THE TEAM

Link Care is fortunate to have a team of highly qualified pastoral counselors dedicated to serving missionaries, pastors, and laypeople. We recognize that pastors and church leaders often struggle with how to best care for their congregations. To support them, our counselors offer supplemental counseling to existing pastoral staff teams, conduct training and mentoring sessions, and organize conferences and seminars throughout the year.


Our multidisciplinary counseling team includes: Licensed Psychologists, Clinical Social Workers, Pastoral Counselors, Marriage & Family Therapists & Associates, as well as Marriage & Family Therapy Trainees.




LICENSED PSYCHOLOGISTS


  • JENNIFER SMITH, PSY.D  |  PSY23436

    CEO | President

    Jennifer Smith grew up in Fresno and received her B.A. from Fresno Pacific University. Dr. Smith completed her graduate training in Pasadena CA receiving an M.A. in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary, and Psy.D. also from Fuller Theological Seminary. She has been at Link Care since 2010 serving as a clinical Psychologist working with all populations. Dr. Smith has found herself drawn to adolescents, children, and families, but also enjoys working with those managing postpartum anxiety/depression, self-harm, anxiety, and interpersonal relationships. She is excited about God’s calling into the CEO role at Link Care. Dr. Smith loves being with her family exploring the nearby trails or visiting the beach. 


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  • CHRISTOPHER ROSIK, PH.D.  |  PSY10532

    Christopher H. Rosik, Ph.D., is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Oregon and earned his doctorate in clinical psychology from Fuller Graduate School of Psychology. He is currently a psychologist and director of research at Link Care Center in Fresno, California, as well as a clinical faculty member of Fresno Pacific University. Dr. Rosik has professional interests that include the psychological care of missionaries and clergy, the dissociative disorders, and individuals who experience same-sex feelings or gender incongruence and do not want to identify as LGBT. He has published more than 50 articles in peer reviewed journals on these and other topics and has made presentations across America and in Europe.  Dr. Rosik has served as President of the Western Region of the Christian Association for Psychological Studies (CAPS) and the Alliance for Therapeutic Choice and Scientific Integrity. He is a member of the American Psychological Association, International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation, and the National Association of Social Workers.  He has been married to his wife since 1991 and has two adult daughters. Last but not least, he is an avid soccer fan who was able to live out a dream by attending the 2006 World Cup in Berlin. 


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LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER


  • MARY SAMARIN, LCSW  |  LCS 21767

    Licensed Clinical Social Worker

    Mary received her Master of Social Work from California State University, Fresno. She began working at Link Care in 2009. She holds certifications in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing); in Brene Brown’s Daring Way and Rising Strong curriculum; and is in the process of certification for IFS (Internal Family Systems); Level one and Level two training in Emotional Freedom Techniques. Mary enjoys working with adults and older teens, and has a special interest in working with issues related to trauma, adjustment, and transitions.


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PASTORAL COUNSELORS


  • JON JO, M.DIV

    Pastoral Counselor

  • JAMIE MACK

    Pastoral Counselor

    Jamie Mack is excited to join the staff of Link Care as an associate pastoral counselor. Jamie received her Bachelor’s degree at Fresno Pacific University in 1998 and has lived, worked, and worshipped in the Central Valley of California ever since. She is currently enrolled in the seminary at Fresno Pacific University, pursuing her Master’s in Ministry, Leadership, and Culture. She comes to Link Care with over 20 years of ministry experience, both vocationally and voluntarily. Her first paid ministry position was at Hume Lake Christian Camp as a teenager, which fostered her love of spending time with Jesus in the midst of nature. She still enjoys hiking, camping, and exploring the outdoors with her family, as well as reading and baking! Most recently, Jamie served as Associate Pastor of Discipleship and Worship at North Fresno Church. Jamie is passionate about creating spaces where others can encounter the love, wholeness, and healing that Jesus offers. Helping others live fully into their identity in Christ and their purpose in the Kingdom gives her great joy!  


