Meet the Tidwell Team

Kathy Tidwell, LCSW

President of the Board of Directors
Chief Clinical Supervisor

Kathy founded Tidwell Social Work in 2000 as a mental health clinic specializing in refugee trauma.  Since Tidwell transitioned to a 501C-3 organization in November of 2014, Kathy has been focused on establishing the clinic’s non-profit infrastructure.  Kathy actively organizes trainings and programs that facilitate the integration of refugees into our communities as our neighbors, colleagues and friends.  She has over twenty-six years of post graduate mental health and child welfare experience in Idaho.  Over the course of her career she has worked as a clinical social worker, clinical supervisor, manager, business owner and consultant.

Rama Deen, LCSW

Executive Director
Therapist / Counselor

Rama has a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Boise State University and is multilingual in African dialects. Over the last fourteen years, she has served vulnerable populations both in the United States and internationally.  Rama is an expert in the psychosocial complexities of refugee resettlement and effective therapy with traumatized populations. Rama works well with adults, adolescents, and children who have experienced trauma or are struggling with the demands of everyday life. She uses Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Narrative, Therapy, Play Therapy, Rational Emotive Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy.

Linda Brock

Office Manager

Linda is often the first person who you will see and talk to at Tidwell Social Work. Linda coordinates transportation, appointments, and filing responsibilities. Linda is organized and thorough. In addition to basic office management duties, Linda has also taken on the responsibility of bookkeeping for the clinic. Before joining Tidwell Social Work, Linda worked in business office management for twelve years at a Funeral Chapel and has fifteen years of experience in the legal field.

Andrew Lynes, LPC, NCC

Development Officer

Andrew became involved with international communities and mental health in 2007. At Tidwell, Andrew assists with program development, fundraising, public relations, and website management. Andrew is a full-time school counselor at Sage Valley Middle School in Nampa.  Andrew is a board member of the Idaho School Counselor Association, a Licensed Professional Counselor, and is a Credentialed Academic Associate in the Viktor Frankl Institute of Logotherapy.

Amanda Reedy, LMSW

Therapist / Counselor

Amanda earned her Master of Social Work degree from Boise State University in 2017. She has a background in cross-cultural work, hospital social work and hospice care. Her passion in counseling is to create a relationship built on safety, trust and hope, where people feel accepted and able to grow in meaningful ways. Amanda uses a variety of therapeutic techniques including psychoeducation, Adlerian Theory, cognitive-behavioral therapy, various trauma and body-based therapies, mindfulness, and DBT. Amanda believes no one should have to walk through their pain and hardships alone.

Myja Maki, LMSW

Therapist / Counselor

Myja earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Northwest Nazarene University in October 2017.  She has worked within refugee resettlement for many years and also enjoys working as a group facilitator.  Myja recognizes that each individual is unique and finds value in adapting each therapy session to the needs and goals of the client. Myja uses a variety of intervention techniques to help clients work towards their goals, including expressive art, play therapy techniques with children, mindfulness, and trauma informed care. She’s influenced by Bessel van der Kolk’s work and research in trauma and the body and places a large emphasis on person centered therapy in creating a positive and safe environment.

Annaliese Jacobsson, LMSW

Therapist / Counselor

Annaliese’s multicultural experiences began in Indonesia where she was born to U.S. citizens. Her volunteer and work with refugees and immigrants began in 2012.  Annaliese cares deeply about issues of social justice and recognizes the influence social environment and oppression have on individuals and communities. Annaliese’s therapeutic practice focuses on person-centered care, recognizing the choice, dignity, and strength of each individual. Annaliese utilizes interventions based in trauma-informed care, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness, art therapies, attachment-based models, and family therapy approaches.

Ben Wenet, LMSW

Therapist / Counselor

Ben Wenet earned a Masters of Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh. With a background in community mental health, Ben is an experienced therapist for clients of diverse backgrounds and ages. Ben’s therapeutic approach is rooted in the existential-humanistic perspective with an emphasis on trauma-informed care. Ben works with you to help develop resiliency, find your strengths and grow a support system. It’s all about your goals and how to make them happen. Ben’s passion for working towards social justice for all individuals and communities, impacts all aspects of Ben’s personal and professional life.   

Matt Hallowell, LMSW

Therapist / Counselor

Matt Hallowell is a licensed Master of Social Work from Edinboro University with a professional background in supportive services for people with refugee status. Since 2011, he has worked as a case manager in the mental health and medical settings with this population. He is passionate about social justice and seeks avenues to promote equality for all. When he isn’t working, he stays active with Crossfit.

