Our Values & Mission: Meet the Team Behind Them

Our Mission

Our mission is to provide a nurturing space where you can explore life’s challenges, discover new insights, and build the skills to thrive on your unique journey. Through collaborative therapy, we help you uncover your inner strength, develop resilience, and achieve your personal goals.

Our Values

Our values guide every interaction. Guided by openness, authenticity, inclusivity, compassion, and connection, they form the foundation of transformative therapy. We create a space where expertise meets genuine care, and every individual’s journey is honored.

Meet Our Nurturers

Leisha Ristau, LISW?

Leisha Ristau, LISW

She / Her / Hers

Owner & Therapist

Not currently accepting new clients.

Leisha is the Founder of Nurturing Therapy Services and a seasoned therapist with over 15 years of experience, specializing in Eye-Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and trauma-focused therapy. Known for her kindness, compassion, and gentle demeanor, Leisha creates a safe, nurturing space where individuals aged 16 and up can explore their emotions, process challenges, and find meaningful growth.

Leisha’s approach is highly personalized, focusing on uncovering the underlying reasons behind her clients’ struggles while helping them achieve tangible results in the present. Her structured yet open-minded methods provide reassurance and support, empowering clients to move forward with confidence.

With a deep commitment to creating inclusive, patient-centered care, Leisha strives to challenge and empower her clients in a way that feels both approachable and impactful. 

Outside her practice, she finds joy in spending time with her family and pets, enjoying music, and working on house projects.

If you’re seeking a compassionate guide to help navigate your healing journey, Leisha offers the expertise and empathy needed to support you every step of the way.

Leisha Ristau, LISW?

Leisha Ristau, LISW

She / Her / Hers

Owner & Therapist
Ian Neff, LMSW?

Ian Neff, LMSW

He / Him / His
Therapist

Accepting new clients!

As a native of the Ankeny area, Ian Neff is proud to serve his community as a Licensed Master of Social Work. Working with clients aged 10 and up, Ian specializes in creating a safe and judgment-free environment where individuals can explore their thoughts, emotions, and goals.

Ian’s expertise lies in providing Trauma-Informed Care, supporting neurodivergent individuals (including those on the Autism Spectrum and with ADHD), guiding clients through grief and trauma, and offering affirming care to the LGBTQIA+ community.

Drawing from therapeutic techniques such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Body-Centered Psychotherapy, and Somatic Experiencing, Ian tailors his approach to meet each client’s unique needs. Guided by the belief that everyone possesses the strength and resilience to achieve meaningful change, Ian is committed to empowering clients to process and transform undesired thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. His compassionate approach fosters healing, growth, and a deeper connection to one’s authentic self.

In his free time, Ian enjoys staying active through exercise and walks, reading, listening to music, and spending time with friends over card games and video games.

If you’re ready to take the next step toward clarity, healing, and self-discovery, Ian is here to walk alongside you on your journey.

accepting new clients!

Molly is a dedicated LMHC who provides compassionate, evidence-based care to clients aged 18 and up. Guided by a client-centered approach, she believes that meaningful transformation begins when clients feel truly seen, heard, and supported, free from pressure or judgment.

Molly specializes in working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and neurodivergence. Drawing from evidence-based modalities such as Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), she tailors her approach to meet each client’s needs. Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected, Molly helps gently untangle emotional pain and build the tools to move forward with clarity and confidence.

Molly is known for her warmth, insight, and grounded presence, fostering an environment where individuals feel safe to explore their emotions and navigate life’s challenges. She brings a steady, calming energy into the therapy room, supporting clients as they grow and heal at their own pace.

In the moments between supporting clients, Molly enjoys arts and crafts, quality time with her pets, and reading.

If you’re ready to turn inward, build resilience, and begin the work of healing, Molly offers a steady, compassionate presence to guide you.

Molly Riordan, LMHC?

Molly Riordan, LMHC

She / Her / Hers
Therapist
Headshot of Nurturing Therapy Services therapist Courtney Kleinschmidt

Courtney Kleinschmidt, LISW

She / Her / Hers

Therapist

Accepting new clients!

