyoming, Kristy values the outdoor lifestyle—enjoying skating, cross-country skiing, inner tubing, biking, hiking, rock hunting, camping, and fishing. She grew up riding and breaking horses and enjoyed ranch life.
Specialties Overview
Trauma-Informed Care Kristy is trained in trauma-focused approaches that help clients process painful experiences safely and effectively. She uses modalities such as Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and trauma-informed CBT.
Anxiety Disorders She provided effective treatment for generalized anxiety, panic disorder, phobias, social anxiety, and stress-related symptoms using CBT, mindfulness-based strategies, and exposure therapies to help clients reduce fear, regain control, and build emotional resilience.
Depression & Mood Disorders Kristy utilizes evidence-based approaches to treat depression, bipolar disorder, and mood instability. Her treatment focuses on improving functioning, breaking cycles of negative thinking, and enhancing quality of life through behavioral activation, CBT, and supportive therapy.
Addiction & Recovery Support Kristy offers compassionate, structured care for individuals struggling with substance use disorders. Services include IOP and Level 1 treatment to restore stability and long-term recovery.
Family-of-Origin & Relationship Patterns Kristy assists clients with understanding how early family dynamics shape adult beliefs, behaviors, and relationships. Offering insight-oriented therapy, Kristy helps clients learn to break unhealthy patterns, build healthier connections, and cultivate a stronger sense of self.
Grief & Loss Counseling Kristy helps clients navigate grief related to death, separation, major life transitions, or unexpected changes. Treatment focuses on emotional processing, meaning-making, and rebuilding life after loss.
Stress Management & Life Transitions Kristy assists clients facing significant life changes such as divorce, medical diagnoses, caregiving responsibilities, career loss, or relocation. Therapy offers practical tools, problem-solving skills, and emotional support to help navigate these shifts with confidence.
Personality Disorders & Emotional Dysregulation Kristy utilizes DBT, schema therapy, and emotional-regulation techniques to support clients struggling with impulsivity, unstable relationships, intense emotions, or chronic self-criticism.
Amber E. Donais, PCSW 975
ABC Clinical Director
Amber Donais is a lifelong Wyoming resident with deep roots in the state’s rural communities. She brings over 22 years of experience in community advocacy and more than 15 years of leadership experience in supervision, safety, and human resources within Wyoming’s oil and Gas industry. Her work has consistently focused on supporting families, strengthening communities, and promoting safety and well-being.
Amber holds an MSW from the University of Wyoming, a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, and dual associate degrees in Business Administration and Communications. During her graduate studies, she contributed to statewide initiatives, including laramierecovery.org, which expanded access to mental health and substance-abuse resources, and participated in the Wyoming Pathways from Prison project, supporting incarcerated individuals in their pursuit of education.
She completed internships with the VA in Sheridan and Rock Springs, advocating for veterans facing trauma, homelessness, substance use, and suicide risk. Amber has also served as a crisis worker, domestic violence advocate, and direct service provider in Natrona and Sweetwater Counties.
A survivor of trauma and addiction with 25 years in recovery, Amber believes in the power of compassion, resilience, and human connection. She has received multiple recognitions, including the YWCA Support and Safe House Advocate of the Year Award and the Wyoming State Victim Services SAS X Award.
Outside of her clinical work, Amber is a vocalist and community advocate who has utilized her talents to support nonprofit initiatives and raise awareness for cancer support and domestic violence prevention. She enjoys meditation, grounding practices, rock hunting, and connecting with Wyoming’s natural beauty.
Karen Checketts, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist
kchecketts@abc-therapy.org
Dr. Karen Checketts is an experienced clinical psychologist with extensive training in assessment, diagnosis, and evidence-based treatment. She earned her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology and M.Ed. in Counselor Education from Pennsylvania State University, and her B.S. in Psychology and Child & Family Studies from Weber State University.
Dr. Checketts has provided individual, couples, family, and group therapy across a variety of clinical settings. She has designed Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) programs for adolescents with borderline traits and developed Intensive Outpatient Programs for women experiencing substance use disorders and domestic abuse.
Her assessment expertise includes ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, substance use, borderline personality disorder, dual diagnosis, and PTSD. She is trained in a wide range of psychological testing instruments, including the MMPI-A/MMPI-2, MCMI-3, BDI, SASSI, WISC-IV, WAIS-III, WIAT-II, and more.