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MARRIAGE & FAMILY THERAPISTS


  • JILLIAN FREEMAN, M.A.  |  LMFT147709

    Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

    Jillian received a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Fresno Pacific University. She joined Link Care in 2020 and currently serves as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. 

     

    Jillian enjoys working with couples, parents and families.  She holds certifications in pre-marital counseling and Gottman Level 1 Couples Therapy. She also enjoys working with adolescents and adults, particularly around issues of identity formation, life transitions, spirituality, grief, trauma and anxiety. Jillian seeks to blend a client-centered, attachment-focused approach with a psychodynamic perspective. 

     

    Jillian provides a safe and  non-judgmental environment to explore any and all experiences and honors the vulnerability and courage that therapy often requires. Jillian is also passionate about the therapeutic benefits of nature and has served as a wilderness guide. 


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  • JOANIE JOY, M.A.

    Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

    Missionary Care Intake Coordinator

    Joanie received a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Fresno Pacific University, Mennonite Biblical Seminary. She joined Link Care in 2019 and currently serves as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Joanie especially enjoys working with engaged and married couples on a variety of topics with a special interest in issues related to infertility.  She is a certified pre-marital counselor through Prepare/Enrich, and is certified in Gottman Level 1 Couples Therapy. She also enjoys working with adolescents and young adults. Joanie teaches an undergraduate class in wilderness studies and recreation and see’s the outdoors as an experiential opportunity for healing.  She has served in ministry both vocationally as well as voluntarily, specifically with high school and college age young adults, and with both domestic and international students. 


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  • VALERIE KADERA, M.A.  LMFT93700

    Valerie Kadera, M.A. received her B.A. from Vanguard University of Southern California, and her M.A. in Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling from Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary. She joined the Link Care team in 2012 and has specialized training in Emotion Focused Couples Therapy (Externship), Prepare/Enrich, and Level 1 Gottman Training. Valerie loves working with clients from all backgrounds including with individuals, families, couples, and teens. In her free time you can find Valerie enjoying quality time with her family, hiking, cycling, and traveling. 


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  • CHERYL DUECK SMITH, D.ARTS LMFT38497

    Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

    Certified Emotionally Focused Therapist

    Cheryl grew up in Fresno and graduated from Fresno Pacific University with a BA in psychology. She completed her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy, as well as a Masters in Theology, from Fuller Theological Seminary. In 2018, she earned a doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy Studies from Eastern University.


    Cheryl married her college sweetheart, Peter Smith, in 1993. They have two teenage boys who keep them busy with their many and varied interests. Cheryl and her family have spent seven years living and serving internationally in Lithuania, Czech Republic, and Zambia. Her work in Zambia entailed leading Trauma Awareness and Recovery workshops for refugees as well as developing and teaching Peace Club curriculum for primary and secondary schools. Her work took her to South Africa and Swaziland as well. She currently teaches at Fresno Pacific University and Biblical Seminary as Adjunct Faculty. She has taught courses in Marriage and Family, Sociology, Trauma, Victim Recovery, and Interpersonal Communication. Cheryl has also taught Cross-cultural Counseling and Cross-cultural Psychology courses, taking students to Los Angeles and Guatemala for experiential learning trips.


    Cheryl is certified in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT). She also sees individuals and families from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Some of her topics of interest include missionary care, grief, identity formation, faith and spirituality, and premarital counseling. She counts it a privilege to journey with clients as they learn to live authentically and to develop healthy emotional bonds with the people they love.


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  • LISA BASILE, M.A.  |  AMFT140115

    Associate Marriage & Family Therapist

    Supervised by Mary Samarin, LCSW LCS21767

    Lisa Basile, M.A. received her M.A. in Marriage & Family Therapy from Fresno Pacific University, Biblical Seminary. She joined the Link Care team in 2022 and is thrilled to continue her training as an Associate. Lisa has received trainings in the effects of trauma in migration, motivational interviewing, and is a certified Prepare/Enrich facilitator. She enjoys working with children, adolescents, adults, and couples. She has a special interest in working with issues related to adjustment, relational connection, depression, spiritual issues, and the LGBTQ+ community. Lisa hopes to provide a compassionate and accepting environment in which individuals and couples can explore their thoughts and feelings without judgment to bring about understanding and healing in their lives.