Samuel Clemens, BS, CPSS

CBRS & CM Program Administrator
Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS)

Samuel graduated from Brigham Young University-Idaho with a Bachelors degree in International Studies and a minor in Multi-Languages. In addition to English, Sam is fluent in Portuguese. Sam is currently pursuing a Masters Degree in Social Work from Northwest Nazarene University and will graduate in 2020. Samuel is an active member of the Music Theatre of Idaho and has performed in dozens of productions throughout the state. Outside the theater and work, Sam is a published writer, loves downhill mountain biking, and is a great friend.

Aeyanna Juste, M.A., CPRP, CPSS

Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS)
Community Based Rehabilitation Provider (CBRS)
Case Manager (CM)

Aeyanna has a Master’s degree from the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology. Aeyanna has worked in the mental health and human services field for over 15 years. She has lived and worked with individuals in cross-cultural settings, is passionate about working with refugees, and has previous experience working with people with disabilities, the elderly, women, and vulnerable populations. She is a life-long artist who integrates her artistic sensitivity, life experience, and formal education to assist and serve others in their own self-healing and self-empowerment through a transpersonal lens.

Constance Inglis Meshack-Hart, M. Ed, CFSP

Family Support Services Supervisor

Constance graduated from Concordia University, Portland Oregon with a Master’s Degree in Education (Early Chil­­dhood Intervention Curriculum and Instruction) in 2014. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Michigan State University, East Lansing Michigan. Constance has extensive experience in Children and Family Services including providing a continuum of care, serving the needs of disadvantaged families, and special needs populations. Constance can work harmoniously with diverse groups of people. She is highly skilled in working with families utilizing ethnicities/strength perspective.

Erica Bruner

Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS)
 

Tony Inman, MS

Case Manager
Community Based Rehabiliation (CBRS)
 

Tony Inman received his Bachelor of Arts in French from Boise State University in 2004. He speaks French fluently, loves learning about other cultures, and has a passion for providing people with the tools they need to be successful in life. In 2010, Tony suffered a traumatic brain injury from an auto accident. Tony’s experiences navigating through the effects this TBI had on him, his family, friends, and coworkers have helped him gain an even greater passion for helping others who suffer or have been impacted by traumatic brain injuries.  In 2017, Tony completed a Masters of Science in Organizational Performance and Workplace learning. Tony says he loves working as a Case Manager and a CBRS provider because it allows him the opportunity to help others who have suffered traumatic events and provide them the resources needed to deal with this trauma.

Lindsay Nelson, BS, LSW

Community Based Rehabilitation Provider (CBRS)
Case Manager (CM)

Lindsay is a licensed social worker and graduated with her Bachelor’s of Social Work at Boise State University in 2008.  She is currently attending Northwest Nazarene University and will graduate with her Master’s in Social Work in June of 2019.  Lindsay has a background in medical social work and worked with patients with cancer for over seven years, including refugees.  Lindsay enjoys reading, crocheting, and spending time with her husband Joey.  She loves learning about different cultures and is open to learning new languages.

Holly Bukky, BA, CPSS

Certified Peer Support Specialist

Holly is a lifelong resident of Idaho who graduated from Boise State University in 2014 with a Bachelor’s degree in History and a Minor in Philosophy.  She enjoys spending her free time with her kids, being crafty, and continuing her education towards a Master’s degree.  Holly is passionate about helping people reach their goals, learn new skills to better themselves, and improve their overall health and happiness.

Anthony Garabai, BS

Community Based Rehabilitation Provider (CBRS)
Case Manager (CM)

Anthony received his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from California State University. Prior to his education he worked as a mental health aide in California; treating a wide range of diagnoses, including psychotic disorders, mood disorders, addictive disorders and personality disorders. Post education, Anthony worked as a house manager and intake specialist serving formerly incarcerated citizens and helping them transition back into society for two years in New Mexico.

Yasir Al Taie, BS, CPSS

Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS)
Case Manager (CM)

Yasir earned a Bachelor’s degree in 2001 and enjoys working with and being around people. Yasir is originally from Iraq and speaks both Arabic and English. Yasir moved to Idaho 3 years ago and says that he loves Idaho and enjoys the outdoors. Yasir plans to go back to school and get Master’s degree in Social Work.