THE TEAM


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. 


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.


PASTORAL COUNSELORS



JOE BASILE

Pastoral Counselor


Joe Basile is a Co-Senior Pastor at First Street Church with 25 years of full-time ministry experience. Joe has a Biblical Studies degree from Trinity International. Joe started at Link Care in 2024 and truly believes in the benefits of pastoral counseling for all demographics. Another chunk of Joe’s time is filled co-hosting a show with his wife on KMJ.


JAMIE MACK, M. A.

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!  


MARRIAGE & FAMILY THERAPISTS



VALERIE KADERA, M.A.  LMFT93700

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist


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. 


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.


SHELLY HANDLEY, M.A. 

Licensed Professional Counselor / Licensed Addiction Counselor / Dialectical Behavioral Therapist - Certified.


Shelly grew up internationally as a missionary kid and then went on to serve as a missionary with her family. She completed her BS in Music Therapy from Texas Woman’s University. Then she returned to school after raising her children to earn an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University. 

Shelly has worked with populations from pre-kindergarten to adults in the areas of mental health counseling, music therapy, and addictions. After receiving her MA, she went on to complete coursework for Addictions Counseling Licensure, received her Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist certification, and completed her training as a Dialectical Behavioral Therapy-certified clinician.

Shelly has a passion for working with children and previously undiagnosed Adults who are neurodivergent. She has also trained and worked with missionaries, missionary kids, and others who have lived internationally and experienced trauma. In her last position, Shelly worked in an intensive outpatient recovery center for those struggling with alcohol and/or drug addiction. Her greatest desire is to walk alongside others as they explore their source of pain and work to come to a place of peace.

Shelly has a passion for knitting, enjoys the outdoors, and is especially thankful to be back in the great state of California, where she can enjoy the Pacific Ocean as well as the mountains.


ASSOCIATES


LISA BASILE, M.A.  |  AMFT140115

Associate Marriage & Family Therapist

Supervised by Valerie Kadera, LMFT93700


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.


KARI MEDEIROS, M.A.  |  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.


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. 


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.


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.


COURTNEY ELLIS, M.A. | AMFT155642

Supervised by Mary Samarin, LCSW LCS21767


Courtney is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and holds a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary. She joined the Link Care team in 2024. Courtney has specialized training in the impact of trauma in migration and somatic healing. Before becoming a therapist, Courtney spent three years training and leading short-term missions teams in various countries including Malawi, Thailand, Mexico, and Lithuania before serving as a missionary in Ukraine. She has also spent time in Guatemala, exploring how culture and mental health intersect.

Courtney enjoys working with a broad range of clients, including children, adolescents, adults, and couples. Courtney works primarily from an attachment perspective and has special interests in identity formation, relational connection, working in ministry, and life transitions. Her goal is to come alongside people of all backgrounds and ages, offering non-judgmental space to work towards understanding, meaning making, and healing.


ERICA EVANS, M.A. |  AMFT155745

Supervised by Mary Samarin, LCSW LCS21767


Bio Coming Soon


TRAINEES


JENNIFER LYONS

MFT Trainee


Supervised by Valerie Kadera, M.A. |  LMFT83700

Bio Coming Soon


SCHEDULE


Our online scheduler and patient portal is coming soon.