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Our Team

LCMFT

Deborah Ast

Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist
Been with Willow Tree since 2015

As a Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist, I walk with my clients as they discover new paths toward personal growth, new paths in their relationships with others, and in discovering a new peace within their environment. Leaving the old path, that started the day we were born, can be difficult even when we know it’s leading us in the wrong direction. Let me help you uncover the whys, discover the hows, work to prevent relapse, and encourage you in your new journey to emotional health.

I work with individuals, couples and families in areas of anxiety, depression, grief, relationship difficulties, family issues, self-esteem, and many more. I am a Certified EMDR therapist working with many kinds of trauma.

I will be adding Hypnotherapy to my practice in the near future to help with anxiety, depression, and trauma.

LSCSW

Shelby Batt

Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker
Been with Willow Tree since 2015

Shelby received his Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work (2011) and a Master’s Degree in Social Work (2013) from Wichita State University. (2011). As a Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker, Shelby’s clinical training enables him to treat a variety of clinical issues such as, but not limited to; anxiety, depression, child behavioral problems, gender identity, anger, trauma, ADHD as well as relational issues involving couples and families. Honoring each person’s unique perspective, Shelby seeks to help  adolescents, adults, couples and families work through difficult feelings, enhance their ability to cope with stress, change destructive patterns, adjust to change, and find a renewed sense of belonging in life, work, and relationships.

Shelby’s beliefs are that every person has the capacity to make healthy changes in their life. Through a safe, supportive therapeutic relationship; he provide guidance and help each person build upon their unique strengths in order to achieve their goals.

LCMFT, RPT

Erin Rindt-Hultman

Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist
Registered Play Therapist
Been with Willow Tree since 2015

I believe that all families, couples, and individuals can be empowered to make change, and finding the therapist that believes in their story can help in that amazing process. Change is difficult, especially when people feel judged or shamed. I value the relationship I have with my clients and work hard to ensure that every client’s story is taken seriously, and heard with respect, regardless of the situation

I enjoy helping clients work through trauma, school-related problems, family issues, gender identity issues, and parent-child relationships. I have extensive experience working with children, teens and families.

The hardest part of therapy is getting started, so please know I offer warmth and safety during this time. I would be honored in helping take the first steps in making real change in your life.

LSCSW

Jeremy Hickey

Licensed Specialist Clinician Social Worker
Been with Willow Tree since 2015

As a Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker, my clinical training enables me to treat a variety of clinical issues such as, but not limited to; anxiety, depression, child behavioral problems, anger, trauma, ADHD as well as relational issues involving couples and families.Honoring each person’s unique perspective, I seek to help children, adolescents, adults, couples and families work through difficult feelings, enhance their ability to cope with stress, change destructive patterns, adjust to change, and find a renewed sense of belonging in life, work, and relationships.
Through a safe, supportive therapeutic relationship I provide guidance and help each person build upon their unique strengths in order to achieve their goals.
LCMFT

Danielle Kraus

Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist
Been with Willow Tree since 2017

As an LCMFT (Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist), my clinical training enables me to treat a variety of issues such as, but not limited to: anxiety, depression, child behavioral problems, anger, ADHD, trauma, abuse and neglect, adjustment issues, as well as relational issues involving couples, individuals and families. Honoring each person’s unique perspective, I seek to help children, adolescents, adults, couples and families work through difficult feelings, enhance their abilities to cope with stress, change destructive patterns, grieve loss of all kinds, adjust to change and find a renewed sense of belonging in life, work and relationships.

I received my Bachelors of Arts Degree at Wichita State University in 2002 and my Masters of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy Degree from Friends University in 2005. I have extensive training in play therapy and am working toward becoming a registered play therapist.

I feel that within each therapy session, we can begin to successfully confront those barriers to change. I believe that building a trusting, therapeutic relationship creates a positive long-term change.

LCMFT, LCAC

John Fleeker

Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist
Licensed Clinical Addiction Counselor
Been with Willow Tree since 2016

Are you struggling with addictions or are your marriage not functioning then I can help. Are you or your children dealing with difficulties with behavioral or mental health problems then I can help. Are you a blended family but struggling with family dynamics, then I can help. Are you feeling depressed or anxious because life has not turned out the way you wanted, then I can help. Are you having difficulty with your teen or child, then I can help.

