Meet the Tidwell Team

Kathy Tidwell, LCSW

President of the Board of Directors
Internship & Training Director

Kathy founded Tidwell Social Work in 2000 as a mental health clinic specializing in refugee trauma. She has a deep commitment to welcoming refugees and creating places where they feel welcome, safe and free to heal and build a new life. The clinic transitioned to a not-for-profit organization in November of 2014 and she has chaired the Board of Directors since that time. She has been cutting back on her role at the clinic and currently works part-time. Her focus is primarily providing leadership input, clinical supervision for new clinicians and training, particularly around cross-cultural practice and trauma. She has over thirty 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 Deen, LCSW is the Executive Director and a Clinical Social Worker at Tidwell Social Work Services & Consulting, Inc. Born and raised in the small African nation of The Gambia, Rama is multilingual in West African dialects. Through advocacy and humanitarian efforts over the past 22 years, she has supported the rehabilitation of vulnerable and indigent populations both in the United States and abroad. Rama specializes in supporting the healing of individuals/families as they navigate the psychosocial complexities of post-traumatic growth. She has developed substantial experience regarding cross-cultural practice and continues to aid community capacity building efforts to ensure public services are equitable, culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and linguistically accessible.

Matt Hallowell, LCSW

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.

Amanda Reedy, LCSW

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.

Kelly Parker

Fiscal Manager

Kelly has a Bachelors degree in Accounting and a Masters degree in Taxation from National University in California. She has worked for other non profits, local government, and retail establishments in accounting for the last 14 years. She has experience with payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, grants, capital projects, reconciliations, annual closing, budgeting, and financial statement preparation. She enjoys working for nonprofits and helping them fulfill their mission and specializes in Fund accounting.

Ben Wenetzky, LCSW

Therapist / Counselor

Ben takes a client directed and trauma informed approach to therapy, identifying strengths and building self-awareness related to how the client interacts with the world and others in it. Ben strives to support clients on their journey to make meaning from previous life experiences, develop self-acceptance, and achieve the larger changes they want for their life. Ben enjoys working with individuals, families, and couples seeking counseling for a variety of reasons, and focuses on building safety and curiosity in the therapeutic environment. Ben’s passion for working towards social justice for all individuals and communities, impacts all aspects of his personal and professional life.   

Samuel Clemens, LMSW, CPSS

Therapist / Counselor

Samuel Clemens, LMSW, graduated from Northwest Nazarene University with a Master’s degree in social work, and is now a licensed social worker working at Tidwell as a counselor. Sam has been at Tidwell for 7 years. In addition to English, Sam is fluent in Portuguese. Sam is an active member of the Music Theatre of Idaho and has performed in dozens of productions throughout the state. Sam loves performing in theatre and incorporating drama therapy into session with his clients. Outside the theater and work, Sam is a published writer, loves downhill mountain biking, and is a great friend.

Aeyanna Juste, MA, CPRP, CPSS

Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS)

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.

Courtney Morgan, LCSW

Youth Program Supervisor

Courtney Morgan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a background in child development and trauma recovery. She began her career as a teacher in New York City public schools and became passionate about helping children and families navigate challenging life circumstances and complicated social service systems. As a therapist, Courtney has worked with families experiencing homelessness, individuals seeking asylum, and youth on probation and parole. In her clinical work, Courtney draws on training in Structural Family Systems, Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics, Child Focused CBT, EMDR, and Play Therapy. She is bilingual in English and Spanish and holds an MSW from Columbia University and an M.S.Ed from Bank Street College of Education.

Alfredo Mejia, LMSW

Therapist / Counselor

Alfredo earned his Master of Social Work degree from Boise State University. He is bilingual in Spanish and English. He was born in El Salvador and emigrated to the US as a young child. Alfredo is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. He finds it rewarding working with children and adolescents. He is passionate about increasing the availability of counseling services for students at their schools. He believes that healing and growth can start at any age. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family and dogs, as well as reading and writing poetry.

Holly Bukky, BA, CPSS

Peer Support Program Manager
Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS)

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

CM/CBRS Program Manager
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. He has been working at Tidwell since 2013 and has collaborated with various community resources to assist those in need. He has been involved in the human service field for 15 years. He also owns a sports entertainment company that has worked with over 25 different non-profit organizations for the past 5 years. He is always about giving back and does not plan to slow down.

David Summers, FSS

Family Support Program Manager

David has extensive experience in his personal and professional life working with children, families, and individuals with mental health diagnoses. David brings a unique perspective of lived experience from raising a child with cognitive and behavioral health concerns, and working many years in behavioral health services. David has a strong passion for helping others, and brings a perspective of strength and resiliency focused treatment. He has always found joy in bringing families together, teaching self-advocacy and bringing hope and understanding to youth who struggle with their behavioral health.

Issa Ntakarutimana, LMSW

Therapist / Counselor

Issa earned his Master of Social Work degree from Boise State University. He was born in Burundi, raised in Tanzania, and moved to the U.S. as a teenager. He speaks multiple African languages. Issa acknowledges the need for mental health services in all communities, especially those that are disadvantaged. He has experience working with individuals, families, and couples, utilizing different treatment modalities. He understands that a therapeutic relationship is fundamental to the healing process. He believes that individuals can heal from their traumatic experiences when given the right tools and supports. With years of experience in civil rights work, he’s also passionate about fighting injustices. His hobbies include listening to podcasts, audiobooks, and being in the gym. He also enjoys traveling, meeting new people, and trying different foods.

Ricardo Ayllon, BS

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

My name is Ricardo Ayllon. After living in Los Angeles, CA for 15 years, I moved to Idaho on December 1999. I graduated from Boise State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering in Fall 2009.

I started working in the field of human services since 2010 and I find it very satisfying and rewarding helping refugees and others in need. I am bilingual in Spanish and English.

On my free time, I play electric guitar and drums. I also collect coins, records, old art books and bank notes from many countries.