Crystal Kirschman MA, LCPC, NCC, CEDS-
S
Owner | Program Director | She/Her
Wow. This is hard.
This is the place where I have to tell you all about myself, attempt to “wow” you with all of my knowledge and skills, and convince you that I am the perfect therapist for you to invest in. Here’s the trouble: I am NOT perfect. Realistically, I could carefully craft the “perfect” introduction laced with all of the distant, yet warm sentiments that would paint an overall positive view of myself and my profession. But here’s the deal – I’m real. I would not be living my life in accordance to my values of honesty and integrity if I did not do exactly what I am doing here right now, which is showing my true and authentic self. Scary? Yes. But the one thing you will quickly learn about me as a therapist is that I will never ask you to do something that I would not be willing to do myself. So here I am.
Some truths…
I absolutely LOVE what I do. If you ask me what my dream job is, this is it. The courage and bravery (some other values near and dear to my heart) that I witness on a daily basis is beyond inspiring. I live in awe of the warriors that face their battle wounds with such fury and passion while in the midst and middle of a very real and raw struggle. You are my heroes.
The facts…
I will be completely invested in you and your recovery. I cannot do the work for you nor can I change you, however, I WILL be down in the trenches with you. You have the fight of your life ahead of you and an evident unfortunate truth is that it gets harder before it gets easier. If it feels difficult, you are exactly where you need to be – you are doing the work. I said I cannot change you, but the truth is that even if I could I would not want this for you. What I want is the emergence and enhancement of your true inner self, the true inner self that the eating disorder has been working so fervently to mask and hide. This is you. During this process, I will walk with you, in front of you, or behind you as needed. You are never alone.
Some tidbits…
There really isn’t anything that I have yet to see or hear so lay it on me, I promise. You may be surprised by the look of understanding and compassion sans “shock” as you discuss your eating disorder and your most disparaging moments. Don’t worry, I got this; we got this. There will be moments where I will probably work harder than you (every therapist in the world is gasping…). Why? Because I believe in you; you deserve someone who believes in you. Here I am.
Professional Background
I have extensive work experience in various rehabilitation settings treating children, adolescents, and adults with mental health issues and developmental disabilities. Prior to the inception of Emily Wish, LLC, I worked in a psychiatric inpatient/residential and partial hospitalization program for eating disorders where I developed my specialty in the treatment of this population. I then went on to work in an intensive outpatient program for eating disorders where I ran the adolescent and adult groups, as well as treated patients individually in outpatient programming. I bring with me a wealth of knowledge on higher levels of care, crisis intervention, and the treatment of patients with concurrent diagnoses. I am intimately familiar with the exhausting struggle eating disorder patients and their loved ones face on a daily basis, and the tremendous courage they must harness to do so.
I completed my undergraduate training at the University of New Mexico (Psychology) and earned my Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology and Counselor Education from the University of Colorado Denver (UCD). I completed internships at the Counseling Center at UCD and the Eating Recovery Center in Denver. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (licensed in Montana, New Mexico, and registered as a Mental Behavioral Telehealth Counselor in Idaho), a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, a Certified Eating Disorders Specialist, and an iaedp Approved Supervisor. I pride myself on multicultural competency and am sensitive and compassionate to the diverse needs of each individual. My goal as a therapist is to help patients move towards what they value in life, as they accept and create new meaning out of the difficult emotions and experiences that are inherent to daily life. It is my belief that this process generates new insights as well as trust in one’s self and one’s experience. It is these factors, along with the genuine relationship that is created over the course of treatment, that provide the seeds for change.
how did I end up here?
Ask. I have a story. It may not have a happy ending, but my hope is that it will motivate and inspire you to reach out for full and lasting recovery. People DO recover.
