Meet The Team

Jennifer Scott is a graduate of the University of Idaho, holding a Master’s Degree in Counseling and Human Services. Her work with adolescents, at-risk youth, adults, and families in crisis is extensive. She also enjoys working with couples who are experiencing difficulty within their marriage. She has advanced professional training in FST (Family Systems Trauma).  In addition to her educational and professional experience, Ms. Scott draws heavily from the resources of her own life, which is helpful in connecting with her clients.

 

Over the years, Ms. Scott has served as a volunteer for Kootenai County Juvenile Detention, Youth for Christ, homeless shelters, community outreach events, and as the overseer of Celebrate Recovery and other ministries that focus on personal growth. She has both personal and professional experience in the arena of addictions, and is an active prison ministry correspondent where she gives encouragement to inmates who desire change in their lives.

 

In addition to evidence-based therapeutic approaches, Ms. Scott’s draws heavily on faith-based principles in working with her clients. Her counseling style is supportive and compassionate, yet direct, as she takes her clients beyond their symptoms to identify the root issues that are contributing to their distress, dysfunction, hopelessness, and maladaptive behaviors. Ms. Scott enjoys working alongside her clients, as they experience freedom, healing, restoration, and growth in their lives and relationships.

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When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you pass through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. - ISAIAH 43:2

Melody Cauley, LPC, is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a master’s degree in clinical Mental Health Counseling and Developmental Psychology. A lifelong learner, Melody is deeply committed to continually expanding her clinical skills and wisdom through ongoing education and the meaningful life experiences shared by her clients. She believes every journey offers opportunities for compassion, growth, and deeper connection.

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Melody works with children, adolescents, and adults. She is especially skilled at building strong, trusting relationships with children, helping them feel safe and comfortable in the therapy setting. Her clinical experience includes working with trauma related to child abuse, neglect, and at-risk behaviors. 

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Melody takes a client-centered, collaborative approach to therapy, honoring the unique experiences, strengths, and goals of everyone. Her therapeutic style integrates evidence-based practices from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, directive and non-directive Play Therapy, Family Systems, and Mindfulness-based interventions. Her work is solution-focused and grounded in the belief that healing occurs through safe relationships, creative expression, and spiritual depth.

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Melody has experience supporting clients with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, sensory processing challenges, sleep and behavioral concerns, executive functioning, social skills development, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma.

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Outside of her professional work, Melody enjoys creating meaningful memories with family and friends, spending time outdoors, and traveling to the ocean whenever possible.

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"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  Jeremiah 29:11

Roni Melton is a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor. She is extremely skilled and passionate about adolescent and adult therapy. Most of her career has been spent working with youth and their families through school-based programs and at-risk youth within the juvenile justice system. Roni is passionate about helping children, adults and families find hope and healing.

 

Through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy, and other treatment approaches, Roni is skilled in helping her clients work through anxiety, depression, grief and loss, disruptive behaviors, relationship challenges, self-esteem, anger issues, trauma, and suicidal ideation. She strongly believes in utilizing an evidence-based, faith-based focus, and person-centered approach as she engages with her clients and helps them heal and grow. 

 

Roni’s professional development includes certifications as a Sources of Strength Instructor, Trust-Based Relational Intervention Practitioner, Making Sense of Your Worth Facilitator, Non-violent Crisis Intervention, Non-Suicidal Self Harm, QPR Gatekeeper, International Institute for Restorative Practices and Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR). 

 

Roni brings additional experience through volunteering with Respite for Foster Families, Suicide Prevention Action Network (SPAN), the Crisis Action Team, Cd’A Backpack Program, YoungLife, Hope for Hadza, and serving in church ministries. 

 

On a personal note, Roni enjoys travel, fitness, and spending quality time with family and friends. 

 

Psalm 119:50 “Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles.” 

Peter Gourley, ARNP is a dedicated Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner with expertise in child and adult psychiatry.  With 25 years of experience, he is committed to fostering a compassionate, supportive environment and evidence-based care to all his patients. Peter specializes in medication management and is overall proficient in all areas of psychiatry.  He has significant experience with diagnosing and treatment of ADHD.

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Peter received his education from Cal State Long Beach and Gonzaga University. 

 

Peter is very personable and takes time with each of his patients, ensuring they are understood.  

As General Manager, Marissa plays an integral role in the day-to-day operations of Ascent Counseling, helping ensure both patients and providers feel supported from the moment they connect with our office. With more than eight years of experience in healthcare administration, she brings a strong background in practice management, medical billing, insurance, credentialing, and organizational leadership.

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Marissa oversees many of the administrative and operational functions that keep the practice running smoothly, including front office operations, billing and revenue cycle management, insurance coordination, provider credentialing, scheduling systems, and staff support. She works closely with providers and leadership to strengthen processes, solve problems, and create efficient systems that allow the clinical team to remain focused on providing exceptional patient care.

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At the heart of her work is a commitment to creating a welcoming, organized, and compassionate experience for every patient. Marissa values strong communication and meaningful relationships and takes pride in helping create an environment where both patients and staff feel valued and supported.

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Outside of the office, Marissa enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, hiking, and giving back to the North Idaho community through her involvement with local nonprofit organizations and boards.

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“Let all that you do be done in love.” — 1 Corinthians 16:14