Dr. Checketts’ specialty areas include eating-disorder treatment, group psychotherapy, dual-diagnosis work, trauma recovery, career counseling, relationship concerns, and support for survivors—and perpetrators—of childhood physical, emotional, and sexual abuse.
In addition to clinical practice, she has taught at Pennsylvania State University, Argosy University, University of Phoenix, and Utah Career College. She has also presented workshops on diverse psychological topics.
Dr. Checketts has a long history of service and volunteer leadership, including roles with Psi Chi and Chi Sigma Iota, where she remains an active member.
Natalya Colvin PAT-099
Natalya is a recent graduate of Grand Canyon University, earning her Master of Science in Addiction Counseling. She is dedicated to supporting individuals on their recovery journey and empowering clients to make meaningful, lasting change. Her therapeutic approach is grounded in evidence-based practices, including motivational interviewing, CBT, and relapse-prevention strategies.
Originally from Kazakhstan, Natalya holds a Master’s degree in Psychology from Kainar University. Her life experiences across Kazakhstan, Egypt, Texas, North Carolina, Georgia, and now Wyoming have given her a deep appreciation for cultural diversity, human resilience, and the importance of compassionate connection.
Before entering the counseling field, Natalya spent more than 15 years as a fitness, nutrition, and wellness coach, earning multiple NASM certifications. This background strongly influences her holistic perspective, recognizing that true healing involves the mind, body, and spirit working in harmony.
During her clinical training at ABC Mental Health & Addiction Services, Natalya worked with clients facing substance use disorders, co-occurring mental-health challenges, and trauma. She strives to create a supportive, client-centered environment where individuals feel heard, valued, and encouraged.
Natalya’s long-term goal is to become a licensed addiction counselor specializing in integrated recovery approaches that blend clinical expertise with wellness-based strategies. She excels in collaborative settings and is dedicated to lifelong learning and professional development.
Outside of work, Natalya enjoys traveling with her husband, walking her dogs, going to the gym, cooking, reading, and playing the piano. She values balance, wellness, and continuous self-improvement—both personally and professionally.
Leon Chamberlain LCSW-298
Leon was born and raised on a ranch near Douglas, Wyoming, and brings decades of diverse experience to his work as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Before entering the mental-health field, he worked as a police officer, equipment operator, and Journeyman Field Mechanic for Phillips Petroleum.
He returned to college in 1990, earning his Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Wyoming and his Master of Social Work from the University of Denver. Leon became an LCSW in 1998 and has since built a career spanning over 31 years in the human services field.
Leon served twelve years as a combat veteran counselor for the Veterans Administration Vet Center. He facilitated domestic violence groups for over twenty-three years, along with women’s groups at the Wyoming Women’s Center for thirteen years. His experience also includes private practice at Grace, Hope, and Healing Counseling in Casper.
From 2006 to 2015, Leon served as a mental health counselor for the Wyoming Army National Guard, including an active-duty deployment to Kuwait and Iraq from 2009 to 2010.
At ABC, Leon provides the Better Outcomes group, a program focused on emotional-regulation skills and meeting court requirements for individuals convicted of domestic-violence offenses
Bryan Peltier, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist – 290
bpeltier@abc-therapy.org
Dr. Bryan Peltier earned his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Montana. He completed his APA- and CPA-accredited pre-doctoral internship at a provincial psychiatric hospital in Edmonton, Alberta. His career spans decades of clinical practice across outpatient, educational, and inpatient psychiatric settings.
Bryan spent ten years at Southwest Counseling Service in Rock Springs, providing therapy for children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. He facilitated groups, worked on crisis-intervention teams, conducted psychological evaluations, and specialized in EMDR for individuals with significant trauma histories.
In 2001, Bryan joined the Sweetwater County School District #2, where he conducted psychoeducational evaluations, designed behavioral interventions, and supported students across general and special education settings—including alternative high schools, emotional disability, and autism programs. He also provided staff training in de-escalation, childhood disorders, suicide assessment, and Collaborative Proactive Solutions.
After moving to Evanston in 2018, Bryan served as a clinical psychologist at the Wyoming State Hospital, focusing on acute psychiatric stabilization for involuntarily hospitalized patients. He provided individual and group therapy using ACT and DBT models and coordinated the Enhance Treatment Unit for managing high-risk and violent behaviors.