Shauna Nagaoka-Symonds MA, LCPC
Clinical Director | She/Her
Shauna Nagaoka-Symonds is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who earned her Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Liberty University. Shauna has completed clinical internships with local therapists in private practice and has worked with Emily Wish’s Intensive Outpatient Program since its inception. While interning with Emily Wish, LLC she developed an interest and strong passion for working with individuals suffering with eating disorders and has since dedicated her clinical work to the treatment and recovery of those suffering.
Utilizing an integrative approach, she empowers individuals to move towards living a purposeful and meaningful life in accordance with their values. Shauna enjoys fishing, camping, spending time with family, and playing pool competitively.
Dani Sindelar RD, LN, CDE
Nutrition Director | She/Her
Dani is a Registered Dietitian, Licensed Nutritionist, Certified Diabetes Educator, and a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor. Dani has always had a passion for working with individuals suffering with eating disorders. She believes in the healing power of food and is on a quest to help all people repair the relationship they have with food and with their bodies.
Dani graduated from Montana State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Food and Nutrition Science. She completed her training through the Montana Dietetic Internship with a self-select focus working with individuals struggling with eating disorders at Roger’s Memorial Hospital in Wisconsin.
Once a Registered Dietitian, Dani worked in Denver, CO at Eating Recovery Center, which provided a world of experience and knowledge development to better serve individuals struggling with eating disorders. Even though she loved her job and her passion for working with the eating disorder population grew, her love of Montana never faded and she was called back to the big sky state. Dani now lives in Red Lodge, Montana, tucked away in the mountains. Her advocacy and care for those struggling with eating disorders never waning. When not helping others fight the big fight and helping repair their relationship between food and their bodies, Dani is skiing, camping, adventuring, and lounging around reading a good book.
Erin Campbell RDN, LN
Registered Dietitian, Licensed Nutritionist | She/Her
Erin is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Licensed Nutritionist (licensed in Montana and Alaska), and a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor. With experience in long term care, and women, infants and children, Erin found she has a strong desire to help others, while sharing the healing power of food. She is now using this passion to help those struggling with eating disorders and disordered eating. Erin dreams of a world where diet culture is non-existent, where everyone can thoroughly enjoy all foods, and body respect is glorified. Her practice is centered around a gentle nutrition and “all foods fit” approach.
Erin graduated from Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN with a dual major in Dietetics, Nutrition, Fitness and Health. She completed her dietetic internship through Purdue University’s Coordinated Program. Once complete, her burning love for travel and adventure landed her in Montana. When Erin is not actively working to curb diet culture, you might find her hiking, camping, fishing, cooking or spending time with her husband and dog.
Kandon Lewis RDN, LN
Registered Dietitian, Licensed Nutritionist | She/Her
Kandon is a Registered Dietitian and Licensed Nutritionist. She has combined her desire to help people with her passion for food and nutrition through working with those suffering from eating disorders and disordered eating. She believes in combatting diet culture and fostering whole health- mind, body, and spirit. Her approach is centered around gentle nutrition.
Kandon graduated from University of Montana with a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science and Montana State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Food and Nutrition. She continued, at MSU, to complete a Master’s degree in Dietetic Systems Leadership and the dietetic internship through the Montana Dietetic Internship Program.
Kandon lives in Helena, Montana with her husband, son, and two dogs. When she is not working she enjoys spending time with her family, getting outside, gardening, and cooking or baking.
Ashley Jacobs RDN, LN
Registered Dietitian, Licensed Nutritionist | She/Her
Ashley Jacobs is a Registered Dietitian and Licensed Nutritionist with a strong passion for helping those suffering from eating disorders and disordered eating.
Ashley brings with her a diverse range of experience and knowledge that allows her to take an individualized and compassionate approach to the care she gives. She worked in multiple treatment facilities in Arizona before settling into the outpatient setting here in Montana 2 years ago. Ashley has experience working with adults, adolescents, and families in the inpatient, partial hospitalization and outpatient setting.
Ashley is passionate about taking a non-diet approach and understands that eating disorders are not just about the food. She enjoys utilizing the philosophies and principals of Intuitive Eating and Health At Every Size to support someone finding peace with food.