I have worked in a variety of settings from foster care, residential treatment, and community mental health programs, which has given me a lot of experience with wide range of people and their struggles.

I am a Christian therapist who uses cognitive behavioral therapy, play therapy techniques to help you cope with life challenges. I have worked a lot with marriage counseling, or working with youth and families. I am able to see clients days, evenings, or Saturdays. I can help.

LSCSW, RPT-S

Elizabeth "Liz" Wine

Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker
Been with Willow Tree since 2021

Life is a journey that often contains detours or road conditions we didn’t expect. Sometimes professional support is needed to assist in navigating life’s journey. Along the way, you deserve acceptance, compassion, and to feel seen and heard.

As a licensed clinical social worker and a registered play therapist, I enjoy working with clients of all ages, from young children to adults. Depending on the age of the client, I may use play therapy and sandtray. I have worked with clients with anxiety, depression, selective mutism, school concerns, trauma, dancers/performers and am LGBTQI+ affirming.

By looking into therapy, you are already on the first step of your journey towards change, and I applaud you for that step. I am happy to answer any questions or concerns you have about starting the process and would be delighted to meet you.

LMSW

Desiree Hoetmer

Licensed Master Social Worker
Been with Willow Tree since 2022

With a background in psychology and a master’s in social work, I try to understand clients’ needs from multiple lenses. Cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused, strengths-based, and trauma-informed practices are the main theories used in my practice. I do my best to match the theory used to the type of client I have.
I understand making that first step to talk to someone can be nerve racking, but I commend you on having the strength to do so. I will always do my best to be flexible and welcome anyone with open arms.
Thank you for visiting my page!
LMSW

Rachel Abdulaziz

Licensed Master Social Worker
Been with Willow Tree since 2022

Life is a journey that often contains detours or road conditions we didn’t expect. Sometimes professional support is needed to assist in navigating life’s journey. Along the way, you deserve acceptance, compassion, and to feel seen and heard.

Grief comes in many different forms. Maybe it is in death or due to the void of something we once cherished. With over 10 years of experience as a licensed social worker and being certified as a grief counselor, grief is my area of passion. I have experience working with mothers who are postpartum and are struggling to balance parenthood with life’s other demands. I additionally hold a bachelor’s degree in gerontology and have worked with clients amongst all ages. Grief is different for each person. Although we can not bring back what was lost … we can learn how to honor the memories and heal.
Some of my professional experiences include: facilitating grief counseling sessions, introducing social skills in elementary aged classroom settings, crisis intervention, teaching social and emotional skills (IEP/504), and presenting on the topics of grief and trauma.
There is no right or wrong time for therapy. The fact that you are even considering this as an option should truly be celebrated. I am here to help you along in your journey. Please feel free to reach out with any questions.
PMHNP, FNP-BC

Jennifer King

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Family Nurse Practitioner - Board Certified
Been with Willow Tree since 2024

Jennifer King is a dedicated Nurse Practitioner specializing in Family Practice and Psychiatric Mental Health. She earned her Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) degree from South University and furthered her expertise by obtaining her Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) certification from Herzing University.
With a passion for providing comprehensive care, Jennifer focuses on the holistic well-being of her patients, addressing both physical and mental health needs. She is committed to fostering a supportive environment where patients feel comfortable discussing their concerns and receiving tailored treatment.
Outside of her professional life, Jennifer enjoys exploring her creative side through crafts and loves traveling to discover new places and cultures. Her diverse interests enrich her practice, allowing her to connect with patients on a personal level.
Jennifer looks forward to making a positive impact in her community through compassionate care and dedication to her patients’ health journeys.
Student Intern

Mariana Gaviria Duque

Student Intern from Wichita State University
Been with Willow Tree since 2023

Willow Tree Wellness, LLC has a student intern, Mariana Gaviria Duque. Mariana is finishing up her last semester in professional counseling at Wichita State University.


Mariana is bilingual and speaks fluent Spanish and English. She is currently also working on her Registered Play Therapist Certification through WSU. She enjoys working with children and their families and believes in the therapeutic power of play.


In her free time Mariana likes to be active. She enjoys the mountains, traditional Colombian food, matcha and her fur babies.


Mariana is a student therapist, her fee is designed for the non insured and underinsured. Her current fee is $25 per session.


To schedule with Mariana, please call the Willow Tree Wellness, LLC to schedule at 316-779-2560.