Though now retired from state service, Bryan continues to work as a therapist and consultant for ABC in Rock Springs. He supports individuals dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance use. Known for his authenticity, compassion, and sharp wit, he is valued by clients and colleagues alike.
Outside of work, Bryan is an avid hiker and backpacker in the Wind River Range and has crewed sailing boats around the world
Reverend John Cusulos
jcusulos@abc-therapy.org
LPC-452 LAT-154
Reverend John Cusulos brings warmth, humor, and compassion to his therapeutic approach, helping clients find hope, clarity, and direction in their recovery. As one of the foundational members of ABC, he has played a key role in supporting the agency’s growth and mission.
Reverend John holds a Bachelor of Arts from Hellenic College, a Master of Divinity from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, and a Master of Arts in Counseling from the University of New Mexico. A retired Orthodox priest, he continues to travel nationally to conduct services while providing clinical care in Wyoming.
With over 35 years in recovery, he values the fellowship of AA and integrates spiritual insight with evidence-based therapeutic practices. His extensive career includes roles as a spiritual counselor, mental-health therapist, clinical director, and owner of Stepping Stones Counseling Service. He has served in hospitals, community mental-health centers, addiction-treatment programs, and state evaluation services across Wyoming and New Mexico.
Outside of work, Reverend John enjoys cycling, traveling, cooking, football, movies, and sharing meals with family and friends. He is the proud father of two adult children and continues to find joy in learning, service, and community.
Annette Christensen LPC-1390
Bio to come
Max Mickelson
Business Partner | gmick3@gmail.com
Max is a successful small business owner. He owns Able Hands, which serves people with Disabilities.
He has been highly engaged as a volunteer for 20 years in Sweetwater County and Statewide.
Max is the Mayor of Rock Springs, Wyoming.
He served as the clerk of the Sweetwater #1 School District Board of Trustees for 10 years, vice-chair of the Wyoming State Board of Education for 4 years, Chair of the Sweetwater BOCES Board for 10 years, Secretary of the Rock Springs Amateur Hockey Association Board for 4 years, served as a member of the Rock Springs Soccer Association Board, is past Chair of United Way in Southwest Wyoming Board, and is past chair of the Governor’s Office Disabilities Council. He continues to serve as a Holy Spirit Catholic School Board board member.
He has acquired negotiation and leadership skills, moving organizations forward during difficult times. He is devoted to service-based leadership and is a consultant and partner at ABC. He offers assistance with human resources management, policy development, and fiscal planning.
Kim Kikuts
Therapist | kkikuts@abc-therapy.org | CAP - 039
Kim is all about her dogs, going to her cabin, and enjoying the Wyoming weather. She is loyal, enjoys close relationships, and is an artist. You can often find her in a pool tournament. In the winter, she makes great homemade soups and bakes unique recipes. She might share one if you get on her good side, but she is very generous with sharing her goodies.
With over 23 years of experience, Kim remains available as a backup Clinician and Consultant at ABC. Before her retirement, she provided highly skilled therapy at ABC for over five years. In addition, she worked at the Family Dynamics Counseling Center and the Wyoming State Hospital. She has developed programs for Co-occurring Disorders programs, Social Remotivation, Borderline Personality, and Acute Psychiatric Services. She is a highly detailed and committed therapist who designs experiential learning opportunities. She is sharp and observant, bringing clients opportunities for insight and growth. The ABC team misses her reliability and commitment to quality services.
Kim has retired and remains available as a consultant to ABC.
Paul Cusulos
IT Computer | Consultant | Billing Specialist
Paul assists ABC with program design and computer systems consultation. He truly makes our job manageable by being available on an on-call basis. He has organized our insurance billing process and reviews insurance claims. He works with ABC to ensure our billing is accurate and responsive to client needs. He assists the Owner with organizational analysis and planning. He has worked as an IT employee at Sweetwater Memorial Hospital and continuously assists organizations in Casper.
TeleHealth
Online therapy is convenient and flexible, and no commuting is necessary. You can meet with a therapist from the comfort of your home. Online counseling allows for remote and on-the-go support, which helps if you don't have time to commute to sessions.
If you are working away from home, it makes it much more feasible than in-person therapy.
Client Portals
If you are wondering if your personal health information is protected online, you can rest assured that ABC uses strong internal security to protect all our electronic health records. Just like all other records, information on the patient portal is also protected by HIPAA privacy laws.