When not helping others heal their relationship with food, Ashley is either camping in the mountains, crafting with friends, or rollerblading around town. Ashley has been trying to learn how to ski recently so if you see her on the slopes, watch out!
Tonya Maye MSW, SWLC
Therapist | She/Her
Tonya Maye is a Social Worker Licensure Candidate who earned her Master of Social Work degree at Walla Walla University. She is currently obtaining clinical hours towards a Licensed Clinical Social Worker license under the guidance and knowledge of Crystal Kirschman, LCPC. She completed her internship at Kicking Horse Job Corps Center where she worked with the at-risk youth population providing individual and group counseling services. Also within her internship she worked as an advocate for domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking victims at Safe Harbor.
Throughout her experiences she has found a special passion working with individuals and their families who struggle with eating disorders. When not working, Tonya enjoys cross stitching, reading, listening to music, watching movies, and hanging out with friends and family.
Carrie Miller MSW, SWLC
Therapist | She/Her
Carrie Miller is a Social Work Licensure Candidate. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Family Life at BYU and her Master of Social Work degree from Walla Walla University. She is currently obtaining clinical hours towards a Licensed Clinical Social Worker License under the guidance and knowledge of Crystal Kirschman, LCPC.
Through life, career and educational experiences, Carrie felt a strong desire to help others heal and thrive. Carrie is passionate about the power of our human ability to change and the strength that comes when individuals, systems and communities support us in that change process. She believes strongly in the power of individual and group therapy and seeks to offer client-centered services to those courageously stepping in (or logging on!) to engage in the work of change and transformation.
Carrie has experience working with children, adolescents and adults through work and volunteer positions. She comes to Emily Wish after completing her internship here and was inspired by the bravery of our patients and their families. Carrie is located in Helena and enjoys being with her family, exploring Montana's beauty and serving her community in a variety of capacities.
Megan Dunlap MA, PCLC
Therapist | She/Her
Megan is a Professional Counselor Candidate. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Health with an emphasis on trauma from Grand Canyon University and her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University. She completed her internship with Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch where she worked with at-risk youth and their families in managing the aftermath of childhood traumas. She is currently obtaining clinical hours towards a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor License under the guidance and knowledge of Crystal Kirschman, LCPC.
Throughout her life, Megan has seen the power of walking alongside those whose worlds have imploded. She is passionate in helping individuals and families rebuild something new and better, through a client-centered approach.
Megan loves working with children, adolescents (especially the strong-willed teen!) and their families, as well as adults. She comes to Emily Wish after experiencing the desperate need for more clinicians who are passionate in walking alongside the brave souls battling an eating disorder. When not working, Megan enjoys date nights with her husband, traveling, learning a new language, and watching Bluey with her boys.
Diedri Durocher BS, RDH
Certified Oula Instructor and Parent Advocate | She/Her
Diedri’s world changed when her oldest daughter was diagnosed with anorexia at the age of 13, which required months of inpatient treatment. Diedri transformed from a chronic dieter to a body-loving, passionate advocate for individuals, and their families affected by eating disorders. She understands, first-hand, how difficult and scary treatment and recovery can be for families and loved ones.
Diedri became a Certified Oula Instructor in 2018, enabling her to help empower women through a modern, mind-body dance format. Accompanied by meaningful music, Oula offers safe, nonjudgmental space for deep connection, celebration of vulnerabilities and strengths, and radical self-love.
Diedri served for seven years as the coordinator of the Eating Disorder Task Force of Great Falls, is a Registered Dental Hygienist, and has a BS in Family Science and Child Development from North Dakota State University. She is a Great Falls native with a husband and three girls. She loves to dance, play ukulele, golf, and spend time in or near the water, especially if there is a beach and an ocean involved.
We are here to listen.
Want to speak to an Emily Wish clinician? Have more eating disorder questions? Send an email and we’ll be in touch!