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  • KARI MEDEIROS |  AMFT140206

    Associate Marriage & Family Therapist

    Supervised by Mary Samarin, LCSW LCS21767

    Kari Medeiros is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and holds a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary. Kari has been practicing at Link Care since 2022 and is a certified pre-marital counselor through Prepare/Enrich. Kari enjoys working with all ages, including children. Areas of interest include grief, identity formation, spirituality, anxiety, depression, postpartum concerns, and working with those serving in ministry.  Kari primarily works from an attachment lens and utilizes Emotionally Focused Therapy when working with couples. Kari desires that her clients feel accepted, cared for, and heard as they engage in the therapeutic process.


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  • TANYA BLOMGREN , M.A. |  AMFT147828

    Associate Marriage & Family Therapist

    Supervised by Mary Samarin, LCSW LCS21767

    Tanya is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and received her Master’s degree from Fresno Pacific University, Biblical Seminary in 2024. Tanya has been a member of the Link Care Team since 2023. She enjoys working with children, adolescents, adults, and couples. Tanya has received additional training in the impact of trauma in migration, Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), and Neurodivergent Affirming Mental Health Care. Specific areas of interest include anxiety, identity formation, life transitions and adjustment, neurodiverse individuals (including Autism and ADHD), and the LGBTQ+ community.

     

    Tanya seeks to offer a non-judgemental, compassionate space where individuals and couples can explore their thoughts and feelings (past and present) to have the confidence, insight, and resources to pursue their future from a healthy and integrated foundation. 


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  • BREYONA MIDGETT , M.A. |  AMFT147255

    Associate Marriage & Family Therapist

    Supervised by Mary Samarin, LCSW LCS21767

    Breyona Midgett, M.A. received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology: Emphasis in Pre- Physical Therapy from Fresno Pacific University. She received her M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary. She joined Link Care in 2023 and serves as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. 


    Breyona has experience working in residential treatment with individuals with serious, chronic mental and emotional distress such as anxiety, depression, bipolar, suicidality, and schizophrenia. Breyona lived and served internationally in Nepal for 1 year. She has spent time exploring culture and mental health in Guatemala, India, and Thailand. Her work included research and treatment for women experiencing severe, chronic mental health symptoms. She enjoys working with children, adolescents/transitional age, adults, and couples. She has received trainings in restorative justice, the effects of trauma in migration, and Emotional Focused Therapy (Externship). Breyona seeks to integrate psychodynamic theory with attachment and contextual lens, and spirituality with her clients. 


    Breyona recognizes that our environment/society, families, and relationships have a significant impact on our well-being. She desires to provide a safe, nonjudgemental space for clients to explore their past, present, and grow for their future. She is passionate about a client-centered, trauma focused, particularly racial and intergenerational trauma, sexuality, and ecotherapy.


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  • KEVIN REIFMAN , M.A. |  AMFT147162

    Associate Marriage & Family Therapist

    Supervised by Mary Samarin, LCSW LCS21767

    Kevin, M.A. received his M.A. in Marriage & Family Therapy from Fresno Pacific University, Biblical Seminary. Kevin joined the team at Link Care in 2023 and is excited to continue serving as an Associate. He has received additional training in trauma related to migration and has completed the first level of training in Emotionally Focused Therapy. Before becoming a therapist, Kevin worked with college students for several years while serving on staff with a national campus ministry.


    Kevin works with clients of all ages and stages of life. In particular, he enjoys working with men, people in ministry, and young adults. He also enjoys helping clients face issues related to anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief, relationship/family conflict, and faith/spirituality. Kevin uses a trauma-informed attachment and psychodynamic approach to counseling.  He believes that difficult past experiences and relationships can leave wounds that still hurt in the present. Healing can occur when these past wounds are courageously examined and unpacked in a safe counseling relationship. Kevin’s goal is to walk alongside clients on their journey of personal growth and healing.


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TRAINEES

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