Courtney is a LISW who provides therapy for clients ages 13 and up. She is committed to offering a space that feels safe, affirming, and judgment-free, where clients can explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences with honesty and support.

With experience in community mental health and domestic violence advocacy, Courtney brings a thoughtful, grounded perspective to her work. She has expertise in trauma, mood disorders, ADHD, and relationship concerns, including couples therapy. Courtney understands that each person’s story is different and believes care should be tailored to reflect each client’s needs, goals, and strengths.

Her approach is person-centered and draws from EMDR, strengths-based therapy, Motivational Interviewing, DBT, CBT, ACT, CFT, EFIT, and elements of IFS. She is also proud to provide LGBTQ+ affirming care and is committed to supporting clients of all backgrounds and identities with compassion, respect, and authenticity.

Outside of work, Courtney enjoys reading, baking, hiking, gardening, caring for houseplants, practicing yoga, and attending music shows and concerts.

If you are looking for an affirming therapist who offers individualized support and a compassionate presence, Courtney is here to walk alongside you.

Headshot of Nurturing Therapy Services therapist Katie Currier

Katie Currier, t-LMHC

She / Her / Hers
Therapist

Accepting New Clients in July!

Katie is a t-LMHC dedicated to providing a trusting, safe, and affirming environment for clients ages 15 and up. She believes that attentiveness, genuineness, and collaboration are at the heart of a strong therapeutic relationship, creating space for clients to feel supported, understood, and able to show up as their authentic selves.

Katie specializes in providing trauma-informed care to individuals navigating life transitions, identity exploration, and the impact of foster care, adoption, and challenging attachment dynamics. She takes an individualized approach to therapy, thoughtfully considering familial, cultural, and systemic factors that shape each client’s experience. Drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Strengths-Based Therapy, Katie tailors her work to meet each client’s unique needs and goals.

Known for her grounded presence, empathy, and affirming approach, Katie brings warmth and authenticity to the therapy space. She believes humor can be healing, even in difficult times, and sees each client as having the strength and resilience for meaningful healing, growth, and change.

When she’s not working, Katie can often be found with a good book in hand, crafting, writing letters to loved ones, or spending time with her pets.

If you’re seeking a grounded, compassionate counselor to walk alongside you on your journey, Katie is here to support you every step of the way.

Headshot of Nurturing Therapy Services therapist Katie Currier

Katie Currier, t-LMHC

She / Her / Hers
Therapist
kayla conover?

Kayla Conover

She / Her / Hers
Administrative Assistant

Kayla is a vital part of the Nurturing Therapy Services team, where she supports both clients and therapists through her work behind the scenes. As the go-to person for insurance claims and billing, Kayla ensures that daily operations run smoothly, allowing therapists to focus on delivering exceptional care.

Originally from Ankeny, Kayla brings a strong sense of community and care to everything she does. As a busy mom to two young daughters, she understands the importance of balance and approaches her work with empathy, patience, and a genuine desire to help others. She values creating a calm and supportive experience for clients navigating payments or insurance, knowing that the smallest moments of ease can make a big difference.

Driven by a passion for learning and growing in the mental health space, Kayla is continually expanding her knowledge to better serve the team and the clients they support. Outside of work, she cherishes time with her family and the joyful energy of life with little ones.

Whether she’s helping submit a claim or coordinating benefits, Kayla’s presence behind the scenes helps make Nurturing Therapy Services a welcoming, efficient, and compassionate place for healing.

Not Sure Which Therapist Is Right for You?

We’ll thoughtfully match you with someone whose expertise and approach support your healing journey.

We Provide Specialized Support For:

Anxiety

Personal Growth

ADHD

Self-Esteem

Depression

LGBTQIA+

Dating & 
Relationships

Trauma

PTSD

Autism Spectrum

Neurodivergence

Grief

Family Conflict

Stress 
Management

Life Adjustments